In the scorching heat and glaring sunlight, 225 of the fittest soldiers took on the daunting, world-class Kopanelo obstacle course at the Army Support Base Potchefstroom for the 12th annual Military Skills Competition on Friday, 26 October.

This event saw reserve soldiers from South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana, Tanzania, Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom compete against each other with the primary goal of simulating a real-life combat situation through numerous obstacles and challenges.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

This year, SAASIC Reserve hosted this national tournament, between 22 and 27 October, for the fifth year in a row. The unit organised it in cooperation with SA Army Force Preparation and the SA Army Infantry Formation. Pistol and rifle shooting, a combat run and a water crossing took place during the week.

According to Col. Uys van der Westhuijzen, the organiser of the Military Skills Competition, the main goal is to judge the fight- and combat readiness of the reserves.
‘These obstacles resemble real-life situations.
The three-metre ladder gives you the opportunity to overcome the fear of heights and requires being able to jump from these heights. There are also obstacles like crawling underneath ropes that resemble wires, using a rope to scale a wall and crossing zig-zag balance beams.

‘The main idea is to make the soldiers’ bodies fit for a combat environment. An example of one of the more challenging obstacles is having to jump in and climb out of a pit without the support of the other soldiers. This obstacle course trains you mentally and physically,’ added Van der Westhuijzen.

In addition to the land obstacle course challenge, there was also a grenade throwing challenge and a water obstacle crossing that competitors had to complete earlier in the week.

‘The water obstacle course simulates various challenges like escaping from a motor vehicle in a river and crossing difficult obstacles in the river.
‘The shooting section is also important; it is where we test the accuracy of the soldiers,’ he said.

The international countries also gave two thumbs up for the well-organised event and rated it as one of the best competitions their soldiers compete in.

‘This is the first time that Nigeria has competed and it has been a wonderful experience. This course is of an international standard and gives our soldiers the exposure to sustainable training in a professional environment,’ said Brig.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi from Nigeria.

The Netherlands’ Maj. Winie Scheepers commended the organisers and the sustainable working relationship between the Netherlands and South African military forces. ‘This is a fantastic competition and we are proud to be associated with it. The various challenges prepare us well and strengthen the bond we have with South Africa.’