San Isidro, Santo Domingo Este.-President Luis Abinader, as Supreme Authority of the Armed Forces and the National Police, led this Tuesday the graduation of the sixtieth class of cadets of the Batalla de Las Carreras Military Academy of the Army of the Dominican Republic ( ERD).
The president took the oath and handed over the command saber to 35 junior officers who graduated as graduates in Military Sciences, recognized by the country’s higher education system through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology (MESCyT).
The officers also received training in commando operations, border security, among others.
Graduates with the rank of Second Lieutenant, the members of the “Division General Juan Luis Franco Bidó” Promotion (2019-2022), have the responsibility of defending national sovereignty, integrity and independence, as explained in a statement from the Presidency.
In his speech, Army Colonel Jhojany Suriel Otáñez, director of the Academy, motivated them to “not lose sight of the principles and values acquired during the process of their military academic training and to contribute with them from the different positions they play to the development of the Dominican Nation, of the Armed Forces and of our glorious Dominican Army”.
Suriel Otáñez urged them to take advantage of the time “defending their life purposes in accordance with their priorities, both in the military and personally, since this defines the reason for our existence and gives meaning to what we do.”
Defense Minister Carlos Luciano Díaz Morfa presented cadet Giancarlo Rigoberto Rodríguez Vargas, who graduated Summa Cum Laude, with the distinction of honor.
He also received a plaque of recognition from the Commander General of the National Army, Major General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre; and recognition for Best Application and Concept of Duty.
Similarly, the fourth-year cadet Fernando Manuel Nivar Rodríguez, Magna Cum Laude, received a plaque of recognition from Julián Pérez, Vice Minister of Defense for Military Affairs.
Other awards given were for Good Conduct, Military Spirit, Physical Excellence, Leadership. Subsequently, the imposition of insignia and the delivery of rings were carried out.
Likewise, during the ceremony, fourth-year cadet Víctor Castillo Medina handed over the Command Cord to third-year cadet, Carlos Daniel Cuello Castro, and the Flag Guard was transferred.
To conclude, the Head of State and other attendees at the event witnessed the concert offered by the Great Army Musical Band on the occasion of the 178th anniversary of the founding of the glorious land military force.
The act was attended by the commander of the US Southern Command, General Laura Jane Richardson, as well as senior military and civilian officials.
