The Sunday News
Mollet Ndebele in Mbalabala
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) is concerned with the increase in cases of indiscipline involving some of its members and will continue to work to instil discipline within its ranks to ensure that the organisation remains a professional unit.
ZNA Chief of Staff Quarter Master Staff, Major-General Hlanganani Dube said this when he addressed a combined graduation parade at the Zimbabwe School of Infantry at Mbalabala yesterday.
The graduation parade consisted of 343 soldiers of which 14 junior officers, 329 non-commissioned officers, of which 17 were from the Zimbabwe Women Services while four were members of the Airforce of Zimbabwe.
“There are soldiers who abuse weapons and army equipment, there are incidents where soldiers abscond from their guard posts with weapons and use them to settle domestic disputes and any other abuses. Be advised that the ZNA will not tolerate any acts of indiscipline as it has always been known to be a very disciplined force. Discipline is the main characteristic of all professional armies which is also much valued by the ZNA,” said Maj-Gen Dube.
He said discipline will always remain a unique feature of the military therefore he warned the soldiers to desist from all forms of indiscipline that might tarnish the image of the army. He, however, urged soldiers to continue updating themselves in modern warfare as it requires dynamic tactics to meet the ever-changing operational environment.
“Zimbabwe School of Infantry will always strive to produce graduates who excel in any combat environment and I am aware that your training demands high standards of endurance but we always expect the best from you.
“For the graduands of support weapons course, remember fire support during battle, gives frontline soldiers confidence and propel their fighting spirit to victory,” said Maj-Gen Dube.
He said it was his belief that the graduands were now conversant with the proper employment of support weapons in all phases of war.
“To the graduands of Small Arms Instructor’s Course, may I remind you that the final part of every battle is concluded by the effective use of small arms.
“In that regard, you are to use the knowledge you gained from this course in all training activities that are conducted by the organisation at various levels,” said Maj-Gen Dube.
He extended his appreciation to the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for providing security to the nation under a very strenuous, hyper-inflationary economic environment.
“I thank the Commandant of the Zimbabwe School of Infantry, his officers and men for their hard work to fulfil the Commander’s Training Directive despite the challenges of scarce resources. May I congratulate all graduands for making it to this day,” said Maj-Gen Dube.
