Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana Defence Force (BDF) graduates from a three-month combat basic swimming course have been implored to put their acquired skills to good use.
Giving a keynote address at the end of the course at Shashe Dam recently, Commander of 2 Brigade, Brigadier Kagiso Kgaswanyane said swimming was not just a skill, but a crucial aspect of the readiness and preparedness of a soldier.
“In time of crisis or conflict, the ability to navigate the volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous operational environment may include water obstacles, which can be the difference between success and failure, life and death,” said Brigadier Kgaswanyane.
He pointed out that swimming enhanced operational effectiveness and ensured a soldier’s ability to adapt to diverse and challenging environments.
Brigadier Kgaswanyane explained that swimming embodied the principles of adaptability and versatility, the qualities that were essential for success in the ever-changing tactical landscape of modern warfare.
“Just as we must adapt our strategies and tactics to meet evolving threats, swimming requires us to adapt our techniques and approaches based on the conditions of the water and the formations,” he added.
He said this adaptability not only strengthened their physical abilities but also sharpened mental agility, preparing them to face any challenge with confidence and resolve.
Brigadier Kgaswanyane stated that swimming served as a powerful symbol of resilience in the face of adversity.
“In the water, we are confronted with a vast and sometimes daunting expanse of situations, testing our resolve and pushing us to our limits. But with each stroke and kick, we learn to conquer our fears and doubts, emerging stronger and more resilient than before,” he said.
In the face of contemporary health challenges such as COVID-19, Brigadier Kgaswanyane explained that maintaining physical fitness and overall well-being was very paramount.
“Swimming offers a low-impact, fully-body workout that provides cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and mental resilience. It is an invaluable tool in our arsenal as we strive to uphold our duty to protect and serve,” said Brigadier Kgaswanyane.
Giving a course overview, Warrant Officer 1 (WO1), Molefe Morapedi from 280 Corps of Engineers Regiment, explained that the main aim of the training was to enhance soldiers to operate in wetlands environment and subsequently equipping them with skills to navigate and plan tasks on wetlands effectively.
He said the objective was to train students to be able to cross or swim a wetland gap of at least 100 metres unassisted, be able to retrieve objects of equipment under water and perform riverine operation drills as well as to have knowledge of wet gap crossing techniques.
The training saw 33 graduates, amongst them 17 females and 16 males, started at Donga BDF camp swimming pool and it was shifted to Shashe dam in the last two weeks.
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