Part-time volunteers - making a difference for a better ... · PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE From the Desk of the Chief of Corporate Staff, Lieutenant General J.L. Jansen

Part-time volunteers - making a difference for a better life for all

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Reserve Force, the SANDF’s

E pansion Capability X

Yes! Indeed, it does not seem possible that this will be our tenth edition of “The Reserve Force Volunteer”.

In celebration of this feat I must extend my thanks to all the Reserve members who have so valiantly contributed to this publication and made it the success that it is.

Effective communication is so important and I would like to encourage all Reserve units of the Services and Divisions to utilise this platform and spread the word about Reserve Service in the South African Defence Force. It comes to you at no cost, just a little bit of effort!

Editorial Note

Copyright: no article or picture in this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.

The views and opinions expressed by the authors of articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defence. The editor reserves the write to edit or shorten articles for space and layout purposes. Although great care is taken, the Editor cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions or views expressed by individuals as well as lost articles or photographs.

The Editor Reserves the right to revise and edit all articles.

10th Edition of thE REsERvE foRcE MagazinE

PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE�

�RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY

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Although all possible care is taken with articles, the Editorial staff cannot take any responsibility for lost articles and photographs.

REPRODUCTION AND PRINTING BY:Blackmoon Advertising & Research (Pty) Ltd

Contributions to be sent to:The EditorThe Reserve Force Volunteer Private Bag X161Pretoria 0001

Editorial StaffEditor: Jennifer RenderProduction: Blackmoon Advertising & Research (Pty) LtdLayout and design: Blackmoon Advertising & Research (Pty) LtdChief co-ordinator: Jennifer RenderLanguage verification: Eugene MullerDistribution: Bongani Khuzwayo

The Editor thanks the Publication Committee for their dedicated response to The Reserve Force Volunteer. All authors and photographers are acknowledged for their contributions and Director Language for as-sistance with the text.

INDEXMessage from the desk of CCS - Lt Gen J.L. Jansen Van Rensburg 6

Message from the desk of CCS (translation) - Lt Gen J.L. Jansen Van Rensburg 8

Foreword - Maj Gen R.C. Andersen 10 Military Skills Competition (Pentathlon) in Istanbul - Lt Col W. Alberts 11

Living Greener - Mrs J. Render 14

The Bagpipes and Drums - Lt Col E. Watson 18

SA ARMY

SANDF Reserves Shoot Their Way To Success - Col R. van Zantan 21Dress for SA Army honorary colonels - WO1 C.A. Laubscher 23Reserve Units in the RSA 27 SA Air Force

How to get trained people to join - Lt Col S.A. Motuba 31Dress Code for Honorary Colonels - Lt Col S.A. Motuba 33 Map of the location of SA Air Squadrons 35


SA Navy SA Navy partnership with commerce and industry - R Adm (JG) E. Penzhorn 36About the SA Navy - Mrs J. Render 40Sea Cadet Camp at SAS Simonsberg - Lt G. von Zeil 44A Half MAC in 2008 - Lt G. von Zeil 47Naval Co-ordination and Guidance for - Lt G. von Zeil 49Shipping course Captains of the industry visit SAS Saldanha - Mrs J. Render

SA Military Health Service

Medical Battalion Group - Col S. Russell 52

RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY �


From the Desk of the Chief of Corporate Staff, Lieutenant General J.L. Jansen van Rensburg

Lieutenant General J.L. Jansen van Rensburg

The development of a combat ready Defence Reserves remains a priority for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The re-establishment of the Defence Reserves as a viable and employable component of the SANDF’s capability has greatly improved with time. Over the past few years we have witnessed tremendous strides as the Defence Reserves moved from a part-time status service into a capable one force partner within the SANDF.

The implementation of Project PHOENIX, which is aimed at enhancing the transformation and revitalization of the Conventional Reserves, is well under way. Its successes are clearly reflected in the increased number of patriotic citizens that have been recruited. Project PHOENIX increased the appointments of senior officers in the Reserves. In line with the Project, the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) has played a crucial role in recruiting junior members for the Reserves. The SANDF’s plan to attract 10 000 young, healthy and willing members of our society through the MSDS programme will further build the stability of the Reserves.

Transformation is necessary because it brings diversity and expands the expertise of the Defence Reserves. It is encouraging to notice the growing number of previously disadvantaged people in the Reserves. The number of women who are joining the Reserves continues to grow significantly.

The Reserves’ expertise is essential for the SANDF because it is invaluable for its operations. The participation of citizens in military matters assists in addressing the skills challenge. Hence, the progress made in

encouraging undergraduates from various tertiary institutions to join the Reserves is inspiring and will ensure the maintenance of a pool of skilled people.

Defence Reserves is an indispensable component of the SANDF and contributes to improving the strategic and operational capability of the Defence Force. This is a welcome addition to the already overstretched Regular Force. Senior Reserve members, who are professionals in their own right, are instrumental in environmental investigations and analysis. The SANDF continues to drawn from their expertise to ensure that it meets its constitutional mandate to serve the people of South Africa and to participate effectively in both internal and external deployments.

The deployment of the Reserves under the One Force Concept has added stability and effectiveness to the execution of peace missions. Members of the Reserves proved their worth as the SANDF participated under the auspices of the African Union and the United Nations in assisting the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi to find sustainable peace and stability.

Internally, the Reserves are also assisting ordinary South Africans. During the civil servants’ strike last year, the Reserves saved many people’s lives and ensured their democratic right to health care. In just four hours after call-up, a significant proportion


of the Reserves were deployed in various health institutions of our country. Similarly, in pursuance of health care, Defence Reserves assisted with the roadblocks in KwaZulu-Natal at the height of the swine fever epidemic.

They rescued victims of fires in Mpumalanga. In Mozambique, the Reserves soldiered on through the devastating floods that continued to affect that country and its citizens and effectively rescued a number of victims.

The Corporate Staff Division, in particular, draws many of its personnel from the Reserves. For instance, a significant portion of the Military Legal Service is comprised of Reserve members. This Division, as with other sections, would find it difficult to function without the assistance of these willing members of our society. This is encouraging as it indicates that the quest for the development of a functional and employable Defence Reserves is on track.

In order to maintain this momentum, the provision of effective and appropriate training has been given sufficient consideration. Bridging training, in particular, has been very successful and good progress has been made with distance learning initiatives for the education, training and development of senior Defence Reserve officers. MSDS recruits benefit immensely from the basic military training that they are offered.

In spite of all the successes that Defence Reserves has registered thus far, the Reserve structures still face challenges. These include, inter alia, the question of incentivisation of

Reserves and their employers, the motivation of MSDS members to serve in the Reserves and the preservation of specialist skills. However, the command cadre of the SANDF is working hard to find lasting solutions to these challenges.

As the Chief of Corporate Staff, I have faith in the leadership of the Reserves and believe that collectively they will find the right solutions for the challenges ahead. I would like to thank the Chief Director Defence Reserves, Major General Roy Andersen, who is the main pillar of our Reserves. The SANDF is grateful to General Andersen, an esteemed businessman in his own right, for sharing his expertise with the military. His passion for soldiering and his relentless dedication to the Reserves are most admirable.

I would also like to welcome aboard the new Director Defence Reserves, Brigadier General Quinton Painter. His appointment to the management echelon adds experienced hands to our deck as we shift gears for Business Unusual. His understanding of the Reserves and its position in the SANDF as well as experience in the defence environment will certainly enhance the transformation and renewal of the Conventional Reserves. There are positive indications suggesting that our Defence Reserves is heading in the right direction. A successful partnership between the Defence Reserves and the SANDF will continue to yield positive outcomes, both domestically and internationally.

Ho tswa Tafoleng ya Hloho ya Corporate staff, Lieutenant General J.L. Jansen van Rensburg

Lieutenant General J.L. Jansen van Rensburg

Ntshetsopele ya Lebotho la Maresefe le malalalaotswe bakeng sa ntwa ke ntho e bohlokwa haholo Lebothong la Tshireletso la Naha ya Afrika Borwa (SANDF). Ho thehwa botjha ha Lebotho la Maresefe jwalo ka karolo ya SANDF e nang le bokgoni ho ntlafetse le nako. Dilemong tse mmalwa tse sa tswa feta re bone ha Lebotho la Maresefe le tlohela ho ba lebotho la nakwana mme le e ba karolo e nang le bokgoni ka hare ho SANDF.

Ntshetsopele ya Projeke ya PHOENIX e shebaneng le tsosoloso ya hlabollo le ntlafatso ya Conventional Reserves, e ntse e tla hantle. Katleho ya yona e bonahala ka palo e nyolohang ya baahi ba ratang naha ya bona ba ileng ba joena. Projeke ya PHOENIX e ekeditse ho hirwa ha baofisiri ba hodimo ka hara Resefe. E ipapisistse le Projeke, Military Skills Development System (MSDS) e bile le seabo sa bohlokwa khirong ya ditho tse tlaase bakeng sa Resefe. Leano la SANDF la ho hohela batjha ba 10 000 ba phetseng hantle ba ikemiseditseng setjhabeng sa heso ka lenaneo la MSDS le tla tswela pele ka ho aha botsitso ba Lebotho la Resefe.

Phetoho e bohlokwa hobane e tlisa bongata ba ntho tse fapaneng le ho atolosa boqhetseke ba Lebotho la Resefe. Ho a kgothatsa ho bona kgolo ya palo ya batho ba neng ba le dikobo di mahetleng ka hara Lebotho la Resefe. Palo ya basadi ba joenang Lebotho e dula e nyoloha.

Boqhetseke ba Lebotho bo bohlokwa haholo bakeng la tshebetso ya SANDF. Ho ba le seabo ha batho ka hara dinthla tsa sesole, ho thusa ho tla ka qeto diphepetsong tsa bokgoni. Ke ka hoo ho kgothaleditsweng baithuti ba

tswang dibakeng tsa thuto e phahameng tse fapaneng ho joena Lebotho mme hona ho tla netefatsa tlhokomelo ya batho ba nang le bokgoni.

Lebotho la Maresefe ke karolo e bohlokwa haholo ya SANDF mme le nehelana ka ntlafataso ya leano le bokgoni ba tshebetso ya Lebotho la Tshireletso. Ena ke tlatsetso e amohelehileng Lebothong la Naha le seng le tletse matsoho. Ditho tse ka sehloohong tsa Lebotho la Maresefe ke tse sebediswang diphuputsong tsa tikoloho le bohlopholling. SANDF e tswela pele ka boqhetseke ba yona ho etsa bonnete ba hore e etsa seo molaotheo o reng e se etse ka ho sebeletsa batho ba Afrika Borwa le ho ba le seabo ho behweng ha masole ka hare le ka ntle.

