Pre-Operation Corona deployment training completed at CTC

In South Africa, September heralds the start of spring and for the landward element of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) it is time for the rotation of soldiers for the border protection task Operation Corona.

Prior to replacing colleagues from sister units at strategically located bases, observation points and forward operating bases (FOBs), those called up for active duty spent time at the South African Army’s Lohathla Combat Training Centre (CTC) training for deployment. Captain Selogile Leshage, Acting Communications Officer for the CTC-based 101 Field Workshop, reports on tactical and operational readiness alongside input from the SANDF Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) on the campus of the South African Army College in Thaba Tshwane, ensuring thorough preparation ahead of the six-month deployment.

Information on what are termed ‘critical issues’, including ‘vulnerable groups’, cultural awareness and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), was passed on to soldiers through lectures and question and answer sessions. Protection of civilians, human rights, cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, empathy and compassion, effective communication and upholding military reputation were also part of the ‘information diet’ fed to soldiers from nine different SA Army Corps and formations.

The 15 companies now designated for border protection come from – in no particular order – air defence artillery, armour, engineers, intelligence, infantry, ordnance and technical services, as well as signal corps and formations. They are now considered combat-ready after training in the Northern Cape. They have completed the tough tasks of physical training and table shooting, as well as cordon and search; roadblocks and patrols to earn a medically and physically fit-to-deployment award.