The JCSC 12 comprises 37 RDF officers in the ranks of Major and Captain and 2 Rwanda National Police officers; making a total of 39, reported at RDFCSC Nyakinama on 9 November 2018 and official opening took place on Monday, 12 November 2018.

On behalf of the Commandant of RDF Command and Staff College, the course was officially opened by General Coordinator Col Frédéric ITANGAYENDA, where the ceremony was attended by Directing Staff and students.

In his remarks, he welcomed and congratulated the students for having been selected to attend the course. He said: "As you may recall, the effectiveness of the Rwanda Defence Force and indeed its sheer existence and ultimate survival primarily depend on the quality and organization of its training. The effectiveness and efficiency are both important enabling factors that allow the attainment of organizational goals and objectives. Training is therefore a cornerstone of organizational success because it foresters unit cohesion. For any military institution to maintain cohesion and develop a sound doctrine it has to continuously and systematically train. Training reflects operational doctrine and embodies the ethos and values of the force. I am very confident that this course will enable you become better commanders and staff officers at tactical level. The course also prepares you to for further courses such as the Senior Command and Staff Course. The College is running its SEVEN courses."

In his remarks, the General Coordinator continued by saying that: "The historical and political background of Rwanda like any other country that we share same historical trend creates a situation where training becomes a pillar which forces have to lean on along the way to professionalism."

The General Coordinator further urged the students to acquire skills, knowledge and attitude to the highest standards of ability in the time required to successfully pursue senior courses to ensure professionalism within the RDF.

The official opening ceremonies were preceded by a physical readiness test, entry test exam and the acquaintance to the college infrastructure and facilities.

Physical readiness test with Maj Shyaka as the DS sponsor

Entry test exam with Maj B Bagaragaza as DS sponsor

College orientation tour with Maj C Nkurunziza as DS sponsor

Orientation Speech by General Coordinator Col Frédéric ITANGAYENDA representing the Commandant.

With the few words of advice the General Coordinator wished students every success at the RWANDA DEFENCE FORCE COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE and confirmed to be confident that students will find it an immensely rewarding experience. His orientation speech focused in three pieces of advice:

1. TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR LEARNING.

2. TO MAKE THE MOST OF TIME AT RWANDA DEFENCE FORCE COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE.

3. TO EMBRACE DIFFERENCE.

The course will run for 18 weeks from Monday, 12 November 2018 to Friday, 15 March 2019.