Defence Services Command and Staff College

EXERCISE CARRIER PIGEON 2026

Exercise CARRIER PIGEON was conducted at the Defence Services Command and Staff College from 30 June to 6 July 2026 for Army Course Participants. The exercise was structured as a comprehensive command post exercise, aimed at developing and critically evaluating the Course Participants’ competence in the planning and execution of operations at both divisional and brigade levels, together with the integration of associated staff functions in a contemporary operational environment.

The principal emphasis of the exercise was to enhance decision-making proficiency under conditions characterised by operational stress, uncertainty, and time constraints. In this context, Course Participants were required to undertake a series of command and staff activities, including formal briefings, back briefings, and the issuance of oral orders across three distinct tactical scenarios encompassing both offensive and defensive operations. These activities were designed to reinforce doctrinal application, operational synchronisation, and the effective employment of combat and combat support elements.

Furthermore, the exercise provided Course Participants with practical exposure to the functioning of formation headquarters, enabling them to simulate the operation of divisional and brigade command posts. This included the preparation, processing, and dissemination of operational correspondence in accordance with established staff procedures.

On culmination of the exercise, a structured wargaming session was conducted to validate and assess the operational plans formulated by the participants, with particular focus on feasibility, flexibility, and responsiveness to evolving battlefield dynamics. Additionally, Course Participants conducted a civil military coordination conference and a media engagement exercise, thereby broadening their understanding of strategic communication in modern operations.

During the exercise, Major General WMSN Wijekoon ndc AATO, Quarter Master General of the Sri Lanka Army, visited the respective divisional and brigade headquarters to evaluate the Combat Service Support planning aspects. His observations provided valuable professional insights into the sustainment dimension of operations.

Overall, the exercise achieved its intended training objectives, with Course Participants demonstrating a commendable level of professionalism, analytical acumen, and adaptability in addressing complex and dynamic operational scenarios.

EXERCISE CARRIER PIGEON 2026