JUNIOR COMMAND COURSE 34 CONCLUDES EXERCISE ‘SILVER SHIELD’

The Junior Command Course (JCC) No 34 has successfully completed ‘Silver Shield’, a six-day field exercise designed to hone the skills of Student Officers in defensive operational planning. The exercise, which ran from 13 October 2025, focused on translating theoretical knowledge into practical military strategies.

Exercise ‘Silver Shield’ serves as a crucial link between classroom learning and real-world application. Participants were immersed in simulated battlefield conditions, engaging in the Military Decision-Making Process. This training fostered skills in situational awareness, agile decision-making, and tactical foresight.

Key components of the exercise included Mission Analysis, Evaluation of Factors and Development of the Plan. As part of the exercise, Student Officers were given the opportunity to conduct ground reconnaissance, allowing them to gain first-hand experience of the terrain and its impact on strategic planning.

The exercise culminated in a TEWT held on 18 October 2025, at Kodayanna, Siyambalanduwa. This phase allowed Student Officers to validate their operational plans against real terrain features. Student Officers noted the exercise as a high point in their training, praising the realistic scenarios and the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. The exercise concluded successfully, marking a significant milestone in the Student Officers’ development.

Major General PS Subath Sanjeewa RSP nps psc, Commandant of the Army War College, attended the TEWT and shared insights on conducting defensive operations and further emphasised resource optimisation and shaping the battlefield.

Exercise ‘Silver Shield’ underscores the Army War College’s commitment to developing capable leaders and its relentless pursuit of grooming middle-grade officers to excel in strategic leadership roles. The exercise enhanced the analytical and tactical proficiency of Student Officers in JCC 34, providing them with a deeper understanding of modern defensive warfare. These future commanders have demonstrated the professionalism and adaptability required to excel, reinforcing the Sri Lanka Army’s quest of excellence.