Tong Mashonga [email protected]
BATTLEFIELDS — The thunder of rifles at the 5 Infantry Brigade Gallery Range at Battlefields on Saturday, 24 October had little to do with combat.
It was about trust, joy and demystifying the life of a soldier as 5 Infantry Brigade hosted its annual Executive Interactive Initiative (EII) Fun Shoot, a flagship event on the Midlands civil-military calendar that brings together the corporate world, captains of industry, sister security organisations and the civil community for a day of interaction with the Zimbabwe National Army.
The event, which was attended by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Midlands, Owen Ncube, saw participants take turns on the firing line, each firing 30 rounds and competing in the group falling plates competition.
In his remarks, Commander 5 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General Lawrence Munzararikwa, said the fun shoot is authorised by the Zimbabwe National Army Command Element as a deliberate platform to bridge the perceived gap between the barracks and the community.
“It gives us an opportunity to interact with our local communities in the context of a semi-military environment where they are exposed to our tools of trade and we subject them to having fun with the systems that we use, specifically our weapon systems,” said Brig Gen Munzararikwa.
“We do this so that we demystify what our people usually over exaggerate as a very difficult military operating environment. When we do this we also try to motivate people so that when they go back to their respective communities they preach the gospel that there is nothing very difficult or impossible in the military.”
Brig-Gen Munzararikwa said the model mirrors international best practice where citizens are exposed to military environments throughout their lives.
“In other countries citizens are basically paramilitary. At every stage of one’s life they are supposed to be exposed to the military environment so that they appreciate how to defend their country. They also appreciate the values that are associated with national defence and security,” he said.
“When we interact with members of the public we build the necessary confidence that is required for national defence.”
In his opening remarks to the captains of industry, chief executive officers, managing directors, officers and guests, Brig Gen Munzararikwa said the shoot was designed to leave rank and hierarchy outside the range.
“The fun shoot is designed to create a space that enables us to leave our busy offices and schedules to interact and have fun as leaders, comrades and friends,” he said.
Brig-Gen Munzararikwa said the fun shoot fosters cross functional interaction, reminding participants that best teams are built on both trust and joy.
“Today we dismantle perceived barriers of our offices and interact as comrades and friends. This informal environment has no executive hierarchy or military ranks separating us. There is only camaraderie, mutual respect, and a shared target to the front of our rifles,” he said.
Brig Hen Munzararikwa thanked the organising committee for their creativity and participants for their enthusiasm.
“Make sure you enjoy this fun shoot, supporting each other, sharing ideas, exchanging notes and skills. The idea of the shoot is not about winning or who gets the best award, but participation and interaction hence the name fun shoot,” he said.
Brig-Gen Munzararikwa, however, stressed that discipline on the range was non-negotiable.
“During the conduct of the fun shoot, range safety and discipline is of paramount importance. The range environment is a high-risk theatre. The weapons you will handle today are lethal. Therefore, safety is not just a guideline today, it is an absolute requirement,” he said.
Minister Ncube said Government fully backs such initiatives that strengthen relations between the defence forces and the people.
“We support such initiatives by the country’s defence forces,” he said.
For many first-time participants, the day was an eye-opener.
“This event is very profound and interactive. I enjoyed real experience on the ground,” said one participant.
The continued support for 5 Brigade from the Midlands business community underscores the strong ties between the army and the people.
This relatioship is vital in fostering patriotism and mutual understanding between the defence forces and the people.
