About TRADOC NA
The TRADOC NA was established in 1981 during the tenure of Lt Gen MI Wushishi as COAS. It was established as the ‘Think Tank’ and Centre of Excellence of the NA. It was to develop and evaluate operational doctrine, force structure and training of personnel (capacity building) for the NA. This was with a view to evolving a common framework and approach to the NA operations from which plans could be developed and successfully implemented through effective application of a joint doctrine. The HQ TRADOC NA also had the mandate to conduct and coordinate research activities in conjunction with relevant NA and Defence HQ research agencies and bureau.
Though the military is perceived to be conservative organization especially during peace time, there is need to prepare for war of which time, place and intensity is never certain. Thus, this requires that defence system and personnel to fight the war be ready at all times. As the military tries not to fight future wars with obsolete methods, techniques, procedures and weapons, there is need to study the past and present, plan for the future so that readiness is constantly assured. Hence, the need to have a coordinating body such as TRADOC to plan, train and develop doctrine for the NA. The organisation to do the planning for the NA is HQ TRADOC NA.
In 1981, a high power delegation was set up by the then COAS to visit foreign Armies and see how they ran their schools. Maj Gen GO Ejiga led the team, with Brigadiers Jega and Vatsa, and Col Williams as members to Indian, Pakistan, UK and USA. The report of the committee recommended the adoption of the American system of TRADOC and of a superior command to the divisions. It would command all the training Institutions of the NA and become the ‘Think Tank’ of the NA for doctrine, training and research. It was also to take over the command of corps schools. The report was accepted by the COAS but not implemented by Gen Akinrinade and his successor Gen Jalo. The report was implemented by Gen MI Wushishi.
The motto of TRADOC which is inscribed on its Logo is “Towards Greater Heights”. The TRADOC insignia consist of the Spear which is the traditional weapon made from traditional technological sophisticated weapon system. The Eagle is from the National emblem which signifies that a well-trained and combat ready national army has the strength, the power, the grace and the respect within and outside the country. The laurel on which the eagle perches is a Roman and Greek symbol for excellence. The background are the traditional NA colours of Red and Black which complete the emblem. The TRADOC Flag is the white crossed spear and sword super-imposed on the Black and Red background
The desire to put the NA on a sound path of development, despite all impediments and in consonance with national aspirations, led to the establishment of TRADOC in the year 1981. The TRADOC NA was established in line with the US Army TRADOC located at Fort Eustis, Virginia which has the mandate to oversee training and development of operational doctrine in the US Army. The HQ TRADOC NA became a full-fledged command of the NA situated in Minna, Niger State. The TRADOC NA stands as alternative Army Headquarters (AHQ) and act as corps HQ when 2 or more divisions are committed into operation. Additionally, it is the coordinating command for all DRUs of the NA within Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara States
In order for TRADOC NA to effectively carry out its roles, it is organized into a Headquarters, 3 departments and a Centre. The Command also has NA schools such as corps schools and other NA training institutions which include Army War College of Nigeria(AWCN), Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) DLW, Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Army Wing, Depot NA, Nigerian Army School of Education (NASE), Nigerian Army Special Forces School (NASFS), Amphibious Training School (ATS), Nigerian Army College of Logistics (NACOL), Warrant Officers Academy (WOA), Nigerian Military School (NMS), Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts (NASFA), Nigerian Army Language Institute (NALI) and other ancillary units in its organogram in line with the NA ORBAT 2016
