The Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin yesterday charged military officers to brace up to the current internal security challenges.

In his speech at the graduation ceremony of Junior Course 79/2015 Armed Forces Command and Staff College, AFCS, Jaji in Kaduna State, the Naval Chief said as the Federal Government continues to vigorously pursue the transformation agenda, much will be demanded of the military.

He added that the military's action, particularly during the on-going counter insurgency operations is crucial and must be guided by the Armed Forces Act, Standard Operating Procedure or Rules of Engagement as the case maybe.

The Naval Chief said the sense of judgment in applying skills acquired whilst on the course would be more apparent now that the country is confronting a lot of internal security challenges.

“You must therefore brace up to these kinds of likely challenges and measure up to them with courage, conviction and in the most professional manner,” he added.

“It is therefore pertinent that you always conduct yourself in a manner befitting of an officer and a gentleman when discharging your duties in line with global best practice,” he said.

Jibrin said the objective of the college is to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers of the Armed Forces in order to prepare them for increasing responsibilities both in staff and command appointments.

He said the officers should, therefore, consider it a privilege to have been nominated for the course by their respective Services, organisations and countries.

The Naval Chief noted that the past 21 weeks of the course has subjected the students to various demanding tasks that exposed them to several presentations, lectures, discussions, exercises and even tours outside the College.

He said the quality of the training would assist the officers a great deal to survive the onslaught of the ‘Red Forces’ and the pressures associated with ‘Red Ink Correction’ exercise.

“It is also heartwarming to see some serving female officers among the graduating students. I am aware that the Junior Course Curriculum is structured to lay a solid foundation for the Senior Course and is continually reviewed to keep in tune with current development in the world,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Commandant AFCSC, Air Vice Marshal John Ifemeje said in view of the current security situation in the country and its attendant asymmetric nature, the Junior Course Curriculum now includes counter-revolutionary and anti-terrorism packages.

He said the increasing number of allied countries sending students for courses to the College is a clear attestation that graduates are living up to the expectations of the armed forces of their respective countries.

He said in furtherance to the ongoing transformation efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces, the AFCSC Jaji has reviewed and expanded its curriculum to reflect emerging military thinking in warfare.

“To this end Disaster Management, Peace Support Operations and the Estimate Process Package have been included in the Junior Course Curriculum in recognition of our country’s involvement in global peacekeeping,” he said.

The commandant said Junior Course 79/2015 at inception was made up of 149 students comprising 65 Nigerian Army officers, 45 Nigerian Navy Officers, 28 Nigerian Air Force Officers and seven non-military students.

He added that “the students were also made up of four allied officers from the Republic of Benin, the Gambia and Togo. However, 147 students would be graduating.”

•Photo shows Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin.

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