Basic Military Training 02/2005 presented at the Air Force Gymnasium

The new recruit's entered the premises of the Air Force Gymnasium on Wednesday, 04 May 2005, all taking the big leap into adult-hood. None of them realised that their lives would be transformed and shaped in such a way that they fit perfectly into the military culture, more specific the "Blue Culture". With their parents by their sides they enjoyed refreshments and listened attentively to anybody talking about what they could expect. Then finally the time came for the students to say their goodbyes and take a good look at their friends and family. They had to remember their faces because they were not going to see them any time soon.

Whilst the students were orientated wrt to what was happening the Officer Commanding, accompanied by a number of the personnel involved in the training of the students, gave a presentation to the family and friends of the students. Here they were given a brief description of what the students could expect during their training at the Gymnasium, important dates were highlighted and they were given the assurance that their children and friends would be cared for in the best way possible for their thirteen (13) week stay at the Gymnasium.

Basic Military Training at the Gymnasium is not basic at all. The students are exposed to a wide variety of subjects, physical training tables and learning opportunities. Subjects and lectures presented to the students include the following:

 

  • Personal Hygiene
  • Family Matter
  • Study Methods
  • Corporate Communication
  • Military Compliments and Courtesy
  • Drill Terminology
  • Military Etiquette
  • Buddy Aid (Level 1 - 9)
  • Guard Duties (Level 1 - 7)
  • Personal Finance
  • SAAF Cultures and Values
  • Weapon Theory (Level 1 - 21)
  • Weapon Proficiency
  • Military Law
  • Air Power
  • Basic Security
  • Civic Education
  • Safety Rules
  • Ceremonial Aspects
  • Rifle Drill (Theoretical)
  • SAAF Fund

Physical Training (PT) activities presented to the students include the following:

  • PT Starting Positions
  • PT Anaerobic Tables
  • PT Strength Tables
  • 2,4km and 3,5km runs

A number of evaluations are also done over the thirteen (13) week's the students are at the Gymnasium. The assessments include the following:

  • Four Fitness Assessments
  • Four Drill Assessments
  • Theoretical Assessments
  • R5 and 9mm Musketry Assessment

To assist with the student's spiritual wellbeing, the Unit Chaplain has spiritual preparedness periods with the students. If students experience any problems emotionally or spiritually, the Chaplain is always available with a shoulder to cry on or a willing ear to listen.

Basic Military Training has a great variety of life-lessons for the students to learn. Everything presented to the students is something they can take with them throughout their military careers. Although it is a tough and exciting thirteen (13) weeks, it all does come to an end. The end for each and every student is captured in three little words: "Passing-out Parade". This is the highlight of each and every SAAF members career. With pride and joy in their hearts, the Passing-out Parade gives the opportunity for each student to show their family and friends that they are disciplined soldiers, committed to strive towards Air Power Excellence.

On each Passing-out Parade the Gymnasium presents various trophies to students and instructors who excelled in various fields on the course. For the BMT 02/2005 intake the following instructor and students were identified as the top achievers in various fields. Brig Gen S. Mashobane was the Review Officer of the parade and presented the under-mentioned trophies to the achievers.

Best Instructor: Sgt Leon Alben.

Sgt Leon Alben was born on 01 October 1977 in Cape Town and matriculated at Lavender High School in 1996. He completed his instructors course in 2004.

Best male shottist: Amn Adriaan Engelbrecht (Average of 94% with the R5 Rifle and 9mm Pistol).

Amn Adriaan Engelbrecht was born on 11 April 1986 in Phalaborwa and matriculated at Merensky High School in 2004. On completion of his BMT he will undergo training at 68 Air School as a Aircraft Mechanic.

Best female shottist: Amn Peggy Dlamini (Avereage of 80.6% with the R5 Rifle and 9mm Pistol).

Amn Peggy Dlamini was born on 03 May 1982 in Johannesburg and matriculated at M.O.M. Seboni Hight School in 2000. On completion of her BMT she undergo training at 68 Air School as an Aircraft Structure Worker.

Fittest male student: Amn Benedict Nobula (During three fitness tests he obtained an average of 93.8%).

Amn Benedict Nobula was born on 05 October 1983 in Cape Town and matriculated at Thubalethu High School in 2001. On completion of this BMT he will be utilised in the Protection Services.

Fittest female Recruit: Amn Rochelle Richards (During three fitness tests she obtained an average of 82.6%).

Amn Rochelle Richards was born on 16 February 1987 in Cape Town and matriculated at Kroonstad High School in 2004. On completion of her BMT she will be utilised in the Protection Services.

SANLAM Floating Trophy - Best Academic Achiever: Amn Modise Moremi (Average of 89%).

Amn Modise Moremi was born on 21 April 1981 in Boshof and matriculated at Senzile Secondary School in 2000. On completion of his BMT he will undergo further training at 68 Air School as an Aircraft Mechanic.

Pretoria East Floating Trophy - Best Overall Student: Amn Petrus Erasmus (Average of 85.65%).

Amn Petrus Erasmus was born on 05 September 1985 in Polokwane and matriculated at Uitsig High School in 2000. On completion of his BMT he will undergo further training at 68 Air School as an Aircraft Mechanic.

The Air Force Gymnasium is a unit that strives towards Training Excellence. Preparing each and every Air Force member for his/her life in the military.

   
 

Print Version    Top