NAF Graduates 87 Officers, Airmen on Fast Rope Insertion & Extraction Systems Course at Regiment Training Centre, Kaduna.

The Nigerian Airforce on Friday graduated a total of 87 officers and airmen who had undergone the Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction Systems Special training at the Regiment Training Centre in Kaduna, with the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (GTC), Air Vice Marshal Idi Amin stating that the training will equip regiment personnel with equipment re-supply skills necessary during conduct of combat operations. 

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, AVM Amin gave a breakdown of the graduands to includea 40 NAF Regiment personnel who successfully undergone the specialized course and  another 32 who underwent recurrence training, in addition to 5 pilots, 8 engineers and 2 onboard crew who were also trained.

His words “I am delighted to once again attend this graduation ceremony of officers and airmen/airwomen who have completed the Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System Course at the Regiment Training Centre. 

” In 2019, the NAF commenced a collaboration with the Skybridge Tactical, a United States Company. 
“The aim of the collaboration is to train NAF Regiment personnel in Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction by Special Forces units to make rapid insertion using rotary wing aircraft in confined areas. 

“This training will also equip regiment personnel with equipment resupply skills necessary during conduct of combat operations. 

While noting that the training can also create a lifeline for supply of food and other relief materials to isolated IDP Camps where the main re-supply routes are not tenable due to enemy action or where there is no landing helipad, the AOC said, “This training is the second and has resulted as at today in the training of 95 personnel”. 

Continuing he said, “The Nigerian Air Force under the leadership of Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar has continually built on human capacity development, this has necessitated the drive for massive recruitment and training of Regiment personnel in various skills. 

‘The desire to make the Nigerian Air Force more responsive demands new specialized training.

 “To do this, the Nigerian Air Force will reinvigorate capabilities that have declined, develop new capabilities for the changing security environment and adapt processes to reflect the broader range of security requirements. 

“It will also continue to invest in capacity building drives aimed at generating combat forces to be capable of securing own bases against all forms of hostile elements. 

“For the graduating students, you have worked hard to get to this moment through your commitment, high-discipline and determination that you have met the standard required and you should be proud of all that you have achieved. I therefore, congratulate you all. 

“I am sure you have imbibed the attributes of the military profession which include absolute loyalty, discipline, honesty, intelligence, physical fitness, motivation, accountability, judgment, decisiveness, teamwork, and courage among other values.

“The current leadership of the Nigerian Air Force is committed to enthroning professionalism and as such, the specialized military training you received was designed to enhance your professional performance. 

“I therefore implore you to put all that you have learnt while on this course to maximum use to safeguard lives and property within your area of responsibility. 

“Again, I urge you all to keep on giving your best in the service of our great nation, especially at this critical time in our history when we are facing unprecedented challenges to our security and sovereignty. 

The Federal Government through appropriate policies has re-ordered its priorities to maximize available resources.

“The Nigerian Air Force had to strategize for utmost utilization of all equipment and resources provided by the Government. 

‘Consequently, you must make judicious use of the resources that the Service will put in your care and avoid wastage and negligence. 

“As members of the Armed Forces, we must continue to support the Federal Government in its policy thrust to improve the economic, social and political development in the county.

“Let me at this point appreciate the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Baba Abubakar for his unrelenting support to the Command training activities, we say a big thank you. 

“I also want to commend the efforts of the Commandant and entire staff of Regiment Training Centre for the just concluded specialized courses. 

“Before I conclude this address, I must commend the Skybridge Tactical Company for your dedication, hard work and commitment to the training package in the Regiment Training Centre.”

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