Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by advocatebaba(m): 11:26am On Aug 31, 2016 |
MrsExplorer: This is really a great read and i learnt so much from it.
I hope you arent giving up or something. I don't know much about the military admission process but you could try Navy/Airforce. I also think that maybe you could write directly to the chief of army staff stating your faults but also stating your strengths and why you need to join the Nigerian Army(maybe i'm just being dumb here)
keep living life. God would bless you!!
I have some questions though. REMEMBER HE IS A FLAT FOOTER ND ALSO HAS VISION ISSUE. SO HE CANT B ADMITTED INTO NIGERIA MILITARY BE IT AIRFORCE, NAVY E.T.C. BT HE CAN STIL WORK WIT DEM AS SECURITY EXPERT, INTELLIGENCE, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, ONSA E.T.C. 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by odimbannamdi(m): 11:28am On Aug 31, 2016 |
hakeem4: I've always wanted to join the Nigerian army
Maybe I'd register for dssc when I graduate
Can I know some facts about dssc? Like i said before, DSSC means Direct Short Service Commission (notice the absence of the "Combatant" in SSC.) It is solely meant for professionals as the Army advertises the specific courses they need (unlike SSC that takes you irrespective of your course of study). It is your best bet if you want to lead a simple life in the Army. Here, you spend just 6months in training and pass out with 2 stars (Full Lieutenant). Promotion is automatic every 5years and, because you weren't trained on command roles, you will almost have nothing to do with battles. Depending on your professionalism, you would be posted to corps like medicals, education, accounting, ordinances, supply and transport, music etc. While SSC will get posted to corps like Infantry, Armoury, Artillery, Signals etc Probably because of age not being on your side (the maximum age limit of DSSC is 35years), your lack of command abilities or the preference of the Army authorities for NDA and SSC officers, it will be very difficult for you to reach the peak of the Army career or even go beyond the rank of a Colonel. I stand to be corrected though 11 Likes 1 Share |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by Gozzzy(m): 11:31am On Aug 31, 2016 |
odimbannamdi: It had always been my dream to join the Nigerian Army since my NYSC days in 2013/14 at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ojo. It seemed the perfect career path where I could deploy my intelligence, wit, strength and patriotism to my country. So, it was with so much eagerness that I applied for the Army SSC recruitment the very day applications were declared open. Thereafter, I started praying to make the first shortlistment, at least
My joy knew no bounds on the 29th of July when I saw my name in The Punch newspaper among the 30 shortlisted candidates from each state expected to report to the NDA old site, Kaduna on the 5th of August. I could hardly sleep at night due to excitement. So my dream was finally coming through. I was finally going to become an officer with the Nigerian Army.
I reported at Kaduna for the screening by exactly 3:30pm on the 5th of August. Only 17 people showed up for the screening from my state (Abia State): 15 on the first day, and another 2 a few days later.
A semi-apron-like blue tag containing a 2 lettered abbreviation of your state of origin and number was issued to every candidate, to be won all through the screening period (mine was AB08). Officially, we were to be known and regarded by this tag number. You would hear stuffs like “AB08, how far na? GB14, old boy I dey o” At some point, we all forgot our names. Lol. Also, it is this number you would send to your sponsors for influential purposes
An adhoc screening board made up of a Major General (the president of the board), 3 Colonels, 3 Lieutenant Colonels (the board secretary was one of them), 3 Captains (the board Admin Officer was one of them) and 3 Lieutenants was set up.
The first screening stage was vetting of candidates’ credentials to ascertain their authenticity and whether we would still be below the required maximum age of 29 by October. A Lt. Col. (the C.O. of 1div Hospital at NDA new site) screened for my state and he was very thorough. I noticed that the Army even prefers you to be younger than the minimum required age.
The next screening stage was writing an aptitude test. Candidates were divided into 3 groups. 1st group wrote at the hall just adjacent the parade ground. 2nd group wrote at the Cadet mess while the 3rd group (which included my state) wrote at the staff school, (one Professor Yahaya or so hall)
The test comprised of 4 sections:
- An essay (WHY YOU WANT TO JOIN THE NIGERIAN ARMY) of 500 – 1000words - 10 English questions - Around 7 Maths questions (can’t remember exactly now) - Around 15 – 20 current affairs questions (cant remember exactly too)
The test was over in 2hours time. I gathered that the test was aimed at gauging our communicative ability, so more attention was paid to the essay and english objective questions. Some candidates were evicted based on the result of this test.