Ho behwa Maresefe tlasa leano le le leng la One Force Concept ho ekeditse botsitso ntlheng ya ho boloka kgotso. Ditho tsa Lebotho la Maresefe di bontshitse boleng ba tsona ho SANDF e bileng le seabo ho thuseng batho dinaheng tsa Democratic Republic of the Congo le Burundi ka tlasa African Union le United Nations ho tlisa kgotso le botsitso.

Mona hae Maresefe a boetse a thusa baahin ba Afrika Borwa. Selemo se fetileng ha basebeletsi ba mmuso ba ne ba teraekile, Maresefe a ile la pholosa maphelo a batho ba bangata mme a netefatsa hore ba fumana tokelo ya tlhokomelo ya bophelo bo botle. Dihoreng tse nne ka mora hore a


bitswe, Maresefe a ile a behwa dibakeng tse fapaneng tsa bophelo bo botle ka hare ho naha. Ka mokgwa o tshwanang Lebotho la Maresefe le thusitse le ka ho kwala ditsela KwaZulu-Natal ka nako ya feberu ya dikolobe.

Ba pholositse mahlatsipa a mollo Mpumalanga. Athe ha ele Mosambiki teng, Maresefe a ile a hla a eba masole ka hara merwallo e nyarosang e ileng ya ama naha eo le baahi ba yona mme a pholosa mahlatsipa.

Lekala la Corporate Staff ka ho otloloha le fumana basebeletsi ba lona ho tswa Lebothong la Resefe, boholo ba basebeletsi ho tsa Molao wa Sesole, ba tswa Lebothong la Maresefe. Lekala lena jwalo ka a mang, le ne le tla hula ka thata ha e ne e se ka thuso ya maloko ana a setjhaba. Hona ho a kgothatsa hobane ho bontsha hore lenyora la ntshetsopele la Lebotho la Maresefe le sebetsang le motjheng.

Hore morethetho ona o dule o ntse o le teng, ho se ho nahannwe ka thuto e tla fumaneha. Thuto ya Bridging e atlehile haholo mme le ho ithuta o le hole ho kentswe tshebetsong mmoho le thuto, thupello le ntshetsopele ya baofisiri ba hodimo ba Lebotho la Maresefe. Bathaothwa ba MSDS ba una molemo o moholo ho tswa thutong ya sesole eo ba e fumantshwang.

Ntle le katleho eo Lebotho la Maresefe le e fihleletseng ho fihla mothating ona, sebopeho sa Maresefe se sa na le diphepetso. Tsona di akaretsa ka hara tse ding, potso ya meropotso ya Maresefe le bahiri ba bona, kgothalletso

ya ditho tsa MSDS hore di sebeletse le ho boloka tsebo e ikgethileng. Le ha ho le jwalo bolaodi bo ka sehlohong ba SANDF bo leka ka matla ho fumana tharollo ya diphepetso tsena.

Jwalo ka Hloho ya Corporate Staff ke na le tumelo le tshepo boetapeleng ba Maresefe mme ke dumela hore mmoho ba tla fumana tharollo e nepahetseng phepetsong tse ba tobileng. E re ke lebohe Molaodi wa Sehlooho wa Lebotho la Maresefe, Major General Roy Andersen eo e leng yena mokokotlo wa Maresefe a rona. SANDF e itumeletse General Andersen, rakgwebo ya ikemetseng, ka ho arolelana le rona re le sesole tsebo ya hae. Tjantjello ya hae bosoleng le boitelo ba hae bo se nang bokgutlo bakeng sa Maresefe di a kgahlisa.

Ke lakatsa ho amohela Molaodi ya motjha wa Lebotho la Maresefe Brigadier General Quinton Painter. Ho kgethwa ha hae boemong ba bolaodi ho eketsa matsoho a nang le tsebo jwalo ka ha re tjhentjha gere bakeng sa Business Unusual. Kutlwisiso ya hae ya Maresefe le boemo ba bona ka hara SANDF mmoho le tsebo ya tikoloho ya tsa tshireletso di tla thusa haholo bakeng sa phetoho le ho tsosa botjha Maresefea Sejwalejwale.

Ho na le sesupo se setle se bontshang hore Lebotho la rona la Maresefe le habile tseleng e nepahetseng. Selekane se atlehileng pakeng sa Lebotho la Maresefe le SANDF se tla tswela pele ho tlisa diphetho tse ntle, mona hae le matjhabeng.


10 PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The publication of this edition of The Reserve Force Volunteer comes at a time when human resource feeder systems for new recruits into the Reserves are under evaluation within the SANDF. Will the current structure of the Military Skills Development System meet the requirements of achieving a Reserve of the size envisaged in terms of the Credible Force Design? Alternatively, should other supplementary feeder systems be introduced? What role should the Reserve units play in the recruitment process and how can a consistently high standard be ensured?

These and other equally important challenges and opportunities within the Reserve System are debated in the articles that follow. My thanks to the authors for the time they have taken to contribute to the discussion. I have no doubt that many of the ideas explored will influence the decisions of the SANDF.

The recent decisions by the Plenary Defence Staff Council to support separate MSDS intakes from 2010 to feed the Reserves as well as ring-fence continuation training budgets are significant.The SANDF Reserves are making an increasing contribution to both external as well as internal deployments. This is a welcome development and contributes to both the cost effectiveness of the SANDF and the motivation of the Reserve volunteers. The positive impact of this development is reflected in this publication.

Readers may also like to refer to www.rfdiv.mil.za for other articles on the Reserves.

I trust that you will find this edition of The Reserve Force Volunteer both informative and stimulating and that it will serve to confirm that the Reserves are playing an invaluable role in ensuring the security of South Africa and her people.

foREwoRd

Major General R.C. AndersenChief Defence Reserves

(Photo: Mrs Jennifer Render)

Extract from the Deputy Minister of Defence’s budget speech 27 May 2008

RESERVE FORCE

Good progress is being made with the rebuilding of the Reserve Force. At the end of 2007, some 1800 trained Military Skills Development System (MSDS) members were transferred to the Reserves.

The SANDF was successful in assisting many of these volunteers to find civilian employment. Increased MSDS intakes in future years will further grow the Reserve Force and enhance representivity of this component.

The deployment of the Reserves in peace support operations in Burundi and Democratic Republic of the Congo has been extended to Sudan.

The utility of the Reserve Force was further demonstrated during the Public Service Strike when its members formed in excess of 20 percent of the troops deployed.

This event is one of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) highlights every year. This year South Africa sent a team to take part in the Military Skills Competition (Pentathlon) in Istanbul Turkey in July 2008.

Making certain that the best team was selected all South African National Defence Force Reserve units were invited to enter a team of three members. This selection took place from 11 to 14 March 2008 in Potchefstroom in the North West Province.

The Competition

Rifle Shooting200m prone positionPrecision: 9 rounds in 5 minutesRapid: 9 rounds in 1 minute

Pistol Shooting

25m standing positionPrecision: 4 rounds in 1 minute 5 rounds in 1 minute Rapid: 9 rounds in 35 seconds

Military Skills Competition (Pentathlon) in Istanbul, Turkey

Lieutenant Colonel Wim Alberts

RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY 11

The selected team from l to r: 2Lt R.B. Kgampe, 2Lt A.C. Coopstad, CO M.Z. Ditshego, and Lt B.J. Swan

PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE1�

Land ObstacleThe team must pass over 20 different obstacles on a 500m long track as quickly as possible

Utility SwimmingThe team must pass over 4 obstacles in a swimming pool on a lane 50m long or two lanes of 25m as quickly as possible.

Orienteering March

The team, using military means of orientation such as topographical maps (1:20 000 ; 1:25 000 ; 1:50 000) compasses etc, must pass through 8 to 15 check points situated along a +- 12 km field course, as quickly as possible (running)

Along the course, several events are to be completed for points: • Hand grenade throwing • Map reading • The course may include rope bridges and assault

boating rowing.

Participation in this event was made possible by the Reserve Force Council

Team members with staff from Virgin Atlantic who sponsored their facilities for practice sessions Swimming practice in full uniform

Manoeuvring under the water obstacle course

RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY 1�

Shooting practice Hand grenade throwing

Plotting directions Map reading in the field

Up and over the obstacle course Up and over the obstacle course

Buzzwords spread across the globe much like fashion trends do, they stay awhile, and everybody uses them until a new trend arrives. But the current buzzwords, and I am sure you have heard them and like me do not truly understand what they are all about, are “Living Greener” and “Your Carbon Footprint” and “Global Warming” which will be with us for a long while to come.

Trying to find out more about these issues I turned to Google and found many websites that express their concern about global warming, living greener and the new one carbon footprint.

Yes indeed we have all been made aware that they are serious problems for planet Earth, but where to begin in this big world when you are just an ordinary citizen going about your daily task? The organization Carbon Footprint believes that climate change will only be addressed if each and every one of

us takes responsible steps to reduce our CO2 emissions.

Did you know that each of our everyday actions consumes energy and produces carbon dioxide emissions, for example driving our car, taking aero plane flights, heating or cooling our homes and offices.

Carbon Footprint says that controlling CO2 emissions worldwide is almost impossible. However, they have come up with an idea called Carbon Offsetting and this can be used to compensate for the emissions produced by funding an equivalent carbon dioxide saving somewhere else in the world. It does not matter whether you make the reduction in Manchester or Mumbai - the positive effect on the world is the same.

But what exactly is Carbon Offsetting? It is a broad range of products that fall into two categories, named Certified Carbon Credits and Voluntary Carbon Credits. The first,


How to live “Greener!”Compiled by Mrs Jennifer Render with an acknowledgment to Carbon Footprint who supplied the scientific information.

Scene of the Drakensberg in South Africa – can we keep our country looking this good!?

Certified Emission Reduction (CER) products are Kyoto compliant. They are fully traceable, and will have been verified by the United Nations (UN). On the other hand European Union Allowances (EUAs) can be retired as they are not Kyoto compliant. Offsetting in this way reduces the amount of carbon dioxide allowance available for the largest polluting companies to buy. The EUAs would otherwise be traded on to companies to help them to meet their emissions targets. By buying these types of offsets you are encouraging organizations to continue to make savings of CO2, and pushing the market to make it increasingly expensive for polluting companies to buy more credits.

