Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
A TOTAL of 65 Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officers graduated yesterday at a joint ceremony for the Company Group Commanders Course 1/76 and Platoon Commanders Course 2/77, held at the All Arms Battle School at Rekai Tangwena Barracks in Nyanga.
The graduation ceremony marked another milestone for the military institution in training field and operational commanders.
The ceremony was officiated by Chief of Staff Administration, Major General Augustine Chipwere.
Major General Chipwere congratulated the officers for successfully completing their respective courses, highlighting the significance of such training in maintaining combat readiness within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.
“The Company Group Commanders Course 1/76 commenced with 31 students, while the Platoon Commanders Course 2/77 started with 34 students. It is pleasing to note that all students who were accepted on the first day of the courses are graduating today.
This is evidence of an enduring commitment, and I implore you all to keep up the spirit,” he said.
He said the primary purpose of military training is to equip officers with the skills and knowledge necessary to execute assigned duties effectively not merely to seek promotion.
“It is very unfortunate that most officers prematurely attend courses with a view to qualify for promotion. This attitude distorts the whole essence of training. Instead of mastering concepts, a student who seeks promotion is likely to memorise concepts only for that particular purpose,” he said.
Major General Chipwere said the courses were designed to equip the officers with the skills to effectively command and control at respective command levels.
“Unlike course scenarios, in real life you are on your own and your decisions will significantly impact the image of the organisation. This is a clarion call for you to be rationally professional,” he said.
He said the training was rooted in preparing the army for future military threats.
“Armies the world over preoccupy themselves with appropriate training in preparation for war. This was the core objective of your training. Sun Tzu warned that ‘rely not on the enemy’s not coming, but rather on your preparedness to receive him’. Our training, therefore, speaks to this critical call to ensure the army is adequately drilled and attains the highest state of combat readiness possible,” he said.
He also commended the AABS for maintaining high standards of training despite resource constraints, praising the dedication of course instructors and support staff.
Graduates were exposed to a rigorous curriculum that included the roles and organisation of the ZDF, leadership, decision-making, man management, conventional warfare, military law, low intensity operations, civil-military relations, and operational art, among other subjects.
Major General Chipwere also lauded the inclusion and performance of female officers on both courses, stating that they stood shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts throughout the training.
“It is encouraging to note the presence of female officers on both courses. You measured up with your male counterparts throughout the course, that is the spirit we expect. Let me stress that passing the basic fitness test is a prerequisite for acceptance on all courses within the ZNA. I am glad that all students graduating today managed to pass this requirement. The organisation will never lower the bar for weaklings,” he said.
In line with the ZNA’s gender mainstreaming efforts, he said, more slots would continue to be allocated to female officers in future courses.
He also took time to appreciate the local community for supporting the operations of the All Arms Battle School.
