United States Defence Visits School for Military Health Training
due to political obligations, the SANDF is expected to play an increasingly active role in addressing global and regional issues.
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ver the past decade, the Republic of South Africa, in collaboration with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has worked diligently to strengthen its bilateral relations with the United States of America. The relationship between these two nations is of mutual interest, and
From 19 to 26 August, 2023, the Defence Institute for Medical Operations (DIMO) of the US Armed Forces sent a team of instructors led by Chief Instructor Colonel Stacey Shackelford from Colorado. They were accompanied by Alfred Trappey III from Louisiana, Kerry Letham from Washington, Valerie Sams from Kentucky, and Jeremy McMillan from Vermont. This team visited the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) to conduct a workshop with 16 of our doctors. The primary objective of this visit
Chief instructor Col Stacey Shackelford handing over a token of appreciation to Maj Gen Nsizwa Skosana, Chief Director Military Health Force Support.
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was to provide training on Surgical Trauma Response Techniques, preparing medical doctors for advanced treatment and stabilization of casualties in war or combat situations around the world. Upon their arrival, the workshop participants received a warm welcome from Acting Officer Commanding of the School for Military Health Training, Lieutenant Colonel F.V. Bucibe, and General Officer Commanding Military Health Training, Brigadier General Andile Mbiza. They were addressed on behalf of the Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Peter Maphaha, who expressed gratitude to DIMO for their contribution to improving the SAMHS. This longawaited workshop did not only strengthened the collaboration between the two armed forces but also ensured that the SAMHS is fully prepared for the Force Integration Brigade requirements. Visits of this nature are of utmost importance as they pave the way for both Military Health Services to share knowledge and expertise in military health, education, and training, ultimately enhancing the working standards of both services. The training program encompassed both lectures and discussions conducted over a period of five days, with practical operative techniques performed at the Anatomy Laboratory of the University
Article & Photographs by Pte Thuli Makola
