Foreign military participants from several Southern African nations have officially arrived in Bloemfontein and begun preparations for the Chief Army Combat Shooting Evaluation 2026.
As part of their familiarisation programme, the visiting teams attended a detailed orientation session on the Vektor R4 assault rifle, the standard issue rifle of the South African Army. The session was presented by experienced instructors from 1 Special Service Battalion including Sergeant Major Hein Strydom, Staff Sergeant Sephiri Phara and Corporal Deon Vermeulen.
During the hands-on orientation, the instructors explained the rifle’s design, correct handling techniques, safety procedures, loading and unloading drills as well as its basic operational functions. The training aimed to ensure that all participants regardless of their country of origin felt confident and competent using the same weapon platform that will be employed throughout the competition.
Teams from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique took part in the session. The orientation not only covered the technical aspects of the R4 rifle but also provided valuable insight into South African Army equipment standards and training methodologies. This helped bridge differences in doctrine and operational procedures among the participating forces.
Staff Sergeant Sephiri Phara highlighted the importance of the familiarisation process, noting that understanding the rifle system is essential for ensuring safety, fairness and optimal performance during the competition.
“It is critical that every competitor understands the weapon system they will be using so they can focus on applying their skills effectively and safely,” he said.
The Chief Army Combat Shooting Evaluation 2026 is scheduled to take place from 25 to 29 May 2026 at the General De Wet Classification Shooting Range in De Brug near Bloemfontein. Throughout the week participants will face various marksmanship and combat shooting stages designed to simulate realistic operational scenarios.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event also serves a broader strategic purpose by encouraging the exchange of professional knowledge and strengthening relationships between soldiers from different nations. In a region where joint operations and collective security continue to grow in importance, initiatives such as these play a significant role in fostering regional cooperation, military readiness and interoperability.
All participating teams are expected to compete in a safe and professional environment that upholds the highest standards of military conduct and discipline.
