MONROVIA — The Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) has officially announced preparations for its 2026 military recruitment cycle, offering young Liberians an opportunity to serve the nation. The announcement, made during a MICAT press briefing on Thursday, February 5, 2026, comes as the AFL continues efforts to reclaim military properties and strengthen operational readiness across the country.
Deputy Minister for Operations at the Ministry of National Defense, Spencer Lecco, confirmed that the recruitment drive is set to begin once the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning releases the necessary funds. “As soon as resources are secured, the AFL is prepared to immediately kick off the enlistment process nationwide,” Lecco stated.
The recruitment is targeting disciplined Liberian men and women aged 18 to 35 who demonstrate the physical and mental fitness required for military training. Applicants are required to hold a valid WAEC certificate or proof of current college enrollment, in addition to a police clearance and a health certificate issued within the last three months.
Citizenship verification is mandatory. Applicants must present a National ID card, voter registration card, birth certificate, or Liberian passport. Naturalized citizens must submit a certificate of naturalization to confirm eligibility.
To make the process accessible nationwide, the AFL has established testing centers in four main regions. The Central Region, covering Montserrado, Grand Bassa, and Margibi, will hold testing in Monrovia. The Western Region, including Grand Cape Mount, Bomi, and Gbarpolu, will conduct testing in Tubmanburg, while the Northern Region—comprising Lofa, Bong, and Nimba—will use the Gbarnga center. Southeastern counties, including Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Maryland, Grand Kru, and Sinoe, will have centers in Zwedru and Harper.
Lecco issued a strong warning to the public about fraudulent claims regarding the recruitment process. “No letters of recommendation are required to join the AFL, and the process is completely free. Any claims suggesting payment for a position are false,” he emphasized.
Parallel to recruitment preparations, the AFL is reclaiming the Camp Ramrod Military Barracks to address severe overcrowding in military facilities. Lecco confirmed that 14 of the 37 acres of the property are currently being recovered. “The reclamation is peaceful and conducted with strict adherence to the rule of law and human dignity,” he said, despite calls for extensions from some occupants.
The Camp Ramrod reclamation, also referred to as the 72nd Barracks, is part of a decade-long initiative spanning three administrations. Previous attempts under former Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and George Weah were halted, but current leadership re-engaged communities in June 2024 to resume the process.
According to Lecco, reclaiming Camp Ramrod is part of a broader effort to ensure adequate housing for soldiers. Successful relocations have already been completed at Camp Jackson in Sandbeach, Camp Wisner in Zwedru, and Camp Jones in Kakata.
The 2026 recruitment drive, combined with ongoing reclamation efforts, reflects the AFL’s commitment to discipline, operational readiness, and national service. Deputy Minister Spencer Lecco concluded that these initiatives aim to strengthen Liberia’s military capacity while offering young Liberians the chance to serve their country with honor and integrity.
