Mugabe commends Zimbabwe military academy

President Robert Mugabe has commended the Zimbabwe Military Academy in Gweru for its commitment in training competent and patriotic officers of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

Mugabe made the remarks at the pass out parade of 88 officers who completed their 23 month long officer cadet course.

Mugabe is the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,

"The graduation of Regular Officer Cadet Course Number 3/28/10 aptly demonstrates  the Zimbabwe Military Academy's resolve and commitment to the fulfillment of its mandate and mission of identifying and grooming young Zimbabwean men and women into competent, professional, disciplined and patriotic junior officers of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

"As Commander-in-Chief, I take pride in the Zimbabwe Military Academy's determination, which has seen it successfully running a record 28 Regular Officer Cadet Courses since 1980," said Mugabe.

Mugabe said despite the existence of economic sanctions, the military academy has continued to provide the nation with future military leaders of exemplary character.

"I take joy in noting that despite the existence of illegal sanctions, the Zimbabwe Military Academy has continued to carry out its mandate and responsibility of educating and training junior officers in order to provide the nation with future military leaders of exemplary character and loyalty," Mugabe added.

Mugabe urged Namibians, who also graduated this Wednesdaay, to go back to their country and demonstrate that they received professional training that matches any other internationally.

He also reminded the people of Zimbabwe to always put their country first in everything they do, adding that no country can develop against a background of self hate and pity within its own fabric.

He hailed the Regular Officer Cadet  Course, saying it had a civic Military Package which gave students the opportunity to visit Chimoio and Freedom Camp Shrines in Mozambique and Zambia respectively.

"The trips served to broaden their comprehension of the country's history. The visits were meant to allow the officer cadets to visualise the agonising and unforgettable journey that characterised the struggle for our independence and, consequently, enhance their understanding of the need to jealously and continuously safeguard our national independence and sovereignty," said Mugabe.

The course also covered specific subjects such as Arms Handling, Drill, Field Craft, Map Reading, Communications, Command and Leadership, Administration, Military Laws, Service Writing, First Aid and Civil Military Relations, among others.

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