Nigerian Air Force Graduates Another Fas Rope Insertion/Extraction System Course At RTC Kaduna

Nigerian Air Force Graduates Another Fas Rope Insertion/Extraction System Course At RTC Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), in collaboration with Skybridge Tactical Company of the United States of America, has graduated another set of officers and airmen/airwomen from the Fast Rope Insertion and Extraction System (FRIES) Course. The Graduation Ceremony, which took place at the new Panthers’ Hall of the Regiment Training Centre (RTC) Kaduna yesterday, 20 March 2020, featured a total of 40 NAF Regiment personnel who have successfully undergone the specialized course, as well as another 32 who underwent recurrence training. In addition, 5 pilots, 8 engineers and 2 onboard crew were also trained.

In his address at the occasion, the Guest of Honour and Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command (AOC GTC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Idi Amin, stated that the NAF, under the leadership of the current Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has continually focused its attention on human capacity development, and this, he said, had occasioned massive recruitment and training of Regiment personnel in various areas of competence. He added that the desire to make the NAF more responsive necessitated the reinvigoration of existing capabilities as well as the development of new ones and adaptation of processes to reflect the broader range of security requirements. The NAF, according to him, would continue to invest in capacity building initiatives aimed at generating combat forces capable of better securing its bases and other critical national assets against hostile elements.

While congratulating the Graduands for successfully completing the Course, AVM Amin urged them to imbibe the attributes of the military profession and virtues that bind all ranks in the Service. In his words; “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. I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our Country, Nigeria.”

The AOC appreciated the CAS for his unrelenting support to the activities of the Ground Training Command whilst also commending the Commandant and staff of the RTC for their efforts in ensuring the successful conduct of the various courses at the Centre. He equally lauded the Skybridge Tactical Company Team for their dedication, hard work and commitment to the NAF’s training efforts. “It is my sincere hope that the NAF will continue to build on the very cordial, long-standing cooperation with the Government of the United States”, he added.

The NAF’s collaboration with Skybridge Tactical, which began in 2019, is aimed at equipping NAF Regiment personnel with requisite skills in FRIES for rapid insertion of Special Forces using rotary wing aircraft in confined areas. The training is also designed to empower personnel with capabilities for fast logistics resupply to front line troops during combat operations as well as supply of food and other relief materials to isolated IDP Camps, where the main resupply routes are not tenable due to enemy action or where there is no landing helipad.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of certificates to the graduands by the AOC GTC assisted by the RTC Commandant, Group Captain Daniel Komo. Guests at the event included Commanders of co-located units in Kaduna as well as members of the Skybridge Tactical Company Team, led by Mr Ash Robert.