An investigative study on the Namibian defence force's combat readiness focusing on alternative policy of termination and retention of expertise in the military services

Abstract National and international peace and security rely immensely on the perceived security dimension of combat readiness. As such, world nations frequently modernise their armed forces in order to achieve a sufficient level of competitive combat readiness in order to act as deterrence against external threats. These actions, however, frequently cause other nations to feel threatened which may result in them embarking on a build-up of the military at public expense. Nevertheless, combat readiness is a pre-requisite for a military’s ability to prevent attacks from a potential aggressor while simultaneously calling for the application of restraining measures in order to prevent wars. In light of the need for militaries to retain a sufficient level of competitive combat readiness, the general findings of this study suggest that there is a requirement to change the retirement condition within Namibia’s public service. This study aims to enlighten both military personnel and the general public on the country’s combat readiness, and ability to quickly deploy in war times. This study applied a qualitative research perspective which adopted a convenient stratified technique. Upon analysing the data, the study indicated that the absence of clear policies on retirement and retention of expertise in the military services hampers the effectiveness of military combat readiness in the Namibian Defence Force. Consequently, the study recommends that appropriate policies on a retirement exit mechanism package and a program to retain expertise within the military be developed.

Author dc:creator

• Haimbala, Appolos N.

• Combat readiness
• Military services

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

thesis

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.unam.edu.na:11070/833