Voluntary Carbon Credits on the other hand include international tree planting programmes and Carbon Footprint’s clean energy fund. Trees reduce CO2 by a process know as carbon sequestration - i.e. trees breathe in CO2 and exhale harmless Oxygen. In the programme “Kenya trees” trees are planted on owned and managed land, where they are protected by local legislation. Trees have the further benefits of providing sustainable eco-environments. They provide a habitat for wildlife, encourage biodiversity, and beautify the landscape. In developing countries they also support community sustainability by encouraging sustainable land management and creating wealth.

Global warming is the name given by scientists for the gradual increase in temperature of the Earth’s surface, which has worsened since the Industrial Revolution. Over the past two decades the effect has become more marked. Considerable evidence exists that most of this warming has been caused by human activities….that’s to say we have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere through a build-up of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

What if we do nothing? Rising global temperatures will cause sea levels to rise and alter local climatic conditions, affecting forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It may also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand and some of our countryside may be permanently altered. In some cases this is already happening.

What can I do?

The following will begin to reduce your contribution to global warming. The items on this list will cost you no money at all, and will in fact save your money.

• Turn it off when not in use (lights, television, DVD player, hi fi, computer, etc)


Sunrise on Durban beach

• Turn down your geyser (just two degrees will make a significant saving)

• Fill your washing machine and dishwasher with a full load – this will save water, electricity and washing powder.

• Be aware that there are other sources from which to generate power, such as wind and water (hydro-electric power). These are renewable sources and will reduce your carbon footprint in using electricity to zero. Support campaigns are in favour of this type of power.

• Fill your kettle with only as much water as you will need – alternatively use a thermos flask to keep water warm for future use.

• Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it has finished charging

• Defrost your fridge/freezer regularly.

• Hang out the washing to dry rather than tumble-drying it.

• Go for a run rather than a drive to the gym!

• Reuse your water bottle. Avoid buying bottled water; in fact reuse everything at least once, especially plastics.

• Start a compost heap in your backyard.• Buy foods locally that are locally

produced to stop the carbon emissions of trucks carrying foods from afar and buy in season as out of season fruits and vegetables may have been flown in from other countries, yet again causing carbon emissions

• Recycle your newspapers. A 1 metre pile of newspaper equals one tree!

• Buy products that use recyclable materials whenever possible.

• Bring your own bags to the grocery store; if given the choice between plastic and paper - choose paper.

• Consider organic cleaning products, such as vinegar, borax and baking soda.

• If you have a baby, consider using cloth nappies as these do work out cheaper in the long run (the biggest headache for rubbish dump scientists are disposable nappies which can take up to 20 years to degrade)


• Go paperless. Consider reading your newspapers and magazine subscriptions on line.

• Teach children about the environment.• Take your batteries to a recycling centre.• Limit the length of your showers. Even

better, take a “Navy Shower” - shutting off the water while soaping up and shampooing.

• Don’t run the water while brushing your teeth.

• Learn about the threats to ocean life.


Some areas in the world are still pristine – let’s work hard to keep

it that way

Let us hold hands and try to protect the earth – we only have one!

(the Bagpipes Forever)

PioB MoR gU BRath

The development of the bagpipes as a military musical instrument

Bagpipes as an instrument type are found throughout Europe, North Africa and even into Asia as far east as India. There are a variety of configurations of bagpipes, including

ones that are inflated by means of bellows. However the type most commonly thought of in modern times as “The Bagpipe” is the type that developed among the Celtic peoples of the Highlands of Scotland and Ireland. These pipes have come to be known as the Great Highland Bagpipe (Scottish tradition) or Warpipes (Irish).

Photo courtesy Oliver Steele catalogue


Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Watson

These pipes are characterized by being mouth blown. In other words, the piper blows down a blowstick into an air reservoir (the bag that leads to the instrument is known as the bagpipes). A non-return valve at the end of the blowstick combined with judicious use of the elbow enables the maintenance of constant air pressure in the air reservoir. Air then travels through three “drones” (two tenor and one bass). These are the long

wooden pipes over the piper’s shoulder. The air then causes single-tongued reeds in the drones to provide a constant accompaniment to the tune being played on the double-tongued reed in the chanter. The chanter is capable of playing nine notes. Owing to the physical characteristics of the instrument all music played is legato or, in other words, uninterruptedly.


The bagpipe came to play an important role in the way of life (and war) of the clans (families or tribes) of Scotland and Ireland. Pipers had a high status in the clans and special music was composed to salute Chiefs, commemorate victories or lament defeats. The bagpipes were such an integral part of the martial tradition of the clans that an English judge declared them an “Instrument of War” when sentencing a piper for his part in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. The defending lawyer had argued that the piper had not carried a weapon, but only his pipes and therefore was not guilty of armed rebellion. The judge, however, found that as no clan ever went to war without its piper then in the eyes of the court the pipes were a weapon. The unfortunate piper was therefore sentenced to death by hanging. Anyone who has heard

pipes being played badly might be tempted to sympathise with the sentence! Incidentally, the oft-used phrase about the “skirl” of the pipes refers to an unintended and unmusical noise that pipers do their best to avoid.

When the Irish and Scottish eventually lost their independence in the 17th and 18th centuries respectively, some of their soldiers were recruited into the British Army and aspects of the traditional clan way of warfare were absorbed into the traditions of the newly formed Scottish, Highland and Irish regiments. This included pipers and pipe music. Initially pipers accompanied the officers in an unofficial capacity as servants, were paid by those officers and were not included in the official Order of Battle of the Regiments. By the beginning of the 19th century, however,

official status was accorded to the pipers and they became absorbed into formal military structures as with other performers. Drummers, on the other hand, had an official status from the very beginning since they were used to transmit orders and provide a rallying point. This led to certain units having a Drums and Pipes rather than using the more usual title of Pipes and Drums when referring to a military ensemble of pipers and drummers (The Cape Town Highlanders maintains this tradition). As time passed, a repertoire and programme of music was developed that supported the daily routine of military units. Pipers, drummers and buglers, either together or apart, had various approved tunes, beatings or calls that they performed at various set times of the day to indicate when meals were served, defaulters had to report for sentencing, the end of the daily routine, Lights Out, etc. This tradition survives to this day, but mainly in the form of the last post and reveille played at military funerals and memorial services. The pipers

and drummers were also organized into formal military music displays known as a Tattoo and would at one stage have been a regular event presented at least weekly by the regimental pipes and drums and military band but obviously on a less elaborate scale than the show presented in Edinburgh.

When the British Empire spread across the world, its regiments took their music with them, including pipe music. Regiments recruited in colonies from immigrant or locally born populations also tended to reflect such traditions. In South Africa units whose traditions are rooted wholly or in part in Scottish traditions and therefore have pipe music as part of their traditions include the Cape Town Highlanders, First City, Kimberley Regiment, 1 Medical Battalion, Transvaal Scottish, Witwatersrand Rifles, Pretoria Highlanders, Natal Mounted Rifles, Durban Regiment, Cape Field Artillery and South African Military Health Services.

These units wear kilts made from the well-known checkered material known as tartan and the accoutrements that have come to be associated with it, including ostrich feather bonnets, horsehair sporrans and spats. The South African Irish Regiment is, however, one of the few units in the world that takes pride in perpetuating the Irish military tradition, that includes a plain coloured saffron kilt, a plain leather “pipers purse” and buckled shoes. Some have questioned in the past why these traditions should be maintained in the SANDF if they have their origins elsewhere than the African Continent. The answer would appear

to be that, even if the Pipes and associated traditions originally came from Europe, they have become deeply rooted in South Africa. This is true not only of the military pipes and drums, but also of the civilian and school piping community where pipers and pipe band drummers no longer necessarily have pale skins or surnames beginning with Mac’ or O’. This was seen at the recent Pipe Band Competition held at Amanzimtoti. It can be confidentially predicted that the pipes and drums of the South African National Defence Force will soon be more representative than at present or in the past.

PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE�0

�1RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY

SANDF RESERVES THEIR WAY TO

SHOOTSUCCESSColonel Ray van Zanten

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) recently sent a team of Reserve members to participate in the annual United Kingdom’s North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Reserves Skill at Arms competition. The competition was held at Castlelaw Range and Dreghorn Barracks

in Edinburgh Scotland. The event took place over the period 9-11 May 2008, and the competition consisted of the following categories: Combat rifle, pistol, battle casualty drill and a command and control task.

Back row L to R: Maj Daniel Motsamai, Maj Braam Korff, Col Ray van Zanten Chairman SA Army Reserve Shooting Association, Lt Johan Loock, Lt Erich Irle (rifle comp winner).

Front row L to R: Lcpl Rudie Mentor, CO Craven Godola, Bdr Willie De Wet, 2Lt Holzhauzen, Rfn Tshipiso Mokgethi.

Reserves from the following countries participated:BelgiumCanadaEnglandEstoniaGermany

HollandIrelandNorwayPolandScotlandSouth AfricaWales

The South Africans were placed first in the battle casualty drill, they won first place in the individual combat rifle shooting where Lieutenant E. Irle of Witwatersrand Rifles, excelled, they came second in the combat rifle team event as well as receiving the award for the team with the best spirit and motivation.

The team was comprised of the following members:

�� PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Major D. Motsamai, Transvaal Scottish – team coach.Major J. Korff, Regiment President Steyn – team manager.Lieutenant E. Irle, Witwatersrand Rifles.Lieutenant J. Loock, Witwatersrand Rifles.2Lieutenant J. Holtzhausen, Regt President Steyn.Candidate Officer C. Godola, Regt Piet Retief.Bombardier W. de Wet, Vrystaat Artillerie Regt.Lieutenant Colonel R. Mentor, Regt President Steyn.Rifleman T. Mokgethi, Regt Delarey.

Members undergoing conversion training on the British SA 80 rifle.L to R: Maj Daniel Motsamai, CO Craven Godola, 2Lt Johnny Holzhauzen, Lcpl Rudie Mentor, Rfn Tshipiso Mokgheti.

In 2003 the SA Army Reserve Shooting Association together with the Chief Director Force Preparation at SA Army Headquarters and the Reserve Force Council, embarked on a joint development programme to uplift musketry skills within the SA Army. This culminated in the Chief of the SA Army Combat Rifle Championships that were held

for the first time in Bloemfontein in March 2008. The Reserves were well represented with 245 members, representing 24 Reserve units, (one of the biggest gatherings of Reserve units in the last 15 years!). This enabled the selection of a representative and capable team to compete in Scotland.

Well done to the team and may they continue to make South Africa proud

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Dress for honorary colonels has long been and still is a contentious issue, especially amongst the ‘old guard’. One of the bigger motivating factors for dress deviations in regard to

honorary colonels is the desire by the individual or the applicable unit/regiment to show allegiance through dress. This is where all of us go wrong in the way in which we advise and/or dress the honorary colonel of our specific organisation.

