New recruits of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) set to undergo training under the current security sector reform (SSR) program have taken oath at the (VOA) facilities that has now been renamed as the Sand Ware Military Camp in Careysburg District of Montserrado County.

Pledging allegiance to protect and defend the Republic of Liberia, 525 recruits, that form part of the initial entrance training (IET) are in the second phase of the US-Liberia joint restructuring team of the AFL Class of 2007/2009.

"We'll protect, defend and respect the rights of our people," the recruits replied as they took the oath of allegiance administered by the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Joseph Boakai.

In his charge to the new recruits, the Vice President challenged the recruits to be protectors and defenders of the territorial integrity of the country as well as the people of Liberia.

Expressing great admiration for the recruits as they wore their new outfits at the training site, the Vice President said that the recruits demonstrated that the country now has a great army.

"When I saw you marching, I was highly impressed and I want to say that Liberia now has a great army," Veep Boakai said with smiles to the over 500 new recruits.

He then pledged the support of the Ellen-led government to their training and professionalizing, adding that the recruits must always perform their duties with dedication both during and after their training.

The Veep admonished the recruits that they were chosen by God to serve their country for which the government will not relent in providing the necessary support to their training.

He told the recruits to be helpful to one another during training exercises, which will last for the next eight weeks.

Turning his attention to the friendly countries that are contributing substantially to the training program of the army, VP Boakai thanked the United States and other countries for the level of support given the process.

Also speaking at the program, the U.S Ambassador to Liberia, Donald Booth called on the recruits to demonstrate their commitment to the protection and defense of the country and to respect the rights of the Liberian people.

Ambassador Booth informed the recruits that the military requires discipline and sacrifice. He congratulated the young recruits on their preferment to serve in the new armed forces.

" I assure you that my government will stand by Liberia in its request for a trained and respectable army," the envoy remarked in conclusion.

Defense Minister, Mr. Brownie Samukai, also expressed thanks to the U.S and friendly governments for supporting the restructuring process of the new army.

Meanwhile, the VOA training facilities have been renamed in honor of the former retired Major General Sandi Ware. Now referred to as the Sandi Ware Military Camp, the Defense Ministry in a citation said that the former general of the AFL served the country for 43 years in various capacities with distinction.

The renaming of thefacility is the second such renaming program carried out by the Ellen-led administration. Edward Kessely Military Camp is formely Camp Schefflin on the Monrovia - Robertsfield Highway.