South African Army facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South African Army |
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Flag of the South African Army
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| Active | 1912 – present (from law creating the Union Defence Force) |
| Country | South Africa |
| Type | Army |
| Size | 39,445 (Active) 12,300 (In Reserve) |
| Part of | South African National Defence Force |
| Headquarters | Pretoria, Gauteng |
| Engagements | World War I World War II Border War Central African Republic conflict |
| Commanders | |
| Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs | Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula |
| Chief of the Army | Lt Gen Vusumuzi Masondo |
| Deputy CARMY | Maj Gen L Rudman |
| Sergeant Major of the Army | Senior Chief Warrant Officer Charles Laubscher |
The South African Army is the main land force of South Africa. It is part of the South African National Defence Force, which is the country's military.
The army's history comes from early frontier battles. Back then, people in South Africa, especially the Afrikaners, preferred local volunteer groups called commando forces over a big, permanent army.
After the country formed the Union of South Africa in 1910, Jan Smuts became the first Minister of Defence. He wanted to unite the four separate armies from the different provinces. This led to the creation of the Union Defence Force (UDF).
Today, the South African Army has professional soldiers from all backgrounds. They often help with peacekeeping missions. These missions are usually with the United Nations and the African Union. They have worked in countries like Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Contents
The Army's Beginnings
The South African Army has a long and interesting history. It started to take shape after the Union of South Africa was created in 1910. Before this, different parts of the country had their own small armies.
Creating a Unified Force
General Jan Smuts, who was a very important leader, saw the need for one strong army. He worked hard to bring all the separate forces together. This effort led to the formation of the Union Defence Force (UDF) in 1912. The UDF was the first official army for the whole country.
Early Traditions
The army's early ways of fighting came from frontier warfare. This was fighting on the edges of settled areas. People relied on commando forces, which were groups of citizen soldiers. These groups were different from standing armies, which are permanent, professional armies. Many people preferred the commando style because they trusted local volunteers more.
The South African Army Today
The modern South African Army is made up of highly trained soldiers. These soldiers come from all different races and backgrounds in South Africa. They work together to protect the country and help keep peace in other parts of Africa.
Helping Other Countries
A big part of what the South African Army does now is peacekeeping. This means they go to countries where there has been conflict. Their job is to help keep the peace and protect people. They work with big international groups like the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU).
Where They Have Served
South African soldiers have served in many places. For example, they have helped in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their work helps to bring stability and safety to troubled regions.
Images for kids
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Cap badge of 1st SA Infantry Brigade
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South Africans and Rhodesians fight the Germans hand-to-hand in Delville Wood during World War I.
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A South African Marmon-Herrington Armoured Car on patrol in North Africa during World War II.
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General Mark W. Clark takes the salute from M-10 tank destroyers of the 11th Armoured Brigade of the 6th South African Armoured Division in Italy, 1945.
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A memorial at Fort Klapperkop for members of the South African Defence Force who died serving the country.
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South African troops in Sake, near Goma, as part of a UN mission.
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Ratel IFVs of the Cape Town Highlanders Regiment during a training exercise.
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An Olifant Mk2 tank of the South African Armoured Corps at an expo in 2014.
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A South African soldier serving with the United Nations Force Intervention Brigade in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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A chart showing the operational units of the South African Army (click to enlarge).
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Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett III of United States Army Africa visits the Bloemfontein School of Armour.
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The South African Army College in Pretoria.
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Soldiers from 1 Special Service Battalion at Tempe Base.
