The Nigerian Army on Tuesday reiterated its commitment to continue to protect the territorial integrity of the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, made the statement at the 2016 Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) Convention at the Army Resource Centre, Abuja.
The theme of this year’s convention was: “Regimentation as the bedrock of military discipline and professional responsiveness: The role of the RSM.”
Buratai said that the Army’s engagement in internal security and counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations at various theatres within the country had tasked the capacity and resilience of the Army.
“These operations and engagements have exposed some flaws in discipline, regimentation and professionalism among soldiers.
“This underscores my vision on assumption of office which is to have a professionally responsive Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,’’ he said.
He said that his vision was to restore the important core values of the Army through discipline, regimentation and professionalism.
“In line with the aforementioned, RSMs in the Army are known to occupy a very important position in the efforts towards repositioning the Army.
“This is because, RSMs are link between the officer cadre and soldiers; it is important to re-emphasise that my vision cannot be attained without a well-disciplined, knowledgeable and highly resourceful class of RSMs.
“As custodians of unit regimentation, RSMs should be willing and effectively discharge their responsibilities at all times.
The COAS, however, urged the participants to continually ensure better and professional ways for troops under command to discharge their duties.
In his remarks, the Director-General, Army Resource Centre, (NARC), Maj.-Gen. Johny Hamakin, said that this year’s topic was carelfully selected because of the role RSMs play in the army.
Hamakin said that the convention was strictly organised for the RSMs who were the driving force of the army.
He said that the convention was also aimed at enhancing the capacity of RSMs at all levels in performing their roles professionally as well as serving as a link between the officers and soldiers.