Army Tests Officers on Weapon Handling

By Chiemelie Ezeobi

In a bid to ascertain the proficiency of its men in weapons handling, drills, map reading, combat swimming and obstacle crossing, especially in the war front, the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) on Wednesday kick-started a competition.

The competition, which is to test the proficiency of its officers during effective military operations, is between warrant officers and senior non-commissioned officers in 9 Brigade, Lagos.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Major General Isidore Edet, who spoke at the opening ceremony of the competition, said it will hold till Friday, September 9, 2016.

Edet, who said the competition among the officers was also to improve their leadership traits, added, “Leadership at the lowest level is critical to success of the Nigerian Army and the military in any operation.

“If the commanders at the junior level are physically fit, good in the use of their weapons at that level and if the leadership traits are well developed, it means we are on our way to victory in any battle.

”This is because the leadership trait they have will be brought to the table of the troops they command which is part of the importance of this competition.

“This competition is aimed at achieving physically fit officers and enhanced leadership qualities. This is what they will go through while competing among each other.”

Edet said that the competition would impact positively on the various military operations they were currently undertaking, adding that the units to partake in this competition includes the 9 Brigade, 35 Artillery Brigade, 45 Division Engineers and 81 Division Garrison.

Also, the 9 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Sanni Mohammed,  in his welcome address, said the brigade was tasked to host and participate in the competition.