New soldiers to secure borders
SOME of the 563 young people who have this year joined 3 SA Infantry Battalion (3 SAI) for two-years of military training will be deployed to secure the country’s borders while others will be sent on peacekeeping missions in war-ravaged countries such as Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Addressing the recruits at a welcoming ceremony yesterday at the 3 SAI military base, Major General Bongani Mbatha said that the country depended on disciplined soldiers to carry out such missions.
“Some of you will be deployed to support peace operations and give humanitarian assistance in wartorn countries such as Sudan. But we need disciplined soldiers for such operations.
“We need the right people with the right attitude to take this defence force to higher levels. We need the right human resource component that is young, fit and has the right attitude to carry this army into the future,” Mbatha said.
In his speech, Mbatha pointed out to the recruits that by joining the army they had started a new chapter in their lives, that of serving the Republic of South Africa.
“You have voluntarily decided to dedicate your lives to our beautiful country and the prescripts of our Code of Conduct. I say this because the decision to serve the people of South Africa through the National Defence Force is a calling of its own kind. It takes men and women of character to choose to serve the nation,” he told them.
Mbatha also said that many of the recruits would, after completing their two-year training, join the army’s reserve units on a part-time basis.
He indicated that the country re- lied heavily on its strong reserve to ensure the safety of South African citizens and in the preparation for different types of conflicts.
He added that should the South African army require personnel to serve in the army’s regular forces, the recruits would be approached towards the end of their two-year training.
“You, however, need to, from the onset, realise that your continued employment in the SANDF (regular or reserve) will depend on your performance, conduct and leadership qualities displayed throughout the two years of your training,” he said.
Mbatha also took the time to remind the recruits that theirs was a tough and dangerous career path which included being trained in the art of war.
“This implies that you will be trained to kill and your mindset must adapt to this reality. You do not choose your leaders as you are a part of the military hierarchy with its own particular way of functioning. We, as the army, function by means of orders, instructions and discipline. You either accept this age-old proven way of military life or you get out,” he added.
He concluded his address by telling the recruits that being a soldier was about behaving in a manner that promoted honesty, transparency and respect for human life. “We are part of the force for good in Africa. And soldiering as a way of life will instil in you the values that will make you feel proud about serving the nation,” he stated.
The recruits will today start with their induction programme at the base and the basic military training will start next week Monday.
“The training will include field craft, musketry, drill, buddy aid, map reading and physical fitness,” Officer Commanding of 3 SAI Battalion, Colonel Arthur Nziweni, said.
He stated that the passing out parade will be on May 10.
“There after the recruits will start with their platoon weapon training until they finish in June this year,” Nziweni added.