Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura-Mutare Bureau
CONTINUOUS training helps keep soldiers tactically sharp and battle-ready to defend the country’s territorial integrity, Zimbabwe National Army Commander Lieutenant-General Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi has said.
He made the remarks yesterday at the closing ceremony of the Nyanga March, Platoon Shoot and Competition held at All Arms Battle School in Nyanga, which saw all ZNA formations taking part.
“The successful conduct of this competition marks an important milestone in the organisation’s training calendar. Despite the challenges encountered during planning and execution, we have demonstrated our collective commitment to maintaining high training standards. This demonstrates the importance that the army attaches to training at the lowest, but most decisive level of combat. The platoon remains the foundation of combat power. It is at this level that leadership, discipline, tactical confidence, physical endurance and team work are developed and tested.
“The competition was conducted in accordance with my 2026 training directive and sought to elevate training standards and operational proficiency across formations and units,” he said.
Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi said ZNA had embraced new technology and was training its members to be abreast of new fighting techniques and was rehabilitating its training schools so that they remained in good condition.
“Consistent with my vision of retooling and re-equipping the Zimbabwe National Army, I have prioritised the rehabilitation of training infrastructure across formations and units. I approved some financial interventions funded through proceeds generated from our private-public partnership. All Arms Battle School is among the beneficiaries of this programme having received US$182 092.95 for the rehabilitation of its training infrastructure.
“Quality training facilities are indispensable in producing competent and combat-ready soldiers. This competition has also enabled us to assess the overall preparedness of formations and units in implementing this year’s training directive. Contemporary conflicts continue to demonstrate victory is no longer determined solely by numerical superiority. Technological superiority, information dominance, precision engagement and adaptability increasingly determine success on the battlefield,” said Lt Gen Tapfumaneyi.
