Military Skills Competition 2025: From Water Challenges to Precision Shooting in Potchefstroom
- Karen Scheepers
- 30 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The Chief of the South African National Defence Force’s Military Skills Competition (MILCOMP) 2025 has moved into full gear at the Army Support Base in Potchefstroom, North West. Soldiers from seven nations, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, have been testing their stamina, accuracy, and teamwork across a demanding schedule of events. From the physical intensity of the Water Obstacle Course to the discipline of Rifle and Pistol Shooting, the competition is already delivering moments of excellence, camaraderie, and cultural exchange.
Day One: Water Obstacle Course Brings High Energy Start
The official scoring phase began on 01 October with the Water Obstacle Course, held at the Kopanelo pool. This aquatic gauntlet required participants to navigate beams, rafts, and submerged obstacles in a test of agility, strength, and endurance.
With spectators cheering and flags waving, competitors surged through the course in pairs, battling fatigue and slippery surfaces. The event was as much about determination and resilience as it was about speed. National pride was evident, with participants driving themselves to the finish line while their teammates offered vocal support from the poolside.
Highlights included strong showings from South African troops, who combined confidence in local conditions with tactical precision. International participants, meanwhile, demonstrated adaptability and showcased their own military fitness traditions.
Cultural Evening: A Taste of South Africa
On Wednesday evening, participants were welcomed to a Traditional Cuisine and Cultural Evening hosted at the 4 Artillery Regiment’s Mess. The occasion served as a reminder that MILCOMP is not only about competition but also about building bonds of friendship across borders.
Attendees enjoyed a range of traditional South African dishes, from samp and beans to mala mogodu (beef tripe), ting (fermented sorghum porridge), and maotwana (chicken feet). Cultural performances brought further vibrancy, with the Soweto Zulu Dance Group and the Tswana Cultural Dance Group captivating the audience through rhythm, energy, and storytelling.
For international guests, the evening offered an authentic taste of South Africa’s cultural richness, leaving lasting impressions of hospitality and heritage.
Day Two: Precision on the Shooting Range
On 02 October, the competition shifted to the Dirkie Uys Shooting Range, where participants engaged in the Rifle and Pistol Shooting categories. Armed with the R4 5.56mm assault rifle and the Z88 9mm pistol, soldiers competed in high-pressure trials of accuracy and timing.
Unpredictable spring weather added a challenge, with gusty winds and fluctuating temperatures testing competitors’ composure. Despite the elements, the atmosphere was marked by discipline and professionalism. Safety marshals enforced strict range protocols, ensuring a secure and fair contest for all.
The sharp crack of rifles and pistols echoed across the range, punctuated by focused silence between volleys. Both Regular and Reserve Force soldiers demonstrated skill under pressure, while international competitors matched them with equally sharp execution.
What Lies Ahead
The competition schedule continues with the Land Obstacle Course on 03 October, followed by the climactic 8km Combat Run on 04 October. Each event is designed to push physical and tactical limits, reflecting the diverse skill set required of modern soldiers.
With two days complete, MILCOMP 2025 has already showcased a blend of endurance, accuracy, and cultural exchange. The competition remains not only a measure of individual and unit excellence but also a stage for international solidarity among allied defence forces.
Wrap-Up
The first days of MILCOMP 2025 in Potchefstroom have highlighted the resilience and professionalism of soldiers drawn from across Africa and Europe. From the high-octane Water Obstacle Course to the focused discipline of the Shooting Range, the competition is setting a high standard for the days ahead.
At the same time, cultural evenings and shared experiences are reinforcing the spirit of unity that lies at the heart of the event. With the Land Obstacle Course and Combat Run still to come, MILCOMP 2025 is poised to continue delivering both athletic excellence and international camaraderie in equal measure.
All image credits to SA National Defence Force
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