The Nigerian Army Yesterday, October 24, in Abuja applauded the 2023 Inter-Formation Combat Obstacle Crossing Competition for troops drawn from various Divisions, Formations and Units.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 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.
The Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, while addressing the competing troops, said it was a training oriented and purpose driven competition, specifically designed to improve troops’ combat efficiency, physical fitness and Esprit de Corps.
Mohammed stressed 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.
In his remarks, the Commander AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, affirmed that 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 noted 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,” he said.
