Air Chief: Rigorous Physical, Mental Demands of Training Deliberate to Prepare Recruits for Military Realities

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said that the rigorous physical, mental and other demands of the military training programme were deliberately designed to prepare recruits for the realities of military service.

Aneke made the remarks yesterday during the Passing Out Parade of Basic Military Training Course (BMTC) 45/2025.

A statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the graduation of 1,296 recruits marked their transition from civilian life into trained airmen and airwomen of the NAF.

The CAS urged the new personnel to uphold discipline, teamwork and a strong sense of duty, while expressing gratitude to their families for the support that contributed to their successful completion of the course.

Reviewing the parade, Aneke described the event as “a defining milestone for both the graduates and the Service,” stressing that the operational effectiveness of NAF depends on the quality, discipline and professionalism of its personnel.

He noted that the six-month training programme aligns with his Command Philosophy of sustaining a highly motivated, professional and mission-ready force capable of delivering decisive airpower in synergy with surface forces to achieve national security objectives.

The Air Chief underscored the strategic importance of the Military Training Centre, describing it as the cradle of military excellence in the Nigerian Air Force. 

He commended the Commandant, instructors and staff for maintaining high training standards, adding that the discipline instilled during the course translates directly into professionalism and operational effectiveness in the field. 

He also praised the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, Air Vice Marshal Shinkafi, for his effective oversight of the institution.

Air Marshal Aneke further reminded the recruits that they were entering service at a time of complex security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and other asymmetric threats.

He emphasised the NAF’s decisive role in combat air operations, combat support missions, and other covert and overt activities, which require adaptability, continuous learning and professionalism. 

He assured them of the Service’s sustained investment in training and welfare to enhance mission effectiveness.

The CAS expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support, as well as the Kaduna State Government, sister Services, security agencies and partner institutions for their contributions to NAF training efforts.