Army begins promotion test for 1,800 Warrant Officers

No fewer than 1,800 Warrant Officers drawn from various Army formations across the country are undergoing practical and intellectual exercise to qualify them for promotion to the rank of Master Warrant Officers.

The exercise commenced yesterday at 3 Division, Small Arms Range Miango, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State.

Declaring the exercise open, the Chief of Personnel Management (Army), Maj-Gen. Y. Yahaya congratulated the participants on being found worthy to be part of the exercise. He revealed that they would undergo both physical and medical examinations to ascertain their stability to pass through the rigours of the selection process.

Represented by the Director of Personnel Planning, Army Headquarters Department of Personnel Management, Brig-Gen. O. Oyelade, he noted that the participants would further be exposed to other tests, such as personal drill, weapon handling, written examination, oral interview and basic computer knowledge among others.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations of the Division, Lt. Col. Ishaku Takwa, the Chief of Personnel Management warned that “utmost standard of discipline is expected throughout the exercise.” He urged all to put in their best, as selection would be on merit.

Earlier in his welcome remark, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), Maj-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for considering 3 Division worthy of hosting the promotion exercise.

He revealed that the journey to becoming a Master Warrant Officer required discipline and perseverance.

“For you to have been selected to be part of this exercise, you must have demonstrated unwavering dedication to our core values of loyalty, integrity and selfless service,” he noted.

The GOC, who was represented by the Chief of Staff Headquarters 3 Division, Brig-Gen. M. Sanda, further noted that the participants would undergo a rigorous and comprehensive selection programme designed to test their leadership and technical skills in line with the COAS Command Philosophy.

He emphasised that the participants would be tested on the skills and experience they acquired to face the increasing challenges of modern warfare, and urged the board members to be just, fair and neutral to the candidates.

The exercise is expected to last 21 days.