The Chief Of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, has urged junior military officers to be decisive in handling tasks.

Mr 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.

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.”

Mr Abubakar said the junior course curriculum had been restructured to lay a solid foundation for junior commanders.

The air force boss said that in the past 23 weeks, the officers have learnt vital concepts like counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations, the estimate process, and 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.

Mr 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, impacting the operating environment they would face as junior commanders and leaders.

According to him, junior leaders are the bridge between senior leadership and the men and women who execute missions on land, sea, air, and cyberspace 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,” he explained.

Mr Abubakar added, “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.”

(NAN)