The next screening stage was the “almighty” medical and physical examination. As a result of the mammoth crowd and many tests we were supposed to undergo, we were shared into various groups. My state and some other states first went to the Medical Reception Station (MRS) for Xray. The next day, some of us went to 1div hospital, new NDA site, for blood tests, physical, dental and optical examination, checking of Blood pressure and BMI.
Considering the significance of this stage to a candidate’s final selection, I will try to explain each test further
Physical examination: Here, we were stripped Unclad, asked to stand straight with our hands placed at varying positions (this is to check if we have a bad posture such as kyphosis [hunched back] or lordosis) and our feet making a V-shape (to check for flat feet). The number of our testes was checked. We were then asked to grab our buttocks, bend down with our anus very visible and cough (this is to check if we have had pile before)
Blood and urine tests: Over 5mls of our blood was drawn and our urine taken in a sterile bottle. We were tested for diseases such Hepatitis B, HIV, Syphilis etc. I think our blood group and genotype were also checked
Blood Pressure reading: Being in a cool environment (such as an air-conditioned room), prior to checking your blood pressure, helps calm you down, consequently normalizing it. One Corporal Mike hinted us that the optimal reading is 120/90 or 110/80, while anything more than 140/90 is regarded as being high.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Our height and weight were measured, after taking off our shoes. The readings were used to determine our BMI. The full diameter of our chest during deep inhaling was also measured
Eye examination: We were asked to read letters from an eye chart placed about 10meters and 0.5meter away from us with one of our eyes closed at each time. Next, we were asked to decipher letters printed in colour patterns. Both tests were used to detect if we have long or short-sightedness and Astigmatism
Dental Examination: The alignment, number and grip of our teeth were also checked
The medical and physical examinations took almost 5days to conclude. Any state that finishes its medicals proceeded to do the psychology tests.
During the Psychology tests, 2 Lieutenants shared a booklet containing questions that tried to figure out our history of stimulants/drugs usage. The questions were structured in a way that when you lie in the first question, you would have to keep lying to the end. LOL.
Alcohol usage kind of raised a controversy among candidates because almost every young man has, at one point or the other, taken a sip of the contents of the green bottle. But I observed that as long as your alcohol usage wasnt a source of worry to your loved ones or you haven’t suffered a challenge arising from it (of course, the questions asked us that), then it wasn’t enough to disqualify you.
However, other classes of stimulants used via smoking, inhaling, sniffing or injecting, I observed too, disqualified some candidates. I think they tested their urine for the presence of such stimulants, cant say exactly. We were further interviewed based on our answers The results of the medical and psychology tests were announced together and candidates were consequently evicted.
I WAS EVICTED AT THIS STAGE TOO. I will talk about it soon
HOW RESULTS OF EACH SCREENING STAGE WAS ANNOUNCED[/b]
To a very great extent, the screening process was transparent.
Upon completion of each screening stage, the board members met and compiled the list of candidates who are “suspects of eviction”. All members of the board then arrive the parade ground to meet orderly but very anxious candidates.
Starting from Abia state, the board secretary calls out names of candidates who are made to immediately shout “Yes Sir!” with a leap and, along with their credentials, jogs to a part of the parade ground and sits on the ground.
Candidates who were flagged for eviction resulting from credentials screening were subjected to a review where their credentials were looked at again before final eviction.
The aptitude test stage did not need a review, of course. You don fail you don fail. No argument.
After the first set of medical and physical examinations, candidates were taken back to 1div hospital for review. Here, if you fell short of the accepted standard in any of the tests, apart from the blood and urine tests, you would be called in to be reviewed by the medical team.
Evictions resulting from the medical and psychological tests was, perhaps, the most touching and monumental. Lol. When the soldiers and officers were telling us that “medicals must drop over half of all of you. That one na dole”, we thought they were only envious of our would-be officer status.
The evening the results ought to have been announced, we waited for the board members till 10pm in the night. The secretary later came and told us that the results would be announced the next day. He instructed us to come to the parade ground with our bags the next morning.
The next morning, around 7am or later, all members of the board arrived the parade ground along with a public address system. There was a different kind of aura in the air. The atmosphere was so tensed.
Mounting the PAS, the board secretary started, “Candidates! Today, my problems will be reduced. Most of you will go back to your villages. The Nigerian Army does not compromise on health issues. If you hear your number, carry your kaya and run out. Is that clear!” Then he started
MY EVICTION I was far from surprised when I heard my name. I saw it coming.
I was born with a flat feet, umbilical hernia (i.e. a painless prominent navel) and poor right eye vision. For as long as I can remember, distanced objects appear very blurry when viewed using only my right eye (with my left eye closed). I never thought it was something to worry about because I have perfect sight with my both eyes working.
