The Learning Forces

From its RF, ZANLA and ZIPRA foundations, through the Mozambique war and Matabeleland disturbances, the ZNA as an institution has fought as or against guerrilla movements. With learnings from the war in DRC, the first conventional war the defence force has fought if we discount the Rhodesian involvement in WWII, the ZDF has been transforming itself through re-organisation, revising and developing tactic and re-equipping in line with its new fighting doctrine and the changing world and its threats. One cannot miss the new “combat group” formations replacing the traditional “infantry battalions”. Made operational in 2010, the concept is design to give the ZNA small, mobile and hard hitting units.

 Further to this, the ZNA has also been putting more emphasis on negotiating water obstacles. This also is from experience in DRC and its vast waterways. The acquisition of Type 84A Heavy Duty Mechanised Bridges, ferries and boats coupled with annual brigade level, opposed river crossing exercises is evidence of this. See also 5 Brigade Conducts Opposed River Crossing Exercise.

While not getting much coverage and publicity, I expect the Boat Squadron to have gone through a lot of reform, re-equipping and likely have its role redefined. Combined arms exercises and command courses are taking place more often and teach the field commanders leading an all-arms force.