BDF fight over US army uniform
Tefo Pheage | Friday July 8, 2016 18:00
The matter is so serious that BDF’s management recently took a taxing and unpopular decision to recall the uniform from members without disclosing to them why the uniform was being recalled.
The camouflage uniform which comprised of bags, light green t-shirts with camouflaged sleeves, googles among other materials was a covert deal between the BDF and the US army.
While most of the BDF members are clueless as to why the uniform was recalled before they could even wear it, sources say the army leaders are at war over how the uniform exchange deal between the BDF and the US army went.
It is understood that the leadership is accusing each other of corruption, serious malpractices and flouting of known legal instruments guiding procurement and disposal of items among others.
Efforts to establish what exactly transpired proved futile, thanks to the army’s covert operations and practices.
Donating military uniforms from the US army, which changes uniform from time to time, is a common practice. In 2008 the US army Department of Defence, among other instruments issued a ‘Disposition Policy for US Military Combat Uniforms’ to guide usage and disposition of used army uniform.
It is not clear how the Americans have taken the matter but sources say they have left the BDF to deal with the matter and revert to them. In response to Mmegi questions the US embassy did not help to clarify the issue but said they do not have anything to say on the matter.
“Thank you for your enquiry. We do not have any information to share on this topic,” responded Ephraim Keoreng, the Embassy’s information specialist.
The Embassy was asked to provide clarity and share the details of the donation and to share whether they are aware that the uniform was distributed and later recalled from the soldiers. The BDF’s only comment was that it adheres to set legal instruments guiding procurement and disposal of items.
“We acknowledge receipt of your enquiry where you allege that the Botswana Defence Force recently distributed uniform to its members and later collected it back. Botswana Defence Force adheres to set legal instruments guiding procuremnt and disposal of items.
That notwithstanding, issuance and withdrawal of uniform to include its origins and what happens to it as a means of disposal are purely administrative and internal,” responded BDF’s director of protocol and public affairs colonel Tebo Dikole.
The army was asked to provide clarity as to why the uniform was withdrawn and what will happen to the uniform henceforth. Some army members say it also did not comform to Botswana’s army style in terms of placement of badges.