Online Reporter
Joshua Muswere, Zimpapers Reporter
A total of 174 non-combat specialists, comprising 78 males and 96 females, have joined the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) after successfully completing a three-month intensive training programme at Imbizo Barracks in Bulawayo.
Chief of Staff Quartermaster Staff, Major General Simo Maseko, presided over the colourful Pass-Out Parade, describing it as another landmark achievement for the ZNA. He said the group commenced training on September 11, 2025 with a total of 176 recruits — 79 males and 97 females — drawn from across the country’s provinces. However, two recruits, one male and one female, could not complete the training.
The training course covered a wide range of subjects, including weapons handling, map reading, field craft, minor tactics, foot and arms drill, range work, voice procedure, first aid, civil-military relations, military law, watermanship, and conventional and low-intensity operations.
To properly orient trainees towards the call of duty, a civil-military relations course was included to acquaint them with the rich history of Zimbabwe.
“These subjects were meant to foster key attributes of loyalty, patriotism, and sacrifice, which are indispensable in building a formidable army renowned for its acclaimed reputation within the region and beyond. The thrust of civil-military relations is in line with our determination to cultivate a patriotic, loyal, disciplined and formidable force built upon a firm foundation underpinned by the ideals, values and ethics that define the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” said Maj Gen Maseko.
Maj Gen Maseko stressed that recruit training in the ZNA is designed to produce patriotic general-duty soldiers earmarked for employment as riflemen or riflewomen in Infantry Battalions charged with protecting Zimbabwe’s territorial integrity and upholding the Constitution.
He challenged the graduating personnel to remain disciplined, prioritise national duty and abide by the rules and regulations entrusted to them by the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
“It must be understood that you now belong to a revered organisation that carries a signature of professionalism within the region and beyond, with marked footprints in assisting other countries such as Mozambique, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. I therefore challenge you to inherit and carry forward this rich history and fine legacy. Let me also remind you that the Zimbabwe National Army is a disciplined force that does not tolerate cases of indiscipline within its ranks,” he said.
The colourful pass-out parade was witnessed by Commander Bulawayo District, Colonel Collen Ncube, represented by Deputy Commander Lieutenant Colonel Chinondo, Commandant Recruit Training Depot Lieutenant Colonel Langton Rubaro, Chief Instructor Maj Piwai Marwei, training officers, and instructors.
Bongani Ndlovu