Kofi Ampeah Woode
Forces Pay Regiment (FPR) have extended their wonder-working spree by undisputedly winning the 2024 Inter-Unit Drill Competition of the Support Services Command (SP SVCS COMD) of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The day-long contest took place at the Square of the Command on Thursday 17 October 2024, with the Guest of Honour being the Commandant, GAF Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) – Major General (Maj Gen) Matthew Kweku Essien, supported by the Commander, Support Services – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Selassie Gagakuma.
The contest, undertaken in spite of rain, saw the FPR as the first contingent to take to the Square to demonstrate foot drills; (slow and quick time); salute-to-the-flanks and to-the-front; up-system at-a-halt; advance-in-review-order working on the up-system; rifle exercise at-a-halt; rifle exercise at-a-march; rifle exercise in quick-time; sentry drills; sequence flow.
FPR, 41 Defence Signal Regiment (41 Def Sig Regt), Supply & Transport (S&T), Ghana Military Police (GMP), 49 Engineer Regiment (49 Engr Regt), Base Ordnance Depot (BOD), and Headquarters (HQ) SP SVCS COMD (comprising of Base Workshop, Central Band, and HQ Command) in that order, each worked with a contingent of 1 Officer and 25 Soldiers.
The performance rendered by FPR, was so full of powerful exuberance such that, it made the subsequent enactments of their contending colleagues’ pale out, and became the standard of most of the ecstatic spectators, for every other contingent.
Delivering his address, Maj Gen MK Essien, described SP SVCS COMD as playing an indispensable role from logistics through medical support, communications to administration in GAF’s operations, with the effectiveness of missions resting on the Command’s shoulders.
He continued to say that military drills are more than demonstration of physical process, but a reflection of values such as discipline, respect and teamwork, for a shared commitment to a common purpose.
He entreated Commanders at all levels of GAF, to promote Drill in their Units, not forgetting Muster Parades, Guard Mounting and Funeral Drills, and should be positively exploited to ensure that troops appreciate such values in Ghana’s military profession.
Brig Gen S Gagakuma, in his welcome address said, Drill forms the bases of the Ghana Military tradition, the soul of any good armed forces, permeating any organized military Unit or personnel’s daily life.
Asserting that the new generation cannot change military traditions, he charged Private Soldiers to demonstrate good Drill skills and values everywhere, particularly at guard duties and paying compliments, calling for a return to the basics of Ghana’s military traditions, and to the sustaining of the traditions of GAF’s forebears.
Drill competitions are meant to enhance discipline, teamwork and precision among military Units, as it fosters a sense of unity, promotes healthy rivalry and instils pride in participating Unit’s identity.
It also strengthens command and control skills, reinforcing obedience and coordination in following orders, showcasing the high standards of physical fitness, discipline and ceremonial proficiency, which are key attributes of professional soldiers, and boosts morale and esprit de corps, as Units work together to achieve excellence.
GMP placed 2nd (and was happier than the ultimate winner), HQ SP SVCS COMD placed 3rd, 49 Engr Regt placed 4th, S&T placed 5th, 41 Def Sig Regt placed 6th, and BOD placed 7th.
Present at the event included Deputy Chief Staff Officer, Logistics, Army – Brig Gen Kenneth Kwaku Kwaah Kumi; Deputy Commander, SP SVCS COMD – Brig Gen Maxwell Obuba Mantey; Senior Officers, Officers, Forces Sergeant Major (FSM) – Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Addo; Army Sergeant Major – Master Warrant Officer Isaac Ansah-Yeboah; Ex-FSMs and Sergeant Majors, Unit Regimental Sergeant Majors, Soldiers and Defence Civilian Employees.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
