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RUDIMENTS OF WAR FIGHTING, REGIMENTATION, CUSTOMS, ETHICS,

ETHOS AND TRADITION OF THE NA
You can't say civilisation don't advance... in every war, they kill you in a new way.
Will Rogers

All wars are civil wars because all men are brothers.
Francois Fenelon

Warrior Ethos
Rudiments Professionalism
Regimentation

1. The military in any nation is saddled with the specific responsibility of defending
the citizens and landmass from aggression. It also remains a vital instrument in the hands
of the political leadership for the pursuit of the nation’s strategic interest. In fulfilment of
this noble role, the military, in general, and the army in particular, have fought wars at
home and in distant lands. The destructive and risky nature of war has conferred on the
profession of arms a character of its own that lays a premium on an exacting standard
and nobility. This has given rise to a military culture that emphasises (TCE of the NA,
2005) regimentation, custom, ethics, tradition, discipline, and loyalty, among others.

2. Nations go to war for a variety of reasons. It has been argued that a country will go
to war if the benefits of war outweigh the disadvantages and if there is a sense that there
is no other mutually agreeable solution. Some have argued that wars are fought primarily
for economic, religious, and political reasons. Others have claimed that most wars today
are fought for ideological reasons.

3. The Nigerian Army (NA) inherited rich customs and traditions and a noble code of
ethics from its British heritage. These customs, traditions and codes of ethics were used
by the colonialists to turn slaves, outlaws, stragglers and conscripts into a disciplined and
effective Constabulary. The Nigerian Regiment, which metamorphosed from the colonial
Hausa Constabulary, was later to prove her mettle with victories in Abyssinia and

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Mogadishu during the Second World War. These victories and the recognition that came
with them provided a foundation of pride and confidence for the NA when Nigeria
became independent. It is broadly accepted that the NA took off as a small, compact,
disciplined, well-organised and highly motivated force.

Definition of Terms
4. Some military terms are as defined below:
a. War
War is a matter of vital importance to the State, a matter of life or death, a road
either to safety or to ruin (Sun Tzu). War is politics, and thus a clear political goal
is necessary to achieve an end by use of political tools, not merely force
(Clausewitz).
b. Customs
Customs are the established practices of a community or group and may be written
or unwritten. The Army has customs that guide official and social conduct. Some
customs are handed down from the distant past, while others are of comparatively
recent origin. As a long-established social organisation, the Army observes a
number of customs that add beauty to Army life in or outside the barracks.
c. Ethics
Ethics are rules or principles of behaviour for persons, groups or communities,
which are sometimes written down to be observed. Ethics have to do with the
person’s conscience to judge what is right or wrong.
d. Traditions
Traditions are customary patterns of thoughts, actions or behaviour that are
identifiable with a group of people. They include information, beliefs and customs
handed down by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another,
with or without written instructions e.g obey before complain, never offer excuses,
proper chain of command, paying a compliment. The transmission of customs or
believe from generation to generation or the fact of being passed on in this why

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“members of different castes have by tradition been associated with specific

occupations”. A tradition is a belief or behaviour passed down within a group or
society with symbolic meaning or special significance with origins in the past.
e. Values
Values are moral principles and standards that guide an organisation, community
or group. Tradition brings a sense of security. We come to rely on certain rituals
and events that unified us and bring back memories of the past. The player of the
event may charge, but the tradition remain the same and keeps us connected to the
past in addition to building memories of the present.
f. Ethos
Ethos are the typical spirit, character or attitude of a group of people. The Army
ethos motivates and enhances morale. Ethos may be translated into slogans such as
“Yield to Nothing”, “No Going Back”. It inspires the soldiers to do his best in any
circumstance and also helps to maintain and enhance morale. Ethos connotes
disposition and character. In relation to warrior ethos, it can be seen from two
dimensions of internal conviction and external behaviour. The internal conviction
must be strong and based on sound spiritual and philosophical roots. It can be
developed through a belief system. The external behaviour is a manifestation of
the internal conviction. It results in courage, ferocity, perseverance etc. in battle.
g. Warrior
A warrior is a person engaged or experienced in warfare, some struggle or conflict.
The warrior can be regarded as a fighter or soldier, especially one who is brave
and experienced in fighting.

