The minister of defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), on Monday, September 21, called for every Nigerian citizen to undergo military training, saying such an experience would provide a deeper understanding of the demands and sacrifices associated with service in the armed forces.
Musa made the proposal while explaining why he believes civilians should have greater insight into the responsibilities and challenges faced by military personnel.
The former chief of defence staff said military training exposes participants to difficult conditions involving hunger, exhaustion, physical strain and prolonged periods without normal comforts.
According to him, Nigerians who undergo such training would better appreciate the sacrifices required to protect the country and the responsibilities that come with national security.
Musa said the experience would also teach citizens how to persevere under difficult circumstances, including situations where they are physically exhausted, hungry or deprived of sleep.
He maintained that gaining firsthand exposure to such conditions could help Nigerians develop a better understanding of the duties performed by personnel of the armed forces and the demands of defending the country.
“Every Nigerian should be able to go through military training. I can tell you for free, it will give you a different perspective about life. You will now understand what it means to stay hungry, what it means to walk in days without sleep.
“It will show you what endurance means, when you walk kilometres and you are tired but you still need to keep on going. You have not eaten, you have not taken one because of the nature of the thing and because you are doing it to protect.
“Just like what the Bible says that there’s no greater friend than he who will give his life for his friend.
“And that’s exactly what the military men are doing, putting their lives at stake for their country to move around. And so that’s why sometimes it’s very painful when you see people insulting the military and telling them they don’t need it or we don’t want this to end. Nobody’s dying now, and they don’t want it to end,” he said.
Musa said the proposal was intended to give Nigerians a better appreciation of the conditions under which military personnel operate and the sacrifices they make in the course of protecting the country.
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