United States Defence Visits School for Military Health Training

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

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

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 of Pretoria. At the conclusion of the workshop, the SAMHS doctors' team, led by Chief Instructor of the School for Military Health Training, Colonel Thabo Mothabeng, received accolades from the instructors for their outstanding performance. Major General Nsizwa Skosana, Chief Director of Military Health Force Support, and Chief Instructor Colonel Stacey Shackelford conferred certificates of excellence upon the deserving team, certifying them as trainers of trainers. In his address, Major General Skosana expressed his appreciation to the distinguished guests, stating, "The work you do around the world, sharing expertise for the purpose of world peace and the protection of our sovereignties and way of life through military medical support, is commendable. Your commitment to providing a jointly executed capability that fosters strong, resilient, comprehensive international partnerships resonates with us." Indeed, their benevolent actions do not go unnoticed, and the people of South Africa hold their selflessness in high regard.