Kofi Ampeah Woode
In line with the operational strategy of the Headquarters Northern Command (N/COMD) and overall commitment to operational readiness and national security, Ghana Army’s 10 Mechanized Battalion (10 Mech Bn) has held a one-week rigorous Close Quarter Battle (CQB) training for its troops.
The one-week intensive training was officially opened at a ceremony by the Commanding Officer (CO), 10 Mech Bn – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Godfred Asampong, and duly closed subsequently, hosting a team of Instructors from the 69 Airborne Force, and immersed troops in the critical skills and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of CQB.
The training sessions, which has been of paramount importance particularly in the northern environment, were comprehensive, focusing on key CQB components essential for effective modern warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
The troops being imbibed with hands-on instructions and engaged in intensive drills covering house clearing tactics for assaulting and neutralizing heavily fortified terrorist positions, hostage rescue protocols for rescuing hostages while minimizing risk to civilians, raids, and the conduct of special unconventional missions.
The training was climaxed with a tactical field exercise which tested the practical application of the acquired skills in real-time combat scenarios, with the exercise simulating realistic combat situations, requiring troops to implement their training in house clearing, hostage rescue, and raids in heavily fortified enemy positions.
As the Unit faces evolving threats of terrorism, the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to potential terrorist activities is paramount, more so as Ghana’s general elections approaches in December, it is crucial for the Unit to be prepared to ensure a peaceful electoral process and consolidate the many years of national democracy. The skills acquired during this training will be instrumental in de-escalating situations and maintaining order during this critical period.
The troops demonstrated a high level of proficiency and adaptability, effectively applying the drills and techniques learned, significantly boosting the Unit’s capability to respond to real-time threats, fulfilling its mandate of assisting civil authorities to maintain law and order in the Upper West Region and will have a lasting impact on operational effectiveness and readiness.
Credit: N/COMD HQ
