Promoted non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the rank and file in Cameroon's army and the National Gendarmerie yesterday, April 1, 2014 received epaulets raising them to higher ranks in the defence forces. The ceremony took place nationwide following the decision of the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o signed on March 17, 2014 promoting the soldiers to higher ranks.

The epaulet award ceremony in Yaounde took place at the Military Headquarters Brigade. The event that took place in strict military tradition was presided at by the Commander of the Military Headquarters Brigade, Colonel Melingui Nouma Donatien. Over 150 non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the rank and file received their epaulets. The highest ranking soldiers promoted in Yaounde were three Major Warrant Officers. After the promoted soldiers received their epaulets, the Commander of the Military Headquarters Brigade moved round, greeted and congratulated each of them. This phase of the ceremony gave way to relatives, friends and colleagues of the promoted soldiers who in a mad rush of joy and excitement, congratulated, hugged and handed bouquets of flowers to them. Feasting continued in the homes of the promoted soldiers.