The SAAF Forum

WORKSHOP ON AIRBORNE DOCTRINE: HELICOPTER OPERATIONS

Recently, Chute Systems held another in its series of workshops to compile an Airborne Doctrine for the Namibian Defence Force (NDF). This one was on Helicopter Operations and, like the others, was a significant success. Already dealt with during previous workshops were Pathfinder Operations, Parachute Operations and Tactical Assault Landed Operations (TALO). The latest workshop was held in Ondangwa, Owamboland, in Namibia. Chute Systems is running this series of workshops for the NDF Special Forces (which includes their paratroopers). Some workshops take place in Namibia and others at the high-tech Chute Systems Training Centre in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Each workshop is attended by a specially appointed group of officers from the NDF, who have been selected for their specialist background, experience and musterings. They include a senior staff officer from the Doctrine Section of the NDF HQ, the Deputy Commander of the NDF Special Forces, the Commandant of the NDF Special Forces School, the Operations Officer of the NDF Special Forces, and Namibian Air Force officers from both transport and helicopter squadrons. Their enthusiasm and dedication has been inspiring. At the end of each workshop, a presentation of the work that was covered is done to the NDF Chief of Staff Joint Operations (effectively, the No 2 in the NDF) and the Commander, Special Forces. They make any amendments they might consider necessary before placing their seal of approval on the work. It is then consolidated for eventual publication. Their commitment to and involvement in the project has been unwavering and extremely encouraging. Leading and coordinating the workshops, as well as guiding the compilation of the doctrine publication, is retired Brig Gen McGill Alexander of Chute Systems. A former Commander of the old SADF's 44 Parachute Brigade and Director of Joint Doctrine Development in the SANDF, he holds a History PhD in Airborne Operations. Gen Alexander has been a member of the Instructional Team of Chute Systems for almost three years. He has conducted various Airborne Battle Handling Courses for clients of Chute Systems during this time. A qualified Parachute Instructor and Tactical Free faller, he was trained as a Pathfinder by the Israeli Defence Forces and as a Special Forces Commando by the Chilean Army. He is also a graduate of the Spanish Army Staff College in Madrid, where he studied NATO tactics and doctrine. Chute Systems prides itself in presenting world-class military training for its clients. The company has at its disposal a high-powered team of instructors with top qualifications and outstanding experience. Only the highest standards are maintained and no effort is spared to fulfil the needs of our clients. The running of specialised military courses, the facilitating of workshops, the arranging of military exercises, the compiling of military manuals and publications, mentorship programmes and the transfer of specialist military skills are all part of what is undertaken by Chute Systems. In the year ahead, the series of workshops for the NDF on Airborne Doctrine will be continued by Chute Systems. The entire spectrum of airborne operations will be covered, including the logistic support and sustainment in the field of an airborne force.

The working group

Former enemies, now working together closely towards the same goal! Maj Gen Ben Kadhila, NDF Chief of Staff Joint Operations, and Brig Gen McGill Alexander, retired, the Chute Systems Doctrine Coordinator.

Windhoek, 05 July 2018: The MOD bid farewell to Maj Gen (Rtd) Ben Uuyumba Kadhila, the former Chief of Staff Joint Operations. At his farewell ceremony, Lt Gen John Mutwa, Chief of the Namibian Defence Force referred to Gen Kadhila as a professional soldier who possesses valuable skills, knowledge and positive qualities.
At the same ceremony, Hon. Penda Ya Ndakolo, Minister of Defence conferred him with four medals:

1. Army Pioneer Medal in recognition of the role he played and for outstanding meritorious service in the establishment of the Namibian Army in 1990.

2. Mandume Ya Ndemufayo Medal in recognition of the role he played for the bravery participation and exceptionally meritorious service while serving in support of Operation Mandume Ya Ndemufayo.

3. Army Ten Years Medal in recognition for his meritorious achievement during a decade of service in the Namibian Army.

4.Army Twenty Years Medal in recognition for his meritorious achievement during two decades of service in the Namibian Army.

Gen Kadhila is a former combatant of the People's Liberation Army of Namibia and was inducted into the NDF as Captain in 1990. He rose through the rank structure and served the NDF in various capacities including being the Brigade Commander of SADC Allied Operation in DRC and Namibia First Contingent Commander for the same Operations from 1998 to 2001. He is a recipient of Grand Command of the Most Excellent Order of Namibia 2nd Class amongst other medals and awards.