07th October 2023 09:24:03 Hours
The "Exercise Scorpion" is a major field training programme designed for penultimate-term trainee O/Cdts. Its primary aim is to equip them with theoretical knowledge of combat team-level military engagements in Internal Security (IS) Operations and provide practical exposure to the execution of such operations in collaboration with civil authorities. The exercise derives its name from the fictional insurgent group "Scorpion" which serves as a basis for simulating sabotage activities that disrupt law and order in a state, upon which military activities are predicated.
From 23 September to 30 September, 2023, Officer Cadets from Intake 92B, SC 20, and 92A actively participated in the Scorpion Field Exercise. During this exercise, they assumed military roles, including conducting roadblocks, manning VP's and KP's, extending VIP protection, functioning detachments, engaging in CIMIC activities, managing crowd dispersal and conducting Cordon and Search operations within two Infantry Companies located in and around Diyatalawa.
On 27 September 2023, Major General M T I Mahalekam WWV RWP RSP USP ndu psc, the Commandant, conducted an inspection of the exercise areas to ensure the proper execution of exercise activities and assess trainees' performance at various stages of the field exercise, in pursuit of the established objectives. On the morning of 28 September, a CIMIC conference was held at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium, with the participation of both civil and military stakeholders. Additionally, on the evening of 29 September, the Commandant, along with Wing Heads and other officers, attended to witness the issuance of orders for the final military engagement, the Cordon and Search Operation. This operation marked the conclusion of yet another significant field exercise.