Traits of Warrior Ethos

5. The primary function of a soldier is to fight and defeat the enemies of the state by
fire power and maneuver by day or night, in all weather conditions and terrain. To this
end, a soldier must have or develop the following traits:

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 War mode – Psyche of tps/mind, set awareness and be prepared to defend the
country even if he pays the ultimate price in the process.
 Fighting spirit and zeal.
 Mind set – will to fight and win.
 First principle i.e getting things right.
 Toughness or tough mindedness.
 Motivation.
 Vigilance
 Turnout.
 Discipline.
 Single mindedness.
 Nitty gritty of soldiering.
 All emanating from training (confidence in self, comrades and weapon
system/platform, leadership) etc.
 Seriousness about what we are doing.
 Quick thinking/action.
 Integrity.
 Professional competence.
 Teamwork.
 Transparency.
 Ethical performance.
 Mental strength.
 Character
 Tireless motivation.
 Vigilance.
 Willingness to sacrifice one’s life for the country.

6. Warrior Ethos and regimentation are pillars of military profession and it helps to
create bonds, cohesion and discipline which are required for successful military

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operations. Broadly put, warrior Ethos is a form of indoctrination driven by an ideology.

It is a set of principles by which every soldier lives or ought to live. It defines who we
are and who we aspire to become. The winning mentality is the driving force for warrior
Ethos.
7. Enhancing troop’s capacity in basic tenets, ethics and rudiment of soldiering such
as warrior ethos and regimentation will yield desired outcomes in theatre of operations.
Efforts must be directed towards rejuvenating teamwork, training, discipline and
leadership by example to achieve the desired goal. Others include fighting spirit, the will
to fight and the will to fight and win, tenacity of basic soldiering, strict adherence to the
customs, traditions and ethics of the NA to enhance troop’s patriotic and nationalistic
posture to defeat adversaries.
Training

8. Warrior Ethos is complemented by good training. Training for war must be

forward thinking, innovative and aggressive. It must be realistic and result oriented.
Realistic training with emphasis on marksmanship, night fighting capability, basic field
crafts, sentries, effective administration and ability to deliver offensive capability under
any condition.

9. Training must be evolving to keep pace with changing operating environment.

Nothing makes a soldier a warrior other than combat itself. Hence, the training
environment must try to simulate violence, death and destruction, fear and valour,
complexity and uncertainty to depict actual combat. Thereby, achieving realistic training.

Internalisation of Warrior Ethos

10. Warrior ethos should be internalized considering the following:
a. Realistic training.
b. Recognising heroes.
c. Enhancement of personnel.
d. Reward of excellence e.g warrior decoration.
e. Accelerated promotion.
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f. Battle field allowance.

g. Support to the families of fallen heroes by the NA and the country.
h. Sound Admin.
i. Reward of sanction system.

Traits that Reinforce Warrior Ethos

11. Some of these traits include:
a. Integrity
(a) Personal discipline and personal example of fairness
(b) Dependability and character(s).
b. Professional competence
(a) Knowledge.
(b) Professional skills.
c. Transparency.
(a) Judicious use of resources.
(b) Accountability.
(c) Honesty.
d. Teamwork/burden sharing.
(a) Training subordinates
(b) Giving them the opportunity to learn and make mistakes from their
experience.
e. Ethical performance.
(a) High moral standards.
(b) Values.
(c) Ethics.
(d) Maintenance of standard.
(e) Care for subordinates.
f. Mental attributes.
(a) Judgement.
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(b) Confidence.
(c) Intelligence.
(d) Cultural awareness.
g. Physical attributes
(a) Health.
(b) Fitness.
(c) Military bearing.
(d) Professional bearing.
h. Emotional attributes.
(a) Self-control.
(b) Balance and stability.

