Army trains officers on military operations other than war

The 81 Division, Nigerian Army on Monday began a five-day Operational Planning Cadre training for its officers and para-military officers within Lagos and Ogun States.

The General Officer Commanding of the Division, represented by the 35 Artillery Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Olaniyi Olatunde, during his opening remarks, said the training was designed to improve the operational planning skills of commanders and staff officers in both Joint and Single Service operations.

Olatunde said: “As you are all aware, the security challenges we face today are both real and daunting, therefore require a renewed vigour by commanders at all levels to tackle.

“It is in realisation of this fact and consistent with the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai’s vision that this operational planning cadre training is organised by 81 Division.

“The training is also to enhance synergy, professionalism and expose the officers to aspects of Military Operations Other Than War, estimate process and other related subjects, among other things.”

The GOC said the training, with the theme: “Sustaining Capacity Building as Key to Successful Conduct of MOOTW,” was carefully crafted, taking into cognisance the place of training in building a professional army.

He said: “Adjunct to this is the imperative to churn out well trained personnel that will efficiently confront the prevailing security challenges faced by the country.

“The training cadre is also aimed at availing participants of the necessary capabilities and competences that they require to successfully plan future operations, while also providing the opportunity to promote synergy and cooperation with sister Services.”

The Air Officer Commanding, Logistics Command, Nigerian Air-Force, Air-Vice Marshal Abdulganiyu Olabisi, who was the Special Guest of Honour, declared the training open and urged the participants to use it to gain more knowledge.

Olabisi, represented by Air Commodore Paul Masiyer, also urged the participants to use the opportunity to tap from the wealth of knowledge and experiences of the resource persons to apply same in the field.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the training, for the rank of Major and below, involves Corps Headquarters, Army Headquarters Departments and Nigerian Army schools as well as sister services, paramilitary agencies and parastatals located therein.

Other objectives of the cadre training are to revise and update participants in operational planning procedures as well as promote robust partnership among security agencies.