The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has officially begun its recruitment exercise in Monrovia, and it will run until May 15. This initiative is aimed at giving young Liberians the opportunity to serve their country while gaining discipline, skills, and career development. This recruitment is especially important as it encourages both young men and women to apply, with a strong emphasis on female participation to promote gender equality in national service.
AFL is encouraging all eligible individuals to take advantage of the opportunity by visiting the designated recruitment centers before the closing date. AFL noted it is a chance to contribute to national security while building a meaningful and rewarding future.
Many have described the recruitment process as transparent and lauded the Government of Liberia for including more women in the Armed Forces of Liberia. The process has attracted hundreds of young men and women, with some sleeping in the cold for a chance to serve. Hundreds of them gathered at Barclay Training Center (BTC) yesterday ahead of the recruitment exercise.
The recruitment process, which began yesterday, Monday, April 27, 2026, has gained significant momentum with citizens demonstrating massive interest in joining the force. Some Liberians who have already slept outside the BTC Barracks said they have been at the Barracks since Friday and the early morning hours of Saturday, April 25, 2026, while others confirmed joining the queue during the afternoon and late evening hours, all in anticipation of the process set to begin this Monday.
There are many different people but they share one goal- to be recruited as army personnel and serve in raising the flag and defending the nation and its citizens. Their passion for joining the force is evident as their actions continue to speak louder than words.
There have been mounting calls on the AFL by citizens, stakeholders and lawmakers to increase its manpower following the recent Liberia-Guinea border situation that witnessed Guinean military encroachment on Liberian soil.
The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) officially announced its current nationwide recruitment drive on April 17, 2026. While plans for this intake were initially disclosed as early as September 30, 2025, the formal regional schedule was released in mid-April 2026 by Chief of Public Affairs Lt. Col. Stephen T. Tarplah.
The recruitment plan is reportedly aimed at boosting manpower, modernizing the force, and addressing aging and attrition. Others are to promote inclusivity and achieve long-term growth that aligns with a strategic plan to eventually increase the force to about 5,000 personnel. As the process draws closer, their hope remains clear, to be recruited and defend the sovereignty of the state with all they have.
