'New commandos, new look'
2003-05-08 11:32
Cape Town - The constabulary which replaces South Africa's commandos should have a totally new identity, with insignia and rank differing from the army and police.
Combat uniforms should also be replaced with more civilian-friendly dress.
That's according to Brigadier-General John del Monte, a consultant who led the team which developed the proposal.
But, he emphasised South Africa's outstanding military traditions - including that of the commandos - should be recognised and an attempt made to preserve historical elements.
"It would be a great shame if the country which gave the world the commando system became the first to dismantle it," said Del Monte.
"But, it would be equally important for the constabulary to establish new values to which people could relate, especially in rural areas."
A different identity would be part of this process. "We must get away from having soldiers in combat dress walking around among civilians," said Del Monte.
Not too expensive to maintain
He said constabulary units would work best on a local level.
"Those serving should have close links with, and a thorough knowledge of, the district in which they work."
He doesn't believe constabulary units would be hijacked for ideological reasons.
"In my experience, an ordinary citizen doing commando service isn't actually an ideologue, but someone who simply wants to protect his own community and is prepared to sacrifice his time to do so."
Del Monte said the constabulary should report directly to the defence minister, not the defence force chief, and should have its own budget.
He doesn't believe it would be very expensive.
"You don't need a new department, simply civilian control. Many members won't need to be trained from scratch; it's just the focus that must change.
The basic equipment is also there, but must be supplemented with, for example, special crowd-control equipment.
"Instructors and equipment could be sub-contracted. South Africa is not rich enough to equip the constabulary with helicopters, but they can budget for flying time and sub-contract the airforce."