|
|
| Symbols of the South African Armour Corps | |
|
The Flame Go top
THE FLAME OF THE ARMOUR
The Flame of the Armour symbolizes the inextinguishable spirit and energy of the South African Armour Corps.
The Flame reminds us of the following qualities:
- Energy - because it radiates heat and inner strength
- Light - because it changes insecurity into certainty and confidence.
- Life - because it is constantly in motion.
- Purity - because it separates, cleanses and refines .
- Unity - because it confirms our dependency, for alone we can achieve nothing.
The flame also reminds us of the fire within every Armour Soldier, inspiring him or her to deliver extraordinary performance and achievements. Irrespective the enemy, we will advance and go forward with the Flame in our hearts.
The Flame also reminds us of the destructive firepower that the Armour can concentrate on the enemies of our country, in order to ensure peace and stability for all our people.
The Flame of the Armour also embraces the National Torch of Tolerance symbolizing that outwardly we are people of many colours, many races, many cultures, many languages, many religions and many origins, yet we are all tied to one another by a million visible and invisible threads, that make us share a common destiny from which none of us can escape!
The Flame of the Armour inspires members of the South African Armour Corps to always stand firm and proud - faithful to God our country and our Task.
Faithful, True and Steady - come what may, we are Ready!
|
| |
Mailed Fist Go top
 The Mailed Fist is the command symbol of the General Officer Commanding of the SA Army Armour Formation. The mailed fist has for many decades epitomized Armour throughout the world and was adopted as the symbol of the 81 Armoured Brigade earlier.
Through the enthusiastic initiative of Mr Martin Reeves, then a program manager at Gennan Systems, a high-quality representation, of an armour gauntlet was manufactured by a Johannesburg based artist, Ms Veilia Thompson during 2002.
This mailed fist was formally presented by Gennan Systems to the Armour Formation at an Armour Shot Action on 16th of October 2002
|
| |
Pace Stick Go top
The Pace Stick is awarded to Warrant Officers on being appointed Squadron Sergeant Majors or on having successfully completed the squadron sergeant majors course.
The pace stick as the symbol of the warrant officer has been in use since the early 18th century. The pace stick is an instrument of measure for instruction and parade work.
• When the pace stick is opened to enable the warrant officer to measure out the pace it forms a triangle.
• The apex of the triangle points upwards in the direction of the divine being by whose teachings I as the warrant officer live. It signifies that I will carry out my mission with courage and pride, to the honour of my god, my country and my corps.
• The legs of the pace stick remind me the two basic responsibilities that will be uppermost in my mind.
• The left leg represents the accomplishment of my mission. I will strive to maintain tactical and technical proficiency; I shall exercise initiative by acting appropriately in the absence of orders. I shall not compromise my integrity or my moral courage.
• The right leg represents the accomplishment of my mission. I will know my team and always place their needs before my own. I will communicate constantly with my team; I will be fair and impartial when recommending rewards and punishment.
• The measurement bar reminds me that officers and non-commissioned officers of my unit will not have to execute my duties. I will earn their respect and confidence.
• When the pace stick is closed, forming a solid unit, it shows competence is my watch word
• The measures of the pace stick shows that no members of the armed forces are more professional than I am.
|
| |
Sword Go top
The Sword of Command is awarded to Officers on being appointed squadron commander or on having successfully completed the Squadron Commanders Course.
Swords and officers have always been associated with one another. From the time early man began to congregate in communities, they developed the need for warriors and soldiers to protect these communities from those who would take by force what they wanted.
Swords were reserved for Knights, Soldiers with the necessary funds. So swords have always been associated with leaders, officers and commanders.
The sword displays to us, the Leaders of the South African Armoured Corps the following
• The Point of the Sword: Designed to be the strongest and deadliest part of the weapon. Its purpose is to pierce through chain mail armour, slice through flesh and bone and thus kill its opponent. We as commanders are our squadrons point; through our actions our squadrons too will bring down destruction on our enemies
• The Edge of the Sword: The edge was sharpened by countless hours of grinding against whetstone until it was honed to razor sharpness. So we as commanders must be sharpened, by constant practice until our skills, knowledge and experience become razor sharp
• The Blade: Forged in a red hot furnace, until the metal bounds so close together that it becomes indestructible. As the commanders of our squadrons we must forge our minds and bodies and our squadrons into one entity, so that together we also become indestructible
• The Swords handle / Grip: The warrior holds the sword by its handle making it an extension of his arm and so his will. What the hand commands the sword obeys. Similarly what you command, your squadron obeys and the orders you receive are obeyed, so that your sword, your squadron becomes an instrument of war
• The Hand Guard: The Guard protects the hand that wields it. So we as commanders must protect those who wield our soldiers, for by losing battle, you lose the sword and by losing the sword you lose the battle
• Lastly remember the sharpest sword placed in unskilled hands is an open invitation to disaster, so keep your swords sharp and your hands skilled.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
