ZNA Young Officers graduate

Mildred Sithole, Midlands Reporter 

A TOTAL of 77 Zimbabwe National Army Young Officers were on Friday awarded certificates after completing Young Officers training course at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru.

Of the 77, eight were females who completed a four-and-a-half month course which covered administration, logistics regimental duties, leadership and intelligence.

Officiating at the graduation ceremony of Young Officers’ Course 01 Chief of Staff General Staff, Major-General David Sigauke said ZNA ’s thrust is to develop a vibrant and knowledgeable human resource base capable of professionally executing their duties.

He said the course was therefore an important part of the progressive training of junior officers in the ZNA and would remain a permanent feature on the organisation’s training calendar.

Maj-Gen Sigauke commended the participation of female officers who stood strong in the male dominated course.

“The course had an initial enrolment of 78 students including eight females drawn from both teeth arms and supporting services. Let me applaud the participation and determination of female officers on your course who stood firm on the male dominated course,” he said.

Maj-Gen Sigauke said out of 78 officers who partook in the training course — one student was disqualified due to indiscipline.

He said discipline was the symbol of any successful army worldwide.

“As we celebrate the graduation of the 78 officers it is disturbing that one student was expelled from this important course due to indiscipline. Let me remind you that discipline is the hallmark of any successful army the world over,” he said.

Maj-Gen Sigauke urged the student officers to be guided by the basic values of discipline and loyalty.

“To the graduands on behalf of Commander ZNA and the entire organisation, I commend you for your resilience and urge you to keep up with the good spirit of commitment and dedication to duty in all your future assignments and responsibilities. Remember that you are the role models of your troops under command hence you are expected to conduct yourselves with integrity and dignity.

“It is beyond doubt that as you leave the Academy, you are now better placed and prepared to fit well in regimental life and deliver your best with unquestionable loyalty and quality service,” he said.