Author(s) :

Odey John Idiege.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

The effectiveness of every military organization depends largely on the quality of its manpower, making continuous training and development indispensable for operational readiness and national security. This study examined manpower training and development in the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) between 2005 and 2022, with particular emphasis on the Air Training Command (ATC). The study sought to assess the adequacy of existing training programmes, identify the major challenges confronting manpower development, and determine how these challenges affect the operational effectiveness of the NAF. Guided by Human Capital Theory, the study adopted a survey research design employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from personnel of the Headquarters Air Training Command, Kaduna, through structured questionnaires and key informant interviews involving senior officers, trainers, and subject-matter experts. The findings revealed that although the Nigerian Air Force has established institutional frameworks for manpower training, significant constraints continue to undermine their effectiveness. The major challenges identified include inadequate funding, obsolete training curricula, insufficient training facilities and equipment, shortage of qualified instructors, weak policy implementation, and inadequate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. These challenges have contributed to reduced operational readiness, poor adaptation to emerging military technologies, underutilisation of specialised personnel, and diminished combat effectiveness. The study further established that existing training reforms have recorded only moderate success due to structural and institutional deficiencies. The study concludes that effective manpower training and development remain strategic imperatives for strengthening the operational capability of the Nigerian Air Force in an increasingly complex security environment. It recommends increased and sustainable budgetary allocation for training, periodic curriculum review to reflect emerging technologies and modern warfare, upgrading of training infrastructure, recruitment and retention of specialised instructors, strengthened monitoring and evaluation systems, and enhanced collaboration with international military training institutions. Implementing these measures would significantly improve personnel competence, organisational performance, and Nigeria's overall national security architecture. Keywords: Manpower Training, Human Capital Development, Nigerian Air Force, Air Training Command, Military Training, National Security.

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