MADIMBO – Medical personnel from military units across the country had the opportunity to demonstrate their operational preparedness during the second annual South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) Competition held at the Madimbo training area from 9 to17 June.

The aim of the competition is not only to determine the degree of competitiveness and operational preparedness of medical personnel, but also to promote and encourage excellence in the SAMHS units. The first SAMHS competition was held at the Sterkrivier training area in 2001.

The competition is definitely not a game and strong emphasis was placed on military situations and scenarios, which could be expected under real operational circumstances. To achieve this, teams had to endure operating and staying in the bush for the duration of the competition while being constantly evaluated. It also meant dealing with the local wildlife in this area, which included coming across lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and even baboons. The soldiers had to endure pain, blisters, cramps and exhausted muscles, while two unfortunate participants got injured after getting entangled in the famous "Haak-en-Steek" while riding on a Samil on their way to the route march. The teams, however, stood firmly together and assisted each other in the true spirit of soldiers fighting in a real battle.

This year's competition was won by 7 Medical Battalion from Centurion. They also won the competition last year. Second place honours went to 8 Medical Battalion Group (Centurion), while the School for Military Health Training from Thaba Tswane came in third.