S/COMD HOLDS INTER-UNIT DRILL CONTEST ’25: A Comprehensive Analysis

Introduction

In a resounding display of military precision and discipline, the Headquarters of Southern Command (S/COMD) successfully hosted the Inter-Unit Drill Contest ’25. Held on December 29, 2025, at the Bale Baz Square within the Arakan Barracks, this event brought together elite contingents from across the command. Far more than a ceremonial parade, this drill competition serves as a critical component of the Command’s continuous training and capacity-building program. It is designed to enhance operational readiness, instill strict discipline, and foster the esprit de corps essential for modern military operations. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the event, the performance of the participating units, and the strategic importance of military drill within the Ghana Armed Forces.

Key Points

Background

The Role of Drill in Military Training

Military drill is the foundation of unit cohesion and discipline. It is not merely about marching; it is a rigorous exercise in obedience, reaction time, and collective synchronization. For the Southern Command, the Inter-Unit Drill Contest ’25 represents a strategic investment in human capital. By standardizing movements and expectations, the Command ensures that every soldier, regardless of their specific unit, adheres to the high standards of the Ghana Army. This event is part of a broader schedule to maintain a highly disciplined, motivated, and professional force capable of meeting current and future operational demands.

Event Logistics and Structure

The contest was structured to accommodate a diverse range of units, highlighting the combined arms nature of the Southern Command. Each participating contingent consisted of one officer and 25 soldiers. This specific formation allows for a balance of leadership presence and troop synchronization. The venue, Arakan Barracks, is a historic and significant military installation, providing the appropriate backdrop for such a high-stakes competition. The selection of units—from infantry and armor to engineers and artillery—ensured that the competition tested the versatility of the drill standards across different military functions.

Analysis

Participating Units and Contingent Composition

The contest featured a robust lineup of units, each bringing their unique operational focus to the drill square. The participating units included:

• Camp Southern Command
• 1 Infantry Battalion
• 2 Infantry Battalion
• 5 Infantry Battalion
• 153 Armoured Regiment
• 48 Engineer Regiment
• 64 Infantry Regiment
• 66 Artillery Regiment

By including engineering and armored units alongside infantry regiments, the contest underscored the necessity of standardized drill across all branches of the military. Whether on the battlefield or in a ceremonial setting, the ability to move as a cohesive unit is vital.

The Performance: What Was Judged?

The competitors were evaluated on a strict set of criteria designed to measure both individual and collective excellence. The judges assessed:

• Turnout: The cleanliness and correctness of the uniform and equipment.
• Precision of Motion: The exactness of angles and distances during maneuvers.
• Timing: The synchronization of movements in slow and quick time.
• Command Voice: The projection, clarity, and authority of the officers commanding the platoons.
• General Presentation: The overall bearing, alertness, and smartness of the troops.

These elements were demonstrated through a series of complex drills, including marching in slow and quick time, intricate rifle exercises, and sentry drills. The performance reflected the high professionalism of the personnel within the Command.

Leadership Perspective: The GOC’s Address

Brigadier General Isaac Nicholas Paintsil, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) S/COMD, provided the keynote address. He emphasized that the High Command places a premium on the “outturn, bearing, sword, foot, and rifle drills” of all ranks. The GOC explicitly stated that drill is the “bedrock of discipline” within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). He argued that active participation in drill competitions creates a psychological shift, encouraging soldiers to uphold discipline in all aspects of their service. According to the GOC, a rigorous drill regimen directly correlates with a decline in indiscipline and enhances the overall operational effectiveness of the force.

Practical Advice

Understanding Military Bearing

For civilians or military enthusiasts trying to understand the significance of these events, “military bearing” is the key concept. It encompasses the posture, confidence, and discipline a soldier projects. The drill contest is essentially a physical manifestation of military bearing. To achieve the level of precision seen at the S/COMD contest, units practice for hundreds of hours. The practical application of this is that a unit that can move in perfect unison on a parade square can also execute complex maneuvers in combat zones with the same level of coordination.

How Drill Enhances Operational Readiness

While it may look ceremonial, drill has practical combat applications:

1. Reaction to Command: Drill trains the brain to react instantly to verbal commands, which is crucial in high-stress combat situations.
2. Unit Cohesion: Moving together builds a sense of trust and reliance on the soldier next to you.
3. Physical Fitness: Precision marching requires significant core strength, balance, and stamina.

Therefore, the S/COMD Inter-Unit Drill Contest ’25 was not just a display; it was a functional test of the unit’s combat readiness.

FAQ

Conclusion

The S/COMD HOLDS INTER-UNIT DRILL CONTEST ’25 stands as a testament to the enduring value of discipline and precision in the Ghana Armed Forces. By bringing together units ranging from the 1 Infantry Battalion to the 48 Engineer Regiment, the Southern Command highlighted the universal importance of high standards. Brigadier General Paintsil’s emphasis on drill as the “bedrock of discipline” reinforces the Command’s commitment to professional excellence. With 48 Engineer Regiment taking the top honors, the competition has set a high bar for future events, ensuring that the soldiers of the Southern Command remain alert, smart, and ready for any operational challenge.

Sources

• Headquarters Southern Command (S/COMD) Public Relations Detachment (PR DET).
• Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Official Communications.
• Event Report: S/COMD Inter-Unit Drill Contest ’25 (December 29, 2025).