HONORARY COLONELS IN THE SA ARMY

Honorary Colonels from various Regiments in the SA Army

WO1 C.A. Laubscher, SA Army WO Dress

The South African National Defence Force approach is that honorary colonels dress as for colonels, (regardless of their previous or current serving rank) which is simple and easy in the other three Services, SAAF, SA Navy and SAMHS, but is not quite so simple in the SA Army. The SA Army, because of tradition and the way it is structured, dresses its members

differently, depending on the member’s corps and, in a very small way, also according to the regiment, which the honorary colonel serves.

The new (2007) SA Army dress policy makes provision for corps dress only, the unit affiliation system with the applicable unit’s own insignia having been removed from the Army dress

RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY ��

policy. Thus it applies to any member, irrespective of rank/appointment who dresses in corps dress. The exception to this rule are the Reserve regiments that in the new policy are authorised to wear individual unit dress. Members of these units wear approved Regimental pattern uniform items and approved Regimental insignia, but, still strictly according to SA Army dress policy. Where in the remainder of this article it refers to regimental dress it is only applicable to those regiments listed in the SA Army dress policy.

The SA Army dress policy as stated makes provision mainly for corps dress, with the exception for the listed Regiments to utilise individual Regimental dress. The corps dress policy then allows for each of the corps in the SA Army to have the following items in specific colours/designs as corps dress; Beret, Beret badge, Cap badge, Collar badges and Lanyard.

The dress policy further makes provision for certain items to be worn, which are an indication of rank, ie the gorget as worn by colonels and General Officers. This is a non-negotiable dress item for colonels, meaning that a colonel must wear gorgets and not unit ‘collar dogs’, irrespective of being a deeded Colonel or an honorary Colonel. Here again the SA Army corps dress makes provision for a SA Army Staff Corps dress, which in the case of the Army, is for senior officers who have completed the Senior Command and Staff course, in the old or new format, and who are promoted to the rank of Colonel and transferred to the SA Army Staff Corps. An Army officer, not being Staff qualified, and promoted to the rank of Colonel, remains in his/her own corps and thus does not wear all the same insignia as the Staff qualified Colonel who has been transferred to the SA Army Staff Corps.

The larger body of SA Army colonels therefore dress as a member of the SA Army Staff Corps, whilst the small number not Staff qualified dress as members of another corps, ie Infantry, Armour, Artillery or Engineers. In this vein then

an honorary Colonel will dress in the same way. A honorary Colonel with military training and who is Staff qualified will dress as for a Colonel in the Staff Corps while the average honorary Colonel will dress as for a non-staff qualified colonel.

DRESS OF HONORARY COLONELS

The items on which the policy has an influence are, headdress, collar badges and the lanyard. Each item will be discussed and finally summarised in tabular form for ease of reference.

HEADDRESS

PART-TIME VOLUNTEERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE��

Service Dress Cap

All colonels wear the red braid on the cap.

Non-staff qualified colonels wear own corps/regimental cap badge on the cap while Staff Corps colonels wear the Staff Corps cap badge.

BERET

COLLAR BADGESON SERVICE DRESS

One of the insignia, which is an indication of rank, is the gorget, which in different formats, is worn by Colonels and General Officers. As the gorget is an indication of rank, in this instance the rank of Colonel, all colonels wear a gorget and not corps or regimental ‘collar dogs’.

Again, the SA Army dress policy makes provision for differentiation between colonels in the Staff Corps and colonels in other corps. Colonels not in the Staff Corps wear a gorget with red gimp, while the colonels in the Staff Corps wear a gorget with gold gimp.Colonels then do not wear corps/regimental collar badges, only gorgets, either with the red gimp or the gold gimp.

One of the insignia, which is an indication of rank, is the gorget, which in different formats, is worn by colonels and General Officers. As the gorget is an indication of rank, in this instance the rank of Colonel, all colonels wear a gorget and not corps or regimental ‘collar dogs’.

Again, the SA Army dress policy makes provision for differentiation between colonels in the Staff Corps and colonels in other corps. Colonels not in the Staff Corps wear a gorget with red gimp, while the colonels in the Staff Corps wear a gorget with gold gimp.Colonels then do not wear corps/regimental collar badges, only gorgets, either with the red gimp or the gold gimp.

ON MESS DRESS

LANYARD

The red lanyard as worn in the SA Army is at this stage a qualification insignia. The red lanyard is utilised to show successful completion of the Senior Command and Staff Duties course, in the current and old format.

That said then would require any senior officer that is Staff qualified to wear the red lanyard to show the qualification achieved, whilst all other officers wear their respective corps/regimental lanyards.

��RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY

Non-Staff qualified colonels wear their respective corps/regimental beret badge while Staff qualified colonels wear the Staff Corps beret badge

Non-Staff qualified colonels wear their respective corps berets while Staff Qualified colonels wear the Staff Corps beret.

All colonels wear the miniature Coat of Arms as collar insignia when in mess dress.


SUMMARY

Ser No

Dress Item Non-StaffStaff Qual

Indv Regt Remarks

1 Cap Cols cap Cols capCols cap/ Regt headdress

Dependent on Army Dress Policy

� Braid Red Red Red

�Cap badge

Own Corps

Staff Corps

Own Corps/ Regt badge


� BeretOwn Corps

Staff Corps

Own Corps/ Regt headdress


�Beret badge

Own Corps

Staff Corps

Own Corps/ Regt badge


� Rank Colonels Colonels Colonels

�Collar badges

Gorget with Red gimp

Gorget with Gold gimp

Gorget with Red/Gold gimp


� Lanyard Corps Red Corps/RedDependent on qualification

CONCLUSION

If applied as described in this article all SA Army honorary colonels could be uniformly and correctly dressed at specific occasions, which require them to wear uniform. As signified by the word ‘uniform’ it is important for military discipline and the image of the SA Army in the eyes of the wider public, that all our honorary colonels dress in the same way, which is simple enough when applying the SA Army dress policy.


RESERVE UNITS IN THE RSA

1. Cape Field Artillery (CFA) (Wingfield)2. Natal Field Artillery3. Transvaal Staat se Artillery (Thaba Tshwane)4. Transvaal Horse Artillery (Mt Collins)

Artillery

1. Cape Garrison Artillery(CGA) (Fort Wynyard)2. 6 LLA.( Kensington Garrison)3. Regiment Oos Transvaal.(ROT)(Brakpan)

Air Defence Artillery


1. Cape Town Rifles (Dukes) ( Fort Ikapa)2. Natal Carbineers (NC): LADYSMTH3. Durban Regiment (DR) ( Old Fort)4. Prince Alfred Guards (PAG)(Port Elizabeth)5. Transvaal Scottish (TS) ( Kensington

Garrison):JHB6. Rand Light Infantry (RLI) (Sandton)7. SA Irish Regiment (SAIR) (Kensington

Garrison):JHB8. Johannesburg Regiment (JR)(Kensington

Garrison):JHB

Motorised Infantry

1. Regiment Piet Retief (RPR)(Port Elizabeth)2. Buffalo Volunteer Rifles (BVR): East London)3. First City (FC) GRAHAMSTOWN4. Kimberly Regiment (KR) (KIMBERLY)5. Regiment Bloemspruit (RBS)6. Regiment Botha (RB)7. Regiment President Kruger (RPK)8. Tshwane Regiment (TR)9. Regiment East Rand (ROR)10. Regiment Christiaan Beyers (RCB)

Light Infantry


��RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITYRESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY ��

1. Cape Town Highlanders (CTH) ( CT Castle)2. Durban light Infantry (DLI)3. Witwatersrand Rifles (WR) (Germiston)4. Regiment de la Rey (RDLR)5. Regiment Westilike Provinsie (RWP)6. Regiment Noord Transvaal (RNT) (Thaba

Thswane)7. Regiment Oranje Rivier (ROR) (Fort Ikapa)

Mechanised Infantry

1. Natal Mounted Rifles (NMR)2. Umvoti Mounted Rifles (UMR)3. Light Horse Regiment (LHR)(Mt Collins)4. Pretoria Regiment (PR)

Armour Regiments



1. 44 Para Engineer Regiment.2. 3 Field Engineers(3 FLD)(Fort Ikapa)3. 6 Field Engineers (6 FLD)4. 19 Field Engineers

Engineers

�1RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY

Oryx Helicopter extinguishing a fire (Photo Mrs Jennifer Render)

RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY �1

HOW TO GET TRAINED PEOPLE TO

BECOME RESERVE MEMBERS OF THE

SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE

The South African Air Force (SAAF) should firstly make the Reserve Service attractive to the exiting members of the SAAF by encouraging and persuading them to join the Reserve. The skills and experience they have acquired during their service as a Regular are invaluable.

Secondly, professionals in the private sector should be recruited and encouraged to become members of the Reserve because the skills they possess might be beneficial to the SAAF. We could use people with the following expertise: a. Language experts b. Engineers c. Facilities/Property managers

d. Professors and teachers in relevant technical subjects

The strategy therefore is to make a concerted effort to market the SAAF Reserve to industrial bodies such as the Engineering Society of South Africa, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and various other bodies within the ambit of the SAAF.

The SAAF can also target unemployed graduates and encourage undergraduates in tertiary institutions to join the Reserve. Utilizing organisations such as the National Youth Commission to help spread the culture of voluntarism and patriotism is also an avenue which can be followed up.

Lieutenant Colonel S.A. Motuba, SO1 Directorate Air Force Reserve

The Military Skills Development System (MSDS) intake in the SAAF should be increased in order to draw more of these members into the Reserve. These people can be taught technical trades or professional musterings that will enable them to train for the necessary skills that will eventually benefit them in the private sector as well as in their military careers. Trades such as motor mechanics, facility maintenance personnel, stores assistants, etc are much needed by the military, but will offer great self-employment opportunities later.

Marketing the individual in the private sector is a fundamental activity which should ensure the member’s alternative employment. It is the vision of the SAAF that all its Reserve Members should be sustainably employed in the private sector with the understanding that the employer can utilize the member in the military as and when needed. The quality of Defence Force training is of such a high standard that

personnel continuously terminate their services for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. Just by promoting the achievements of the MSDS members, and the quality of their training, a demand for their services will be created. This promotion will by far outperform any formal marketing plan. Well maintained, facilities/infrastructure and professional service delivery will expose their skills better than any paper pamphlet campaign and the military will reap the benefit of the result.

