Female soldiers start training in October

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Thursday August 9, 2007 00:00

 

 In a briefing to the candidates, Brigadier George Tlhalerwa said yesterday that after advertising for female cadet officers, the BDF received a total of 1,238 applications out of which 865 had degrees. He added that they had to increase the age limit to accommodate candidates with special skills such as dentists and doctors.

Tlhalewa said that BDF is sending the recruits to Tanzania because it has good relations with Botswana. In addition, Tanzania is willing to train all the recruits, while other countries offered to train just one. Tlhalerwa briefed the candidates about BDF operations and ranks. He told them to be punctual and accept what had been decided about their employment. He warned them to forget about social life once they become soldiers. He said they would be recalled from leave to do military duties when the need arises. He advised the women to put national service first and to obey instructions. 

One of the applicants expressed concern that her hair-style would be damaged and enquired whether they would be required to shave.   Tlhalerwa explained that there are different standards for men and women in the military. He said during the 12-month stay in Tanzania, the female recruits would not come back home unless a close relative like a mother, father, a sibling or a child has died. 

The training will be the same as that of men but will make exceptions when nature takes its course like during menstruation. The women will only bear children two years after training. Officials from Women Affairs Department under the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs witnessed the briefing ceremony and informed the young women that they will need to compromise some of their personal feelings to comply with military requirements.