The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangana, has commended cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) for demonstrating battlefield readiness during Exercise Camp Highland.
Dangana gave the commendation during the battle inoculation and firepower 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 portrayed the chanllenges and intensity of modern warfare.
The GOC said the professionalism displayed by the instructors and cadets, from the presentation of the fire plan for the deliberate attack to its execution, was commendable.
He noted that the realistic use 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 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 judgement, builds confidence in the use of weapons and equipment, and instils the discipline required to make sound decisions under pressure.
He congratulated the cadets on 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 stressed.
He urged the cadets to continue developing themselves professionally, lead by personal example and place the welfare of their troops alongside the accomplishment of assigned missions.
He also tasked them with embracing continuous learning, innovation and adaptation to the changing character of warfare after their commissioning.
Earlier, the Director of Military Training, NDA, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, said Exercise Camp Highland was conducted in line with the Academy’s training curriculum to enhance the cadets’ capacity to function effectively as junior leaders in the contemporary security environment.
Tukur said the exercise, which commenced on 26 July, was conducted in four phases comprising adventure training, map reading, tactical training and battlefield firing.
He said the cadets were exposed to navigation, abseiling and rappelling 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 firepower demonstration would culminate in a deliberate attack on the last enemy camp, followed by a victory march to the Table Hill top.
He wished the cadets God’s guidance and protection as they complete the remaining activities leading to their commissioning into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
