Guns are their best friends

services as ZWS (Zimbabwe Women Services) female soldiers have stepped up their adventure to the artillery corps characterised with carrying heavy loads which include missiles and firing sophisticated military multiple rocket launchers.
In an interview on the sidelines of a pass-out parade of 235 Artillery Brigade troops, Commander of Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Morgan Munawa, said only the sky was the limit for female soldiers.
“Zimbabwe National Army affords equal career opportunities to troops in spite of gender. This requirement is also enshrined in our national law which does not discriminate.
“As you can see this BM21 multiple rocket launcher which just fired the missiles was being operated by female gunners. Women are proving their capabilities and that they are a force to reckon with.
“Despite their biological make-up which could have made them relegate the field to males they are highly matching. In fact, they are now capable of operating all the sophisticated and heavy weapons in the Zimbabwe National Army inventory,” he said.
True to Brig Munawa’s remarks the first and third best students were female gunners — Agnes Muchero and Catherine Pasi respectively. Gunner Muchero was immediately promoted to the rank of Lance Bombardier for her achievement.
Brigadier Munawa said the world over artillery plays a critical role in neutralising enemy power during battles.
“Artillery is highly critical in modern warfare and it is key to the success of all military operations. Zimbabwe National Army like all armies highly depends on the gunners as they are affectionately known in military circles.
“In the Mozambican conflict in the early 80s, the gunners proved to be a force to reckon with as they managed to dissolve military targets including the enemy’s artillery which constantly missed targets.
“The same goes for the Democratic Republic of Congo war where the Sadc Allied forces highly depended on the gunners’ military mighty in all the battles that were fought.
“As Artillery Brigade we would see that upon our arrival or intervention whenever the infantry troops were under siege, their morale would immediately be boosted.
“The complexion of the battle would immediately change upon our intervention,” he added.
Lance Bombardier Agnes Muchero, who emerged the best student, said she felt artillery corps was her home.
“I have always been adventurous growing up and I knew the army is where I could end up be and here I am.
“Many people believe artillery corps is just a male-dominated field but since our Government put in place equal opportunities I decided to give it a try.
“There are, however, many females who are in various challenging corps of the army such as commandos and paratroopers but I feel artillery is the backbone of the army the world over.
“I feel so proud to be a member of the gunners and Zimbabwe National Army where I am helping in safeguarding my country with such rich resources,” she said.
Speaking at the same occasion, ZNA director of Army Training, Brigadier-General Ronald Mutizhe said the army’s mighty has never deteriorated despite the illegal sanctions, which were imposed on the country by its detractors.
“As an army and as a nation we have found true and all weather friends who really are always there in times of need. As you can see this new equipment that we are having is from the East.
“We continue to send both our male and female gunners to China for specialised military training on the latest warfare tactics and most of all to be able to operate some sophisticated weapons in our stockpiles.
“The Look East Policy has been of great help to us. As ZNA we are proud of our military standards and skills. Any nation who thinks they can just push us at will must think twice,” he said.
The troops fired live bombs using the latest arsenal much to the amazement of local villagers who thronged the Chakari training area on the outskirts of Kadoma.
Females could not be left behind as they were seen carrying and loading the missiles at more than practical battle scenario and conditions.
The seven courses that were being conducted included young officers’ course meant for junior commissioners who were new to the artillery corps.
The focus of their course was on command, administration and command of artillery gunners in a battle situation. The young officers were also taught on how best to deploy their artillery in positions while deployed in war.
The survey course was meant to impart knowledge on how to best hit targets with greatest accuracy.
The course also involved reconaissance of enemy positions.
The basic artillery course, which is the major and basic course for the corps, put emphasis on the operation of multiple rocket launchers that included the BM21.