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Perceptions of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the operational capability of the infantry section

Thesis (MMil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS is spreading through Africa in epidemic proportions. Hundreds and
thousands of people are infected on a daily basis. This pandemic destroys the
emotional and physical strength of individuals. In Sub-Saharan Africa there is an
estimated 28,1 million people living with HIV/AIDS. The military forces of Africa
are not immune to this. Growing concern has shifted the focus of HIV/AIDS to the
armed forces because they generally have higher levels of HIV/AIDS than the
civilian population. Within the military it is critical that HIV/AIDS be managed in a
manner that retards the spread of the virus as well as the negative impact that it
has.
The cornerstone of combat efficiency within the SANDF is its infantry section, a
group of people forming the basis for the rest of the operational force structure
that is deployed within an operational area. The deployment areas are dangerous
and unstable and are conducive to the spread of HIV/AIDS. When forces are
deployed within the operational area, they forge a bond built on trust, loyalty and
a confidence in each other's work capability. HIV/AIDS impacts on this capability
and results in an environment characterised by low morals, discrimination and
stigma. The important element is to make soldiers aware of the implications of
HIV/AIDS, and the perceptions that exist about people living with the disease.
The success lies in the correct management in terms of prevention and
protection.
A clear understanding of the disease is the most important element in starting an
effective prevention programme. People have to understand that HIV/AIDS is not
only a medical problem, but also has far-reaching social and security
implications. It not only affects the infected but also their families, relatives and
friends. The infection has an enormous social impact that should not be
underestimated. If left unchecked, HIV/AIDS will cripple the SANDF.
implications. It not only affects the infected but also their families, relatives and
friends. The infection has an enormous social impact that should not be
underestimated. If left unchecked, HIV/AIDS will cripple the SANDF. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: MIVNIGS word tans in Afrika deur duisende mense versprei en bereik
epidemiese vlakke. Hierdie virus val die mens se fisiese en geestelike krag aan.
In Afrika benede die Sahara is daar omtrent 28,1 miljoen mense wat met
MIVNIGS leef. Die militêre mag van Afrika is nie imuun teen die stryd.
Grootskaal se kommer is gefokus op die gewapende magte van Afrika omdat die
militêr geneig is om meer MIVNIGS positiewe mense te hê as die siviele
omgewing. Binne die militêr is dit krities dat MIVNIGS op so "n manier bestuur
word dat die verspreiding van hierdie siekte belemmer word.
Die infanterie seksie is die hoeksteen van vuurkrag effektiwieteit binne die
SANW. Hierdie seksie is die fondament van die operasionele mag wat binne
operasionele gebiede ontplooi word. Hierdie gebiede word gekenmerk deur
gevaar en onstabiliteit wat die verspreiding van MIVNIGS vergemakiIk. Wanneer
hierdie mag ontplooi word, is dit op die beginsel van vertroue in mekaar, lojaliteit
en in "n geloofwaardigheid in mekaar se werksvermoë. MIVNIGS impak direk op
hierdie beginsels en veroorsaak "n omgewing wat deur lae morele waardes,
diskriminasie en negatiewe persepsies gekenmerk word. Dit is belangrik dat die
soldaat ingelig word oor die persepsies en impak wat MIVNIGS moontlik kan hê.
Die korrekte bestuur sal die mate van sukses bepaal hoe hierdie virus gehanteer
kan word.
"n Volle begrip sal die deurslaggewende beginsel wees in die effektiewe beheer
van MIVNIGS word. Mense moet verstaan dat MIVNIGS nie net "n mediese
probleem is maar dat dit ook "n verreikende effek het op die sekuriteit en sosiale
dele van ons lewens. Dit impak ook op die families van die wat siek is, en die
impak moet nie onderskat word nie. Die SANW sal tot sy knie gebring word sou
hierdie virus onbepaald voortgaan.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:sun/oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/50057
Date12 1900
CreatorsVan Niekerk, Paul Michael
ContributorsDaniels, P. I., Van Wyk, B. F., Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Military Science. Dept. of Military Management.
PublisherStellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Languageen_ZA
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis
Format49 p. : ill.
RightsStellenbosch University

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