In conclusion then, the training of MSDS members should be properly planned through selected projects that will allow the Air Force to benefit as a first priority. Skills should be instilled into members that will enable them to pursue similar careers in the private sector. This will also enable the Air Force to recall these members as Air Force Reserves with usable skills.


photo: SAAF Intranet webpage

DRESS OF HONORARY COLONELS

Authority has been granted to all Honorary Colonels to wear at State expense the current military uniform on all occasions in which the unit concerned takes part, or where the Honorary Colonel has to perform a task or has been invited to attend.

Dress for Honorary Colonels is the approved dress of the Air Force. Officers Commanding of the units to which Honorary Colonels are appointed will be responsible for ensuring that they are informed of and adhere to the correct dress as prescribed in the dress regulations.

Where an Honorary Colonel with no previous military experience is appointed, the Officer Commanding must ensure that the person concerned is made conversant with the normal military etiquette, the military code of conduct, and the appropriate military bearing. Honorary Colonels are responsible for ensuring that their military uniform has the proper fit and is fully serviceable and presentable. Uniforms are issued on an exchange basis for those specifically needed items.

Staff Course Qualification Insignia to be Worn. Items of uniform, which denote the Senior Command and Staff Course qualification, may be worn by members who obtained such qualification whilst they were serving. Honorary Colonels will wear AF

gorget patches irrespective of whether they have attended the Senior Command and Staff Course or not.

Higher Rank Insignia. If an Honorary Colonel holds a higher rank than a Colonel, he/she will not be entitled to wear such higher insignia. Neither will such a member be concurrently entitled to any privilege or status accorded the higher rank, except that his/her higher rank appellation, as contemplated, may be used.

Badges to be Worn. All Honorary Colonels, irrespective of substantive or acting rank, will wear Colonel’s rank insignia when officiating as such. If Honorary Colonels hold appointments in the SAAF, they must wear all the accoutrements of the rank of Colonel, but may not wear any item denoting membership of the Staff Corps as this is not applicable to the SAAF uniform. Honorary Colonels may

DRESS CODE FOR

HONORARY COLONELSLieutenant Colonel S.A. Motuba, SO1 DIRECTORATE AIR FORCE RESERVEThe information in this article was extracted from “General Services Human Resources, MRI 007732 dated 29 May 2007

Head dress for males and females

Colonels who are staff qualified

Colonels not staff qualified

Colonel rank insignia


wear any proficiency or personal achievement badges for which they may previously have qualified, and they may wear all orders, decorations and medals which have been awarded to them in terms of any service rendered.

Occasions when Uniform is Worn: Honorary Colonels are entitled to wear the prescribed uniform of the unit where they have been appointed on occasions such as those stipulated below:

a. Ceremonial parades.

b. Unit functions (formal dinners, guest evenings, luncheons, etc).

c. Visits to the unit during training exercises.

d. Sports, parent and open days at the unit.

e. Other SANDF occasions to which they are invited by virtue of their appointment as Honorary Colonels.

Mixed Dress. Honorary Colonels must not wear uniform composed of any form of dress from a variety of units in which they are serving or have served or in respect of which they may hold appointments. Neither may military uniform and civilian outer garments be visibly combined.

Items of Uniform. The items of uniform and appropriate military accoutrements required by an Honorary Colonel for the execution

of his/her duties during parades, functions and/or field exercises will be issued at State expense according to the prescribed scale of issue for Honorary Colonels.

Civilian Occupation and Protocol. Should an Honorary Colonel’s civilian occupation enjoy a higher protocol status than that of a colonel, he/she must attend functions in civilian clothes to avoid embarrassment to the member and the organisation. (Judges, for example, are included in the table of precedence of the President’s Office, therefore the protocol associated with that appointment is to be adhered to.)

Additional Guidelines. The following additional guidelines are applicable when a military uniform is to be worn by an Honorary Colonel for an official occasion:

a. The event must be a military function, which may include attendance of association meetings and functions.

b. Honorary Colonels may attend a civilian function in uniform if the invitation requires the individual’s attendance in an official military capacity.

Wearing of Uniform. An Honorary Colonel is entitled to wear the prescribed uniform of the unit concerned on occasions as determined by the Chief of the Air Force (CAF) and authority to wear a uniform will be granted by the Officer Commanding of the unit concerned for each occasion.


THE MAP OF SOUTH AFRICA INDICATING

WHERE THE RESERVE AIR SQUADRONS

ARE LOCATED



Byline: R Adm (JG) Ernst Penzhorn Director Navy ReservesPhotos: Navy News

The mission of the Navy is to fight at sea and its vision is to win at sea and to remain unchallenged at sea. In addition to these

primary objectives, the SA Navy also feels very much part of the community of people, to which the Navy actually belongs.

SA Navy Partnership with Commerce & Industry

Briefing to business leaders on the Navy’s partnership concept by Director Navy Reserves – Read Admiral (JG) Ernst Penzhorn

The Navy is in fact the people’s Navy. To fulfil the expectations of the people, the Navy is also involved in various community projects to develop the youth of our country, and through its MSD programme it is also involved in the education, training and motivation of our youth to prepare them for a better future, both within or outside the Navy and in all walks of life.

The SA Navy annually trains approximately 750 post-matriculants through its Military Skills Development System (“MSD”) at the Naval Gymnasium SAS SALDANHA. Through this system matriculants from all over the country

apply to undergo a 2 year MSD training period in the SA Navy.

To qualify for selection for the MSD programme, applicants have to be between 18 and 25 years of age, in possession of a valid matriculation certificate containing good pass marks in Mathematics and Science, be in a good state of health and have no criminal record. During the selection process, all qualifications are thoroughly checked and applicants undergo the standard military medical examinations to determine their current health status. From thousands of applications


from all provinces, approximately 750 successful candidates are selected to undergo the training at the Naval Gymnasium. The final group comprises both males and females of all ethnic groups from all provinces in the country.

After selection, MSD cadets undergo basic naval training in a disciplined naval environment at the Naval Gymnasium SAS SALDANHA and are also lectured in life skills so as to equip them for their future role as citizens of our country. As part of this training, the cadets’ mathematical, English language and computer literacy skills are enhanced, so as to equip them not only for their further military training, but also for their future careers outside the SA Navy. At the end of their training cadets receive certificates for their military competency, but they will also be in possession of a vouched matriculation certificate, a valid motor vehicle driving licence, a Nature Conservation Wardens’ certificate and basic swimming, sailing and firearm handling skills.

The SA Navy realised the following:

• The young people who had been trained at the Naval Gymnasium and whose military and life skills had been enhanced thereafter during their further employment as sailors in the SA Navy, are a valuable asset to any employer in the maritime industry or the South African business community at large and should be made available to the industry for employment and further development, after they leave their two-year term of voluntary service in the SA Navy; and

• In terms of the system of voluntary service in the Navy Reserves, it was necessary that the SA Navy enter into some understanding with employers in the country, so as to make the latter aware of the necessity and benefit of making members of the Navy Reserve available for short periods of service in the SA Navy. Through this voluntary Reserve service the naval skills of these Reserve members can be continuously maintained

and honed, whilst at the same time having their leadership skills enhanced, both of which could be beneficial to them in their civilian careers and employment in the Navy.

It is common cause that in our country’s present developmental phase where a big accent has to be placed on developing and increasing the social conditions pertaining to living, working and education, it is still necessary to provide for a well trained and efficient Defence Force on a cost-effective basis to the advantage of tax paying citizens. In terms of policy directives, the cost-effective way of staffing a Navy, for example, would be to provide for a relatively small full- time component to attend to the day-to-day functions of the Navy in the execution of its vision and mission, together with a sufficiently large Reserve component to support the Navy in peace-time conditions and to enhance its capabilities in time of war and when other special security or social conditions prevail. In this regard, the South African National Defence Force has utilized its Reserve capacity over the last couple of years in its peace support operations on the continent and in times of national disaster. It is obvious that this “expansion capability” of the Navy in utilising its Eeserves, is a cost effective way of enhancing the Defence Force’s capability, without disrupting the economy and the country’s social development programmes.

In 2007, the SA Navy entered into partnership with the country’s commerce and industry to develop the youth and promote Reserve service in the voluntary Reserve of the SA Navy. As part of this exercise the Chief of the Navy invited captains of industry to spend a morning at sea with the Navy on board one of its state-of-the-art frigates.

Departing early on a Saturday morning from Durban, Port Elizabeth and Simons Town, these leaders of industry were able to experience the thrill of going to sea on board a ship with the most advanced technology in the world. Invited guests could witness how the officers and ratings of the South African Navy, including


sailors who were part of the MSD programme, operated on board the frigate. In this way business persons could interact directly with all these members undergoing training in the SA

Navy and witness and experience first hand the quality of the motivated, patriotic youth of our country.

The Flag Officer Fleet – Rear Admiral Rusty Higgs answers questions about the capabilities of our Navy

Business leaders were briefed fully on the content of the training being conducted at the Naval Gymnasium at SAS SALDANHA by senior members of the Navy Command Council, including the Director of Naval Reserves. Members of maritime industry were also invited to provide suggestions to enhance the curriculum of the training at SAS SALDANHA so as to make members who have completed their MSD raining in the SA Navy even more useful as employees in maritime industry, once they have completed their Naval training, without compromising the specific skills required by the SA Navy.

The Navy was convinced that it had an excellent product that could be made available to its partners in Trade and Industry and offered them a first opportunity to make contact with and offer employment to former members of the MSD programme, once they leave

the SA Navy after two years of service. In return, business leaders were made aware of the benefits of making members of the Navy Reserve in their employ available for future voluntary reserve service in the SA Navy. This would be for short periods of time, to be arranged as far as possible at a mutually convenient time to both the employer and the Navy.

Judging by the response received from the business community, who not only offer employment to former MSD members, but also learner-ships and bursaries for tertiary education, these employers are keen to join in the partnership with the SA Navy. The result is that all available candidates who have completed training in the catering division of the Navy as chefs or stewards have been employed in the industry, as well as members who completed their training in the protection


Guests witness the execution of the “ Crash Stop” from 30 knots to zero on board the SAS SPIOENKOP

branch, or fire-fighting services. Other members have been employed in the grain marketing industry, motor manufacturing industry, communications industry, insurance industry and banking and financial services sector.

A compliment was given to the Navy. Apart from the fact that the guests were highly impressed by the capabilities and performance of the new frigates, they said they were most impressed by the positive attitude, motivation and performance of the ship’s company, which obviously included MSD trainees in various capacities. They also clearly realised the benefit of our youth participating in this two-

year “finishing school” in the SA Navy, which prepared them for their future in our beautiful country with all its opportunities.

