TYPES OF COMMISSIONING IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY

 

1. DSSC – Direct Short Service Commission

For graduates and professionals (e.g., doctors, engineers, lawyers).

Duration: Typically 6 months of military training at NDA.

Officers are commissioned into non-combat roles in support services (e.g., Medical Corps, Education, Legal Services, Military Police, Engineer's, Finance and Supply & Transport etc).

They rise through the ranks based on merit and availability of roles.

2. SSC – Short Service Combatant Commission

For degree holders aspiring to serve in combatant arms (Infantry, Artillery, Armour and  Intelligence etc).

Duration: 9 months of rigorous military training.

It’s a temporary commission (usually 14 years) , but officers can later be converted to Regular Combatant.

SSC officers can attain General ranks depending on conversion and performance.

3. RC – Regular Combatant Commission

Done through Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Cadets undergo 5 years of academic + military training, then graduate as Second Lieutenants.

Officers are career military personnel and have the best chance of reaching top ranks (COAS, GOCs).

Most military Heads of State and Service Chiefs came through RC.

4. EC – Executive Commission

A special commission awarded to senior Non-commissioned officers (NCOs) who have distinguished themselves.

It recognizes experience, leadership, and long service.

EC officers often serve in support or regimental duties and can rise to the rank of Major or Lieutenant Colonel depending on performance.

Conversion Course

A military bridging program that allows officers with temporary commissions (e.g., SSC, DSSC) to be converted to Regular Commission.

The course includes refresher military training, regimentation, and leadership modules.

Successful conversion means better promotion prospects, career security, and eligibility for higher command roles.

By Nigerian Military Fact 2 

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