Core Values of the NA – (DHL-PRIS)

13. The NA core values enable officers/men to make good decisions on their own by
simply applying the values to new challenges.
 It remove bottlenecks, redtapism.
 It enhances individual growth.
Core values are principles that define your organizational culture captured in few simple
words that are easy to remember and articulate. They define how we should operate to
achieve the mission of the NA.
a. Importance
(a) It helps to maintain focus.
(b) Comradeship (force of unity).
(c) Consistency.
(d) Scalability.
(e) Momentum.
b. There are 7 core values of the NA, they are:
(a) Discipline

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Discipline is an attitude centered on respect for constituted authority and is

developed by leadership, precepts and training. It is a state of mind which
leads to the willingness to obey an order no matter how unpleasant or
dangerous the task to be performed.
(b) Honour
Honour is a matter of carrying out, acting, and living the values of respect,
duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity and personal courage in everything
you do.
(c) Loyalty
Bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution, the Army, your unit and
other soldiers. Bearing true faith allegiance is a matter of believing in and
devoting yourself to something or someone. A loyal soldier is one who
supports the leadership and stands up for fellow soldiers. By wearing the
uniform of the Nigerian Army, you are expressing your loyalty. And by
doing your share, you show your loyalty to your unit.
(d) Personal Courage
Face fear, danger or adversity (physical or moral). Personal courage has
long been associated with our Army. With physical courage, it is a matter of
enduring physical duress and at times risking personal safety. Facing moral
fear or adversity may be a long, slow process of continuing forward on the
right path, especially if taking those actions is not popular with others. You
build your personal courage daily by standing up for and acting upon the
things that you know are honourable.
(e) Respect
Treat people as they should be treated. In the Soldier’s Code, we pledge to
“treat others with dignity and respect while expecting others to do the
same.” Respect is what allows us to appreciate the best in other people.
Respect is trusting that all people have done their jobs and fulfilled their
duty. And self-respect is a vital ingredient with the Army value of respect,
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which results from knowing you have put forth your best effort. The Army
is one team and each of us has something to contribute.
(f) Integrity
Do what’s right and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering
to moral principles. It requires that you do and says nothing that deceives
others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The
more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value
will affect your relationships with family and friends and, finally, the
fundamental acceptance of yourself.
(g) Selfless Service
Put the welfare of the nation, the Army and your subordinates before your
own. Selfless service is larger than just one person. In serving your country,
you are doing your duty loyally without thought of recognition or gain. The
basic building block of selfless service is the commitment of each team
member to go a little further, endure a little longer, and look a little closer to
see how he or she can add to the effort.

Regimentation
14. Regimentation is the act of forcing strict discipline on somebody. The strict
discipline and enforced uniformity characteristic of military groups or totalitarian system.
Regimentation is the principled ways of doing things in an orderly manner, regimentation
helps to set high standard of behaviour, courage and comradeship.

a. Regimental Activities. For setting high standard of behaviour, courage and

comradeship.
(a) Bugle Calls.
First Call (Reveille), Last Call (Retreat)Last Post, Mess, Tatoo, Call to the
Colours, Orders, Part 1 Orders, Commencement of Work, Closing Time,
Double call, Dress Regulation, Haircut, Mascot, Leave and Passes, Flag and
Hoisting, Annual Admin Inspection (AAI), and Quarter Guard.
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(b) Drill.
Drill is the basic foundation of military regimentation. Types of Drill are:
Foot Drill, Squad Drill, Arms Drill, Sword Drill, Cane or Stick Drill, Sentry
Drill, and Mounted Drill.
(c) Parades.
(d) Inspection.
(e) Lectures.
(f) Training.
(g) Padre/Imam Parade.
(h) Burial procedure.
(i) Mess Customs.
(j) Paying Compliment.
(k) Mess Life.
(l) WASA.
(m) Medals and Awards.
(n) Fatique.
N.B
It is with this repeated activities that a soldier learns to practice unselfishness and find
roots and pride in the regimental traditions of a unit. Thus, personnel of a well-
regimented unit believes that ‘his religion is esprit-de-corps and his tribe is the unit’.

Elements of Regimentation
b. The elements of regimentation are:
(a) Standard way of life.
(b) Institutionalised regulation on personnel’s conduct.
(c) Organised system of control.
(d) Uniformity of purpose, action, behaviour or custom.

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(e) Total submission to control.

Factors Affecting Regimentation

c. The factors affecting regimentation are:
(a) Welfare.
(b) Sound Admin.
(c) Adequate kitting.
(d) Posting/Promotion.
(e) Punishment of reward system.
(f) Lack of education of awareness on the Do’s and Don’ts.
(g) Leadership.
(h) Policies.
(i) Unforeseen circumstances.
(j) Personal interest.

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