The SA Navy intends continuing its partnership with the business community of our country to develop our youth and to promote voluntary service in the SA Navy Reserve. During 2008 similar programmes will be undertaken by other ports in South Africa and also by the Naval Gymnasium at SAS SALDANHA. With its partners in the business community, the Navy will produce an even better empowered corps of young people to meet the challenges of our country in the future.

About the South African NavyCompiled by Mrs Jennifer Renderinformation from the Navy website


“It is this (the Cape Sea Route) route that is the Navy’s ward. It is the Navy’s duty to police it…. To watch it….. To care for its users - the mercantile fleets of the world. For this they work, and while doing it, the grey ships can strengthen the bonds of friendship with our neighbours, and can make new friends, and can hold all that is best in maintaining the brotherhood of the sea. Then they are doing their proper appointed peacetime task. They are the “Grey Diplomats”.”

These are the concluding words from the book “South Africa’s Navy – the First Fifty Years”. Now, as then, they are still relevant to the current challenges facing the country,

with specific reference to the maritime interests and responsibilities within the context of the changing strategic environment in the Southern African region.

The new Valour Class Frigates have names and numbers as follows:

• SAS Amatola F145

• SAS Isandlwana F146

• SAS Spioenkop F147

• SAS Mendi F148


The following specifications apply to the new Frigates:

Displacement, Tons 3,590 full loadDimensions in metres 121 x 16 x 5.95

Main machinery

1GE LM 2500 gas turbine 26,820 hp (m) (20 MW); 2 16V 1163 TB 93 diesels 16,102 hp (m) (11.84 MW; 2 shafts; acbLIPS cp props; 1 acbLIPS LJ2 10E waterjet (centre line)

Speed knots 28.Range , miles 7,700 at 15 ktComplement 92 plus 8 aircrew plus 20 spare

Missiles SSM 8 Exocet MM40 block 2; SAM Umkhonto 16 cell VLS

Guns1 OTO 76mm/62 compact2 LIW DPG 35mm (twin).2 Oerlikon 20mm Mk1.

Torpedoes 4 (2 twin) 324mm tubes

Countermeasures Decoys: 2 Super Barricade chaff launchers;ESM/ECM: intercept and jammer

Weapons Control 2 optronic trackers

RadarsAir/surface search; 3D; E/F-band, fire control 2 sets; I/J-band. Navigation/helicoptercontrol 2 sets; 1 band.

Sonars hull mounted, active search; medium frequency.

Helicopters Lynx


Submarines

The South African Navy is proud to have acquired the following submarines:

• SAS Manthatisi S101• SAS Charlotte Maxeke S102• SAS Queen Modjadji I S103

The following specifications apply to the SA Navy type 209 submarines:

Displacement in tons 1,454 Surfaced and 1594 divedDimensions metres 62. x 7.5 x 5.8

Marin machinery

Diesel-electric: 4 12V 396 diesels3,800 hp(m) (2.8MW): 4 alternators; 1 motors 5,032hp (m) (3.7MW):1 shaft

Speed knots 10 surfaced: 21,5 divedComplement 30

Torpedoes 8 –21 in (533mm) bow tubes14 torpedoes

Countermeasures ESM: intercept + radar warning receiverWeapons control STN ISUS 90 TCSRadars Surface search: 1 bandSonars STN CSU-90; hull mounted and flank arraysOther sensors non-hull penetrating optromic mastDiving depth 250m

Inside a Submarine


The South African Navy operates and maintains three Class 209 Type 1400 (Mod SA) submarines with a Personnel Establishment Table (PET) totalling 126 posts, the majority being technical. Apart from the boats, the greater Submarine Service comprises of personnel from the following sections/units all requiring specialist submarine skills:

a. Fleet Command Headquarters – 4 staff posts

b. Fleet Maintenance Unit – 26 technical posts c. System Manager Submarine Support – 5

technical posts d. Submarine Training Centre – 22 technical

postse. Commodity Manager – 1 logistical post

The Submarine Training Centre

The Submarine Training Centre is responsible for the formal training of all submariners and has the capacity to train 40 new submariners (direct/fleet entry) per year. It is thus imperative to run two General Submarine Knowledge courses per year with a minimum of 20 learners per course, to supply qualified submariners to the greater Submarine Service and to address natural attrition or resignations.

Academic Profile

The direct entry applicant must show an ability to attain the skills required of a submariner and have the potential to pass the intense and demanding courses required of a submariner. The minimum academic qualifications recommended are as follows:

a. Completed Grade 12 with passes in English, Mathematics (not functional mathematics) and Science. Standard Grade “D” symbols; or

b. Completed the academic cycle of their qualification at a Technical training school/institute with passes in the Mechanical, Electrical or Electronic direction; or

c. Mechanical N3 subjects to include, Diesel Trade Theory, Engineering Drawing, Engineering Science and Mathematics; or

d. Electrical N3 subjects to include Electrical Trade Theory, Industrial Electronics, Logics and Mathematics; or

e. Radio/Radar N3 subjects to include Radio Theory Industrial Electronics Logic Systems and Mathematics.

Note: If an applicant is currently busy with Grade 12 or a N3 qualification, mid term results will be considered


Byline: Lieutenant (SAN) Glenn von Zeil

A formal passing out parade was held for a group of 100 Sea Cadets from Sea Cadet Units across the country. They successfully completed either a basic or advanced ten day seamanship course at SAS SIMONSBERG in

December 2007. The salute at the parade was taken by SSO Fleet Reserves, Captain (SAN) P.A. Napier, who handled the liaison function between the SA Navy and Sea Cadet organisation.

SEA

CADET

CAMP AT SAS SIMONSBERG

Capt P.A.Napier addressing the Sea Cadets on parade to celebrate the successful camp at SAS SIMONSBERG

An advanced course was added to the training course this year and was attended by 25 Sea

Cadets. It included leadership, management, divisional system and ceremonial duties.


One of the classes of Sea Cadets at the 2006 Sea Cadet camp at SAS SIMONSBERG.

Capt P.A. Napier accompanied by WO2 Abrahams and Sea Cadet Midshipman prepare to inspect the Sea Cadet parade.

The conduct of the Sea Cadets was described as “exemplary” by PO Shane Ramsden, one of their instructors, who added that they would be

taking their knowledge and skills back to their units and applying this to empower others.

Through a feedback essay to the camp organisers, the Sea Cadets have requested more practical training, especially the

opportunity of going to sea and interacting with their role models in the SA Navy.

Midshipmen G.A. and G.E. Herwels, twin brothers and former Sea Cadets at TS Knysna, have since the age of 9 been awarded the Hofmeyer and Wight Trophies for seamanship and dinghy sailing respectively on successfully passing out at the Naval College. They intend to follow careers as combat officers, and one a hydrographer, in the SA Navy. Their previous training and experience in the Sea Cadets no doubt contributed to their fine achievements at the Naval College.

The sea cadets from Cape Town (TS Woltemade), Durban (TS Tiberon), Gauteng (TS Fearless), Knysna (TS Knysna), Port Elizabeth (TS Lanherne) and St Francis (TS Kromme)

indicated that they wished to follow nautical careers and urged the SA Navy to consider their previous training and commitment favourably when they applied for MSDS training.

All members of the SA Navy were commended for a task well done, i.e. by assisting these young men and women to prepare for their dream - a career at sea. Lt Cdr Lottering, Senior Training Officer at SAS SIMONSBERG kindly made the facilities available while WO2 Abrahams, CPOs Herne, van der Merwe, PO Ramsden and LSs Mowers and Roman, from SAS DRAKENSBERG, shared their experience and skills with the cadets.


Sea Cadets march past the podium.

“A HALF MAC IN 2008” MAC 24 HOUR SAILING CHALLENGE BLOWN OUTThe MAC 24 is a twenty four hour endurance race hosted by the Milnerton Aquatic Club at Rietvlei annually. The Navy was part of 28 teams who entered the competition.

This year three SA Navy Bosun’s dinghies as well as three Bosun’s and a Laser from Simon’s Town sailing academy, Isivunguvungu, competed in the race.

The start of the race was blown out due to winds reaching in excess of 30 knots and sailing officially got underway just after midnight - resulting in only 12 hours of competitive sailing. Twenty two teams eventually took part.

Entrants included teams sailing Bosun’s, Sonnets, Mirrors and GP14’s with the Cape wind favouring the lighter boats. The objective of the race is to complete as many laps as possible during the 24 hour period. Crews can be rotated as often as necessary - giving many team members an opportunity to test their skills.

The SA Navy teams included “Navy 1”, “Navy Belles” - an all women’s team, and an SA Naval Reserve (SANR) team “Navy Reserve Too” while Isivunguvungu teams comprised the “Bosun Bailers”, “Bosun Boys”, “West Coast” and “Sibusiso”.

Lieutenant (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve

“NAVY 1” Team with their boat in the new Naval

Cammo – CPO Edward van der Merwe, AB Kevin

Maytham, PO. Andre Bestha, SEA Eathan Terblanche,

PO Ewald Groenewald


Isivunguvungu “Bosun Bailers” and “West Coast” –

tied second on handicap

“NAVY BELLES” Team – LS Gaynor Fritz, Lt Minette

Minnaar

The first placed SANDF team was SAN Team “Navy 1”, with the “Navy Belles”, winning the endurance trophy as well as sharing the 2nd prize on handicap

The pleasant surprise of the challenge was the excellent performance of all the Isivunguvungu sailing academy teams who walked away with many of the prizes including; the best Mirror start - “Isivungu Mirror Masinya”, best Bosun start - “The Bosun Boys”, Sportsman’s Trophy and 1st placed Mirror, Bosun 1st class - “The Bosun Boys”, Bosun 2nd class - “Isivungu Bosun Bailers”, Bosun 3rd Class - “The West Coast Bosun”, 1st prize on handicap - “The Bosun Boys”, 2nd prize on handicap - “The Bosun Bailers” and “The West Coast Bosun” tied.

The Chief of the SA Navy, Vice Admiral Johannes Mudimu envisages similar training academies such as the Isivunguvungu at the various SANR offices in the nine provincial centres. These are in the process of being established. This would be an appropriate way of SANR members to maintain their sailing skills while sharing their knowledge with the youth and future sailors for the Navy.

Any member of the SAN or SANR who is interested in sailing is urged to contact PO Shane Ramsden at the Simon’s Town Sailing Centre on 021-787-4725.

“NAVY RESERVE TOO” TEAM – Cdr Ken Newton,

Lt Cdr Steven Bentley, CPO Shane Ramsden,

LS Rudolf Hugo, LS Chris Roux, LS Cliff van Heusden

and supporters.

