Izuchukwu OkosiThe military is saddled with the responsibility of safeguarding a country’s territorial borders and it’s citizens from attacks. All over the world, joining the army comes with mixed feelings.
There is a sense of pride that comes with being a part of the military that oversees the safety and well-being of a nation.
However, there is also a sinking feeling that one’s life could be cut short when on a battleground or in the event of gun duels.
In Nigeria, the sentiments are the same and there are arguments for and against joining the army.
Prime Business Africa‘s Izuchukwu Okosi highlights the 10 benefits of serving in the Nigerian Army.
The Nigerian Army was founded in 1956 and according to Wikipedia “(it) is the land force of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”
An incumbent President of Nigeria is the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Army, and its professional head is the Chief of Army Staff, who is the highest ranking military officer of the Nigerian Army.
The President, and Chief of Army Staff (as at when this piece was written) are Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja respectively.
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1. Security alertness
Serving as a military officer, and specifically, in the Nigerian Army helps in dealing with the issue of security.
Being an army officer among other things helps in reawakening the security consciousness of its officers.
An average army officer who was well trained is usually wired to take note of the smallest details around them.
The ideal army officer should have a sixth sense!
2. Discipline
The military barracks – and the training school before it – is a place of discipline and self denial – and also a stark reminder of the vagaries of life.
Being an army officer means that one helps in enforcing law and order in the society.
3. Societal Responsibility
Being an army officer in Nigeria means that you are handed a huge task in aiding the protection of the citizens and their rights to freedom, justice and equity.
The air of responsibility is not to be mistaken with arrogance and the rules of engagement stipulates that an army officer is a nation’s backbone and shield in times of trouble. The force’s motto reads: ‘Victory belongs to God’.
4. Health Care
Members of the Nigerian Army are well taken care of by the Federal Government.
This is so because the President of the Nation is designated as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Besides the need for the Presidency to take care of its parastatals and agencies, the health strains of an average army officer is a threat to the states and the nation in general.
There are military hospitals across the country and they are constantly re-equipped.
5. Free (almost ) Education
The children of army officers are well taken card of and pay little or nothing on tuition fees in the event that their parents are involved in a fatal incident.
6. National Unity
Akin to the national youth Service Corps that practically sees everyone involved, mingle with people from different parts of the country, the army officer works with different people from other parts of the country.
This ensures that the nation is integrated and national unity is enhanced.
7. Inter tribal marriages
As a result of the social integration that joining the army offers, this has led to inter tribal marriages between people of different origins.
When good unions are achieved, it’s beautiful to see and some heartwarming stories have been told about love found by army officers.
However the Army frowns at its officers flouting the rules regarding weddings of officers. They are forbidden from posting on social media platforms the videos of their wedding ceremonies whilst on military uniforms.
Those affected and even those who attend such ceremonies could be in serious trouble with the Force.
8. Job opportunities
Being in the Nigerian Army means that young men and women who have the requisites to serve in the military are afforded chance to gain employment.
This means that these young Nigerians’ positive energies are channeled to good cause and service to the nation.
9. Insurance scheme
Due to the risk of losing one’s life and/or permanent or temporary disability, military officers especially in the army are insured by reputable insurance companies.
This is an area that the Force have worked to better as the army officers have had several peace keeping missions, conflict resolutions and election duties to attend which in most cases have claimed casualties.
10. Opportunities for sports and entertainment enthusiasts
There are some Nigerian celebrities that have shone in their sporting or showbiz disciplines because they had the opportunities to be in the military or paramilitary forces.
Nigeria have been represented at the World and African Military Games by those who are currently working as army officers.
We have also had a few music recording and performing artistes who have served in the army in particular and (para) military in general.
How to apply for the Nigerian Army
- Regular Course
New army officers could be recruited when they apply by attending the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA).
They are rigorously trained in different fields in the army for a period of five (5) years.
2. Short Service Combatant Course (SSC)
People who are interested in joining the Nigerian Army can apply by completing either polytechnic (Higher National Diploma – HND) or the University (B.Sc, B.Ed).
Applicants are expected to be less than 30 years old as at the time of their applications.
The duration of the course is usually 9 months but a further three months of training are also offered in airborne and counter terrorism.
Applicants are expected to be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and are expected to be single at the point of admission.
3. Direct Short Service Course
This course is designed for professionals that serve in non-combat roles in the Army.
These include roles in Education, Health, Religion, etc.
The duration of this course is six (6) months.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
In October 2004, Okosi joined Complete Communications Limited, publishers of Complete Sports newspaper and Complete Football magazine as a reporter and later script writer for the Complete Sports studio.
He worked there for 13 years until October 2017.
Okosi also worked various times as Correspondent, Content creator and Editor at Sports Market International Magazine, Opera News, All Nigeria Soccer Media and Iconic Media Watch.
He also undertook freelance writing gigs for some local and international organizations.
Okosi is a member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Association of Movie Producers (AMP), Association of Voiceover Artistes of Nigeria (AVOA), Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
He has been part of cast in some Nollywood movies and radio dramas including Blood Money 2, Scores To Settle, Dead End 2, Another Campus Tale and Battle Line.
Aside mainstream media and the entertainment industry, he has interests in scouting/unearthing of talents in the sports and creative sectors, exports business and property development.
