Military Pilots are warriors first and pilots second. That is, you are military officers who happen to be pilots and Law enforcement officers who also happen to be pilots, the guest speaker, Lieutenant General Tebogo Carter Masire recentlyinformed graduates at this year wings parade ceremony conducted atThebephatshwa Air Base   Officiating at the occasion, Botswana Defence Force Commander, Lt General Masire described the event as a big milestone in the history of our nation, as the graduating class included the first batch of women pilots in the history of the BDF and addedthat the development will go a long way in realization of women empowerment in the work places in general and the armed forces in particular. At this event, 11 BDF officer consisting of 4 ladies and 7males and 3 Botswana Police Service officers, 2 males and 1 female wereamongst theofficers whoadded to other seasoned qualified pilots within the BDF Air Wing and newly established Botswana Police Service helicopter Unit.   Their training included ground subjects (theoretical part) and flying, the practical application of theory. Ground subjects included principle of flight, avionics, airframes, aviation weather, aviation medicine, aero engines, aviation law and air nav.Each graduate have accumulated a total flying time of a minimum of 160 hours in flying. And those hours were accumulated from basic handling, advanced handling, navigating, instrument flying, night flying and formation flying. The graduates were awarded with wings; certificate and other certificates for students who show outstanding performance in self-motivation (best motivated student) which was awarded to Second Lieutenant SegolameSembuwa.The beststudent in ground school subjectsawarded wentto Second Lieutenant TshegofatsoNelson. SubInspector B.Rasenyaiscopes the best student in flying and the best overall student was awarded to Second Lieutenant Wajha Kitso Macala.   Lieutenant General Masire informed the graduates that their graduation marks the end of the ab-initio training, but critically it signals the beginning of their carrier as aviators in the service of their nation. The course itself is forward looking as it prepares you for real world, which is characterized by continued changes requiring an ability to adapt to the emerging challenges of military flying. Thus you must seek new knowledge throughout your career as the day you stop doing so is the day you cease to be relevant to the profession and the warrior ethos that you have sworn to uphold by joining this Defence Force and Police Service, General Masire encouraged them.   General Masire informs them that leadership forms a critical part of their functions within their services. The BDF values of Duty, Integrity, Esprit-de-Corps and Discipline must guide your leadership style. As line pilots, you now mustexercise your leadership skill to the rest of our airmen to help ensure the attainment of the BDF’s Vision of a professional, Prompt and Decisive Force. Your Leadership responsibilities are not only to the BDF or the BPS but to the youth of this country as well. This responsibility can therefore not be taken lightly. You have to display the special characteristics that will make you an officer to be respected, a leader to be followed and commander to be trusted,Gen Masire sensitize them .   He also enlightened them that government has spent over P1 Million pula training each one off them. “This is enough money to train 20 degree student”, he added. Hefurther urges them not to disappoint as they will again be entrusted with an aircraft that cost over 20 million pula. This shows how muchconfidence the nation has in you, he also added.   However, General Masire also applauded instructors for the good job they have done. “As we pay tribute to you graduates, it would be remiss of me not to pay tribute to the professionals who helped you through this demanding course and training” he added. He further reminded the instructors that it is important for them to remember that they remain the most valuable resources to the BDF Air Arm as they are responsible for the formative stage of our airmen. “This responsibility you must carry with the utmost care it deserves. It requires professional skills. Parenting skills and leadership skills, which you have to impart to these young officers, “he also urges them.   To the parents and families, ‘Lo dirile, bagaetsho’ by raising these fine young men and women and allowing them to be soldiers and policemen. Professions that have the very real possibility of the ultimate sacrifice of loss of life in service to their nation, Lt General Masire thanked parents, families and friends who graced the occasion. He concluded by asking the graduates to take off themselves as their healthy is very important more especially looking at the fact that their services to the nation has just began. Finally to all, and in particular you the graduates, your health is paramount to your continued service to this nation, and attention to it will guarantee a long and illustrious career, practice safe sex,don’t drink and drive and keep fit, General Masire concluded.