The SA Army Artillery Formation open day on Saturday was a great spectacle for the Potchefstroom community as the members of the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) programme showcased their skills.
According to the chief of staff Artillery Formation, Col Andre de Jager, the event at 4-Artillery Regiment was aimed at introducing the community, parents and families of the members to the environment in which the members work.
Photo:
Selogile Leshage
About four thousand community members and families watched the field exercise and the demonstration of the 120 mm mortars, towed 155 mm G5 howitzers, self-propelled 155 mm G6 and a single FV2 Bateleur 127 mm multiple launch rocket system (MLRS).
Col de Jager says everyone enjoyed this day where they celebrated gunners, guns and gunnery. ‘We are planning to continue this event in the future in order to establish good relations with our community,’ he said.
He explained that members of the military skills development programme serve in the defence force for a two-year contract. ‘These are young men and women who serve our country as soldiers,’ he said.
This senior gunner says the event was also attended by high profile officers like the officer commanding of the SA Army Artillery Formation, Brig.-Gen. Khaya Makina; the general of the gunners, Lt.-Gen. Jabu Mbuli; the chief of the SANDF reserves, Maj.-Gen. Roy Andersen and the chief army representative, Maj.-Gen. Thembelani Xundu.
In addition to the display of live firing, the public, especially children, could climb on artillery vehicles and take photos. There was also a fundraising initiative of food stalls, buying of army memorabilia and a raffle.
