By Muhammad Tijjani

The Chief Of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has charged junior military officers to be decisive in handling any tasks or missions given to them .

Abubakar gave the charge at the regimental dinner night of the Armed Forces Command and Staff  College (AFCSC), Junior Course 97 on Thursday in Jaji Kaduna State.

He said, ”As  junior commanders, you have to take vital decisions in the field.

Junior leaders must understand that indecision is not an option.

 ”The dinner night is one of the major events lined up for the graduation of Junior Course 97 on June 15 .

 “As you are aware, the objective of the college is to develop the professional knowledge and understanding of selected officers of the Armed Forces to prepare them for increasing responsibilities in staff and command appointments.”

Abubakar said that the junior course cCurriculum has been restructured to lay a solid foundation for junior commanders.

“The College has done commendably well by continually reviewing the Curriculum to keep in tune with current developments in the world and to effectively align training objectives with emerging defence and security challenges locally and within the     African Sub-Region, “he said.

The CAS said in the past  23 weeks, the officers have learnt vital concepts like counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, the estimate process, the manoeuverist’s approach to warfare and peace support operations, amongst others.

“It is also gratifying that you learnt the rudiments of time management, perseverance, determination, team spirit, staff work, self confidence and most importantly, discipline while on this course,’ he charged.

Abubakar said the members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and some of their neighbours were already aware of the security challenges confronting the nation and the challenges they would face in the field.

He said these security challenges were complicated by non-state actors acquiring commercial off- the- shelf technologies such as drones and satellite communications, thereby profoundly impacting the operating environment they would face as junior commanders and leaders.

According to him, as  junior leaders, they are the bridge between senior leadership, the men and women who execute the missions on the land, sea, in the air,  and the cyber space operational environments.

“Your leadership, dedication, and ability to inspire and guide your teams are essential to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.

”As junior leaders, you must be able to inspire confidence in subordinates and not lead through intimidation or be overtly coercive.

”As military leaders, you need to be firm and, in certain circumstances, authoritarian.

Cross section of students of junior course 97 of AFCSC .

” As junior military leaders, you would make critical decisions in combat environments and other high-pressure situations with consequential risks to your life and your subordinates.

“You must understand that your Influence and actions extend beyond immediate tactical missions.

“Your impact significantly contributes to the overall plan and objectives at the operational and strategic levels, “he said.

Abubakar charged them to lead with integrity, saying, ”we often pay lip service to the word Integrity.

“But it is indeed all-encompassing, Integrity to yourself, the Service and your subordinates.”

The Air Chief emphasized that it was vital to maintain open lines of communication with their superiors and subordinates.

He said clear and effective communication was crucial for operational coordination and fostering a cohesive team environment.

 Abubakar  congratulated the international officers from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo Republic,  DR Congo, Eswatini, The Gambia, Mali, Togo and Zimbabwe.

” You have made your countries and families proud for completing the Course. I hope you will continue to nurture the relationships you have established while on this Course.

“Such relationships will go a long way in fostering our bilateral and long-standing military cooperation, “Abubakar said.

He also congratulated the students of course 97 from  Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that prizes here given to the students who distinguished themselves (NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani