Philip Nwosu
The Nigerian Army, in Lagos, has commenced training for battlefield commanders to improve their competence and skill in planning of operations in North East.
The training which commenced, on Monday, was focused on the maneuverist approach to warfare, estimate process as well as military operations other than war.
Speaking at the opening of the training, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, MaJ.-Gen. Enobong Udoh said that the 2018 training directive of the Army reflects the Chief of Army Staff’s resolve to improve the quality of officers and soldiers and enhance synergy with sister services, security agencies and parastatals.
He said while quoting Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, a German general and military theorist, that the best form of welfare for troops is first class training , noting that it was for this reason that the Chief of Army Staff, LT.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, attaches high premium on training and retraining which is one of the cardinal points of his vision.
General Udoh said that the successes recorded in Operation Lafia Dole, Awatse, Delta Safe and last Hold , was as a result of training and continuous training of troops as contained in the Chief of Army Staff’s vision.
The GOC said that the 81 Division operation training cadre was put together to articulate the role of commanders in the planning of military operations other than war, urging the training participants to read about campaign plans of mighty men in battles and of renowned generals.
It was learnt understanding the battle plans of past war leaders would enable them to know how to plan and execute operations.
He said: “The 81 Division Operations Planning Cadre is aimed at availing participants of the necessary capabilities and competences that they require to successfully plan future operations while also providing the opportunity to promoted synergy and cooperation with sister services.
Earlier, the guest lecturer, Professor Bola Akinterinwa frowned at the continuous attack on the military by Amnesty International, explaining that Boko Haram is continuously killing Nigerians and Amnesty International was giving the necessary fuel to continue.
He lamented that it is only when the Nigerian Army gives them the dose of their own medicine that the right group raises the alarm.
Prof. Akinterinwa urged the Federal Government to properly fund the Armed Forces to enable Nigeria negotiate from the position of strength in the international community.