RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday spent a night in the field near Kharian and witnessed troops from Central Command carry out operations as part of the Army Field Exercises.

The exercises were aimed at validating the operational plans involving infantry and mechanised troops and their support elements from the Central Command, said an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.

Apart from first-ever use of a virtual Command and Control Room, the exercises saw the first formal employment of indigenously developed Mine Dispensing System. The Special Service Group’s free-fall paratroopers performed a high-altitude drop.

Speaking to officers on the occasion, the COAS said the Army Field Exercises achieved its objectives integrated with the latest communication concepts and cyber technology to reduce reaction time for quick response. “Successful culmination of the exercise has boosted our confidence in our combat readiness,’’ he said.

“Induction of numerous indigenously prepared systems manifests our growing technical prowess and self-reliance. While we have been occupied in a determined fight against terrorism across the country especially the western border, we have kept ourselves prepared to take on any misadventure or strategic miscalculation by our adversary,” he added.

Commending combat efficiency of the troops, he said: “The resilience, resolve and heroic deeds of our men against odds have earned international acclaim for our audacity as a nation.”

Published in Dawn November 9th, 2016