About 2100 restructured Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers who have undergone professional training provided by DYNCORP, under the aegis of the Ministry of National Defense are expected to graduate today at the Barclay Training Center (BTC) in Monrovia.

The soldiers have completed the 'Initial Entrance Training' (IET) class and are expected to move to individual advance level training as required.

The restructuring of the AFL is in fulfillment of the August 18, 2003 Accra Peace Accord (CPA) signed by political leaders and warring faction heads and brokered by the international community, in keeping with United Nations Resolution 1509.

On January 18, 2006, DYNCORP International opened the Barclay Training Center (BTC), and began the process of recruiting, vetting and training.

The first Initial Entrance Training (IET) graduation was in November 4, 2006 with 106 soldiers completing the said class IET 06-11, followed by the 505 soldiers in the 07-09 IET class of September 7, 2007. On January 11, 2007, the third batch of soldiers numbering 485 men and women graduated from the IET Class 08-01 of 485.

Though the targeted numbers of the AFL for now is 2100, this paper has learnt that 49 of them are females, representing 13 counties of the country.

The graduation ceremony of the 2100 AFL soldiers today at the BTC will be graced by one of America's top military generals, William 'Kip' Ward and will also mark the activation of the first Battalion of the Infantry Brigade

The American General who arrived in the country yesterday will serve as guest of the Ministry of National Defense and serve as guest speaker for the graduation and activation ceremonies.

Analysts believed that the topic of the career soldier may likely center around encouraging them to be brave, dutiful, courageous and loyal to the people of Liberia.

The ceremony is expected to be graced by foreign guests including the new American Ambassador, Ms. Linda Thomas-Greenfield and members of the government.