White soldiers leave for Australia

The following is a very rough translation from the Afrikaans article that appeared in the Beeld newpaper:

Erika Gibson

The Australian Defence Force is busy taking into service more and more 'frustrated' South African military specialists.

Mr Helmoed-Römer Heitman, a military commentator, said that the frustration is proberly as a result of the work and living conditions which leaves people seeking an alternative.

"Many white soldiers, whether they're in specialist service or not, believe that their promotion prospects in the South African defence force are very limited.

"All they're looking for is a military career where political and affirmative action are not priorities above their personal aspirations.

"It will be an additional asset if, at the same time, they can take their families away from the fear of crime."

The airforce has lost numerous pilots, as well as airspace and command controllers, to the Australian airforce over the past few months, while applications of numerous others are being processed. The resignations are not just restricted to aircrew. Logistic and personnel officials are also applying.

Some of the applicants have received indications from their superiors that the airforce may ask the Australian airforce to stem the flow of skills out of South Africa.

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the Airforce, said in reaction that the airforce had had agreement with the Australian airforce over this question.

"It is the prerogative of our personnel to do what they want after they resign and the airforce does not have jurisdiction over what they want to do with their careers."

He acknowledged that the loss of skills in the airforce was a "big problem".

"The airforce cannot compel anyone to stay as service in the defence force was voluntary"

According to Heitman, the loss of personal was a problem experienced by defence forces worldwide during time of peace. He was aware that Australian and New Zealand were attracting large numbers of South African and that there were South Africans serving in senior positions in Australia.

"The Australian defence force was active in various conflict regions and thus busy - contrary to the situation in South Africa where the Navy and Airforce spent too little time on the sea and in the air.

"Inaction is deadly for any professional soldier, who, in the first place, did not join the defence force just to sit around.

"The political masters in South Africa fortunately feel that the defence force and the country will gain from having modern equipment, but to little funds are allocated to use them."