The Deputy Chief of Training, Army Headquarters Department of Training and Exercise, Major General Musa Auwal Etsu-Ndagi have said Warrant Officers and Senior Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Army are very important key enablers for mission success in the Nigerian Army.
The Senior Army Officer who was the Special Guest of Honour made this known while declaring close the Guards Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers Competition for the year 2023 held at the 7 Guards Battalion Parade ground today 22 June 2023.
The Competition which was flagged off by the Commander Guards Brigade Brig Gen Aminu Umar on Monday 19 June was aimed at ensuring leadership qualities, developing the level of initiative among the middle cadre Senior Non Commissioned Officers as well as discipline which is the bedrock of the military profession all over the world.
In his remark he noted that the Warrant Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers in the Nigerian Army are responsible for training the junior cadre and are the most visible group responsible for ensuring combat training and efficient management of the troops in the field.
He added that to ensure confidence of the troops and considering the dynamic environment of terrorism, emphasis must continue to be placed on training that would improve and impact on the performance of personnel particularly Guards Brigade which is saddled with the responsibility of securing the seat of power and protection of the first family as well as the Federal Capital Territory and its environs to adequately and effectively prepare them for the security challenges and threats confronting the nation.
He urged the participants to continue the good efforts, maintain and master the art of war to defeat all adversaries whenever the need arises .
Maj Gen Etsu-Ndagi appreciated the Units and participants while commending the Brigade’s leadership for the exercise which he said has accomplished the Army Headquarters desire to professionally prepare all personnel’s physical fitness for combat survival.
The event featured the Battalions under the Brigade competing for various exercises ranging from Foot drill , Combat and Physical fitness, Map reading and Weapon Handling. The competing units are, 7 Guards Battalion located in Maitama in the Federal Capital Territory, 102 Guards Battalion located in Suleija Niger state, 176 Guards Battalion located in Gwagwalada Area Council, and177 Guards Battalion located in Keffi Nasarawa state as well as the Guards Brigade Garrison located in Mambilla barracks Asokoro Abuja.
At the end of the four days competition, 177 Guards Battalion came 1st position, 7Guards Battalion and 176Guards Battalion came 2nd and 3rd position respectively. Guards Brigade Garrison came 4th and 102 Guards Battalion came 5th position.
The Competition was well attended by all Commanding Officers and Staff Officers of the Brigade led by the Commander Guards Brigade. Also in attendance were soldiers as well as members of the barracks community and friends of the Brigade.
Climax of the ceremony was the presentations of awards and trophies to the participating Units . There was also presentation of souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour, Major Gen Musa Etsu-Ndagi, the Army Headquarters Team of umpire and group photograph.
