The Defense Council of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has extended the retirement age of personnel from 55 to 60 years.

Chief of Defense Staff, Lt. General Peter K. Lavahun disclosed the information to personnel at their training conference held in January 2023.

The theme for the training is, “Positioning the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces with its Training and Personnel Capacity for Operational Effectiveness”. 

Lt. Lavahun said that the decision was approved by the President and Commander-in-chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, President Julius Maada Bio, with the agreement of the Defense Force, to have members of the force serve more years if they are still fit.

Lt. Lavahun said that the leadership of RSLAF is charged with the responsibility of providing training for soldiers in the country to ensure that the standard of individual and collective training is done in a way that fit fulfills the professional role of the soldiers effectively and efficiently.

“It is only through training that soldiers are taught the necessary personal knowledge and skills to enable them to carry out their professional tasks successfully,” he said.

Chief of Defense Staff Lt. General Peter K. Lavahun took over his current position in August 2022 and has made eminent changes in the RSLAF.