All these were flagged during the medical tests and I was reviewed based on them again.
It was with a broken heart that I picked up my kaya and jogged to the drill shed to await further instructions.
Indeed, over half of the candidates were evicted based on medical and psychological grounds. In fact, Ogun state saw over 20 of its candidates sent packing, leaving behind just 4!
After calling out the names, the board members came to address us. A lucky few who were evicted for being overweight were called out and asked to go back and join up. Then the rest of us were individually called out and told the reasons for our eviction afterwhich our beloved tags were taken away from us.
As I left NDA gate, hot tears flowed down my cheeks. I was evicted for features my God created me with and not what I acquired. It was really painful.
But in everything, I give Him the glory because He knows the end from the beginning.
I will be dropping the fun part of life in NDA, the psyching from the officers and soldiers that made some candidates run away, the jobs we served and the pertinent lectures about the Army we got from Captain Abdullahi.
Stay tuned
GOD BLESS THE NIGERIAN ARMY! GOD BLESS CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF op, you are a photocopy of me. The features that disqualified you, are the exact same features that I possess, and I have always desired to join the army and being a Medical Doctor, to be a military Doctor. But I guess, I shouldn't bother with the army dreams anymore. ![undecided](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/undecided.png) |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by MrOdyssey(m): 11:31am On Aug 31, 2016 |
. |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by MrOdyssey(m): 11:32am On Aug 31, 2016 |
wow!.. these is one of the best posts i have read on nairaland in a while...
op better come and finish wat u started. #following 3 Likes |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by Zdoh(m): 11:35am On Aug 31, 2016 |
You're so dope in writing,i enjoy every bit of the story.Please don't forget to drop the other parts.Don't give up bro...our president contested 3 times before his was massively elected 1 Like |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by henrimoto(m): 11:35am On Aug 31, 2016 |
odimbannamdi:
Thanks ma. I am really considering it. Gini! You are considering! My Brother, a pen in your hand with what you have upstairs, you will go places with your writing. Most of our bloggers who earn good money with their blog pages are not 'half as good as you' currently. Biko, stop! considering, start! working towards it. You are a good Writer. 10 Likes |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by odimbannamdi(m): 11:36am On Aug 31, 2016 |
odimbannamdi:
Like i said before, DSSC means Direct Short Service Commission (notice the absence of the "Combatant" in SSC.)
It is solely meant for professionals as the Army advertises the specific courses they need (unlike SSC that takes you irrespective of your course of study). It is your best bet if you want to lead a simple life in the Army.
Here, you spend just 6months in training and pass out with 2 stars (Full Lieutenant). Promotion is automatic every 5years and, because you weren't trained on command roles, you will almost have nothing to do with battles.
Depending on your professionalism, you would be posted to corps like medicals, education, accounting, ordinances, supply and transport, music etc. While SSC will get posted to corps like Infantry, Armoury, Artillery, Signals etc
Probably because of age not being on your side (the maximum age limit of DSSC is 35years), your lack of command abilities or the preference of the Army authorities for NDA and SSC officers, it will be very difficult for you to reach the peak of the Army career or even go beyond the rank of a Colonel. I stand to be corrected though zeelo2014 |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by Icekyng: 11:38am On Aug 31, 2016 |
potolistic: I can totally relate with the op. I was among the shortlisted candidates of the 65 regular course in 2013. Went to kaduna for the screening, passed all the tests from certificate clearance to medicals. Yet my name was unfortunately placed on the reserve list. Probably cos I had no connection. Mehn it hurt like sh*t then...but wetin man go do.
