The highly synchronized, color-filled event was presided over by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo who was for the circumstance accompanied by top government, military, civilian and traditional dignitaries.

The ceremony unfolded in two phases with the first phase being the award of medals to both the military and civilian personnel of the Ministry of Defence. Senior administrative and military authorities took turns to affix medals onto the chests of meritorious personnel symbolizing national recognition for exceptional service to the nation in their respective domains of competence. The decorations handed out included, the Medal of the Order of Valor, the Cameroon Order of Merit, the Medals of Merit of the Forces of Law and Order, Medal of Valiancy, Sports Order of Merit, the Cameroon Cross of Military Valor and the Labor Medal of Honor for civilian personnel.

The second chapter of the ceremony involved the award of epaulets to meritorious military personnel. Here, the military ritual moved efficiently down the chain of command, acting in strict accordance with recent Presidential Decrees and Ministerial Decisions in accordance with the second and third semesters of the 2026 budgetary year for Officers and Non-Commissioned officers respectively.

Amidst loud cheers from family members, friends and well-wishers in the tribunes, the Defence boss, military, civilian, government and traditional authorities personally pinned ranks for Officers.

The newly promoted Non-Commissioned Officers in their turn stepped forward to receive their newly elevated epaulets from high-ranking military “godparents” who affixed new epaulets to their junior counterparts. The same ritual continued with the Soldiers of the Rank and File.

The honorific award of epaulets and medals highlights the dedication of the civilian and military personnel of the Defence Forces reflecting years of sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the nation.