Military Skills Competition 2025 Opens with Focused Training and International Camaraderie

Potchefstroom has once again become the center of military sporting excellence as the Chief of the South African National Defence Force’s Military Skills Competition (MILCOMP) 2025 officially entered its opening training days. With participants from seven nations converging on the Army Support Base and Kopanelo Military Sports Club, the competition began with a strong emphasis on preparation, precision, and international camaraderie. Running from 28 September to 04 October 2025, the event brings together elite soldiers to test endurance, tactical skill, and teamwork in a demanding series of events.

Day One: Practice Makes Perfect

The first day of MILCOMP 2025 unfolded with groups rotating through practice sessions at Potchefstroom’s premier training grounds.

• Group 1 tackled the Water Obstacle Course, negotiating its physically demanding layout and testing agility in challenging conditions.

• Group 2 worked on the Land Obstacle Course and Grenade Throwing area, refining techniques and adapting to terrain requirements.

• Groups 3 and 4 focused on marksmanship, practicing at the Rifle and Pistol ranges of the Army Support Base.

While no official scoring took place, the purpose was clear: to familiarise competitors with the courses, sharpen muscle memory, and build confidence ahead of adjudicated rounds beginning midweek. Instructors emphasised safety and discipline, while the atmosphere on the grounds was marked by quiet determination and mutual encouragement.

Leadership Encouragement

Chief Army Force Preparation, Major General Njabulo Dube, addressed the participants, acknowledging both their preparation and the privilege of competing in the prestigious event.

“Every participant is at the Military Skills Competition because they have earned their place. May your performance reflect the countless hours of training and the unwavering commitment you bring to your duty. We wish you all the very best as you strive for the top spot,” he said.

His words reinforced the event’s reputation as a proving ground not only for skill but also for professionalism and the values underpinning the military vocation.

Seven Nations Shoulder to Shoulder

MILCOMP 2025 features participants from South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Their presence has turned Potchefstroom into a hub of military camaraderie, with soldiers training side by side while representing their national flags.

Local conditions added an extra layer of difficulty to practice sessions.

The early spring heat, combined with dry terrain and bursts of overcast wind, challenged competitors to adjust their stamina and tactical approaches. South African troops, familiar with the area, informally guided their international counterparts through the nuances of the terrain. At the same time, visiting teams brought diverse methods and tactical styles, enriching the competition with fresh perspectives.

This cross-cultural exchange underscored the broader value of MILCOMP: a platform for unity, mutual respect, and knowledge sharing between allied forces.

The Water Obstacle Course: A Central Challenge

Among the most anticipated tests is the Water Obstacle Course, set for official adjudication on 01 October. The course combines aquatic stamina with agility-based tasks, demanding both speed and technique under pressure.

During practice on 30 September, Chief Petty Officer T.E. Matlabe of the South African Navy demonstrated determination by powering through the Kopanelo Water Obstacle Course, setting a strong example for fellow competitors. His performance underscored both the physical and psychological demands of the competition, highlighting the role of individual resilience in military training.

Spirit of Preparation

Though Day 1 and 2 focused on practice rather than competition results, the sessions were far from casual. Familiarisation served a strategic role, enabling competitors to assess conditions, test equipment, and refine techniques that could prove decisive once formal scoring begins.

The importance of preparation was echoed by event officials who reminded participants that the early days were designed to build confidence and prevent avoidable mistakes later in the week. For many competitors, these moments of practice represented the difference between average performance and medal contention.

Beyond Competition: Building Unity

While MILCOMP is centered on skill and endurance, the gathering of seven nations carries broader significance. By working alongside one another in both training and social settings, participants forge bonds that extend beyond the competition arena. The event thus becomes a space where military professionalism intersects with diplomacy, building trust and fostering a sense of solidarity across borders.

The presence of international teams also strengthens SANDF’s position as both host and collaborator, reflecting South Africa’s role in promoting regional and international defence cooperation.

Wrap-Up

As the Military Skills Competition 2025 moves into its formal adjudicated rounds, the opening practice days have already showcased the discipline, determination, and camaraderie that define the event. Soldiers from seven nations have stood shoulder to shoulder in Potchefstroom, preparing for challenges that test not only physical ability but also endurance, focus, and teamwork.

With anticipation mounting for the Water Obstacle Course and other scoring events, the competition promises to deliver displays of excellence while reinforcing bonds of international cooperation. For participants, the mantra remains clear: practice makes perfect, and every effort brings them closer to distinction in this celebrated military tradition.

All image credits to SA National Defence Force

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