​The Professional Military Development of young officers is of vital importance in preparing them for their future careers. The exposure of young officers to adventurous excursions enhances excellent officership and contributes towards the development of the psychomotor and affective domain of the individual officer. This Sea Adventure Exercise constitutes the Military Academy's commitment towards Military Professional Development of young officers.

During the period 18 January 2016 until 22 January 2016 sixty three (63) Second Year undergraduate students from the South African Military Academy (SAMA) undertook a Sea Adventure Exercise in the beautiful area of the Overberg under Command of Maj Ralla Dirkse. The Overberg is situated in the Agulhas Municipality in the Western Cape. Sea conditions in the area are suitable for the nature of the Exercise. The Exercise itself dated back as far as 1996, and is presented by Mr Le Roux Franken from the School of Public Leadership of the University of Stellenbosch.

The SAMA is a satellite campus from the University of Stellenbosch. It is situated in Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape approximately 165km West of Cape Town International Airport and presented the Faculty of Military Science.

The Exercise is strictly managed and facilitated by Section Military Development in an attempt to empower the students by providing dynamic military training, enhancing command and control and to develop military leadership skills. Furthermore, team work, interpersonal relations, initiative, personal character development, perseverance and self-discipline are aimed to be enhanced.

The Sea Adventure comprises of the following: Low Tide-High Tide Expedition, River Crossing, Scuba diving, Rocky exit at Plat Bankie, Swimming with a current and model building.

The above parameters was evaluated through a performance test, which all 63 students passed. The course entails both theoretical and practical components, along with a strict set of objectives that students are to master to pass successfully.

The highlight of the event was a visit by the Commandant Military Academy, Brigadier General Lawrence Mbatha.  On a historic note, as well as a classic example of outstanding leadership, the Commandant took off his attire, "replaced" it with a life jacket and completed the swimming circuit with the participating students.  Many moons ago, there was a myth that whoever crosses that point will never return to dry land. However The Commandant dispelled the myth.

A Debrief was conducted and the following was recorded:

Strength

Teamwork was high on the agenda. Instructors were trained, skilled and experienced. Students with Hydrophobia had an opportunity to overcome it by as they call it "playing" in the water. Students communicated that the course made a positive impact by helping them to achieve cohesion. It further helped them to overcome their fears. The most valuable aspect of the course is the fact that team work and learning is the cornerstone of all exercises.

Weaknesses

Students are requesting to use their own chopper tents. There was also request for a classroom. Students asked to have a briefing ito safety aspects than just to be thrown in the deep end. Students also request for more scuba diving equipment. A business conflict raised during the actual period of training.

Opportunities

The following opportunities were announced:

a.    Night navigation.

b.    Scuba diving should be done in deeper water, students want to see rocks and fish.

 

c.    Students asked for extension of the course.

 

d.    Students are asking for more activities to be added to the course content.

 

e.    Students asked for more Staff to get involved ito Team Building.

Threats

There was visible conflict between business owners. The rocky areas were a bit scary although no injuries were inflicted.

Article:  Major Ralla Dirkse

Photos: Ensign Thembo