Throne Day: King Mohammed VI chairs oath-taking ceremony of graduates of military, para-military schools

King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of Staff of Royal Armed Forces (FAR), chaired on Monday in the Northern city of Tetouan the oath-taking ceremony of new graduates of military and para-military schools, as well as newly-promoted officers.

The ceremony, held on the occasion of 24th anniversary of the sovereign’s enthronement, brought together graduates of the years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. It is customary for officers to attend the yearly celebration to swear a solemn oath to loyally serve the homeland and its King, but because of the pandemic, the public swearing ceremony could not take place during the past three years.

The Sovereign, who was flanked by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid, named the group “Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem”, urging the members to show discipline, commitment, and patriotism.

Addressing the gathered officers, King Mohammed VI expressed his deep admiration for the commitment and resilience they displayed during challenging times, referring to the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic that hindered the welcome of previous graduating classes.

The King commended the modern training provided to the graduates and lauded the exceptional level of dedication exhibited by the Royal Armed Forces in their mission to safeguard the nation.

“I therefore invite you to shoulder your responsibilities as best you can, and to show integrity, discipline, as well as sincere, unflinching patriotism, thus remaining loyal to your everlasting motto: God, the Homeland, the King,” the Sovereign pointed out.

The oath-taking ceremony included officers from renowned military institutions such as the Royal Military Academy, the Royal Air School, the Royal Naval School, and the Royal School of Military Health Services.

Officers from paramilitary schools were also present at the ceremony, including the Mohammedia School of Engineers, the Royal Institute of Territorial Administration, the Royal Police Institute, the National School of Forestry Engineers, and the Customs Training School.

Faithful to his unwavering commitment to the armed forces, King Mohammed VI later promoted senior officers to the prestigious ranks of General and Colonel-Major.

The event saw the presence of high-profile officials, including the Head of Government, the Presidents of the two Chambers of Parliament, and the king’s advisers.

Foreign military attachés accredited to Rabat, as well as other civilian and military personalities, also attended the ceremony.