Senior Command Course 16 Concludes Exercise ‘Eagle Strike’ at Army War College

Senior Command Course 16 Concludes Exercise ‘Eagle Strike’ at Army War College

The Senior Command Course 16, currently undergoing training at the Army War College, Buttala, successfully concluded Exercise ‘Eagle Strike’, a comprehensive Counterinsurgency (COIN) exercise conducted from 16 to 21 March 2026. The exercise marked the culmination of the COIN package within the course curriculum.

The exercise was designed to train Student Officers in brigade level planning and battalion level execution of COIN operations, with particular emphasis on Pacification Operations and Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA). The training exposed participants to realistic operational challenges, enabling them to enhance their decision-making capabilities in complex counterinsurgency environments.

Exercise ‘Eagle Strike’ was conducted in six distinct phases, covering mission analysis, brigade and battalion level planning, and the conduct of operations, including an attack on an insurgent hideout. The exercise also featured a Command Post Exercise (CPX) conducted under simulated operational conditions, along with the development of Integrated Contingency Plans (ICP), ensuring comprehensive coverage of both strategic and tactical aspects of COIN operations.

As part of the exercise, Student Officers were also given the opportunity to conduct media briefings in a realistic operational setting. A lifelike media scenario was created with the assistance of the Directorate of Media, featuring the participation of professional journalists. This component provided the participants with valuable practical exposure to the information dimension of COIN operations.

The successful conclusion of Exercise ‘Eagle Strike’ marks a significant milestone in the curriculum of Senior Command Course 16. It further reinforces the commitment of the Army War College to fostering excellence in military education and training, while preparing officers to effectively meet contemporary and future operational challenges.