baba no giving up.. i was evicted for 65th rc bt i made it into academy in 68th rc 2 Likes |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by Nobody: 11:43am On Aug 31, 2016 |
odimbannamdi:
Its not sir. I was at the Army SSC screen exercise in Kaduna 2weeks ago. So, thats just a bit of my experiences there Sorry man, but just hustle and become a rich, won't have to worry about becoming Nigeria army. |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by Jokerman(m): 11:43am On Aug 31, 2016 |
Lol.... so dey didn't do Quota system? ![](/faces/huh.png) |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by skedy1(m): 11:47am On Aug 31, 2016 |
*In captain's German doze voice*...all of you are just embryos! If they are following you from your village,I will give u a german doze and you'll receive it, is that clear ![](/faces/huh.png) All: yes sir!! After the count of 3,all of you are seated...1, 2, 3! Hey hey hey! All of you there, plant your head! Lol Samaila, sir!!! Arrange these embryos in the bus,let's go to afaka! It was fun mhen... God bless Nigerian Army! 16 Likes |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by CioAngels(f): 11:49am On Aug 31, 2016 |
apatheticme: Wow, great experience. Nice write up. Pele @op, it's well. BTW, why not consider a career in writing or editing, u seem to have a knack for putting words together in a simple but clear manner. Me likey ![cool](https://www.nairaland.com/faces/cool.png) Editing is ATM. |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by DocHMD: 11:50am On Aug 31, 2016 |
Wiztonero: OP, SSC is 9 months. The 1 month counter terrorism course added is a recent addition which I think will begin with course 44. But your write up is very nice. Me I was disqualified because of what appears to be the Doctor's sentiments against my tribe. He got strangely upset when he found out my tribe during the review. The next thing I knew, I was being evicted for pile and flat foot. I felt like crying. Which tribe are you? |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by seighapaul(m): 11:52am On Aug 31, 2016 |
@OP You have a very rear gift in writing. They way you put words, phrases and sentences is quite sensational. Not only that, your organization and characterizations is top notch. It was as if I was there on ground to witness it all.
It's unfortunate the Medicals cut short your quest but every single commenter on this thread know the military has lost a rear gem.
If you still have to zeal to serve your country, you could try other para-military agencies. We have a couple of top notch agencies that'll need your unique expertise. 8 Likes 1 Share |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by JUSTEES: 11:55am On Aug 31, 2016 |
When will d next form for DSSC will be out |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by agent01(m): 11:56am On Aug 31, 2016 |
odimbannamdi: It had always been my dream to join the Nigerian Army since my NYSC days in 2013/14 at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ojo. It seemed the perfect career path where I could deploy my intelligence, wit, strength and patriotism to my country. So, it was with so much eagerness that I applied for the Army SSC recruitment the very day applications were declared open. Thereafter, I started praying to make the first shortlistment, at least
My joy knew no bounds on the 29th of July when I saw my name in The Punch newspaper among the 30 shortlisted candidates from each state expected to report to the NDA old site, Kaduna on the 5th of August. I could hardly sleep at night due to excitement. So my dream was finally coming through. I was finally going to become an officer with the Nigerian Army.
I reported at Kaduna for the screening by exactly 3:30pm on the 5th of August. Only 17 people showed up for the screening from my state (Abia State): 15 on the first day, and another 2 a few days later.
A semi-apron-like blue tag containing a 2 lettered abbreviation of your state of origin and number was issued to every candidate, to be won all through the screening period (mine was AB08). Officially, we were to be known and regarded by this tag number. You would hear stuffs like “AB08, how far na? GB14, old boy I dey o” At some point, we all forgot our names. Lol. Also, it is this number you would send to your sponsors for influential purposes
An adhoc screening board made up of a Major General (the president of the board), 3 Colonels, 3 Lieutenant Colonels (the board secretary was one of them), 3 Captains (the board Admin Officer was one of them) and 3 Lieutenants was set up.
The first screening stage was vetting of candidates’ credentials to ascertain their authenticity and whether we would still be below the required maximum age of 29 by October. A Lt. Col. (the C.O. of 1div Hospital at NDA new site) screened for my state and he was very thorough. I noticed that the Army even prefers you to be younger than the minimum required age.
The next screening stage was writing an aptitude test. Candidates were divided into 3 groups. 1st group wrote at the hall just adjacent the parade ground. 2nd group wrote at the Cadet mess while the 3rd group (which included my state) wrote at the staff school, (one Professor Yahaya or so hall)
The test comprised of 4 sections:
- An essay (WHY YOU WANT TO JOIN THE NIGERIAN ARMY) of 500 – 1000words - 10 English questions - Around 7 Maths questions (can’t remember exactly now) - Around 15 – 20 current affairs questions (cant remember exactly too)
The test was over in 2hours time. I gathered that the test was aimed at gauging our communicative ability, so more attention was paid to the essay and english objective questions. Some candidates were evicted based on the result of this test.
The next screening stage was the “almighty” medical and physical examination. As a result of the mammoth crowd and many tests we were supposed to undergo, we were shared into various groups. My state and some other states first went to the Medical Reception Station (MRS) for Xray. The next day, some of us went to 1div hospital, new NDA site, for blood tests, physical, dental and optical examination, checking of Blood pressure and BMI.
