Insecurity: Army Flags Off Combat Proficiency Competition for Personnel
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army ( NA), Maj Gen Muhammed Takuti Usman has on Monday 14 Aug 23 declared open the 81 Division Combat Proficiency Competition, one of the activities lined up in the NA Forecast of Events for year 2023.
The Competition which is aimed at boosting leadership skills, espirit-de-corps, professional competence and prepare officers for higher responsibilities is hosted and ongoing 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry Lagos State. The competition is also intended to prepare the participating officers for battle readiness in view of the present security challenges confronting the country.
The GOC who was represented by the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brig Gen MA Sadiq, in his remarks while declaring the competition open, said this year’s Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition will be more effective and challenging than the previous one, according to him, “because of the high level of preparations put in place for the conduct of the competition as well as preparations made by the participating formations”, he said. He therefore urged all participating officers to put in their best so as to derive maximum benefits from the competition and also make their various formations proud.
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The GOC said training has remained a fundamental precursor for all military operations adding that troop’s performance in peace and war time is a direct result of the qualities of training, which he described as a veritable tool that guarantees enhanced military professionalism.
Maj Gen MT Usman added that the Div is living up to expectation in organizing this year exercise in line with the COAS Command Philosophy which is, “To transform the Nigerian Army into a force that is well trained, equipped and highly motivated towards discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
The GOC further listed the requirements outlined to test competing formations for this year competition to include: map reading, combat swimming, weapon handling and obstacle crossing. He said the requirements will provide an avenue for improving the combat proficiency and readiness of junior commanders to showcase their leadership skills.
The GOC thanked the COAS for his strategic guidance as well as providing necessary support to all the Div’s training requirements while emphasizing the Division’s commitment towards ensuring that training is given the highest priority by executing all the NA Training Directives for year 2023.
The opening ceremony was fascinated by the first activity outlined for the Competition which was the Map Reading exercise. The exercise was keenly contested and all competing formations were set out as a way of kick-starting the entire process.
