The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
ARMY officers have been implored to take an active role in the economic reform programmes being implemented by the Government to ensure that they contribute to the economic turnaround efforts.
This was said by Quarter Master Staff of Army Headquarters, Colonel Benjamin Sebata while officiating during a pass out parade at 1 Air Defence Regiment last week in Kwekwe.
“I urge you to actively participate and support the results based agenda as it enables Zimbabwe to achieve economic growth and reposition herself as one of the strongest economies in the region and continent. The Zimbabwe National Army’s sustenance programmes were rolled out with specific tasks allotted to each brigade, basing on its area of location for the benefit of members,” said Col Sebata.
He reminded officers of the need to uphold high standards of discipline saying the institution will not hesitate to punish misbehaving elements.
“Remember that discipline is the cornerstone of soldiering. The ZNA continues to uphold zero tolerance to any forms of indiscipline hence promptly and decisively deal with form of misbehaviour which tarnishes its image and reputation. I therefore urge you to desist from disgraceful social habits like consumption or abuse of drugs, irresponsible sexual behaviour among other social ills,” said Col Sebata.
He said training would remain a major component of being a soldier as it instils discipline.
“It has to be borne in mind that lack of training breeds idleness, a state of slumber among forces hence the need to keep training. Let me hasten to say a disciplined, tenacious and loyal force is a pride to its nation and any envy of its foes,” he said.
He also hailed the forces for completing the training course despite challenges faced and lack of adequate resources.
A total of 53 members of the ZNA drawn from across the country, graduated after completion of a Crew Commanders’ Course and Surface to Air missiles course 01 of 2019.
The seven-month course which saw 14 females graduating, was divided into three with the first 22 weeks covering the Troop Commanders’ Course while the second set of 24 weeks covered the Crew Commanders’ Course while the remaining 4 weeks covered Air Missiles Course.
