SA army's 2020 vision
Edwin Tshivhidzo
8 March 2006The South African Army has embarked on a 2020 Vision aimed at transforming and preparing itself for deployment wherever its services are required.
The vision is also aimed at maintaining high standards of professionalism and equiping the army to assist in disasters and thwart any possible terror attacks or invasions.
"We are currently looking at better ways of tackling problems and focusing on creating a dynamic force that can face anything," Colonel Eddie Drost told journalists in Pretoria on Tuesday. "We want to an army that is always prepared and focused."
The 2020 Vision also looks at how modern technology can best be used in the army - and at boosting the skills of army personnel.
Drost said South Africa needs a dedicated and customised army for deployment via air, sea, rail or road to "any situation" in Africa. Such an army should not be bogged down by logistics or army stocks, he said.
"Such a force must be capable of handling support operations and must be prepared to handle any situation," he said.
The army would continue to recruit young soldiers, Drost added. "We are currently in a process of rejuvenating the army and re-skilling our personnel."
On the issue of HIV/Aids, he said programmes had been set up as part of efforts by the army to respond to the challenge.
Source: BuaNews
