The ManicaPost
Senior Reporter
THE preparedness of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces to meet internal and or external threats that may be posed by would be aggressors is crucial in guaranteeing peace and stability in a country, a senior Zimbabwe National Army official has said.
Addressing graduands and attendees at the General Squad Drill and Small Arms graduation ceremony at 3 Brigade Infantry recently, guest of honour, ZNA Director Ordinance, Colonel Kenneth Chihumba, said rigorous training had no substitute if the army was to fulfil its mandate.
“For many, it may be difficult to comprehend the value of the professional study of war undertaken by military officers, men and women in the training institutions within the country. Training therefore has no substitute if the said armies are to fulfil their mandates. The guarantee for peace stems from the preparedness of a nation and most importantly the preparedness of the Defence Forces to meet internal and external threat that may be posed by would be aggressors,” he said.
The General Squad Drill and Small Arms course commenced on July 17 with a total capacity of 106 students, but 105 graduated last Friday. Col Chihumba hailed the graduands for remaining resilient throughout the duration of the course.
“The 105 students graduating today endured numerous challenges, ranging from logistical and training facilities. This was not by design, but a result of economic embargoes imposed on the country by her detractors. It is pleasing to note that men and women graduating today are patriotic, loyal and dedicated militants of this country determined to pursue set goals and achieve them and also to fight to their last drop of blood for their country,” he said.
The course was run under the auspices of Zimbabwe School of Infantry and the syllabus cantered mainly on foot and arms drill and small arms training.
