CHIEF-OF-STAFF (ag), Brigadier Godfrey Bess, ‘decorated’ 31 newly promoted Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers with their new badges of rank during a badging ceremony conducted, on Wednesday, at the auditorium, Base Camp Ayanganna.

This batch is among the more than 700 Other Ranks whose promotions took effect on January 1, 2023.

Among those ‘badged’ were six Warrant Officers (including one Reservist), eight Staff Sergeants and 17 Sergeants. The Sergeants are new to the Warrant Officers’ and Senior Non- Commissioned Officers’ Corps and will undergo induction as part of the “backbone” of the Force.

During the simple but significant ceremony, the newly promoted Non-Commissioned Officers recited the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ Creed, which is an oath and a pledge and also serves as a reminder of the many responsibilities and expectations bestowed upon them under their elevation in rank.

Brigadier Bess, during congratulatory remarks, charged the WOs and SNCOs to stay focused, remain committed, and be disciplined in support of their commanders and the Force.

“You have crossed a significant threshold in your military career. You have transcended to the rank that holds the responsibility in peacetime and wartime. Your responsibility has evolved and you must evolve with it, or you will forfeit what you have earned. The way in which commanders, WOs and SNCOs communicate with each other has a direct bearing on the cohesion and morale of your unit regardless of the size of the unit. I urge you to maintain the type of relationship with your commanders that will send a message that you are a team player,” he charged.

Brigadier Bess also reminded the WOs and SNCOs that elevation in rank was not automatic but earned by demonstrating commitment and professionalism in completing their tasks.