New officers to make the future better than the past

By CO Maryke Lynn

After successfully completing an 18 week Officer Forming Course at the South African Air Force (SAAF) College, 29 of the total of 74 students who successfully completed the course were commissioned at a parade on 24 November 2005.



“To qualify for commissioning in the South African Air Force is no easy task because the Air Force sets high standards with which we have to conform, and this calls for high levels of knowledge, professionalism, integrity, discipline and dedication,” said the Chief of the SAAF, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, who officiated at this very special occasion.

Among the guests attending the parade were former Chiefs of the SAAF, members of the Air Force Board and the justifiably proud friends and family of the candidates on parade.

With an average of 94,23%, CO Raymond Birke was awarded the trophy for the best academic learner on course. He also received the Air Squadron Sword for the best overall achievement in all aspects of the course. The United Kingdom Air Squadron Sword was donated to the SAAF and officially handed over on 19 June 2003 by Mr Alan Curtis on behalf of the former Chief of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Michael Gradon.

The Old Mutual Officership floating trophy, which symbolises the ultimate elaboration of officership in the SAAF, was awarded to CO P. Mzimba, who displayed outstanding officer’s characteristics during the course.

CO T.P. Manamela was presented with the leadership trophy for her outstanding leadership characteristics. Dimensions taken into account for this presentation were teamwork, planning skills, organisational skills, control and initiative.

A fly-past by three Caravans and an Oryx proudly displaying the SAAF colours, as well as a first-class performance by the SAAF Band, demonstrated their gratification and pleasure of being a part of the South African Air Force family.