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Esinathy Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) has said due to the growing use of technology in modern day warfare, the military’s training modules now include cyber warfare awareness.

Speaking at a Squad Drill Instructor Course graduation ceremony held at Lookout Masuku (formerly Imbizo) Barracks in Bulawayo last Friday, ZNA Chief of Staff (Quartermaster Staff), Major General Hlanganani Dube, said all army personnel should be conversant with cyber technology.

“It is paramount that as military personnel we are conversant and acquainted with cyber technology, hence the inclusion of cyber warfare as a subject in your syllabus,” he said.

Maj Gen Dube said cyber warfare awareness is part of the Squad Drill Instructor Course, together with civil military relations, foot and arms drill, method of instruction and other concepts.

He said training of personnel in peace time is a major ZNA occupation as it is a crucial element of any armed force in the capacitation of combat capabilities.

“Training is the epic and nerve centre of the ZNA. Generally, ZNA personnel are drilled to understand, attain, sustain and enforce a high standard of combat readiness through some rigorous but realistic training,” Maj Gen Dube said.

In an effort to carry on the legacy of the ZNA, training on Drill shall always be of paramount importance as it equips one with knowledge, skills and the right attitude.

A total of 394 Zimbabwe National Army officers graduated after completing a 14-week-long Squad Drill Instructor Course. Of the 394 army officers, 49 were women.

The officers were drawn from all the barracks in Zimbabwe.

Maj Gen Dube said the officers exhibited high standards of discipline and urged them to use the knowledge they gained during training as a guide in the discharge of their duties.

“I am happy that all of you graduating today exhibited the highest standard of discipline throughout the course. You need to maintain a high standard of discipline and always be alert to the whims and caprices of indiscipline throughout your service since the Zimbabwe Defence Forces have zero tolerance to indiscipline,” said Maj Gen Dube.

The best student was Ubert Mudzimurega, first runner-up Siphosenkosi Dube and Charles Mugandani was the second runner-up. — @esinathy_essira