defenceWeb
Written by defenceWeb -
The M5 mortar in action.
The 120 mm M5 heavy mortar is the primary long-range, indirect fire, artillery weapon for the Steve Biko Artillery Regiment (formerly Light Regiment) of the South African Army Artillery Corps. This tried and trusted mortar is capable of firing a range of explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds over considerable distances. The M5 mortar has been in service with the SA Army for many years and has seen extensive combat service.
The Steve Biko Artillery Regiment deploys the M5 with a crew of four members per mortar system, together with the laying equipment (sighting system), containers for the equipment and accessories, camouflage nets, and ammunition.
New Reserve Force insignia still on the to-do list
Written by defenceWeb -
SA Army Reserve URTP volunteers.
All is not smooth sailing when it comes to the new names of 52 SA Army Reserve Force units, with old insignia and uniform, in some cases, declared off-limits on parade grounds and no changes yet made to cap/beret badges, shoulder flashes and other identifying insignia.
When the name changes were announced in August 2019, it was made clear established uniforms such as the Transvaal Scottish kilts would not be part of the “new order” of the landward force’s part-time component. Renamed regiments and units would have a three-year window to come up with new badging and identifiers, including unit colours. Colours and battle honours would go into regimental and unit museums.