The article says:
"Altogether 123 pilots were currently under training in the SAAF."
Is that one, two, three... three whole pilots ! Or actually 123? Sounds like quite a lot.
I attended a talk given by Col Breytenbach in Durban last night. If any of you guys get a chance to attend one of his talks, he is a most interesting fellow..he has a great sense of humour too. He spoke about the formation of, and the early days of Bravo Group mostly and I must confess I could have sat there the whole night listening..Kevin Woods was also there and so was Al Venter, all 3 with books to autograph etc. They dont come as good as 'The Carpenter" anymore..
Hi!
I read some pages of this theme, but I don't find some info in wich I'm interested. Will be all models of IFV patria for South Africa able to "swim"?
For some SA Bushwar stuff, see my webpage at: www.geocities.com/sa_bushwar
CHANGE OF RANKS AND FORM OF ADDRESS OF SENIOR WARRANT OFFICERS IN THE SANDF
The Minister of Defence has approved the following new Warrant Officer ranks, effective from 1 June 2008:
Old ApptNew RankBadge of RankAbbrForm of Addressab cdLevel 4
WO
Seniors
Warrant
Officer
SWO
Senior WO
Level 4A
Master
Warrant
Officer
MWO
Master WO
Level 3
WO
Chief
Warrant
Officer
CWO
Chief WO
Level 2
WO
Senior Chief
Warrant
Officer
SCWO
Senior Chief WO
Level 1
WO
Master Chief
Warrant
Officer
MSWO
Master Chief WO
These ranks are awarded subsequent to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1, with the aim of providing for an extended career path for Warrant Officers following promotion to Warrant Officer Class 1.
The ranks are furthermore substantive, and no longer relate only to an appointment in a post. Once appointed to a post, the Warrant Officer is also promoted, and can no longer revert to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1.
Currently these ranks are only applicable to Warrant Officers in the Regimental Line as follows:
An investigation is currently being conducted into the establishment of a Functional Specialist Warrant Officer dispensation outside the Regimental Line, providing for promotion up to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, depending on the organisational level and the job weight of a post.
- Master Warrant Officer (Level 4/4A)
- Chief Warrant Officer (Level 3)
- Senior Chief Warrant Officer (Service/Division Warrant Officer/ Warrant Officer in Charge of the Warrant Officer Academy)
- Master Chief Warrant Officer (Warrant Officer of the SANDF)
The Office of the Chief Human Resources is in the process of including the ranks in the General Regulations for the SANDF and to develop departmental policy detailing the supporting management and administration processes for the new ranks.
SECURITY FORCES TO CONDUCT 2010 TRAINING EXERCISES IN PORT ELIZABETH, EASTERN CAPE.
In line with its security preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) will conduct “Exercise Shield” around the Port Elizabeth Stadium in the Eastern Cape from 27 July to 3 August 2008.
The security forces wish to ask the community of Port Elizabeth to be patient and tolerant to the possible noise from the aircraft and vessels in and around the city’s airport and harbour, especially from 30 July to 1 August 2008.
This exercise will make all South Africans proud of their security forces and their country.
“Exercise Shield” is a joint exercise between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and other agencies including Government Departments.
The exercise is aimed at honing security related skills such as securing the national airspace, the maritime and land and other strategic points to ensure a safe environment in host cities during major events.
Some of the most elite members and units within the security forces will engage in simulated scenarios and use certain aspects of emergency contingency plans to neutralize any form of air-bone, sea-borne and land-borne threat.
The SAPS units to be utilized during this exercise include the Special Task Force, the National Intervention Unit, the National and Provincial Air Wing, Borderline and Ports of Entry Components, Emergency Services such as Flying Squad and the Dog Unit, Crime Intelligence and Organised Crime Units, the Counter Assault Team as well as hostage negotiators and bomb disposal experts.
The SANDF will deploy personnel from the Air Force the Army, the Navy and the South African Medical Health Services (SAMHS) with the necessary equipment and machinery. Assistance from Disaster Management coordination structures, the Civil Aviation Authority, the Air Traffic Navigation Services of the Department of Transport and other structures will be on board to ensure inter-departmental support to the SAPS.
The Civil Aviation Authority has already issued information restricting, but not banning flights within 40 nautical miles of the Port Elizabeth Airport. With the exception of scheduled or State flights, all other aircraft wishing to enter into the stipulated airspace between 31 July and 1 August 2008 must conform to the restrictions.
This includes applying for permission at least 24 hours in advance, submitting a flight plan and being subjected to a vetting process. Any aircraft observed entering the temporarily restricted airspace without the prescribed authority will be subjected to interception, interrogation and possible prosecution.
Duh..
I'm pretty sure they didn't use the Hawks though, since the few qualified instructors were probably needed for training.
Armed helicopters can be used for slow mover interceptions, I know, but it's a bit of a joke don't you think?
Anyway.. I guess I'm just in a negative mood today.