GANTA, Nimba – The Ministry of National Defense will start recruiting new Armed Forces of Liberia personnel in Ganta beginning Feb. 1.

Interested persons are expected to converge in Ganta from various parts of Nimba, Bong, Lofa, Grand Gedeh, Maryland, River Gee and Grand Kru Counties to go through the screening and vetting processes.

Last weekend in Ganta, Captain Steven Tarpleh, the head of the nationwide AFL recruitment team, spoke with Radio Kergheamahn’s Samuel Collins to explain the recruitment process.

“I am here to inform the people of Nimba that the AFL will be carrying on a weeklong recruitment exercise in Ganta for those who are interested in becoming a part of the Armed Forces of Liberia,” Tarpleh said.

He added, “This process is geared toward increasing the strength of the Army.”

Tarpleh emphasized that the AFL is making every necessary preparation to take charge of the country’s security when UNMIL’s mandate concludes on Sept. 20, 2016.

On the recruitment criteria, Tarpleh said applicants must be Liberian citizens over 18 years of age. He said another key requirement is a high school certificate.

He added that any person, before admission, must pass an aptitude test in addition to fulfilling all the other requirements.

“We will be administering a simple aptitude test to all applicants,” Tarpleh said. “This will include English and Math. The math will not be difficult; it’s just simple arithmetic.”

Tarpleh said a stringent vetting process would be in place, adding that those in charge of the recruitment were all experts in background investigation.

The vetting process in Ganta is expected to last for a week and continue at the Edward Binyah Kesselly Military Barracks in Margibi County following the Armed Forces Day celebration to be held on Feb. 11.

Featured photo by Ministry of National Defense