16th November 2024 15:48:59 Hours
The term "Counter-Revolutionary Warfare" (CRW) encompasses a range of strategies employed by militaries worldwide to equip soldiers for combat in hostile environments and extreme conditions. The SLMA offers this vital experience to its trainee Officer Cadets during their final term, by conducting Field Exercise Wanabambara in two phases for twenty-two days.
From 22 Oct 24 to 12 Nov 24, the Officer Cadets of Intake 93B, SC 21, SC 22, SC 21A and SC 22A participated in the Wanabambara Exercise, conducted at the forest reserves of Omanugala, Baron's Cap, Walamandiya, Nelugala, and Aranaganwila. On 21 Oct 24, the O/Cdts were organized into two Companies and received movement orders to convoy from SLMA to ATS Maduruoya. The Exercise was formally begun with CI’s address at ATS Maduruoya on 22 Oct 24.
The initial phase of the Ex aimed to equip the O/Cdts with essential knowledge and skills to navigate and operate in specific terrains. Training included a comprehensive curriculum featuring physical conditioning, Endurance Training Tests (ETT), circuit training, yoga, confidence-building exercises, rappelling, aerial rope, intensive firing drills (live), fire-and-move (live), lane firing (live), demonstrations on harboring and breaking contact. Additional activities comprised of battle inoculation, survival skills, phase mastery training and orientation and confidence marches.
The second phase focused on deepening the trainees' understanding on CRW by allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios that demanded quick thinking and adaptation. This phase included a series of activities such as demonstrations, discussions, Ex-Giant Step (Long March), practicing of harboring techniques, conduct of day and night ambushes, raids, and casualty evacuation operations (CASEVAC). The Officer Cadets also engaged in combat tracking, link-up operations and Company harboring routines, while ensuring the all-round protection of the Dropping Zone (DZ) for Heli dropping of ration packets. The training culminated with the "Final Countdown" operation, followed by a debriefing to revisit experiences gained through the Exercise and the lessons learnt. To mark the conclusion of Ex Wanabambara, the Cadets participated in a campfire, peaking their entertainment at the successful completion of the Exercise.
During the second phase of the Exercise, Major General ULJS Perera RSP USP psc, the Commandant of the SLMA, along with the CO-OCW, DA-AW and other senior officers, visited the training sites to oversee execution of the Ex, achievement of its educational and training objectives.
