The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has held the graduation ceremony for its 72nd Basic Training Course, with 137 new recruits successfully completing the programme.
The graduation ceremony for the 72nd Basic Training Course was held this evening at the Addu Training Centre. The event was officiated by the Minister of Defence and National Service, Hassan Rasheed, who attended as the chief guest.
During the ceremony, the Minister inspected the parade and later presented awards to trainees who achieved outstanding results during the course. He also addressed the graduating recruits.
The award for the Best Overall Trainee of the 72nd Basic Training Course was presented to Private Mohamed Nazeeh Rasheed (Service No. 9047). The Commander Motar Hassan Manik Award, presented to the trainee who demonstrated the highest level of physical fitness, was awarded to Private Aishath Rana Abdul Rahman (Service No. 9076). The Commander Ismail Didi Award, presented to the trainee displaying the highest level of discipline, was awarded to Private Anoos Mohamed (Service No. 9058). The Major Ingireysi Umar Manik Award, presented to the trainee who excelled in marksmanship, was awarded to Private Mohamed Razan Ali Zahir (Service No. 9156).
The Sierra Platoon of the Shaheed Corporal Hussain Adam Company was selected as the Best Platoon of the course. A total of 137 trainees successfully graduated from the programme.
The course commenced on 7 March 2026 and was conducted over a period of three months by the MNDF College of Defence and Security Studies at the Addu Training Centre under the MNDF Southern Area Command.
During the ceremony, the graduating recruits took the military oath, which was administered by the Commander of the College of Defence and Security Studies, Brigadier General Dr Hussain Ibrahim.
Among those in attendance were the Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, senior general officers, the Sergeant Major of the MNDF, Nasrulla Vaseem, MNDF officers, course instructors, and family members of the graduating trainees.
The Basic Training Course is designed for individuals newly joining the MNDF. It provides the knowledge and training required to serve effectively in various areas of military service. The course primarily aims to develop recruits into physically fit, disciplined, morally upright, and obedient service personnel who are devoted to their nation, while equipping them with the fundamental military knowledge and skills required of every member of the armed forces.