Army spouses schooled on military etiquette

BENEDICT TEMBO

Zambia Army Commander Sitali Alibuzwi says military customs and traditions are significant to spouses of soldiers and officers. Lieutenant General Alibuzwi said military customs and traditions make the men in uniform and their spouses special in the civilian world, which does not see the value and purpose of such things.

Lt. Gen Alibuzwi was speaking when he launched the Army Ladies Association of Zambia (ALAZ) workshop at Arakan Barracks Banquet Hall in Lusaka Monday.

“Let me remind you that, the moment you decide to marry a military person, you become one as the Bible indicates; therefore, you are expected to always endeavour to live according to the dictates of the Army’s traditions and customs, ” The Army Commander said.

According to the Zambia Army public relations unit, Lt. Gen. Alibuzwi emphasised the need for military customs and traditions to be passed on to keep them alive.

“Traditions allow us to remember and celebrate the rich heritage of the Zambia Army, and you, our spouses, have always played a key role in this history,” Lt Gen Alibuzwi said.
He stressed that service spouses were frequently invited to military and other social functions where they were expected to behave as expected of them, hence the significance of such a workshop.

Lt Gen Alibuzwi said command would endeavour to continue supporting the holding of workshops of such nature.

“I urge you to continue on the same trajectory. “Funds allowing, we shall support you in taking the same lessons to major formations and units so that our families outside Lusaka could also benefit,” he said.

Director General Education, Library, and Museum Branch Brigadier General Kennedy Sialoombe has upheld command for the honour and resources to organise the workshop.
Brig Gen Sialoombe said the main aim of the workshop is to remind the Army spouses of the military customs and traditions that they are expected to observe in their daily conduct.

“At the end of the workshop, participants will be presented with certificates as a recognition and honour that they are qualified to pass on the knowledge to others, as we send them out there to preach the gospel of military customs and traditions,” he said.

And Zambia Army Military Assistant Brigadier General Jethrow Chipili, in his presentation encouraged the ladies to be cautious of the first impression they portray in public.
Brig Gen Chipili said a person’s first impression is crucial as it will impact how they are perceived everywhere.

And Zambia Army Director of Public Relations, Colonel Martin Liyungu said communication is an important tool in any organisation. Col. Liyungu also lectured the ladies on proper phone etiquette.

The workshop, which started on March 20 will run up to March 30, 2023. Some of the topics being covered include first impressions, the art of communication, social graces, military living, military roles, military functions, and social functions.