The Commandant, Military Training Centre (MTC), Air Commodore Hadi Ahmed, made the disclosure at the Beating of the Retreat in honour of Basic Military Training Course 44/2023, on Thursday at NAF Base, Kaduna.

Ahmed said, “The training of recruits in MTC is in line with one of the key drivers of the Chief of Air Staff Command Philosophy, which is “Deliberate Training and Mission-oriented Force development”.

According to him, the training is prioritised with emphasis on six key objectives which included; physical fitness, mental alertness, weapon handling, field training, discipline, regimentation and team-work through intensive drills.

Others were: Quality and timely provision of food as well as ensuring a clean, functional living environment, appropriate service knowledge, internal security duties and dangers of drug abuse.

Ahmed appreciated the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, for his timely intervention in providing the resources to meet our training efforts and aspirations.

The Air Officer Commanding (AOC) , Ground Training Command , AVM Usman Abdullahi, who is the Guest of Honour at the occasion said ‘beating of retreat’ marked the end of formal training for the recruits of the course.

He said , “This tradition dates back to the 16th century in England, where it signaled the end of the day’s fighting and called troops back to the castle.

”The Nigerian military use the occasion to reward trainees who distinguished themselves during the training session.

” Your training has been rigorous and challenging, covering both academics and outdoor tactical exercises.

“The Nigerian Air Force has incorporated contemporary asymmetric warfare into its training syllabus, preparing you for the complexities of modern warfare.”

Abdullahi urged the recruits to move forward, remembering that loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subordination to civil authority were paramount.

He added, ”Always prioritise national and service interests ahead of personal interests, and be prepared to defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity at all costs.

”Uphold the NAF values excellence, and I encourage you to strive for professional excellence throughout your careers.

”As you leave the training ground in a few days, remember to be good ambassadors of the MTC.

Abdullajhi changed them to embody the culture of discipline and responsibility, and avoid reckless use of equipment and resources.

He said, ”To those who received prizes, I offer my congratulations. Continue to develop your potential and strive for excellence.

”To those who didn’t receive prizes, don’t be discouraged; you have already achieved so much by completing this course.

”Keep up the good work so as to make NAF a shining example in the sub region.” (NAN)