TPDF warns rogue soldiers
 
2006-09-02 09:42:50
By Lydia Shekighenda

	A body builder from the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces (TPDF), shows his skills as an army Landrover drives on a piece of wood on his thighs, during the climax of the 42nd TPDF anniversary held at the army headquarters in Dar es Salaam yesterday. (Photo: Khalfan Said)

Members of the armed forces in and out of duty should not abuse their positions, Tanzania People’s Defense Forces (TPDF) Chief of Staff Davis Mwamunyange,cautioned yesterday in Dar es Salaam.

”Any bad conduct is prohibited in the army and is against the military establishment,” the Chief of Staff said during TPDF 42nd anniversary celebrations.

He said members of the armed forces position in the society placed the citizenry to have high expectations on them.

”The citizens have very high regard on you… as you provide security to the country. Involving yourself in such acts makes the people loose trust on you,” he said.

He said people should not fear reporting ill mannered soldiers .

”Some soldiers for their own reasons decide to engage in bad conducts…they embarrass TPDF and the nation,” he said.
Mwamunyange said whenever any soldier misbehaves,immediate disciplinary actions should be taken to avoid future embarrassments.

”Every soldier is supposed to carry out his or her duty as required,” he said.

Since the formation of TPDF in 1964 after the collapse of Tanganyika Rifles, it has grown not only in terms of number of personnel but also academically.

TPDF has been participating in big operations in and outside the country, for example in Seychelles, he said
This year the country participated in two operations codenamed ’Trend Makker’ and ’Natural Fire,’ Mwamunyange said.

”We are also expecting to take part in ’Blue Ruvuma’ operation, which will be held in October, and Hot Springs, which will be held this month ,” he said.

”It is TPDF’s responsibility to maintain peace and security in our country,”Mwamunyange said.

He called on soldiers to go for further education.
”We are now in the world of knowledge based society.

You should be aware our country’s environment has changed politically, economically, socially and in terms of security when compared with the past period. As a result,we should be ready to learn more,” Mwamunyange said.

• SOURCE: Guardian