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Heather Charema in Chegutu
Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) personnel should be committed, dedicated and ready to render support to ground forces in war situations, a senior army officer has said.

Addressing a joint graduation ceremony for 89 students who underwent training in six different field artillery training courses at Chakari Field Artillery Training School last Friday, Commander 5 Infant Brigade Brigadier-General Simo Maseko applauded female students who were graduating for their courage to undertake courses that required the operation of heavy artillery machines.

He said field artillery was an important arm and the emphasis of the six courses was the perfection of artillery skills and accuracy in hitting targets selected by the supported arm.

The six courses undertook were Young Officer’s Course, Gunline Commander’s Course, Advanced Gun Drill Course, Command Post Course, Survey Course, Observation Post Course.

“It has been proven that artillery guns can operate in any situation and any environment and from long distances covering the ground forces. In my operational experience I have seen units fearing to embark on a mission without the artillery support, it therefore tells you that you are an important arm for any unit to conquer and you are that important,” he said.

“Today’s graduation is a manifestation of the field artillery training school commitment to fulfil its training mandate despite the resource constraints that ZNA is facing as an organisation.

“I am convinced that despite the resource constraints faced by the school the six courses graduating today had a feel of working as integrated teams whose sole purpose is to engage targets according to the supported arm commander’s plan.”

He said the field artillery needed a demonstration of team work to conquer as the graduates had learnt during the three weeks field training course.