Danie Theron Combat School was a

light infantry Light infantry refers to certain types of lightly equipped infantry throughout history. They have a more mobile or fluid function than other types of infantry, such as heavy infantry or line infantry. Historically, light infantry often fought ...

training

regiment A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, service and/or a specialisation. In Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of front-line soldiers, recruited or conscripted ...

of the

South African Army The South African Army is the principal land warfare force of South Africa, a part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), along with the South African Air Force, South African Navy and South African Military Health Service. ...

. It formed part of the

South African Army Infantry Formation The South African Army Infantry Formation supervises all infantry within the South African Army. History Origins: Union Defence Force South African Infantry originated as the ''Infantry Branch'' of the Union Defence Forces in 1913. In 1915, ...

as well as the South African Territorial Reserve.

History

Origin

Danie Theron Combat School was established near

Kimberley Kimberly or Kimberley may refer to: Places and historical events Australia * Kimberley (Western Australia) ** Roman Catholic Diocese of Kimberley * Kimberley Warm Springs, Tasmania * Kimberley, Tasmania a small town * County of Kimberley, a ...

around 1967, aimed at primary infantry training for the Commando system. The school was initially called the Commando Combat School, but by 1968 was renamed in honour of

Danie Theron Daniël Johannes Stephanus "Danie" Theron (9 May 1872 – 5 September 1900) was a Boer Army military leader and master scout. Born in Tulbagh, Cape Colony, he was raised in Bethlehem, Orange Free State. He is best known as the driving force ...

, a renowned Boer war soldier.

Operations

The School was initially responsible for basic military training. The majority of the recruits were area bound farmers, business owners, or essentials services). These recruits were to be allocated to regional commandos after their initial training. The school was also responsible for promotional training of Civilian Force officers and non-commissioned officers. Other training modules include conventional and rural counter insurgency training. By 1973, the majority of the Danie Theron Combat School training/recruit wing staff were transferred to a new unit 11 Commando (South African). Promotional and Corp specific Training was eventually transferred to other Infantry schools by the mid 1980s. SADF era Danie Theron Combat School Commemorative letter

SADF era Danie Theron Combat School Commemorative letter

Unit Insignia

SADF era Danie Theron Combat School insignia

History

Origin

Operations

Unit Insignia

Leadership

References

See also