Nigerian Army’s 81 Division Kicks Off Combat Proficiency Competition
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army ( NA), Major General Muhammed Usman has declared open the 81 Division Combat Proficiency Competition as part of the activities lined up in the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events for the year 2023.
The ongoing competition which is aimed at boosting leadership skills, esprit-de-corps, professional competence and preparing officers for higher responsibilities is hosted by the 243 Recce Battalion, Ibereko Barracks, Badagry Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
The competition is also intended to prepare the participating officers for battle readiness given the present security challenges confronting the country.
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) August 15, 2023
While declaring the competition open, the General Officer Commanding who was represented by the Commander 81 Division Garrison, Brigadier General MA Sadiq, said this year’s Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition will be more effective and challenging than the previous one.
“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 to derive maximum benefits from the competition and also make their various formations proud.
The GOC said training has remained a fundamental precursor for all military operations adding that troops’ performance in peace and wartime is a direct result of the qualities of training, which he described as a veritable tool that guarantees enhanced military professionalism.
Major General Usman added that the Division is living up to expectations in organizing this year’s 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’s 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 for providing necessary support to all the Division’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 the 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.
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