137 New Recruits Join MNDF After Completing 72nd Basic Training Course

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has strengthened its ranks with the graduation of 137 recruits from the 72nd Basic Training Course. The ceremony, held this evening at the Addu Training Centre, marked the successful completion of a rigorous three-month program designed to mold civilians into disciplined military personnel. Minister of Defence and National Service Hassan Rasheed officiated the event as the chief guest. During the proceedings, the Minister inspected the parade and presented awards to trainees who demonstrated exceptional performance across various military disciplines. Individual honors were awarded to the top performers of the batch. Private Mohamed Nazeeh Rasheed was named the Best Overall Trainee, while Private Aishath Rana Abdul Rahman received the Commander Motar Hassan Manik Award for the highest level of physical fitness. Discipline honors went to Private Anoos Mohamed, and Private Mohamed Razan Ali Zahir was recognized for excellence in marksmanship via the Major Ingireysi Umar Manik Award. Collectively, the Sierra Platoon of the Shaheed Corporal Hussain Adam Company was named the Best Platoon of the course. The training program, which began on March 7, 2026, was conducted by the MNDF College of Defence and Security Studies under the Southern Area Command. The graduation culminated in the military oath, administered by Brigadier General Dr. Hussain Ibrahim, the Commander of the College of Defence and Security Studies. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and Sergeant Major Nasrulla Vaseem, alongside instructors and the families of the graduates. The Basic Training Course serves as the foundational gateway for all new MNDF members. It is specifically engineered to instill moral uprightness, obedience, and national devotion, while equipping recruits with the essential physical and technical skills required for effective service across the Maldives' diverse operational environments.