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Walter Nyamukondiwa Kariba Bureau
At least 64 Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) junior commanders graduated with certificates after undergoing an 18-week tactics course in Kariba.

The training was conducted by the Zimbabwe School of Infantry and centred on convectional and low intensity operations tactics.

Participants were drawn from 2 Infantry Brigade, 2-3 Combat group and the Rhino Brigade.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the Kariba Airport base, Colonel Godfrey Mutsadyanga said the training was aimed at equipping junior commanders to effectively control and command infantry sections in war and peace times.

“Take note that sound and good leadership skills, high standards of discipline and a thorough knowledge of our weapon systems are not merely learnt to be discarded in everyday life,” he said.

“It is the constant duty of those in command and qualified members like yourselves (junior commanders) to insist on the standard you know to be right.”

Col Mutsadyanga said any instance of indiscipline and abdication of duty which goes unpunished would lead to further indiscipline.

This, he said, would lead to the lowering of standards in the army.

“More than ever before, Zimbabwe National Army requires members who are well-trained, disciplined, loyal and dedicated to duty,” said Col Mutsadyanga. “It is through these qualities that the force has succeeded in peacekeeping missions, low intensity conventional warfare operations.”

Col Mutsadyanga said the graduands had excelled under difficult conditions as the army was not spared from the debilitating impact of illegal sanctions.

“While the Army HQ is playing its role in the provision of training resources, let me emphasize that all members must use the meagre resources wisely,” he said.

“The adequacy of resources depends on the national economy and whilst our economy is still on the recovery path, we are still far from reaching satisfactory standards. The sanctions that were imposed on our country continue to destabilise the growth of our economy.”

Corporals Moses Nyika (5-3 Infantry Brigade), Victor Shumo (2 Infantry Brigade) and Wilbert Ncube (Recruitment Training) walked away with shields for outstanding performances during the course.

The training included map reading and navigation of any terrain by day or night, planning and conducting low intensity operations, deployment of section and platoon weapons in all phases of war and effective communication.

The event was also attended by Lieutenant Colonel Fanuel Muzerengwa, and other army officers.