– Aims to Develop Leadership Skills
BY: Shallon S. Gonlor
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia –The Armed Forces of Liberia’s Camp Grant Military Barracks in Nimba County is shaping the next generation of leaders through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in Nimba County School System.
Command Sergeant Major, CSM Gee Sharto B, assigned in the military barracks, is taking the AFL to students in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program in developing leadership skills among students.
Speaking to Women Voices News Friday following his class time with 12th graders of Sanniquellie Central High School, CSM Gee Sharto B, said the AFL aims to provide good citizens to society, and the ROTC program is designed to instill discipline, leadership skills, and values in young students.
CSM Sharto B, emphasized that ROTC is not just about military training but about developing leadership skills that can be applied in various aspects of life, including governance.
“ROTC is not about weapon. I’m not going to bring a weapon here. I’m not going to teach them about weapon, no. It’s mostly about leadership,” he said.
The program focuses on teaching students how to control small groups of people, lead by example, and set the tone for their team.
“The ROTC program includes both practical and theoretical aspects. Students will learn about leadership principles, including the 11 principles of leadership and the 7 Army values of honor, duty, and respect,” CSM Gee said.
He added: “They will also participate in physical training and learn about drill commands, hand salutes, and other military protocols.”
The Command Sergeant Major highlighted the benefits of the ROTC program, stating that it can help students develop leadership skills that can be applied in various aspects of life.
“Some of them will go through that route, that direction to join the army. Some of them will get to go to different places. When you go to different places, you remember those leadership skills that you learned from the ROTC,” he said.
CSM Gee Sharto B, expressed his stronger conviction that the ROTC program will be successful in developing leadership skills among students.
“I have a strong conviction that at the end of this class, students will understand the importance of ROTC. Students will understand how to provide leadership in the community and be of military personnel,” he said.
CSM Gee further emphasized that not everyone in the military goes to the battlefield. The military has various roles, including administrative and support positions.
“…not everybody that joined the military go to the battlefield. In fact, the military is divided into what we call MOS, Military Occupational Specialties,” he explained.
By providing students with leadership skills and values, the AFL ROTC program aims to develop capable and responsible citizens who can contribute to the development of their communities.
How AFL’s Student Engagement Fosters Leadership and Dispels Negativity
In an interview, CSM Gee highlighted the profound impact of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) program on students, emphasizing its role in shaping young minds and fostering a positive image of the army.
The AFL’s constant engagement with students, according to him, has far-reaching consequences, influencing not only their knowledge of AFL functions but also their leadership skills and perceptions of the army.
“The AFL’s engagement with students is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of its functions and operations,” he asserted.
According to him, through hands-on experiences and interactive classroom sessions, students will gain valuable insights into the army’s role and responsibilities.
This direct interaction, he said, will enable students to develop a deeper appreciation for the army’s contributions to society, dispelling misconceptions about the noble profession, and fostering a more informed understanding.
“One of the key benefits of engagement with students is the development of leadership skills. By learning about ROTC programs, students are encouraged to take on leadership roles, make decisions, and work collaboratively with their peers. These experiences help build confidence, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, all of which are essential for successful leadership,” CSM Gee noted.
The AFL’s efforts to engage with students also serve as a powerful tool in countering public negativity surrounding the army. By providing a platform for students to learn about and interact with army personnel, the AFL helps to humanize the army and showcase its positive aspects. This, in turn, can help to shift public perceptions and promote a more nuanced understanding of the army’s role in society.
A key aspect of the army that CSM Gee highlighted is its disciplined environment. “The army is often misunderstood as being overly rigid or restrictive,” he stated. “However, the AFL’s engagement with students showcases the importance of discipline in achieving goals and maintaining order.”
By experiencing this discipline firsthand in school, students develop valuable life skills, such as teamwork, time management, and responsibility.
By providing students with a deeper understanding of AFL functions, building leadership skills, and dispelling public negativity, the AFL plays a vital role in promoting a positive image of the army. As the AFL continues to engage with students, it is likely that the army’s image will become more positive, reflecting the valuable contributions it makes to society.
Through its engagement with students, the AFL empowers the next generation of leaders to develop essential skills, challenge misconceptions, and appreciate the army’s role in society. By fostering a deeper understanding of the army and its values, the AFL helps shape informed, responsible, and engaged citizens who are equipped to make a positive impact in their communities. ct them.
