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Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps

Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ngoepe, Kgomotso Prudence
Other Authors: Smit, Hendrik Adolf Petrus
Format: Thesis
Language:English
Published: Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University 2025
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access_status_str Open Access
author Ngoepe, Kgomotso Prudence
author2 Smit, Hendrik Adolf Petrus
author_browse Ngoepe, Kgomotso Prudence
Smit, Hendrik Adolf Petrus
author_facet Smit, Hendrik Adolf Petrus
Ngoepe, Kgomotso Prudence
author_sort Ngoepe, Kgomotso Prudence
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv Stellenbosch University
description Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.
format Thesis
id oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/131865
institution Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
language eng
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:45:36.533Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
publishDate 2025
publishDateRange 2025
publishDateSort 2025
publisher Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
publisherStr Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
record_format dspace
source_str SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
spelling oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/131865 Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps Ngoepe, Kgomotso Prudence Smit, Hendrik Adolf Petrus Henrico, Ivan Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Sciences. School for Geospatial Studies and Information Systems. Armed Forces -- Operations other than war Urban warfare South Africa. Army. Engineer Corps (SAEC) Battlefields South Africa National Defence Force Martial arts -- Training Occupational training, Military Basic training (Military education) UCTD Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2024. ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis explores the competencies required for military terrain expertise within the South African Army Engineer Corps (SAEC). It addresses a crucial gap in existing research, focusing on the specific skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for engineering officers to be considered terrain experts. The study’s significance lies in its pioneering approach to formally identifying and evaluating these competencies within the context of the SAEC’s training programmes. The research begins by examining historical perspectives on the role of terrain in military operations, highlighting its enduring significance despite technological advancements. This foundational understanding sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the modern-day requirements for terrain expertise in the military context. The thesis then delves into the role and structure of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the specific functions of the SAEC, providing a comprehensive background against which the study’s objectives are framed. Central to the thesis is the identification of the competencies that define a military terrain expert. This involves a thorough literature review, field manuals, and existing training curricula from various defence forces. The study also incorporates insights from a panel of military and terrain experts, ensuring that the competencies identified are comprehensive and relevant to the current military landscape. The research methodology subsequently centres on a qualitative content analysis of the SAEC’s formal training courses. This analysis seeks to determine whether these courses effectively impart the identified military terrain expertise competencies to officers. The findings of the study reveal significant gaps in the current training curriculum, highlighting areas where the SAEC’s programmes may not fully equip officers with the necessary terrain expertise. This thesis proposes recommendations to address these gaps, suggesting revisions to the training curriculum that aligns more closely with the identified competencies. These recommendations aim to enhance the effectiveness of SAEC training programmes, ensuring that engineer officers are adequately prepared to handle the complex challenges of military terrain analysis and the decision-making process. In conclusion, this thesis makes a valuable contribution to military education and training. It not only identifies the essential competencies for military terrain expertise but also offers practical guidance for improving training programmes within the SAEC. By doing so, the study supports the broader goal of enhancing operational success and decision-making in military contexts, where an in-depth understanding of terrain is a critical factor. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen Afrikaanse opsomming beskikbaar nie. Masters 2025-04-04T06:34:31Z 2025-04-04T06:34:31Z 2024-12 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/131865 eng Stellenbosch University 151 pages : illustrations application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
spellingShingle Armed Forces -- Operations other than war
Urban warfare
South Africa. Army. Engineer Corps (SAEC)
Battlefields
South Africa National Defence Force
Martial arts -- Training
Occupational training, Military
Basic training (Military education)
UCTD
Ngoepe, Kgomotso Prudence
Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps
title Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps
title_full Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps
title_fullStr Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps
title_full_unstemmed Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps
title_short Military terrain expertise competencies in the South African Army Engineer Corps
title_sort military terrain expertise competencies in the south african army engineer corps
topic Armed Forces -- Operations other than war
Urban warfare
South Africa. Army. Engineer Corps (SAEC)
Battlefields
South Africa National Defence Force
Martial arts -- Training
Occupational training, Military
Basic training (Military education)
UCTD
url https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/131865
work_keys_str_mv AT ngoepekgomotsoprudence militaryterrainexpertisecompetenciesinthesouthafricanarmyengineercorps