ZNA to counter hostile intelligence services

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army is working hard to counter hostile intelligence services that are working out to obtain sensitive information about the country and its security forces, a senior army officer has said.

Speaking at a signals course graduation ceremony at the School of Signals at Imbizo Barracks on Friday, ZNA Chief of Staff General Staff, Major-General Trust Mugoba, said the army was committed to curbing cyber-crime as the country was now under constant pressure from misinformation peddled through the use of modern technology.

He said signals require one to keep abreast with technological advancements in the fast changing world of technology.

“You will be aware that hostile intelligence services are always at work trying to obtain sensitive information about Zimbabwe in general and the ZNA in particular,” he warned.

Maj-Gen Mugoba said the detailed cyber warfare, communication security and electronic warfare packages covered in the studies should make the officers aware of the hostile intelligence services that were always at work trying to obtain sensitive information about the country and the army.

“As signalers you are privy to sensitive information and you are potential targets of such hostile agents. You need to be always on guard against falling prey to such agents. You should remain upright and straight forward as no price is worth selling your motherland,” he said.

The aim of the course, he said, was to equip the officers with the requisite knowledge and skills to plan, employ, advice and maintain, command control, compute and communicate systems as applicable to ZNA in confirmatory with the ZNA’s operational doctrine.

Maj-Gen Mugoba said the importance of communication in the military could never be overemphasised.

“It is common knowledge that sound communications are pivotal to the success of any military operation world over. A commander with well planned communication systems manned by competent operators is most likely to be victorious in any operation given the fact that such communication systems greatly enhance his or her command and control functions,” he said.

The ZNA has embarked on “Project Sustain” which is designed to make the army self-sustaining in terms of ration requirements. The project entails the army undertaking various farming activities to feed soldiers while they are in the barracks or on deployment.

Gender sensitivity was also applauded in the courses with women possessing a high level of competence.

Meanwhile, a Christmas Party was held at Headquarters 1 Infantry Brigade for Warrant Officers and Sergeants in an effort to bring personnel and their spouses together to celebrate the past year.

Acting Commander 1 Infantry Brigade Colonel Simo Maseko who was the guest of honour said the party was meant to develop cordial relations that should always exist between army officers and to create a bond as families.

“In as much as we are in a celebratory mood let me remind you that it is pertinent for you to understand that this is the time for us all to take stock of ourselves by reflecting on aspects that we went through during 2016. Such a reflection brings back both sad and good memories. It is necessary to make such reflections as it is the only way that we use to correct and control ourselves and help make resolutions for the coming year,” said Col Maseko.

He said the ZNA should not bask in yesterday’s glory as this was the time to plan for the coming year.