Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has held its 10th edition of the inter-formation and unit drill competitions as part of an exercise to promote teamwork and discipline within the uniformed force.
ZNA Commander, Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe emphasised the importance of drills in building a formidable force adding that the participation of women soldiers is a deliberate move to promote their professional development.
“The objectives of the competition are to provide the ZNA with an ideal benchmark for the assessment and improvement of the standard of foot drill, arms drill, pace stick drill as well as guards and sentries’ procedure and layout. As much as the ZNA is acclaimed as a fighting machine, little is said about our prowess in drills skills. In future plans, those who excel in this competition will represent the organisation in international drill competitions if the organisation gets invited.
“The drill competition is also meant to infuse into the participants, a deep-seated sense of pride, Unity, comradeship and discipline. It also sets foundation for the formulation of a standard template relative to the successful conduct of future drill competitions in the ZNA.
“The participation of members of the women services is a clear testimony of the importance of being placed on the professional development of lady soldiers within the military set-up. Drill is the cornerstone of discipline within the military which is why the commander ZNA’s training directives have over the years always emphasised on drill and discipline,” he said.
General Sanyatwe also announced the promotion of outstanding officers during the competitions.
“Sergeant Linda Mapfumo of 3.1 combat group, Sergeant Sibisoso Gumede of 2 infantry brigade and Warrent Officer class 2 Bingebinge Sinikiwe of 3 infantry brigade you are all promoted one up as from today.”
There is consensus within the ranks and files of army leadership on the importance of drills in maintaining discipline.
ZNA’s colonel training, Colonel Ananias Hoviyo Mutati said, “Training in large numbers ensures cross-pollination of ideas. The training was aimed at instilling discipline and unity among the members of the ZNA.”
Meanwhile, Herbert Chitepo Barrack was the overall winner of the drill competitions attended by formations from across the country.