Considering the significance of this stage to a candidate’s final selection, I will try to explain each test further
Physical examination: Here, we were stripped Unclad, asked to stand straight with our hands placed at varying positions (this is to check if we have a bad posture such as kyphosis [hunched back] or lordosis) and our feet making a V-shape (to check for flat feet). The number of our testes was checked. We were then asked to grab our buttocks, bend down with our anus very visible and cough (this is to check if we have had pile before)
Blood and urine tests: Over 5mls of our blood was drawn and our urine taken in a sterile bottle. We were tested for diseases such Hepatitis B, HIV, Syphilis etc. I think our blood group and genotype were also checked
Blood Pressure reading: Being in a cool environment (such as an air-conditioned room), prior to checking your blood pressure, helps calm you down, consequently normalizing it. One Corporal Mike hinted us that the optimal reading is 120/90 or 110/80, while anything more than 140/90 is regarded as being high.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Our height and weight were measured, after taking off our shoes. The readings were used to determine our BMI. The full diameter of our chest during deep inhaling was also measured
Eye examination: We were asked to read letters from an eye chart placed about 10meters and 0.5meter away from us with one of our eyes closed at each time. Next, we were asked to decipher letters printed in colour patterns. Both tests were used to detect if we have long or short-sightedness and Astigmatism
Dental Examination: The alignment, number and grip of our teeth were also checked
The medical and physical examinations took almost 5days to conclude. Any state that finishes its medicals proceeded to do the psychology tests.
During the Psychology tests, 2 Lieutenants shared a booklet containing questions that tried to figure out our history of stimulants/drugs usage. The questions were structured in a way that when you lie in the first question, you would have to keep lying to the end. LOL.
Alcohol usage kind of raised a controversy among candidates because almost every young man has, at one point or the other, taken a sip of the contents of the green bottle. But I observed that as long as your alcohol usage wasnt a source of worry to your loved ones or you haven’t suffered a challenge arising from it (of course, the questions asked us that), then it wasn’t enough to disqualify you.
However, other classes of stimulants used via smoking, inhaling, sniffing or injecting, I observed too, disqualified some candidates. I think they tested their urine for the presence of such stimulants, cant say exactly. We were further interviewed based on our answers The results of the medical and psychology tests were announced together and candidates were consequently evicted.
I WAS EVICTED AT THIS STAGE TOO. I will talk about it soon
HOW RESULTS OF EACH SCREENING STAGE WAS ANNOUNCED[/b]
To a very great extent, the screening process was transparent.
Upon completion of each screening stage, the board members met and compiled the list of candidates who are “suspects of eviction”. All members of the board then arrive the parade ground to meet orderly but very anxious candidates.
Starting from Abia state, the board secretary calls out names of candidates who are made to immediately shout “Yes Sir!” with a leap and, along with their credentials, jogs to a part of the parade ground and sits on the ground.
Candidates who were flagged for eviction resulting from credentials screening were subjected to a review where their credentials were looked at again before final eviction.
The aptitude test stage did not need a review, of course. You don fail you don fail. No argument.
After the first set of medical and physical examinations, candidates were taken back to 1div hospital for review. Here, if you fell short of the accepted standard in any of the tests, apart from the blood and urine tests, you would be called in to be reviewed by the medical team.
Evictions resulting from the medical and psychological tests was, perhaps, the most touching and monumental. Lol. When the soldiers and officers were telling us that “medicals must drop over half of all of you. That one na dole”, we thought they were only envious of our would-be officer status.
The evening the results ought to have been announced, we waited for the board members till 10pm in the night. The secretary later came and told us that the results would be announced the next day. He instructed us to come to the parade ground with our bags the next morning.
The next morning, around 7am or later, all members of the board arrived the parade ground along with a public address system. There was a different kind of aura in the air. The atmosphere was so tensed.
Mounting the PAS, the board secretary started, “Candidates! Today, my problems will be reduced. Most of you will go back to your villages. The Nigerian Army does not compromise on health issues. If you hear your number, carry your kaya and run out. Is that clear!” Then he started
MY EVICTION I was far from surprised when I heard my name. I saw it coming.
I was born with a flat feet, umbilical hernia (i.e. a painless prominent navel) and poor right eye vision. For as long as I can remember, distanced objects appear very blurry when viewed using only my right eye (with my left eye closed). I never thought it was something to worry about because I have perfect sight with my both eyes working.
All these were flagged during the medical tests and I was reviewed based on them again.
It was with a broken heart that I picked up my kaya and jogged to the drill shed to await further instructions.
Indeed, over half of the candidates were evicted based on medical and psychological grounds. In fact, Ogun state saw over 20 of its candidates sent packing, leaving behind just 4!
After calling out the names, the board members came to address us. A lucky few who were evicted for being overweight were called out and asked to go back and join up. Then the rest of us were individually called out and told the reasons for our eviction afterwhich our beloved tags were taken away from us.
