News Investigators/ The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Maxwell Dangana, has commended cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for demonstrating battlefield readiness during Exercise Camp Highland .
Dangana gave the commendation on Friday at the ‘Battle Inoculation and Fire Power Demonstration’ conducted at the Nigerian Army Table Hill, Kachia, as part of the final field exercise for Army cadets of Regular Course 73 and Short Service Course 49.
He said the exercise realistically potrayed the confusion, intensity and uncertainty associated with modern battlefield.
The GOC described as commendable the professionalism displayed by the instructors and cadets from the presentation of the fire plan to the execution of the attack.
He said that the realistic employment of live fire and battlefield effects had provided the cadets with valuable practical experience that could not be fully acquired in the classroom.
Dangana said that battle inoculation remained an important aspect of military training as it prepared future officers mentally, physically and emotionally for the realities of combat.
According to him, the exercise develops courage under fire, sharpens tactical judgment, builds confidence in the employment of weapons and equipment, and instills discipline required to make sound decisions under pressure.
He congratulated the cadets for successfully completing the demanding exercise, describing it as one of the final practical tests of their readiness to assume the responsibilities of commissioned officers.
“As you prepare to receive your commissions, always remember that the commission you are about to receive is not merely a symbol of authority, but a solemn trust bestowed upon you by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The lives of your soldiers, the success of assigned missions and, in many instances, the reputation of the Armed Forces will depend on your competence, courage and character,” he said.
Dangana urged the cadets to continue to develop themselves professionally, lead by personal example and place high the welfare of their troops as well as the accomplishment of assigned missions.
He said that the evolving security environment in Nigeria and the sub-region at large, characterised by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal conflicts, required courageous, innovative and professionally competent leaders.
The GOC therefore urged the cadets to embrace continuous learning, innovation and adaptation to the changing character of warfare after their commissioning.
He commended the NDA for sustaining its tradition of producing professionally competent officers and appreciated the directing staff, instructors, exercise planners and supporting personnel for their commitment to the success of the exercise.
Dangana urged the cadets to lead with courage, serve with humility, uphold the law and remain faithful to the oath they would take to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Earlier, the Director of Military Training, NDA, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, said Exercise CAMP HIGHLAND was conducted in line with the Academy’s training curriculum to enhance cadets’ capacity to function effectively as junior leaders in the contemporary security environment.
Tukur said the exercise, which commenced on July 26, was conducted in four phases comprising adventure training, map reading, tactical training and battlefield firing.
He said the cadets were exposed to navigation and abseiling at the Citizen and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hills, Jos, before proceeding to Kachia for the tactical phase.
According to him, the ‘Battle Inoculation’ and Fire Power Demonstration would culminate in a deliberate attack on the last enemy camp, followed by a victory march to the Table Hill top.
Tukur said Camp Highland was the final outdoor exercise for passing-out Army cadets and was designed to test their leadership competence, endurance, tactical manoeuvring and overall military training.
He commended the cadets for their commitment, endurance and teamwork, as well as the instructors and supporting formations whose contributions ensured the success of the exercise.
He wished them God’s guidance and protection as they completed the remaining activities leading to their commissioning into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
NAN