The SADF

The SADF, generally considered to be the continent's most formidable military force, consists of four arms. These are the Army, Air Force, Navy and the SA Medical Service (SAMS). All are headquartered in the Pretoria area. The four arms are supplemented by one supporting service, the Chaplain General.

The SADF's structure is monolithic and integrated. Overall command is vested in an officer designated Chief of the South African Defence Force. Appointed from one of the four arms, he is accountable to the Minister of Defence for implementing the South African government"s defence policy.

The chief of each of the four arms commands his own service arm and plans and conducts single-service opera tions, but always within the parameters of the national defence strategy as laid down by the State President on the advice of the State Security Council.

In decision making, the Chief of the SADF is assisted by several councils and committees, the most important being the Defence Command Council, the Defence Planning Committee and the Financial Committee. Combined they determine general strategy, lay down management poli cies and undertake financial planning.

Functions

In terms of the Defence Act of 1957, as amended, the SADF's major function is to defend the country against external threats. It is also charged with preventing and suppressing terrorism and internal disorder, preserving life, health and property, and maintaining essential services.

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