Paratroopers urged to vote wisely

Martin Chedondo said this yesterday during the presentation of wings and conferment of colours to 19 paratrooper graduands at Inkomo Barracks.

“Today you have just finished your course and we all chanted the ‘battle cry’ meaning when we go for voting on July 31, I urge you to cast your ballots in peace.
“You should all know that your vote is meant to protect the country’s sovereignty and not to sell it to the enemies. We should know that our vote today will preserve the country for the next generation so there is a need for all to vote wisely,” said Maj-Gen Chedondo.

He also encouraged the paratroopers to remain loyal during the course of executing their duties.
“I congratulate you for completing the course. What remains now is for you to remain focused. You should be disciplined, patriotic and exemplary in all that you do.

“It should be borne in mind that receiving reports of this special force going to night clubs in uniform and getting involved in brawls is uncalled for,” he said.
Maj-General Chedondo said that as a special force, members must diligently execute their duties. He also encouraged women to take part in the course since they were lobbying for gender equality.

“I have heard that there are also women who are able to do the free-falling. I am surprised that there were no women in this course. I believe they will also take part in the next intake,” he said.

He expressed concern over the members’ welfare and promised to improve it. The 19 troopers went through a rigorous month’s training, which was in three phases.

The first stage was ground training, where they were taught various drills on how to board or disembark from an aircraft, flight and landing drills. It was followed by actual jumping that was in nine levels.