On Monday, 9 December 2024, the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander, Lt Gen Oscar Msitu Nyoni, officially opened the inaugural Senior Military Leadership Short Course at the Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC). This milestone marks a significant step in the development of Zambia’s military leadership programs.
In his address, Lt Gen Nyoni expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to officiate such an important event. He commended the Commandant of the DSCSC, Brig Gen Philemon Samatamba, and his team for their swift action in organizing the course. The course was initiated following a directive from Service Commanders to explore the possibility of introducing short, intensive leadership programs for General Grade Officers in the Defence Force of Zambia.
Lt Gen Nyoni noted that the landscape of warfare has undergone a profound transformation, particularly in the post-Cold War era. He attributed this shift to the influence of globalization, which has made the world more interconnected, while simultaneously introducing complex challenges that demand multifaceted solutions. According to the ZAF Commander, the changing nature of global conflicts has expanded the roles of the Defence Force beyond traditional responsibilities like safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Senior Military Leadership Short Course is designed to address these evolving needs by offering General Grade Officers a refresher course on various topics, with a focus on joint planning and strategy at the operational and strategic levels. The course aims to enhance the participants’ existing capabilities, building upon the skills they acquired during the Senior Command and Staff Course.
At the conclusion of the program, Lt Gen Nyoni emphasized that the goal is for participants to be equipped with the skills needed to think strategically and develop effective strategies to achieve national security objectives. He also highlighted the importance of fostering skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and systematic problem-solving to address the strategic and operational challenges of modern military leadership.
In his welcome remarks, Brig Gen Samatamba thanked Lt Gen Nyoni for attending the event and stressed the importance of the course as an opportunity for participants to come together, exchange experiences, and deepen their understanding of military leadership and command. He also expressed gratitude to the Service Commanders for their continued support in providing the necessary resources for the College’s operations.
The course, which will run for two weeks, includes participants from the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, and Zambia National Service. It is hoped that the intensive nature of the program will help accelerate the development of military leadership skills among the General Grade Officers, ensuring they are better prepared to serve at the highest levels of operational and strategic command.
