We started the course on 25 April 2021 which was completed on 07 May 2021. We were four male students from various nature reserves. Two of us came from Thanda Private Game Reserve, one from Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, and one of us was from the SAWC.
We have learnt different operational tactics in the bush such as navigation, gunshot bearing reporting, and approach, the crossing of obstacles, different types of patrol and formations in different terrain. In addition our training included observation post (OP) and listening post (LP) layaway, stop and search of the vehicle, personal camouflage, firearm tactics, trauma kit, and first aid, planning standard operation procedure (SOP) and basic operational procedures for ground to air radio communication.
There were a number of different components included in our learning programme. At the first time, we were not up to standard at the shooting range but when Mr. Excelent Macabe introduced the correct five fundamentals of preparedness for shooting, all of us managed to shoot properly. We enjoyed every moment we have had on the course. Every individual was given opportunity to participate and all exercises were effective for our line of work.
As a team we thank Mr. Excelent Macabe for his patience, subject knowledge, and skills that impacted us, we also thank the kitchen staff for the support they gave during this learning programme and the College’s entire African Field Ranger Training Services personnel for the contribution they made to ensure the success of this course. Not forgetting the role of the SAWC at large.
This learning programme carries water and it will play a big role in our success and that of our organizations. With the skills and knowledge we acquired on the course, we can now go on to share this with our team members in our workplace.
Thank you!
Our course started on 31 April 2021 and was completed on 11 June 2021. Our group included 12 males and 2 female students from Mkhuze Game Reserve .
During the course we learnt about different operational tactics in the bush such as navigation, gunshot bearing reporting, and approach, the crossing of obstacle’s, different types of patrol and formations across different terrain, observation post (OP) and listening post (LP) layaway, stop and searching of a vehicle. Personal camouflage, firearm tactics, trauma kit, and first aid, planning standard operation procedure (SOP) and basic operational procedures for the ground to air radio communication was also part of the training programme.
We were very disciplined showing good team work, compliance and cooperation. The five fundamentals in the preparedness of shooting and shooting tech were introduced and we were not sure if all of us were up to the same standard fo shooting. It was good to see that we all managed to shoot properly. We enjoyed every moment on the course as every individual was given opportunity to participate and all exercises were effective to our line of work. It was challenging but we accomplished the mission.
Our instructors were skillful, active and committed to their jobs. Their presentation was delivered in an appropriate manner and they are mentally and physical fit for the course. They treat all students equally (no discrimination and gender stereotyping) which is really great to see. Our thanks is extended to the kitchen staff for keeping us on the go.
We would like to appreciate the opportunity given to us as Mkhuze Game Reserve Field Rangers as we have obtained more knowledge, theory and practical training to do our jobs. This learning programme will play a big role in our organizations and in our careers.
One area where we would like more training is with practical shooting including shooting in daylight hours and at night. We look forward to future courses to improve our skills even further.
Field Ranger Advanced Course
The purpose of this training is to provide specialist minor tactics training for anti-poaching operations to the Special Operations Sections (SOS) in Protected Areas.
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