SANDHURST, August 12(ABC): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said no one was born with professional knowledge, it had to be acquired through constant pursuit as without it, one could not achieve professional competence, which in turn was the hallmark of successful military leadership.
The Army Chief was addressing at the sovereign’s parade for commissioning course 213 (CC213) of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) as the first ever Pakistani chief guest to be the representative of the Queen during the sovereign’s parade at the Military Academy Sandhurst.
The Army Chief said, “As a leader today, you need to have courage and ability to take difficult decisions and then accept full responsibility. Correct decision-making requires competence and confidence, which can only be acquired through high class military education, rigorous training and continuous study of military history.”
He further said, “In the words of Sir Basil Liddle Hart and I quote ‘An officer who has not studied military history as science, is of little use beyond the rank of a captain.’ You must also understand that persona of a just and impartial commander, who exhibits merit in dispensation of reward and punishment, is the one who will earn unconditional loyalty and obedience of their under command.”
The COAS said Sandhurst, for over 200 years had groomed young boys and girls from United Kingdom, Common Wealth Countries and Royalty from across the globe, adding, “Your alma mater is without a doubt, one of the finest military institutions in the world which has produced some of the greatest military leaders that this world has seen.”
“Graduating from Sandhurst is of course a matter of great honor and pride. Today, I see that pride on your beaming faces, just as I see it reflected on the faces of your loved ones sitting across the square. You all deserve this moment of fulfillment – you, for the remarkable hard work and dedication, and your families, for all the patience and support that was lent to you by them. Two Pakistani cadets would also be graduating with you today. Let me say that I am as proud of you all, as I am proud of them.”
He underlined that his presence at this occasion bore testimony to the deep-rooted relationship that existed between Pakistan and the United Kingdom, based on mutual respect and shared values which were carefully nurtured by both nations over many decades.
“Our huge Pakistani diaspora in United Kingdom displays the strength of our historic relationship. I am sure that this relationship will scale greater heights in times to come.
Similarly, the bondage between the two armed forces is uniquely special as well, forged on the battlefields of Great Wars and kept alive over the years through exclusive regimental affiliations and close professional contact in training and a myriad of other military activities.”
Addressing the Officer Cadets, he said, “The journey that awaits you is challenging as well as exciting. The demands of professional military service will be much high as you grow in service. You need to equip yourselves with lofty attributes of leadership, with clear sense of purpose, to gain respect and trust of your subordinates.”
He added that it was only through development of unwavering trust and confidence that you could instill Esprit-de-Corps ( the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group) in your under command, which would hold you together in times of crisis.