Sikhumbuzo Moyo
ZIMBABWE National Army (ZNA) Commander Lieutenant-General Walter Tapfumaneyi has challenged 495 newly graduated soldiers to uphold discipline, loyalty, patriotism and sacrifice as they begin their careers in the military.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi was addressing the 495 recruits at the Imbizo Recruit Training Depot in Bulawayo during their pass-out parade yesterday.
He said the eight-month training programme was designed to provide the recruits with a strong foundation in military duties while developing their mental and physical capacity to the required standards.
“The Basic Individual Training Phase is a critical stage that lays the fundamental foundation for all military undertakings, be they training or operations,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
He said the initial phase of training focused on developing the recruits’ physical and mental capacity while instilling national character and the military bearing expected of soldiers.
The recruits underwent physical training, drill and dressing, memory training and other demanding exercises aimed at promoting uniformity, discipline and adherence to standing training instructions.
They were also trained in basic military skills, including fieldcraft, map reading, obstacle crossing, weapon handling and range work, voice procedure, first aid, parades and inspections.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the skills were progressively integrated to prepare the recruits for combat, survival and adaptation to different operational situations.
“To conclude Phase One training, recruits are subjected to military sports competitions as a way to confirm training progression,” he said.
Phases Two and Three focused on tactical training, with the recruits being introduced to combat skills and collective progressive training.
He said the training scenarios centred on defensive and offensive operations conducted within a battle group setting.
The programme culminated in the eight-month-long training journey with yesterday’s pass-out parade, marking the recruits’ transition into trained soldiers.
Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi said the training was intended to instil willpower, loyalty, patriotism and sacrifice, which he described as essential attributes in building a formidable army.
He said civil-military relations also formed an important component of the training programme, acquainting recruits with the history of Zimbabwe and preparing them for their responsibilities to the nation and civilian population.
“The thrust of this civil-military relations package is in line with our determination to craft a patriotic, loyal, disciplined and formidable force built upon the firm foundation that underpin our ideals,” said Lt-Gen Tapfumaneyi.
