Fitting send-off for decorated Major General
Maj Gen Sean Stratford, the current Chief Director Army Force Structure, was given a memorable farewell parade at the School of Tactical Intelligence in Potchefstroom on Friday, 21 July 2023.
After nearly 40 years in the SA Army, Major General Sean Stratford has taken the final steps in a decorated career that has seen him serve his country in various positions with distinction.
Maj Gen Stratford is the current Chief Director Army Force Structure and was given a memorable farewell parade at the School of Tactical Intelligence in Potchefstroom on Friday, 21 July 2023.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
A function was also held in his honour at the Madiba Banquet Hall afterwards where gifts were handed out to Maj Gen Stratford. Numerous high-ranking generals also gave speeches wishing Maj Gen Stratford well in the new chapter of his life.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
Major General René Mercuur, Acting Chief of the SA Army, thanked Maj General Stratford for not only his work ethic, but also his positive personality that will be missed by all in the SA Army.
In his farewell address he pointed out that he will miss the SA Army and that it was a privilege to serve for 39 years.
“We must always strive to serve and not to be served. It has been a massive honour and privilege. This farewell parade is one of the major career highlights for me,” he stated.
He also thanked the Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, for six and a half years of leadership and guidance.
He also highlighted the importance of never giving up in any situation.
“Be inspired, believe in yourself and be proud of the intelligence corps. May the Intelligence Corps grow from strength to strength,” added Maj Gen Stratford.
Major General Stratford is a Master of Art (MA) graduate of King College, London University in the UK. He also attended the Military Academy in 1988 – 1990 and achieved a Bachelor of Art (BA) with his main subjects being Industrial Psychology III and Public Administration. He majored in Military Science in the UK.
Major General Stratford’s military career started in 1984 when he joined the SADF at Diskobolos Military Base in Kimberley. He qualified as an Intelligence Officer in 1985.
A decade later in 1995 he would complete the Junior Command and Staff Training course at the SA Army College. This paved his training career as he remained at the SA Army College as an Instructor for the course. After 4 years at the SA Army College he was appointed as the Acting General Officer Commanding of the SA Army Intelligence Formation in 1999.
After being promoted to full Colonel in 2000, he spent the next 14 years as a member of the Directing Staff at the South African National War College (SANWC).
He further spent two fruitful years at the South African National Defence College (SANDC) from November 2014 and once again the Chief Senior Directing Staff of the Security Defence Studies Programme 02/16. In 2017 he was appointed as Commandant SANDF COLET and promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.
This was a post he would spend 3 years in and successfully roll out the various Instructor Training Programmes, including Initial Military Instructors, Advanced Military Instructors and Master Military Instructors programmes. The last 3 and a half years would see him promoted to the rank of Major General and appointed in the post of Chief Director Army Force Preparation.
He is married to Magdaline and has two boys, Jordin and Ryan. He enjoys playing chess, park run and is an avid rugby supporter.
“I am more than ready to give you the support you deserve. As I hang up my gloves be sure that there will be a lot more family time, fishing, gym and house renovations,” stated the General with a smile as his colleagues sat in admiration and respect for a true servant of the SA Army.
