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Geingob: Military should remain combat-ready 

2021-10-29  Kuzeeko Tjitemisa

Geingob: Military should remain combat-ready 

Kuzeeko Tjitemisa

Victoria Kaapanda

President Hage Geingob, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Namibian Defence Force, yesterday ordered the country’s military to be ready for war at “all times”.

Geingob said this while officiating the final stage of the NDF joint field training exercise, codenamed, Khan Strike II at Uulunga-Wa-Kolondo in the Oshana region. “I have often said that Namibia is a child of international solidarity, enemy to none and friend to all. However, as a nation, we are also aware that we live in a world defined by ever shifting geo-political realities and new forms of conflict that have emerged in the post-Cold War era.”  

“Therefore, according to its mandateto defend the sovereignty of the Republic of Namibia, our NDF must maintain absolute combat readiness at all times.”Geingob said combat readiness is an extremely important aspect of the national defence apparatus because Namibian soldiers must be adequately prepared to respond to orders or attacks at any given time.

“We must enhance our preparedness in the event of uncertainty to ensure a greater chance of success when faced with unexpected challenges. This is achieved by equipping our soldiers with the necessary tools to achieve military success,” Geingob said.

Khan Strike II was planned with the aim to enhance joint training and interoperability among the army, air force, navy and special forces by evaluating and testing of combat readiness of equipment, firepower, logistic support in the field, as well as competence of officers and troops in conventional warfare.

Geingob said he is pleased that the exercise took place in line with the NDF training doctrine and the chief of the defence force training directives. 

“I am further pleased to note that the NDF carried out exercise Khan Strike II successfully, despite limited resources. Certainly, the NDF has perfected the concept of doing more with less in the endeavour to continuously train, improve and maintain its operational readiness,” Geingob said. 

He also commended the NDF command for planning and executing the “very demanding” exercise.  

“I would like to applaud you, the participating troops and supporting staff, for your commitment and dedication throughout the exercise,” Geingob said.

He also used the opportunity to recognise the integral role played by the NDF in defending the nation from external threats, in participating in operations aimed at combating crime and in response to humanitarian disasters.

He said for the past several months, the country has been embroiled in the most challenging health crisis in the nation’s history, but the nation stood firm and are prevailing.

“Thanks in part to the role played by you, the men and women of the NDF, who have helped provide physical and logistical support in our efforts to win this war.”

He said he hopes that all the valuable knowledge and experience gained during the exercise will help the NDF to continue carrying out its mandate effectively and enhance its preparedness to contribute towards ensuring peace in the nation, region and beyond.

“Thank you for remaining the exemplars of bravery, the paragons of sovereignty and the guardians of the peace and stability of the Republic of Namibia,” he said. 


2021-10-29  Kuzeeko Tjitemisa

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