As I left NDA gate, hot tears flowed down my cheeks. I was evicted for features my God created me with and not what I acquired. It was really painful.
But in everything, I give Him the glory because He knows the end from the beginning.
I will be dropping the fun part of life in NDA, the psyching from the officers and soldiers that made some candidates run away, the jobs we served and the pertinent lectures about the Army we got from Captain Abdullahi.
Stay tuned
GOD BLESS THE NIGERIAN ARMY! GOD BLESS CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF . I salute your courage bro. Your eviction is for good. Wish you well in all your endeavour. |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by farouk0403(m): 11:57am On Aug 31, 2016 |
I am aspired by this post. |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by bigbussy(m): 12:07pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
Wow, what a painful eviction /experience! So sorry about that, I know how it feel... It's one of those things in life. Buckle up guy and never let it weigh you down, that's not the end of it. Your written skill is quite awesome, very insightful, thoughtful, inspiring and educative... I had similar experience few years ago. It has been an aged dream to be enlist in the Nigerian armed forces /paramilitary, still keep hope alive. I wish you the grace and favour of God in your future endeavour 1 Like |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by CioAngels(f): 12:07pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
Congratulations, 2nd university, great experience. To have reached the last stage, the sky will not be your limit when your door openss very soon. |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by bobbinwaly: 12:10pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
fortunateice: O.p... How comes non was screened for mental problem, thats the part they should focus more on... No wonder we have too many soldiers that are sick in the head... But op make you no worry when man fall down no be the end of his life, after the dark night comes a brighter day There was Psychology Test too 1 Like |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by Nobody: 12:11pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
advocatebaba: DO U TINK DEY JST ADMIT PIPU JST LYK DAT IN NDA. U MST B WEL FIT, SO ITS NT HUMILITION... MANY WERE CAL, FEW WERE CHOSEN STIL ONLY D FITTEST SURVIVE, DAZ WAT NA,NAF,NN STANDS 4. GET DAT. Sorry I don't get what you are saying okay?. Other armies in developed countries do medical and physical checks but not to start counting your testes or checking inside your anus. Very crude and degrading. You are not subjected to such degrading checks in the British Army and they still produce better professional and fit soldiers than the joke of an army Nigeria has. After all these rubbish what happens if the person develops all these conditions later on. When other countries are putting adequate Medicare in place for soldiers, Nigeria is doing crude checks. What is the point of all the checks when you still produce unfit and poorly trained and ill equipped soldiers who are only good at terrorizing innocent civilians. 9 Likes |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by skedy1(m): 12:16pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
NevetsIbot: Lol... The funniest part was where they checked for pile... Very disgusting. I can't even stand naked in front of any person.
I wanted to get the NDA form last yr buh just seeing soldiers heads blown off scared the shit out of me.. Lol, very funny of you! We stood naked before a woman, I learnt is a General's wife. The Army makes you go even against your own wish. It's one of their favourite lines! Boys were ready to even stand naked before a congregation sef,lol! The power of choice! #AikiKawai!!! 3 Likes |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by NevetsIbot(m): 12:22pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
skedy1:
Lol, very funny of you!
We stood naked before a woman, I learnt is a General's wife.
The Army makes you go even against your own wish. It's one of their favourite lines!
Boys were ready to even stand naked before a congregation sef,lol!
The power of choice!
#AikiKawai!!! Hian!!! Haba... Open my anus for a woman to see... Kai! And she was looking as if she saw nothing bad in it?....#pukes I know the army will make you do stuffs you don't wanna do... Like fighting with a partner who's ten times your size or climbing a mountain. 2 Likes |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by Nobody: 12:24pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
yo op. can short sightedness possess high threat to qualifying during screening |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by ajiifixing(m): 12:29pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
skedy1:
Lol, very funny of you!
We stood naked before a woman, I learnt is a General's wife.
The Army makes you go even against your own wish. It's one of their favourite lines!
Boys were ready to even stand naked before a congregation sef,lol!
The power of choice!
