The Junior Command and Staff Course (JCSC) Intake 25 started on 26 May 2025 and officially opened on 27 May 2025 by the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA. He warmly welcomed and congratulated the students to the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) on their well-deserved nomination to the course, encouraging them to strive to become better leaders and prepare themselves for future tactical and operational responsibilities.

The Junior Command and Staff Course 25 is composed of 76 student officers, including 72 students from RDF, 2 students from RNP, and 2 students from RCS. The course is scheduled to run for 22 weeks, from 26 May 2025 to 24 October 2025.

The primary aim of the JCSC is to prepare students for Grade 3 staff responsibilities and command appointments at the mid-tactical level. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the roles and structure of the RDF and its subordinate formations; think logically, communicate both orally and in writing professionally and effectively, comprehend staff duties in both peacetime and war, and apply doctrine to real-world operations.

The Dy Comdt & CI, Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA giving his opening remarks.

In his opening remarks, the Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor highlighted that over the 22 weeks, the course will undergo rigorous training that demands focus, discipline, time management, and total commitment. The course has been carefully designed to sharpen your command and staff competencies while instilling a deeper understanding of military theory, practice, and leadership. The course will expose the students to tactical-level planning and introduce them to operational-level thinking, laying the foundation for future senior-level training. The experience will be intense, but the transformation it brings will be invaluable to your career and the RDF at large. The formal opening of the course was preceded by a two-week training session on the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), held from May 12 to May 23, 2025. As RDFCSC progresses towards becoming a "smart" institution, this program is crucial for equipping students with a range of computer skills and software applications that will benefit them throughout their studies. With the authority granted to him, he officially declared the JCSC 25 open.

Students of JCSC 25 during the Opening Ceremony.

Students of JCSC 25 participating in a physical fitness test.