Capacity Building: DHQ partners French Armed Forces, Trains Personnel on ARCGIS Software.

In its bid to build the human capacity of the Nigerian military on the deployment of information technology, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in conjunction with the France Armed Forces (FAF) has successfully trained the first set of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) on Aeronautical Reconnaissance Coverage, Geographic Information System (ARCGIS).

The 2-week practical training course designed for 10 train-the-trainers from the AFN intelligence corps comprised of officers from the Nigerian Army, Airforce and Navy was held at the Defence Intelligence College (DIC), Abuja from 16 – 27 July, 2018.

The course which centered on geo-analysis and geo-statistics was also geared towards broadening the participants’ knowledge on how to leverage on the various ARCGIS analytical tools for military intelligence gathering in order to boost tactical combat operations.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, while appreciating the FAF for the training partnership, commended the France Defence Attaché (DA) to Nigeria, Colonel Nicolas Rambaud for facilitating the capacity building initiative to ensure the operational readiness of the AFN.

The CDS, who was represented at the occasion by the Deputy Director of Training, at DHQ, Air Commodore Idoko Ohemu said that the partnership will foster strategic relationship and defence diplomacy between both countries Armed Forces.

While congratulating the officers for successful completion of the course, General Olonisakin stated that ARCGIS software course is vital as it would have positive impact in the various military operations across the country.

He then urged the graduands to put to bear all what they have learnt into their military field of endeavours.

In his remarks, the DA France said the objective of the course was to train-the-trainers, noting that the graduands are future trainers as such they need to improve on the ARCGIS analytical tools and skills.

Colonel Rambaud pointed out that when adequately utilized, the ARCGIS software would facilitate the understanding of military in-depth situation on a map while disclosing that over the years, the France military has effectively deployed ARCGIS software in its various military operations.

He then commended the France instructors for accepting to tutor the students at no cost.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant, DIC, Commodore EO Jaiyeola, represented by the Acting Deputy Commandant, Colonel UJ Gombe thanked the DA France for facilitating the training. According to him since knowledge knows no boundary and terrorism has no boundaries,” while adding that both countries’ military should continue to interface by bringing wealth of experiences and local content to bear.

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