#AikiKawai!!! And when the General's wife starts "chopping" one of the boys things, the General will vex. Why use your wife as a tool of intimidation? 1 Like |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by skedy1(m): 12:30pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
NevetsIbot: Hian!!! Haba... Open my anus for a woman to see... Kai! And she was looking as if she saw nothing bad in it?....#pukes
I know the army will make you do stuffs you don't wanna do... Like fighting with a partner who's ten times your size or climbing a mountain. Haha... It was lik a piece of cake to us! |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by skedy1(m): 12:33pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
ajiifixing:
And when the General's wife starts "chopping" one of the boys things, the General will vex. Why use your wife as a tool of intimidation? Lol, my thoughts exactly o! Cos she saw alota shit on the waist of many guys...long, short, thick, slim, name it! Lol But them no born you well to go follow General wife run things sha. |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by potolistic(m): 12:34pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
Icekyng:
baba no giving up.. i was evicted for 65th rc bt i made it into
academy in 68th rc The military ain't for me... All the same Congrats bro |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by skedy1(m): 12:37pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
Icekyng:
baba no giving up..
i was evicted for 65th rc bt i made it into
academy in 68th rc
Inspiring |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by NevetsIbot(m): 12:40pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
skedy1:
Haha...
It was lik a piece of cake to us! The woman, Is she cute? Co if she is, she'll be taking notes.... You know what I mean |
Re: A Nairalander’s Experience At The Army Ssc Course 44 Screening Exercise In Nda, by skedy1(m): 12:41pm On Aug 31, 2016 |
odimbannamdi: It had always been my dream to join the Nigerian Army since my NYSC days in 2013/14 at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ojo. It seemed the perfect career path where I could deploy my intelligence, wit, strength and patriotism to my country. So, it was with so much eagerness that I applied for the Army SSC recruitment the very day applications were declared open. Thereafter, I started praying to make the first shortlistment, at least
My joy knew no bounds on the 29th of July when I saw my name in The Punch newspaper among the 30 shortlisted candidates from each state expected to report to the NDA old site, Kaduna on the 5th of August. I could hardly sleep at night due to excitement. So my dream was finally coming through. I was finally going to become an officer with the Nigerian Army.
I reported at Kaduna for the screening by exactly 3:30pm on the 5th of August. Only 17 people showed up for the screening from my state (Abia State): 15 on the first day, and another 2 a few days later.
A semi-apron-like blue tag containing a 2 lettered abbreviation of your state of origin and number was issued to every candidate, to be won all through the screening period (mine was AB08). Officially, we were to be known and regarded by this tag number. You would hear stuffs like “AB08, how far na? GB14, old boy I dey o” At some point, we all forgot our names. Lol. Also, it is this number you would send to your sponsors for influential purposes
An adhoc screening board made up of a Major General (the president of the board), 3 Colonels, 3 Lieutenant Colonels (the board secretary was one of them), 3 Captains (the board Admin Officer was one of them) and 3 Lieutenants was set up.
The first screening stage was vetting of candidates’ credentials to ascertain their authenticity and whether we would still be below the required maximum age of 29 by October. A Lt. Col. (the C.O. of 1div Hospital at NDA new site) screened for my state and he was very thorough. I noticed that the Army even prefers you to be younger than the minimum required age.
The next screening stage was writing an aptitude test. Candidates were divided into 3 groups. 1st group wrote at the hall just adjacent the parade ground. 2nd group wrote at the Cadet mess while the 3rd group (which included my state) wrote at the staff school, (one Professor Yahaya or so hall)
The test comprised of 4 sections:
- An essay (WHY YOU WANT TO JOIN THE NIGERIAN ARMY) of 500 – 1000words - 10 English questions - Around 7 Maths questions (can’t remember exactly now) - Around 15 – 20 current affairs questions (cant remember exactly too)
The test was over in 2hours time. I gathered that the test was aimed at gauging our communicative ability, so more attention was paid to the essay and english objective questions. Some candidates were evicted based on the result of this test.
The next screening stage was the “almighty” medical and physical examination. As a result of the mammoth crowd and many tests we were supposed to undergo, we were shared into various groups. My state and some other states first went to the Medical Reception Station (MRS) for Xray. The next day, some of us went to 1div hospital, new NDA site, for blood tests, physical, dental and optical examination, checking of Blood pressure and BMI.
Considering the significance of this stage to a candidate’s final selection, I will try to explain each test further
Physical examination: Here, we were stripped Unclad, asked to stand straight with our hands placed at varying positions (this is to check if we have a bad posture such as kyphosis [hunched back] or lordosis) and our feet making a V-shape (to check for flat feet). The number of our testes was checked. We were then asked to grab our buttocks, bend down with our anus very visible and cough (this is to check if we have had pile before)
Blood and urine tests: Over 5mls of our blood was drawn and our urine taken in a sterile bottle. We were tested for diseases such Hepatitis B, HIV, Syphilis etc. I think our blood group and genotype were also checked
Blood Pressure reading: Being in a cool environment (such as an air-conditioned room), prior to checking your blood pressure, helps calm you down, consequently normalizing it. One Corporal Mike hinted us that the optimal reading is 120/90 or 110/80, while anything more than 140/90 is regarded as being high.
