Habari

Botswana female soldiers to be trained in Dar

The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is now set to recruit female officer cadets. And they will be trained in June or July in Tanzania by the Tanzania People`s Defence Forces (TPDF).

By Guardian Reporter



The Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is now set to recruit female officer cadets. And they will be trained in June or July in Tanzania by the Tanzania People`s Defence Forces (TPDF).


A commander with BDF, Lt Gen. Tebogo Masire, said the army began to advertise for the posts yesterday.


�We have fifty new vacancies for officer cadets and this being the first batch we have decided to take thirty females for training either June or July in Tanzania,� he said as quoted by the Botswana�s government owned Daily News.


Selection will be done in May. General Masire said enough cash has been budgeted for training that will last 12 months.


Explaining why Tanzania was chosen over South Africa as a destination place for training, he said the formers model of military was British and therefore similar to that of Botswana, adding that Tanzania also offered cheaper rates.


He warned that the selection of the first batch would be extra-ordinary and that selected candidates would be exposed to tough training.


They need field exposure, he added. From training they will be attached to units that are professional-oriented. This is to give them the opportunity to go for trips by the border as well.


General Masire said applicants aged between 18 and 24 would be illegible for selection, except specialists such as doctors where the cut-off age is 27.


An entry requirement is a university degree, and the women should be physically fit, sharp in the mind and have good character. Those already with children qualify to apply.


General Masire said the recruitment was viewed as a good move but it would present some challenges to the BDF.


He highlighted the issues of sexual harassment, fraternisation within the ranks and accommodation.


The issue of maternity leave will be addressed by the General Orders, he said.


With the BDF pregnancy in the first year will be a breach of promise.


We expect one not to fall pregnant in the first year.


He said regulations would provide for one to be entitled to three maternity leaves with the conditions standard to all.


The accommodation problem, which the army has been grappling with for a long time, would be solved as more apartments were under construction.


The BDF high command hoped that the housing units would be ready for occupation when women officer cadets return from training.


He explained that the code on sexual relationships was strict and did not allow love affairs between senior officers and their juniors.


This is not tolerated in the military and this will not be tolerated, he stressed. Action will be taken against those who commit such acts.


General Masire there is no tentative plan for the intake of women privates.


However, once the first batch of officer cadets was sent off, the army would start to consider hiring women at the rank of private.


Source: Guardian

Related Articles

Check Also
Close
Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Please don't block our ads, we rely on these ads to serve you with credible contents