204th passing out parade at the Military centre in Diekirch;
Credit: © Armée luxembourgeoise
On Friday 10 January 2025, the Luxembourg Army held its 204th passing out parade involving new recruits making a solemn promise, which took place at the military centre in Diekirch, in the presence of Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, General Steve Thull, Chief of Staff of the Luxembourg Army, Colonel Alain Schoeben, Commander of the Forces, and members of the Army.
The transformation of a civilian candidate into a military officer
During the ceremony, 40 people including a candidate from the military band under the status of trainee civil servant, demonstrating commitment, integrity and reliability took the oath after successfully completing a period of initial training. They promised obedience to the Constitution, the laws of the State, military regulations and loyalty to the Grand Duke and the flag in the performance of their military service. Success marks the end of their four-month basic training for the volunteers, and also the beginning of their military service within the Luxembourg Army.
The next steps for the soldiers will now be advanced individual training followed by specialised individual training, in order to best prepare them for their commitment within the various units, with the aim of creating robust, more operational and available troops.
Commitment, uprightness, reliability
The "promise" ceremony is the expression of the "esprit de corps" of the Luxembourg Army. True to tradition, awards symbolising the conversion of recruits into full-fledged soldiers, were awarded to the recipients. In addition, three recruits were rewarded for their excellent performance during their basic training: Private Can Mehmet Güler (1st ranked), Private Quentin Brandenburger (2nd ranked and best athlete), Private Loïc Kaysen (3rd ranked and best shooter).
“I congratulate the 40 soldiers who successfully completed their four months of basic training. We are proud of your performance and your commitment to the defence of the country and collective defence,” stressed Minister Backes.