Reflection of Navy Reserve Too – photo by “Mike”.


SA NAVAL RESERVE MEMBERS COMPLETE NAVAL CO-ORDINATION & GUIDANCE FOR SHIPPING COURSE

Six members of the SA Naval Reserve (SANR) recently successfully completed a Part 1 Naval Co-ordination and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) Course run in Simon’s Town. This was the first SANR course run in recent years

and was intended to qualify SANR members in NCAGS procedures. These members staff the various NCAGS stations around the country when the annual exercises are held.


Lieutenant (SAN), Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve

The four junior ratings were all ex-Military Skills Development members who had recently performed duties in Simon’s Town, including assisting the fleet as part of a Buffers Party.

The new skills of these SANR members will be utilised during the NCAGS exercises in 2008, especially Exercise Bell Buoy 08 (USA West Coast), Exercise Fairway Buoy 08 (SADC) and Exercise Trans Oceanic XXIII

The NCAGS Team headed by Captain ”Doc” O’Shea envisages running further NCAGS Part 1 and Part 2 training courses for SANR and SADC members during 2008. Any SANR member who would like to be considered should contact Captain “Doc” O’Shea via the Reserve Management Centre (RMC) in Simon’s Town.

Bravo Zulu to POs R. Joshua and P. Manickum, both from Durban, LS’s S. Manaka and M. Martin as well as AB’s N. Ngubane and R. Pieterse who, successfully completed the course under the watchful eye of Cdr T. Pieters and Lt Cdr R. Cross, successfully completed the course.

SANR NCAGS Course members:Back: Captain ”Doc” O’Shea , Lt Cdr R. Cross, Cdr T. PietersMiddle: PO R. Joshua, PO P. ManickumFront: LS S. Manaka, AB N. Ngubane, AB R. Pieterse, LS M. Martin

NCAGS student participates in a plotting exam

Colonel Cappy Motswadira assisting Mrs Sophie Morule with her Safety belt in the C130 Hercules aeroplane en route to Langebaan Air Force Base.

CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY VISIT


SAS SALDANHADefence Reserves were invited by Director Corporate Communication to attend a Captains

of Industry visit to Saldanha Bay and Simon’s Town on 27 and 28 March 2008

Military Skills Development students welcome the VIP party to the Navy Gymnasium at SAS Saldanha

Photos and Article Mrs Jennifer Render.

Military Skills Development students giving the VIP visitors a display of their marching expertise after only three month’s training

Military Skills Development students pose with Mr Norman Malao from Malao’s Bedding cc

Waiting to board the C130 are from left to right:Mrs Marula, Col Minnie OC of Langebaanweg Air Force Base Mr Malao, Brig Gen Mangope and Mrs Phalatsi

On the photo are R Adm Louw, Brig Gen Mangope and the Navy’s Marimba bank singing Happy Birthday to Brig Gen Mangope.

The success of the visit was measured by the positive response from the invited members. It was a joy to see the good interaction between the students and the visitors. The visitors

showed a great interest in the new frigates and submarines when they were invited on board for a tour.


3 MEDICAL BATTALION GROUP


Colonel Stan Russell Officer Commanding 3 Medical Battalion GroupUnit History WO1 L Robertson JCD 3 Medical Battalion Group

History until the Second World War

During the latter part of the 1800’s, before the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War, military organizations in the Cape consisted of an Imperial troop contingent, a small colonial force as well as voluntary units. While members of the Royal Army Medical Corps looked after the medical needs of the locally stationed Imperial troops, the medical care of the Cape units and volunteers was unsatisfactory.

The serious shortage of medical staff motivated a medical doctor of King Williams Town, Dr John Ross, to establish a branch of the Order of St John in King Williams Town – the then capital of British Kaffrarian during 1886. This paved the way for the forming of the first local military ambulance detachment unit within that of the then Kaffrarian Volunteer Artillery (1878-1888), with Surgeon Captain John Ross as Commanding Officer. He was ably assisted by Surgeon Lieutenant Chute and Quartermaster

Captain A. Templer. The members had, to in addition to their First Aid training, to be proficient in gun, carbine, sword and horse drill. They were recruited from local townsmen and surrounding farmers.

The Kaffrarian Volunteer Artillery was disbanded in 1888, the ambulance section however continued. This paved the way for the forming of the Volunteer Medical Staff Corps on 21 October 1889 in King Williams Town. Dr Ross was appointed the Commanding Officer of A Company, while Major (Dr) T. Falkiner was appointed the first Commanding Officer of B Company. Captain John Ross remained in command until his death on the 3rd September 1891. He was only 39 years old at his untimely death

A brass plaque in the Church at King Williams Town perpetuates the memory of the founder of the Medical corps with these words: “In memory of Surgeon John Ross M.B. B.Sc. who died September 3rd 1891 Aged 39. This Tablet is erected by present and past members of A Company Volunteer Medical Staff Corps, of which he was the founder and esteemed Commander. ‘He lived not for himself but for other good’ ”. In 1895 a detachment from A company was sent to Cape Town to compete for a shield against B Company V.M.S.C. The result was a complete victory for A Company. The shield which hangs in the Drill Hall in King Williams bears witness to the zeal and hard work of the members and to their instructors especially the late Sergeant Major E.J. Thomas who had been there from the forming of the Corps. A hardworking most zealous non-commissioned officer who passed away in January 1898.

On 1 January 1899, the VMSC underwent a change of name when it became the Cape Medical Staff Corps (CMSC) still under command of Lieutenant Colonel Hartley.

The City of Cape Town Volunteer Unit Award Shield dated 1899 to 1904 (Anglo Boer War)

During the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War all available members of the CMSC, as well as all available volunteers, were mobilized.

For this reason the unit could send members to the front on the 10th November 1899, with Lieutenant Colonel J. Innes-Brownlee as Commanding Officer. A Company was appointed to the Highland Brigade under command of General Wauchope and after he was killed and succeeded by General Mc Donald who took command in April 1900. On their arrival in Cape Town they were posted as Bearer company to the Highland Brigade at De Aar. In this capacity, the unit took part in famous battles i.e. Enslin, Koedoesberg, Magersfontein, Paardeberg, Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Bushmankop, Sussanafontein,Tweefontein, Roodepoort, Spitskop, Vegkop, Relief’s Nek and Nauport Nek. Members also participated in skirmishes under Lord Methuen at Belmont, Graspan and Modderrivier, and their contributions were honourably mentioned in Dispatches by amongst others Lord Methuen, Lord Roberts and Lord Kitchener. They were in the field for fourteen months.

After the war various units applied for Regimental colours, and because the Cape Medical Corps was only a support element they were not entitled to (unit) colours. King Edward XII, however, bestowed an even greater honour upon them by rewarding them with the King’s Colours. They were the first medical formation to receive colours and the first unit to receive the Kings colours without being in possession of regimental colours. They were also the first non-combat unit to be honoured in this manner. This presentation is the only one in the history of South Africa to a Unit of the SAMHS.

The Kings Colours was conferred on the unit during a parade held on the Grand Parade in Cape Town on 10th October 1904; B-Coy received the colours on behalf of the Cape Medical Corps because it was logistically not possible for members of A-Coy to travel to Cape Town. The consecration service for the flag was held during a church parade held at Kings Williams Town on 5th February 1905.

The parade stood at the salute whilst the Colour was then borne back to the ranks to the strains of the National Anthem. Headed by the band the troops marched to the Holy Trinity Church

where a special church service was held, attended by a large concourse of people; this service was conducted by the Rector. Thereafter the troops were marched back to “Barrack Square” and dismissed.

Today the Kings Colours is in the St Andrews Presbyterian Church in King Williams Town for safekeeping.

The Association with St Andrews is a very fitting one and serves as a constant reminder to the younger generation that the South African Medical Corps has its oldest roots in King Williams Town where the first Ambulance Unit was formed.

After the Union of South Africa was formed in 1910 provision was made in the Union defence force for a medical division, with both A Coy (King William Town) which was renamed as 1 Mobile Field Ambulance, and B Coy (Cape Town) renamed as No1 Company, to absorbed into the medical division of the Union Defence Force in 1912.

With the outbreak of the First World War, No 1 Company took control of and manned hospitals at Wynberg, the Castle, the hospital at Maitland (Alexandra hospital) and Simon’s Town. Members of the company were also assigned to the hospital ship the “SS Ebani” which was stationed at Mombasa in Kenya. It had to be equipped in a short period of time for the evacuation of wounded soldiers.

12 Field Ambulance was mobilized in 1940 and saw service in East Africa and the Western Desert with 1st S.A. Division – 2nd Infantry Brigade. 12 Field Ambulance which had their headquarters in the Eastern Cape, can trace their history to the VMSC.

20 Field Ambulance traces its history back to 1941 when the unit was raised for 1 S.A. Convalescent Depot at Sonderwater. It saw service in Italy with 6 Armoured Division being the field ambulance attached to 12 Motorised Brigade. On the 18th July 1945 19 Field Ambulance was incorporated into 20 Field Ambulance.

19 Field Ambulance saw service with 11 Armoured Brigade during the Italian Campaign and together with 20 Field Ambulance took part in most campaigns in Italy.


History since the Second War

In 1953, there was another name change for 3 Field Ambulance Unit, this time to 3 Light Field Ambulance with 5 officers and 35 men. By 1958, the strength of the unit has grown to 12 officers and 180 men.

3 Field Ambulance Unit was re-instated in 1960 under command of Commandant A. J. Brink and in 1965 Commandant F. F. v E Kirsten took over command.

3 Field Ambulance saw active service in 1976 in Angola during Operation Savannah. Under command of Commandant C.I. Wicht 3 Field Ambulance was established in the hospital at Pereira de Eca on the 25th January 1976. This hospital, because of its central location in the area, played an important function. It was situated closer to the South-West African border and took over the role from 1 Advance Field Hospital that was based at Cela. Ambulance posts were also established at Ruacana and Oshikati and a Field Hospital at Oshivello to give medical support to refugees in the Chitado area. There were enough medical facilities available for own troops and allies as well the medical support that was rendered to the great number of refugees. The nursing post at Pereira de Eca was closed on the 14th February 1976.

In 1975 Commandant C L Wicht took over command until 5th November 1981 when 3 Medical Battalion Group was formed under command of Colonel J. T. Nel who was the previous officer commanding of 12 Field Ambulance with the amalgamation of 3, 12 and 20 Field Ambulance Units.