Body Mass Index (BMI): Our height and weight were measured, after taking off our shoes. The readings were used to determine our BMI. The full diameter of our chest during deep inhaling was also measured
Eye examination: We were asked to read letters from an eye chart placed about 10meters and 0.5meter away from us with one of our eyes closed at each time. Next, we were asked to decipher letters printed in colour patterns. Both tests were used to detect if we have long or short-sightedness and Astigmatism
Dental Examination: The alignment, number and grip of our teeth were also checked
The medical and physical examinations took almost 5days to conclude. Any state that finishes its medicals proceeded to do the psychology tests.
During the Psychology tests, 2 Lieutenants shared a booklet containing questions that tried to figure out our history of stimulants/drugs usage. The questions were structured in a way that when you lie in the first question, you would have to keep lying to the end. LOL.
Alcohol usage kind of raised a controversy among candidates because almost every young man has, at one point or the other, taken a sip of the contents of the green bottle. But I observed that as long as your alcohol usage wasnt a source of worry to your loved ones or you haven’t suffered a challenge arising from it (of course, the questions asked us that), then it wasn’t enough to disqualify you.
However, other classes of stimulants used via smoking, inhaling, sniffing or injecting, I observed too, disqualified some candidates. I think they tested their urine for the presence of such stimulants, cant say exactly. We were further interviewed based on our answers The results of the medical and psychology tests were announced together and candidates were consequently evicted.
I WAS EVICTED AT THIS STAGE TOO. I will talk about it soon
HOW RESULTS OF EACH SCREENING STAGE WAS ANNOUNCED[/b]
To a very great extent, the screening process was transparent.
Upon completion of each screening stage, the board members met and compiled the list of candidates who are “suspects of eviction”. All members of the board then arrive the parade ground to meet orderly but very anxious candidates.
Starting from Abia state, the board secretary calls out names of candidates who are made to immediately shout “Yes Sir!” with a leap and, along with their credentials, jogs to a part of the parade ground and sits on the ground.
Candidates who were flagged for eviction resulting from credentials screening were subjected to a review where their credentials were looked at again before final eviction.
The aptitude test stage did not need a review, of course. You don fail you don fail. No argument.
After the first set of medical and physical examinations, candidates were taken back to 1div hospital for review. Here, if you fell short of the accepted standard in any of the tests, apart from the blood and urine tests, you would be called in to be reviewed by the medical team.
Evictions resulting from the medical and psychological tests was, perhaps, the most touching and monumental. Lol. When the soldiers and officers were telling us that “medicals must drop over half of all of you. That one na dole”, we thought they were only envious of our would-be officer status.
The evening the results ought to have been announced, we waited for the board members till 10pm in the night. The secretary later came and told us that the results would be announced the next day. He instructed us to come to the parade ground with our bags the next morning.
The next morning, around 7am or later, all members of the board arrived the parade ground along with a public address system. There was a different kind of aura in the air. The atmosphere was so tensed.
Mounting the PAS, the board secretary started, “Candidates! Today, my problems will be reduced. Most of you will go back to your villages. The Nigerian Army does not compromise on health issues. If you hear your number, carry your kaya and run out. Is that clear!” Then he started
MY EVICTION I was far from surprised when I heard my name. I saw it coming.
I was born with a flat feet, umbilical hernia (i.e. a painless prominent navel) and poor right eye vision. For as long as I can remember, distanced objects appear very blurry when viewed using only my right eye (with my left eye closed). I never thought it was something to worry about because I have perfect sight with my both eyes working.
All these were flagged during the medical tests and I was reviewed based on them again.
It was with a broken heart that I picked up my kaya and jogged to the drill shed to await further instructions.
Indeed, over half of the candidates were evicted based on medical and psychological grounds. In fact, Ogun state saw over 20 of its candidates sent packing, leaving behind just 4!
After calling out the names, the board members came to address us. A lucky few who were evicted for being overweight were called out and asked to go back and join up. Then the rest of us were individually called out and told the reasons for our eviction afterwhich our beloved tags were taken away from us.
As I left NDA gate, hot tears flowed down my cheeks. I was evicted for features my God created me with and not what I acquired. It was really painful.
But in everything, I give Him the glory because He knows the end from the beginning.
I will be dropping the fun part of life in NDA, the psyching from the officers and soldiers that made some candidates run away, the jobs we served and the pertinent lectures about the Army we got from Captain Abdullahi.
Stay tuned
GOD BLESS THE NIGERIAN ARMY! GOD BLESS CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF Aiki Kawai!!! 1 Like |