Muscat: The National Defence College (NDC) at the Academy of Strategic and Defence Studies concluded today the annual strategic exercise "Decision Making-13."

According to Oman News Agency, the exercise was executed by the participants in the thirteenth National Defence Course from various military, security, and civil units. The concluding ceremony was held under the auspices of Lt. General Said Ali Al Hilali, Head of the Internal Security Service. The chief guest and the attendees listened to a briefing on the proceedings of the exercise. They also watched a visual presentation addressing its stages, objectives, and the lessons learned. Subsequently, they toured the exercise cells and were briefed on their duties, the coordination mechanism, and the achieved results.

Rear Admiral Ali Abdullah Al Shidi, Commandant of the National Defence College and Exercise Director, stated: "The 'Decision Making-13' exercise represents the main practical application of the academic program and a culmination of the knowledge and skills in strategic thinking, analysis, and decision-making acquired by the participants." He pointed out that its outcomes reflected the participants' ability to analyze strategic environments, comprehend regional and international interactions, and formulate national alternatives that enhance the readiness to deal with challenges, anticipate the future, and safeguard national interests.

The occasion was attended by Vice Admiral Abdullah Khamis Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces; Rear Admiral Saif Nasser Al Rahbi, Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman; Maj. Gen Hamid Ahmed Sakroon, Chairman of the Academy of Strategic and Defence Studies; and Maj. Gen Abdullah Ali Al Harthy, Assistant Inspector General of Police and Customs for Operations. Also in attendance were several senior officers from the military and security units, as well as members of the academic and administrative staff and exercise advisors.