Colonel N. D. Liebenberg took over the post on the 1st May 1987 as acting officer

commanding and on the 12th December 1987 his successor Colonel S. I. Russell took command in November 1996 and is still serving.

General Information about 3 Medical Battalion Group.

The colours of the shield are that of the SA Military Health Service, the three crosses indicating the name of this unit. The form of the cross is similar to the cap badge of SA Military Health Service, but with an additional point added to the bottom leg of the cross. This point indicates that 3 Medical Battalion is an operational unit. The eight point of the cross indicates the disciplines of the SA Military Health Services, namely dentistry, nursing, social service, medicine, chemistry, veterinary health care and psychology.

3 Medical Battalion Group is one of three Reserve Medical Battalion Groups in the SA Military Health Service. The others being 1Medical Battalion Group based in Durban and 6 Medical Battalion Group in Pretoria. The Battalion was affiliated to 73 Brigade that was part of 7 Division of the Army. Currently the Battalion is part of Mobile Military Health Formation of the South African Military Health Service. The unit head quarters is situated in Gertrude Street in Cape Town. The total strength is roughly 250 part time members and 5 Regular members. The key personnel are mainly Reserve members who come from all positions in civilian life.

The main function of 3 Med Battalion Group is the delivery of a comprehensive medical health service to the SANDF during conventional operations. This supporting medical service includes specialized medical and surgical services.


The motto of 3 Medical Battalion Group is:

SEMPER PARATI meaning Always be Prepared

The SAMHS motto is :

SERVAMUS meaning We Serve the Brave


WHERE ARE WE FUNCTIONING TODAY?

3 Medical Battalion Group has taken up the challenge posed by the SA Army’s 2020 planning process. Colonel Russell is excited about future prospects for the Defence Reserves of the SA Military Health Services (SAMHS). Current planning includes the development of a “Sharp Force” capacity to be headed by 3 Medical Battalion Group.

It is anticipated that a Sharp Force capacity Medical Task Group will be maintained at the level of a unit, which will be situated in each of the following provinces:

Northern Cape (Kimberley)

Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth, already established)

Western Cape (the two Cape Town units will be known as No1 Medical Task Group {already

established} and No 6 Maritime Medical Task Group)

North West Province (Potchefstroom, already established)

Colonel Russell is hoping to have a fully operational Field Hospital available by 2014. These units will be in support of the SA National Defence Force Services.

Because of the importance of medical support to all members of the Defence Force, especially during operations and deployments, the SAMHS has become serious about its budget and Colonel Russell has indicated that the budget allocated to 3 Medical Battalion Group is certainly a good one and he is excited about future developments.

Training:

3 Medical Battalion Group has been tasked to achieve the following trained status:

• 1 x trained medical task group by end of 2008

• 2 x trained medical task groups by end of 2009

• 3 x trained medical task groups by end of 2011

• 1 x trained medical task group with maritime support capability by 2011

• Proficiency in the deployment of a level 2 field hospital

Development Strategy

This will include aspects of recruiting that will be closely involved with private emergency organisations to develop a win-win situation to the benefit of both organisations.

Colonel Stan Russell the officer commanding 3 Medical Battalion Group

The Battalion presently has very few fully trained members in essential musterings, such as medical officers, health practitioners, OECPs, signallers and drivers with paramedical personnel largely trained up to BAA level.

Over the next four years the Battalion will be trained up to competency levels as follows:

• Continuous and selective recruitment of trained personnel in disciplines and musterings presently deficient in the unit.

• Selective recruitment of qualified and skilled volunteers to transform the command and control sector of the Battalion.

• Sustained career development and empowerment of members of the junior leader group, to transform the middle to senior management.

• A sustained training, retraining and refresher training programme of the unit’s senior leader group, Medical Task Group commanders and Force Preparation and Force Support elements at combat readiness levels.

• Career development training to ensure a knowledgeable and capable Medical Task Group and Tactical Headquarters leader group element.

• Knowledge of mobile military health main equipment, its capabilities and deployment logistics.

• Building, encouraging and maintaining unit esprit de corps, good morale and a high level of military and personal discipline in the battalion through regular utilisation of members in training, deployment and ceremonial activities.

• Continued pursuit of suitably equipped and sufficiently staffed Battalion and Medical Task Group Headquarters accommodation in the various provincial centres to satisfy the training needs.

RECRUITMENT

To achieve our goals the unit must adapt its recruitment plan as follows:

• The Surgeon General has directed that all unit members must be deployable and have the appropriate health assessment classification.

• 3 Medical Battalion Group must recruit up to a maximum of four persons to a post.

• 60% of new recruits must have the appropriate post qualifications.

• 40% of new recruits can be trained for the post, but must adhere to a minimum profile standard as follows:

i. Age 22 years and youngerii. Healthy and reasonably fitiii. Minimum school qualification of grade 12

RECRUITMENT PROJECTS

• Projects to assist in the recruitment of sufficient numbers of new recruits to the unit will be launched in 2008.

• An affiliation with a local senior school will be investigated with a view to starting a Military Youth Development Project in the Battalion, which could assist the SAMHS recruitment drive in the Military Skills Development Programme.

• An approach will be initiated with the Surgeon General aimed at extending Project URTU to the Western Cape. Initial discussions with authorities in the Medical Faculty of the University of Stellenbosch are promising and this initiative will be further developed.

RECRUITMENT

• A yearlong programme of static displays at major centres, agricultural shows and events must be planned by the Corporate Communication Department to enhance the recruitment drive.

FORCE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PLAN

Basic Training

• Unit induction course


• Basic training course• Formative training course

Basic Military Skills Training

• 6 x bimonthly military and MTG skills training and refresher courses

• Tartan Games• NCO skills competition

In post training

• In-post training stints for MTG and Clinical Wing personel in HR, Log etc

Functional and Promotional Training

• Training course schedule managed by US1 HR

• Battalion and Medical Task Group and Clinical Wing Deployment Training

• Exercise Phoenix• Exercise Lancet• Exercise Reality

TRANSFORMATION

• The unit will further develop according to the transformation guidelines of the Department of Defence. It is a sobering thought, however, to realise that the development and training of an effectively transformed leader group and management team in the very senior ranks of the unit will not be totally achieved in the short term. As has been very aptly put before, 5,10 and 20 years experience unfortunately takes 5,10 and 20 years!

• The unit has not in the past attracted sufficient numbers of appropriately qualified and experience managers who have the voluntary ethos, drive and the spare time to assist in managing the development and training processes in the unit.

• However, over the last few months a very pleasing trend has emerged. There appears to be an upsurge in interest by qualified health professionals and paramedics, as also by other applicants with essential military skills who are enquiring about voluntary service in the Battalion. These professionals will be

developed appropriately and encouraged to participate in the general management process at 3 Medical Battalion Group.

• Transformation of junior officers, warrant officers and NCO ranks is well on track, and through development training and promotion these members will progress to more senior ranks in due course.

• An initiative to develop a strong corps of new junior officers over the past few years will be continued, and the unit has and is actively identifying more applicants from its present ranks to progress to the commissioned ranks.

POINTS OF INTEREST

A number if development initiatives at Battalion HQ level are presently in progress.

Planning for the New Battalion Headquarters Building Complex at Fort Ikapa is far advanced, with approval and funding now acquired and building operations to commence soon. Phase 1 of project – the Headquarters Building – must be completed by the end of the 2008/09 financial year.

Fulfilling the new Unit HQ accommodation needs of Medical Task Group 3 Port Elizabeth, i.e. the former unit buildings of Recife Commando in Newton Park, has been approved by the Surgeon General.


New Battalion Headquarters Building Complex at Fort Ikapa

An application and needs assessment have been made to Director Military Health Logistics for suitable accommodation in Kimberley to house Medical Task Group 4.

The current planning and huge efforts to make progress in the SAMHS Reserves is most encouraging. All the support given by the Surgeon General and his staff is highly appreciated.


BATTLE HONOURS

BECHUANALAND 1896 – 1897

SOUTH AFRICA 1899 – 1902

SOUTH WEST AFRICA 1914 – 1915

EAST AFRICA 1940 – 1941

Western Desert 1941 – 1943

Gazala

Best Point

EL ALAMEIN

Alamein Defence

ITALY 1944 – 1945

Cellano

The Grieve

Monte Porro del Bagno

Monte Salvaro

Cassino II

Florenca

Gothic Line

PO Valley

Monte Stanco

Sole Capava

Chiusi

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. SOUTH AFRICA – ITS MEDICAL HISTORY P W LAIDLER & M GELFAND2. HISTORIESE FEITE 3VD AMBULANCE GROVE3. THE CAPE TOWN HIGHLANDERS NEIL ORPEN4. PRINCE ALFRED`S GUARD NEIL ORPEN5. THE ARMED FORCES OF SOUTH AFRICA TYLDEN6. COLOURS AND HONOURS IN SOUTH AFRICA 1782 – 1984 DR. H. CURSON7. SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES WOLD WAR II VOLUME I NEIL ORPEN8. SOUTH AFRICAN FORCES WORLD WAR II


WHAT IS RESERVE SERVICE?

• Members who belong to the Reserve have the opportunity to be a soldier, sailor, airman or medic in their free time.

• Members will join either the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy or SA Military Health Services.• Once you have joined a unit, you will belong to that unit until you decide to leave.• Members will wear a uniform.• The members will receive military training, like learning how to march, salute and shoot - this

will usually take place in the evenings or over weekends.• Members will receive payment for the hours they have worked at a unit.• The members could use certain of the skills they learn in the Defence Force in the private

sector.

WHY IS THERE A RESERVE?

• The Reserve Force is used to enlarge the capacity of the Regular Force when needed.• It is cost effective; the members are only used when they are needed.• South Africa needs a trained, healthy and prepared Reserve in peace time and in war.

WHY SHOULD YOU BE INTERESTED?

• You will learn new skills in a disciplined environment.• You will make new friends.• Wearing a uniform makes you important in your community.• You will be making a contribution to defending your country.• You will receive a wage for the hours you work.• You could be sent on Peace Keeping Operations to Burundi Sudan or the DRC etc.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO JOIN?

• Most important is a grade 12 qualification • You must be healthy.• You must not have a criminal record.• You must be between 18 and 22 years old.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact the following Reserve Force Divisional Offices:

• Eastern Cape 041 505 1392• Free State 051 402 1092• Gauteng South 011 444 1198• Kwa-Zulu Natal 031 451 1704• Limpopo 051 299 3500• Mpumalanga 013 756 2213• North West Province 018 289 3400• Northern Cape 053 830 3016 • Western Cape 021 787 1167

ISBN: 0-620-34986-7

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