‘Maintain ZDF’s good name’

THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces should remain resilient, disciplined and vigilant in maintaining the good name of the force, a senior army officer has said.

Speaking during the graduation ceremony of 68 recruits that completed the Commando Skills Training Package in Kariba recently, guest speaker Colonel Sydney Singizi said soldiers should maintain a positive attitude towards the building of a prosperous Zimbabwe and efficient and professional defence forces.

“You must live an exemplary life that makes the Zimbabwe National Army a force to reckon with as it has been respected nationally, regionally and globally,” he said.

Col Singizi praised the graduates for conducting the training with inadequate resources, expressing hope that the new dispensation would provide enough going forward.

“I am aware that you trained with inadequate resources, but let me hasten to say that, as commandos you must always think outside the box and operate with whatever is available.

“We are just into a new dispensation and the country is still yet to enjoy a flourishing economy.

“We are also moving towards general elections which we hope will be conducted in a peaceful environment and give hope for a conducive working environment,” he said.

The 68 recruits went under intensive training to be fully trained commandos and the course package covered physical training, map reading, voice procedure, reconnaissance, tracking, unarmed combat, room clearance, skills at arms, watermanship, first aid and bush craft, among others.

“The skills training package provided the trainees with the requisite practical knowledge to be applied in tactics and techniques during live operations,” said Col Singizi.

The graduation ceremony was attended by various senior army officers including the Commanding Officer of Commando Regiment Colonel Ecock Chivhima.