WILLEMSTAD – Nine Curaçaoan soldiers were officially sworn in on Thursday during a formal ceremony at Fort Amsterdam, following the successful completion of the Basic Military Training (EMV) program. The event was held in the presence of Curaçao’s Acting Governor, Minister of Justice Shalten Hato, and the Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean. 

The nine soldiers were part of a cohort of fifteen recruits, including six from Aruba. The Aruban soldiers are scheduled to be sworn in later in a separate ceremony on the island. 

The EMV program lasted 26 weeks, focusing on physical and mental resilience. After the symbolic moment of marching into Fort Amsterdam to mark their transition, the recruits completed an additional 10-week “Guard and Security” module (B&B). This specialized training prepares them for their defense duties within the Caribbean region. 

Following their swearing-in, the Curaçaoan recruits will join Curmil (Curaçaoan Military), while the Aruban recruits will join Arumil (Aruban Military). Both units are tasked with supporting peace and security within the Kingdom’s Caribbean territories.