* National feeling and patriotism acts expected from the generation
The absence of military disciplines has been one of the challenges for not engaging actively in peaceeeping tasks and maintaining territorial integrity of the country, so disclosed former qualified military officer.
Approached by The Ethiopian Herald former army officer of Ethiopia, General Wassihun Negatu said that military disciplines are atop everything in the military profession.
Military leaders are duty bound to show military disciplines for fellow citizens, their boss, their comrades, their followers as well as to respective political leaders. In this case, chain of command should be maintained with procedural orders of the central government.
He further indicated that the military leaders and defense forces should be alacritous in discharging responsibilities and demonstrateloyalty to the people and the country.
Laxity in responsibility is conspicuous in the current military forces officer. Military leaders should discharge their tasks in accordance with accepting executive orders, doing performance, showcasing readiness to obey, being alert and accomplishing missions requested by high-military officials.
Adding he noted that as military officer, controlling oneself, combating efficiently and effectively and dressing the military uniform properly as such outfits symbolizes the nation are some of the criteria entailed in the military disciplines.
As to him, having natural wisdom, educational background, experience and skills as well as winning acceptance in the military community and maturity are paramount to lead the country in various fields and sectors. Of course, military training is over there. However, taking day and night without weariness is demanded to qualify in the military profession.
He noted that military academic schools should be strengthened and aligned with modern way to train the armies with well-founded structural framework. Building confidence and trust are significant to reinforce military services. The army forces should always exhibit readiness to accept orders from immediate bosses, not from above ministries’ council. Basically, soldiers are much better than civilians. Therefore, undisciplined acts, including, arrogance, should not be observed in the actions of armies.
“Experience and skill sharing platforms are instrumental to build relation and exchange ideas between the former army leaders and current military leaders. And education is a key to modernize military practices and to have knowhow; a thorough understanding regarding military science has to be there.” He stated.
As to him, in other countries, veterans are key players in ensuring national securities and defending interest of their countries. But here, “we are sidelined from have any contribution for the current military force. It could be advisory contribution.”
“To tell you frankly, the former army forces are willing to give training and any support the country’s demands for, we are available,” he said.
Pertaining to the erosion of national-feeling and patriotism acts in this generation, he capitalized that the government and other organizations have moral obligations to work on next generation in a way that sensitizes and teaches them how ancestors had defended their country from colonizers and intruders. They should take lessons from patriots, on how the former generation safeguarded their nation on the altar of sacrifices just like what happened on the mountains of Adwa.
According to him, if someone is a boss of himself/herself, he/she could manage to lead the country. Driving must be aligned with the traffic law. Otherwise, the consequence could be disastrous. By the same token, disciplines must be prioritized.
The Ethiopian Herald March 1/2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
