June - Department of Defence

Beware of the shark's biteBy Capt Corné Gründlingh,ASB DurbanArmy Support Base Durban wasestablished on 1 April 2000 to rendergeneral support to all other unitswithin its geographical area. Part ofany unit's tradition is to have a sloganunique to that unit and its missionand vision.After the new OfficerCommanding of ASB Durban, ColJ.P.M. Kobbie, took over command,he initiated a unit slogan competition.The competition was also to identify aunit drink. All the members of theunit participated in the competition.The adjudication took place atMerebank Military Base on 5 March2004. The competition was tied and itled to three entries being combined toproduce the new slogan for ASBDurban - "Purpose driven supportbeyond excellence". The winnerswere: Capt J. Marx (Adjutant), WO1R.J. Belelie (BSM) and Sgt N.R. PillayMaking training an adventure(Procurement Service Centre).The members of the unit are veryproud of the new slogan and will becommitted to living up to it.The drink of WO1 De Kok (NPF)won the Unit Drink Award and"Shark's Bite" was officially acceptedas the drink of ASB Durban. Thisdrink consists of Red Sambuka,Vodka and 2 to 3 drops of Tabascosauce. (The total number of dropsdepends on the strength of the"Shark's Bite"!)By Lt Col C.J. Bornman,SO1 Training 1 Regiment de la ReyPhoto: Lt San BronkhorstRegiment de la Rey, named afterGeneral Koos de la Rey, is a traditionalregiment that was established in1934. The Unit has a magnificent history.It is one of only six mechanisedunits in the SANDF (Reserve Force).In the new dispensation since1994, the Unit has met the changeswith a positive attitude. Duringtraining the emphasis is focussed onthe training of junior leaders and therecruitment, selection and training ofpotential junior leaders.The Unit has presented varioustraining exercises locally, duringwhich junior leaders were refreshedin combat techniques. Great successeswere also obtained during theexercises at the SA Army CombatTraining Centre in Lohatlha.Notwithstanding restricted funds theUnit presented various courses withgreat success and relied on its ownability, for example in basic training,subject training and motorisedsection commanders.Nine members who had beentrained by the Unit attended a formalcourse at 1 SAI Bn. The first threeplaces were obtained by members ofAim and shoot!Regiment de la Rey - Pte F. Nieman,Pte M. Moloi and Pte R.Z. Sohoma.For the first time in thirteen years amember of the Unit and ReserveForce, Sgt A. Kleynhans, obtainedfirst place in the Company QuarterMaster Sergeant Course (PF course) atthe Infantry School. Cpl A.R. Götzecame first in the OperationalPhotography Course (PF course) atthe School of Tactical Intelligence,while Rfn Z.A. Fusane and Rfn F.L.Jack obtained first and third places inthe Mechanised Orientation Courseat 1 SAI Bn. L Cpl T.J. Mosikoeobtained first place and L Cpl J.T.Moloi second place in the A Driver'sCourse at 1 SAI Bn. Pte D.E. Seopelaobtained first place in the Gunneryand Signal Operator's Course at1 SAI Bn.In order to refresh members andto maintain a high standard of preparednessthe Unit also participatesin exercises in conjunction with4 Artillery Regiment.Because there is a great need foradventure and companionship, especiallyamong young members, theUnit concentrates on making trainingas interesting as possible. The youthare presented with the opportunityto satisfy their urge for adventureand at the same time to forge closebonds of companionship.Because the Unit took the trainingresponsibility upon itself and carriesit out with so much enthusiasm, it isanticipated that the needs of the Unitregarding junior leaders will be up tostrength in the years 2005/2006.37J U N E 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R