Lubango — At least 450 private soldiers, from various units of the Angola Armed Forces (FAA), started Thursday the 18th course of sergeants at "Escola Inter-Armas do Exercito" in Lubango, southern Huila province.

Addressing the opening of the course, the southern military region commander, gen. Apolo Felino Yakuvela, stressed the importance of the FAA in the defence of the nation.

The general added that only training will reinforce the technical capacity and improve competence of the troops to serve and successful perform the duties assigned to them.

He recalled that the soldier just starting the programme will become sergeants within six months time and are therefore required to master the knowledge and skills transmitted to them, always taking into account the ethics, deontology and attitude in the society.

A total of 9,324 FAA sergeants have trained at "Escola Inter-Armas do Exercito" since the school was established in 1993.