Military Skills Competition 2025 Opens in Potchefstroom with Parade and Briefings

The 18th edition of the Chief of the South African National Defence Force’s Military Skills Competition (MILCOMP) officially opened in Potchefstroom with a ceremonial parade and formal competitor briefings. Hosted at the Kopanelo Military Sports Club, Army Support Base Potchefstroom, the event runs from 28 September to 04 October 2025 and features both South African and international military participants. Since its launch in 2006, MILCOMP has evolved into a flagship event for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), symbolising skill, discipline, and international camaraderie.

Opening Parade: A Celebration of Military Excellence

On 29 September 2025, the opening parade set the tone for a week of demanding physical and tactical challenges. Soldiers from Botswana, Mozambique, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe joined South African Regulars and Reserves on the parade ground, raising their national flags in solidarity.

The event’s Main Functionary, Major General P.N. Dube, presided on behalf of Lieutenant General L.K. Mbatha, Chief of the South African Army, and General R. Maphwanya, Chief of the SANDF.

He praised the preparation of South African competitors, particularly their performance in the Fittest Soldier contests and their medal-winning representation at the Inter-allied Confederation of Reserve Non-commissioned Officers' Military Competition in Finland.

Competitor Briefing: Rules, Safety, and Preparedness

Following the formal parade, participants attended a comprehensive briefing designed to ensure discipline, safety, and cohesion throughout the event. The session was led by Lieutenant Colonel T.S. Keketsi, Officer Commanding of Barney Molokoane Intelligence Regiment. His presentation focused on essential security protocols under the theme “Do’s and Don’ts in and around Potchefstroom.”

Complementing the safety briefing, Major D. Labuschagne from Chief Army Force Preparation’s Physical Training, Sport and Recreation division, outlined the rules and regulations governing each of the competition categories. He also introduced the official social media platforms providing daily coverage of MILCOMP 2025.

Further details were shared by Captain J.J.P. de Vries, communications coordinator from the Directorate South African Army Reserves, who explained the digital publishing schedule aimed at keeping both participants and the public informed.

Preparing for Competition: Familiarisation and Training Grounds

After the formal briefings, competitors moved to the designated event spaces to begin familiarisation.

These included:

• Land Obstacle Course – testing endurance, agility, and tactical movement.

• Water Obstacle Course – combining aquatic challenges with coordination and stamina.

• Grenade Throwing Course – requiring precision, timing, and control.

• Rifle and Pistol Ranges – focusing on marksmanship under pressure.

The atmosphere was described as both focused and collegial, with teams balancing discipline and mutual encouragement. While international rivalry is part of the competition’s spirit, the emphasis remains on learning, cooperation, and professional growth.

International Participation and Camaraderie

MILCOMP’s significance lies not only in its competitive nature but also in its role as a platform for international military cooperation. With representatives from Africa and Europe participating, the event provides opportunities for exchange of expertise, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing interoperability between defence forces.

Past editions of the competition have fostered long-lasting bonds between participating nations, and this year’s event continues that tradition. For SANDF, hosting international counterparts also provides an opportunity to benchmark training standards and operational readiness against global peers.

Looking Ahead: A Week of Challenges and Achievement

As MILCOMP 2025 unfolds, competitors are set to face a demanding schedule of events designed to test both physical and mental resilience. From obstacle courses to precision shooting, every stage of the competition is intended to reflect the diverse skills required in modern military service.

For the South African hosts, the event also serves as a showcase of the SANDF’s capacity to organise large-scale, internationally recognized competitions, reinforcing Potchefstroom’s role as a hub for military sports and training.

Wrap-Up

The opening parade and competitor briefing for the Military Skills Competition 2025 marked the beginning of a week dedicated to excellence, discipline, and unity. With strong representation from both local and international forces, the event highlights the SANDF’s commitment to professional development and international cooperation.

As the competition continues throughout the week, the eyes of the defence community remain on Potchefstroom, where military skill and camaraderie are celebrated side by side.

All image credits to SA National Defence Force

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