By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Second Lieutenant Wokie Yokie made history as the first Sierra Leonean female combatant officer to be commissioned from the prestigious Indian Cadet Training Academy on Saturday, September 7, 2024. This remarkable achievement not only highlights her personal dedication but also marks a significant milestone for the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the country’s efforts in promoting gender equality in military service.
Second Lieutenant Wokie Yokie, a determined and talented young soldier, underwent an intensive one-year training program at the Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai, India. The rigorous training, which spanned from 26th September 2023 to 7th September 2024, was both physically and mentally challenging, designed to mold cadets into capable and resilient officers ready for the demands of combat and leadership roles.
Before embarking on her military journey, Second Lieutenant Wokie Yokie attended the Annie Walsh Memorial School in Freetown, where she sat for the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). She later pursued higher education at Njala University, where she earned a BSc Honours degree in Business Information and Technology. Her path into the military began when she enlisted in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces on 26th May, 2023. Her initial training took place at the Armed Forces Training Centre in Benguema Barracks, where she excelled due to her outstanding discipline, leadership potential and performance. As a result, she was selected for a Short-Service Commissioning Course in India.
The Officer Cadet training at the Chennai Academy was divided into two distinct phases. The junior phase covered essential military skills such as weapons training, map reading, regimentation, drill, leadership, management, swimming and jungle warfare, culminating in a camping and close-quarter battle exercise. In the senior phase, the focus shifted towards leadership and command, internal security, counter-insurgency tactics and the demanding obstacle course. During this phase, cadets also visited various military installations across India, broadening their exposure to different operational environments.
Second Lieutenant Wokie Yokie’s commissioning was presided over by the reviewing officer, Lieutenant General NS Raja Subramani, PVSM, Deputy Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army. Her historic achievement not only demonstrates her exceptional capabilities but also reflects the growing opportunities for women in Sierra Leone’s armed forces.
As Second Lieutenant Wokie Yokie steps into her new role, she serves as an inspiration to other young women aspiring to serve their nation in combat roles, proving that determination and excellence can break barriers and pave the way for future generations of female military leaders in Sierra Leone.
