Leadership
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Major General Micheal Rosette Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette enrolled in 1982 and commissioned to Lieutenant on 25 November 1988. A career Naval Officer, specializing in Hydrography Major General Michael Rosette is a graduate of the United States Naval War College and holds a Diploma. Major General Rosette was appointed as the Chief of Defence Forces in 2021 after serving as the Chief of Staff. As CDF, he oversees the Seychelles Defence Forces and also in charge of the Force’s operational and administrative command. He exercises command of all SDF components through the Integrated Headquarters (IHQ). The CDF ensures that the SDF fulfils all of its obligations under the Seychelles Constitution. |
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Brigadier Jean Attala Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Jean Attala enrolled in 1991 and commissioned from The Royal Military Academy in 1997. He is a career Naval Officer, specializing in Operations, Maritime Search and Rescue Planning. He is a graduate of the Madras University and holds a Master’s Degree in Defence and Strategic Studies. Brigadier Attala was appointed as the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces in 2025 after serving as Chief of Staff of the Seychelles Defence Forces.
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Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda enrolled in 1992 and commissioned from the Seychelles Defence Academy in 2002. He is a career Army Officer, specializing in special operations. He is a graduate of the University of Witwaterstrand – South Africa and holds a Diploma in Executive Defence and Security Management. Col Hollanda was appointed as the Chief of Staff in 2025 after serving as the Land Force Commander. As Chief of Staff, he is responsible for ensuring the proper operation of all branches of IHQ and assisting the CDF in the day-to-day operation of IHQ. The CoS collaborates with the Commander/Commandant of various units to keep the CDF informed of the state of operational readiness and to administer all SDF units. |
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Lieutenant Colonel David Arrisol Commander Seychelles Coast Guard Lt. Col. Arrisol enrolled in 1996 and commissioned from the Seychelles Defence Academy in 2002. He is a career Naval Officer, specializing in Marine Engineering. He is a graduate of the Center for Naval Instruction – France and holds a Diploma. Lt Col Arrisol was appointed as the Commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard in 2023 after serving as the Deputy Commander Seychelles Coast Guard. As Cdr SCG, he is accountable to the CDF for the entire organization and safety of the Coast Guard. He is in charge of the overall training, administration, and welfare of his unit, as well as all operations carried out by troops under his command. |
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Lieutenant Colonel Archil Mondon Commander of Special Operations Unit/SDF Public Relations Officer Lt. Col. Mondon enrolled in 2005 and commissioned from Tanzania Military Academy in 2006. He is a career Army Officer, specializing in Special Operations. He is a graduate of the United States Naval War College and holds a Master’s Degree in Counter Terrorism Studies. As Cdr SOU, he is accountable to the CDF for the entire organization and safety of the Special Operation Unit. He is in charge of the overall training, administration, and welfare of his unit, as well as all operations carried out by troops under his command. |
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Lieutenant Colonel Allain Pierre Commandant of Military Training Support Centre/SDF Information Officer Lt. Col. Pierre was enrolled in the Force in 2004 and was commissioned from the Officer Training Academy (OTA) in 2009. He is also an Organisational Psychologist and holds a Master’s degree from the University of South Wales. He possesses a diverse and distinguished academic background, including a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSc) / Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Human Resource Management, graduating with Honours from the University of London. He also earned a Diploma in the Staff Officer Course from the Netherlands Defence College, completed the United Staff Officer Course at SWEDINT in Sweden, and attended the Higher Defence Orientation Course at the Army War College in India. Throughout his tenure in the Force, Lt. Col. Pierre has held numerous key appointments. In 2016, he was appointed Director of Human Resources. In 2021, he served as Director of Human Resources and Logistics at the Seychelles Coast Guard, also fulfilling the role of Adjutant. In 2022, he was appointed Secretary of the Seychelles Defence Forces Council, a position he held for three consecutive years. In 2024, he was appointed Principal Director of Specialized Services and in 2025, he assumed his current appointment as Commandant of the Military Training and Support Centre (MTSC). As Commandant of MTSC, Lt. Col. Pierre is responsible for ensuring that the Centre fulfills its mandate in support of the overall mission of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). The MTSC is primarily tasked with delivering quality education, training and professional development across all areas of military education and specialized training. |
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Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Zarine Commander Seychelles Air Force Lt. Col. Zarine enrolled in the force in 2004 and commissioned from Tanzania Military Academy in 2006. He is a military pilot, and qualified as a Captain on board SAF fixed wing aircrafts. He received his wings from Westline Aviation flight school. Lt. Col. Zarine was appointed as the Commanding Officer of Seychelles Air Force in 2021 after serving as the Unit’s Adjutant. As Cdr SAF, he is entirely responsible for the unit’s operational readiness, training, motivation and morale, to ensure the successful execution of all assigned missions. He is also responsible for overall administration and upkeep of all SDF air assets under his command. |
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Major Dania Woodcock Chief Medical Officer Maj. Dania Woodcock was commissioned as an Officer in the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) in 2011, following completion of the Military Young Leaders Program and Officer Cadet Course as Best Academic Officer. She received her Doctorate in Medicine (MD) at the Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie Rabat, Morocco in 2020 and became the first female Seychellois doctor and the first with a PhD in the SDF, bringing advanced medical expertise to the force. She is also the third woman in SDF history to reach senior officer rank; first female parade commander in SDF history, leading the 29th Independence Day Military Parade. As the CMO, Maj. Woodcock is the Liaison Officer to Ministry of Health and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Military Medical Centre; advising SDF leadership on medical policy, healthcare strategy, and operational readiness and overseeing the delivery of comprehensive medical care to all SDF personnel. |
