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Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, has underscored the critical role of drill in shaping soldiers’ discipline, coordination, and readiness, describing it as a cornerstone of military excellence.
Zyeele said drill went far beyond ceremonial display, serving practical, psychological, and disciplinary purposes that strengthen the Army’s operational effectiveness.
He said this when he inspected the ongoing Strategic Corporals’ Junior Drill Instructors’ Course at the Military Training Establishment of Zambia (MILTEZ) in Kabwe on Friday.
“Drill instills strict discipline, which is the foundation of any military. Soldiers learn to follow orders instantly and accurately, even under stress. It teaches obedience and control over individual impulses — essential for unit cohesion,” Zyeele said.
He emphasised the need for innovative drill instructors who are physically fit, confident, and command respect through clear and precise instruction.
Zyeele noted that synchronized movements and shared rhythm during drill exercises foster trust, coordination, and teamwork among soldiers.
“In battle, this cohesion can mean the difference between order and chaos,” he said.
The Army Commander urged senior instructors to ensure that trainees master the lessons and perfect their drills, adding that precision and attentiveness in training translate into effectiveness in combat.
“In combat, failure to respond correctly to orders can be fatal. Drill conditions soldiers to react perfectly to commands. Precise movements build confidence, poise, and military bearing,” he said.
Zyeele added that a soldier who moves with purpose and precision “exudes competence — a quality that is cardinal in both peace and wartime.”
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