Monrovia – The veteran community of the former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has established criteria for appointing leadership to the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs. A 19-member committee, chaired by Retired Major Larry T. Jallah, recently adopted the criteria to vet and recommend qualified veterans for appointment by President and Commander-in-Chief Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.
The committee, comprising representatives of retired and demobilized AFL soldiers, follows the precedent set by the 2020 Veterans Committee, which was utilized by the Ministry of National Defense under the leadership of Retired Major General Daniel D. Ziankahn and former AFL Chief of Staff Brigadier General Prince C. Johnson III.
According to the vetting committee’s report, candidates for the position of Director General of the bureau must have served in the former Army, Air Force, or Coast Guard for at least five years, been honorably retired from active service, and certified by the Ministry of National Defense. Candidates should have also served in a leadership role, either as Brigade Staff, General Staff, or Special Staff at the Ministry of National Defense, and must have left active service as a Field or General Grade Officer.
Additionally, the criteria require applicants to have a clean human rights record, be well-regarded within the veteran community, and possess at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, either in Liberia or abroad.
For the positions of Deputy Director General for Administration and Deputy Director General for Veteran Affairs, the requirements are similar. Applicants must have served in the Army, Air Force, or Coast Guard for at least five years, been honorably discharged, and certified by the Ministry of National Defense. They must also have a solid human rights record, be well-known in the veteran community, and hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
For the position of Assistant Director for Women and Children at the bureau, candidates must have served in the Army, Air Force, or Coast Guard for at least five years, been honorably retired, and certified by the Ministry of National Defense. A high school diploma or a degree from an accredited university is required.
The committee emphasized that these criteria aim to elevate the National Bureau of Veteran Affairs to the same standard as other government agencies and bureaus.
Meanwhile, the veteran community urges the authorities to consider appointing leadership vetted by the community, as it aligns with the President’s ARREST Agenda, which the veterans fully support.
