By James T. Brooks
Following a wave of public reactions regarding the live social media broadcast of its ongoing recruitment exercise, the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has countered critics by asserting that the move was strictly intended to eliminate misconceptions about the enlistment process.
Speaking via telephone on a local radio talk show in Monrovia on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the AFL Chief of Public Affairs, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen T. Tarplah, clarified that the institution had no intention of shaming applicants as suggested by some segments of society. He emphasized that the primary goal was to showcase transparency and maintain the integrity of the AFL, an institution that prides itself on doing what is right for the country.
Lieutenant Colonel Tarplah explained that the decision to broadcast the exercise was a direct response to grave allegations of recruitment malpractices. He noted that the public has frequently accused the AFL of carrying out the process only to eventually select preferred candidates regardless of their performance. By broadcasting the exercise, the AFL intended for the public to witness the objective reasons why certain individuals face disqualification.
The Head of Public Affairs outlined three essential requirements that every military professional must meet. First, he stated that a soldier must be able to shoot, meaning they must possess the ability to accurately hit a target to avoid wasting government resources. Second, he emphasized that every soldier must understand movement, which includes proficiency in map reading and navigation. Finally, he stressed the importance of communication, noting that effective communication is vital for everyone from high-level commanders to the lowest-ranking soldiers in a unit. He described the prospect of a recruit being unable to read or write as unacceptable for the modern military.
Since the recruitment began on Monday, April 27, 2026, critics have lambasted the AFL, characterizing the live broadcast as a form of bullying and shaming of those desiring to serve in the nation’s most respected security institution. Among the vocal critics, Isaac Doe of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Deputy Youth and Sports Minister, argued that requiring recruits to read from flashcards was unnecessary. He contended that as long as a person can follow tactical instructions and is mentally fit to serve, their ability to speak standard English should not be the primary measure of their capability.
Conversely, former Finance and Development Planning Minister Samuel D. Tweah Jr. suggested that the situation reflects a broader national crisis within the education sector. He argued that the country has lowered its educational standards, resulting in systemic embarrassment. Similarly, activist Martin K. N. Kollie defended the applicants who struggled with the reading exercise, blaming an education system that has historically suffered from a lack of proper funding.
While some Liberians remain concerned that showcasing the academic struggles of applicants may negatively affect the country’s international image, the AFL maintains that transparency remains the most effective tool for building public trust and ensuring a qualified force.