320 Troops Commence Real-Time Battlefield Simulation Exercise In Abuja

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday in Abuja commenced the 2023 Inter-Formation Combat Obstacle Crossing Competition for troops drawn from various Divisions, Formations and Units. The competition, which is a real-time battlefield simulation exercise and activities, has 320 troops, 40 each from a total of seven Army Divisions and the Army Headquarters Garrison, participating. Addressing the competing troops, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said it was a training oriented and purpose driven competition, specifically designed to improve troops’ combat efficiency, physical fitness and Esprit de Corps. Mohammed explained that it was to upgrade troops’ capacity to tackle recent dynamics and security threats in the country, and allow junior commanders to use good initiatives to upscale their capability in leadership, command and control. “Obstacles are integral part of any military campaign planning process which needs to be carefully understood and decisively handled in order to achieve the desired end state. “You will continue to come across different types of obstacles in your various operations. You must therefore all strive to portray good individual qualities and camaraderie while you compete, as well as abide by all laid down rules and regulations. “Various technical details have been put in place that will ensure that everybody competes and abides by the regulations.” The Chief of Training, therefore, implored the participants to imbibe the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship throughout the competition and seize the opportunity to bring out their best. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for the provision of necessary resources for the competition. Earlier, the Commander AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, said the concept of the exercise was to test the ability of a body of troops to cross a mix of obstacles within the shortest time in a competitive atmosphere. Isoni added that it was also to improve troops’ proficiency, physical fitness, leadership traits, and initiatives, as well as promote Esprit de Corps. “The competition is also intended to prepare troops for battles in view of the current security challenges in the country. “While welcoming you all to Abuja, I would like to assure you of our improved security situation in Army Headquarters Garrison area of responsibility. “This is as a result of concerted efforts by the Garrison and other sister services and security agencies; and we have embarked on robust operations under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff,” he said. He assured the participants that necessary measures for a huge free competition had been put in place by the technical and local organising committees. Isoni urged the participants and technical officials to take the competition seriously, abide by laid down rules, and utilise the opportunity to be worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army. 

Armed Forces College inaugurates 258 participants of Senior Course 46

A total of 258 middle level military officers has commenced an 11-month operation leadership course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State. The Senior Course 46 participants include 147 from the Nigeria Army; Navy 59; Air Force 41; 10 international students and one from the Defence Intelligence Agency. The Commandant AFCSC, AVM Hassan Alhaji said that the course was very significant to the progression of the participants in their military careers. According to him, the objective of the course is to prepare the participants for increasing responsibilities both in command and staff appointments. “This is in the light of varying security challenges that are besetting our countries, which makes it imperative for you to improve your capacity as middle level commanders to better ensure peace and security in your respective domains. “Consequently, it is our fervent desire that you become better trained officers at the end of this course,” Alhaji said. The Commandant expressed the hope that at the end of the course, “we would have sufficiently built your capacity with the appropriate skill sets to operate as Grade 2 staff officers. “And equally prepare you to function effectively at the operational level of the services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other nations present today”. He advised them to be very adaptive, hardworking and ready to lay a solid foundation in their careers as the course will prepare them for the burden of leadership required of operational level officers. “Bear in mind that for you to succeed on the course, you will need to have a good sense of time management, drive for knowledge, punctuality, espri-de-corps, self-confidence and above all, personal discipline. “In line with the principles of Mission Command, you will be given the opportunity to exercise ingenuity, initiative, responsibility and leadership in all College activities,” he said. He assured that the college “will be fair and objective in assessing them”, but said they must be diligent and hard working to pass through the course. “The choice, therefore, is yours to make and I hope it will be the right one. “You are not here to play and fail. And you will fail if you play. You are here to win. “It is my wish to see all of you win, graduate and be awarded the qualification “Pass Staff Course” at the end your stay here,” Alhaji said. A former Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Ebenezer Alade (rtd),  delivered the inaugural lecture on “Making of an Effective Command and Staff Officers for Contemporary Operating Environment”