Their promotion to higher ranks marks the first for the 2013 financial year.

Bouquets of flowers, shouts of joy, singing and dancing… characterised the atmosphere at the UDEAC ceremonial ground yesterday January 1, 2013. The day will forever remain engraved in the hearts of some meritorious military officers who were honoured by the award of epaulettes, taking them to higher heights in their respective careers; coupled with celebrating the beginning of a new year.

As such, administrative, municipal, traditional and religious authorities joined their family members and relations to witness the day. This was under the watchful eyes of the number one commander of the Littoral Region, Governor Joseph Beti Assomo.

Separated into groups, the different beneficiaries marched forward to receive their medals, in a descending order. They were 31 commissioned officers, 430 non-commissioned officers and 30 soldiers. The officers were elevated by presidential and ministerial decrees, earlier in December 2012.