Defence Forces Sergeant Major (DFSM), Warrant Officer Class I (WOI) Bwana Haji Omar, recently delivered a Lecture of Opportunity to the Senior Joint Command and Staff Course No. 40–2024/25 at the Joint Command and Staff College (JCSC), Karen, Nairobi.
The purpose of the lecture was to appraise the course participants on the roles and responsibilities of the DFSM, with a focus on leadership and professionalism within the military.
Drawing from a distinguished military career spanning over four decades, DFSM Haji urged the officers to rise above personal grievances as they progress through the ranks. He underscored the importance of emotional maturity and the power of forgiveness in leadership.
“As commanders, never use your rank to settle old scores. Leadership is about taking responsibility with honor and upholding the core values of integrity and fairness in carrying out your mandate,” he said.
He emphasized that effective leadership is not about waiting for the perfect moment but about seizing opportunities when they arise.
“A good leader doesn’t wait for the perfect moment to lead. Instead, they seize the opportunity when it presents itself, regardless of the circumstances,” he noted.
DFSM Haji further reminded the officers that soldiers look to their commanders for guidance and inspiration. He stressed that true leadership involves setting a positive example and prioritizing the welfare of subordinates.
“Commanders must act with responsibility and always put the welfare of their subordinates first,” he said, adding that the character of a leader directly influences the morale and conduct of those they lead.
Present during the lecture were Deputy Commandant JCSC, Brigadier David Chesire, and other senior college officers.
Course 40–2024/25 comprises 89 officers drawn from Kenya and allied nations. The class is set to graduate in June 2025 after completing the one-year program.
JCSC is a tri-service institution under the National Defence University – Kenya (NDU-K), tasked with training tactical-level commanders and staff officers from the Kenya Defence Forces and allied countries in command and staff duties.
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