NDA: Turning cadets into officers

Every year the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna graduates cadets from its Regular Combatant Course. These officer cadets are expected to be equipped with knowledge, skills and the values necessary to meet the requirements of a military officer through military, academic and character development.  Established on 5th February 1964 in response to the defence needs […]

Every year the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna graduates cadets from its Regular Combatant Course. These officer cadets are expected to be equipped with knowledge, skills and the values necessary to meet the requirements of a military officer through military, academic and character development. 
Established on 5th February 1964 in response to the defence needs of independent Nigeria and  to train officers for the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the institution was known as the Royal Military Forces Training College (RMFTC).However, after independence in 1960, it became known as the Nigerian Military Training College.
Recently, the Academy conducted a field training exercise named Camp Highland Exercise for cadets of 62 Regular course which took place at the Table Hill, Nigerian Army Base Camp, Kachia, Kaduna state, and is the final field training exercise for the cadets, where they are put through a battle inoculation including live fire power demonstration.
The inoculation, Daily Trust gathered precedes the passing out parade of the cadets in September, 2015 and it is a realistic experience that simulates conventional and urban battle environments under live-fire conditions, testing and pushing the recruits’ field craft and self confidence to the limit. To achieve this, the recruits’ will first be taught how to complete the course, and then attempt the course with what they have learnt throughout their Basic Military Training phase.
Daily Trust gathered that the exercise is aimed at ensuring that the graduating Cadets of the Academy are given the best training that can be compared to other military institutions in the world, through the application of international best practices,  as well as equip them to face the challenges of the 21st century security environment such as terrorism and other transnational crimes. 
The battle inoculation is also the last phase for Exercise Camp Highland which is a combination of Leadership and Adventure Training, Practical Map Reading Test, Company Level Field Training Exercise, Navigational Training, Field Firing and Battle Inoculation. It also involves Combined Fire Power Demonstration from the Artillery, the Infant Support Weapons and the Alpha Jets of the Nigerian Air Force, which would constitute a practical test of the Cadets’ confidence ,as they are being introduced to real battle field conditions and would operate under live firing from high caliber weapons. 
This is the final practical test in Military Proficiency, understanding of Operational, Administrative and Logical Concepts which would lead to the assessment of the Cadets on their suitability and capability,  for commissioning into the Nigerian Army as Combatant Officers.
Speaking at the occasion, the former governor of Kaduna state, Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, who was represented by the former deputy, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga said he was impressed at the professional manner in which the Cadets conducted the last phase of the exercise.
He told the graduating cadets to appreciate the NDA which has given them the best training that can be compared to any similar institution in the world , and had introduced them to the numerous challenges they will encounter in their future leadership positions in the Nigerian Army. 
He advised them to always reflect on the challenges of physical fitness and future military trainings,  which will enable them lead their subordinates in order to achieve the desired goals in their chosen profession. 
Ambassador Bajoga  urged them to always remember to improve themselves in order to remain relevant to the Nigerian Army and the country, seizing every opportunity to train and develop themselves in any organization they find themselves,  and urged them to remain loyal to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the constitutional authorities placed above them.
Director of Military Training, Brigadier General Okwudili Azinta welcomed the invited guests and acquainted them with the activities of the day,  which according to him included movement of the Cadets from an Assembly Area to a Forming Up Place, from where they would be required to assault an objective with close fire support from various support weapons.
Finally, the Battle Inoculation and Fire Power Demonstration Exercise came to an end with guests treated to the Commandant’s Luncheon and Camp Fire Night.