Interim Defense Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau has told 22 graduating officers that they must always choose the side of morality, be fair and just, honest and straightforward.

The former Military Commander, while speaking at the Commission Course Graduation at QEB in Nabua, told officers that they must show themselves to be worthy of the maxims of commissioned service in the army.

He cautioned young officers that the role of a leader was not merely to command but to lead and that the decisions that they will take will affect the lives of the men and women who serve under them.

He told them that the work of an officer is not only physical, although he must develop stamina and strength, but also mental as they must adapt to various technical subjects such as organisation, tactics, armaments and logistic operations.