# Namibian Defence Force Training Establishment

The Namibian Defence Force Training Establishment is a training unit of the Namibian Defence Force. It is the premier training institution of the Namibian military and offers a variety of training ranging from basic military training to vocational training. It was previously known as Military School Okahandja.

## History

The school traces its roots back to the Namibian Liberation struggle when the forerunner to today's military school was established in late 1979 as the "SWA Military School" by the South West African Territorial Force during the South African administration of Namibia. The school is the primary training unit of the force. It is based at the Osona Military base outside Okahandja. It is the NDF training institution that offers the six-month basic military training (BMT) to all recruits wanting a career in the Namibian Defence Force. The school also conducts training for all officer cadets in the force.

## Training offered

The Training Establishment offers and hosts a variety of military training institutions and courses including language, computer, and military police course. The Automotive school trains technical services auto mechanics. The driving school trains military personnel in operating and maintaining vehicles. A cadet officers' course is run at the military school.

### Central medical training school

A central medical training facility is being built at the Namibian Military School. The wing is commanded by Lt Col Amutenya.

### Signals training school

Formerly a wing, the signals training school trains military communications specialists. Signals courses offered include Communication Course, Signal Officers Course and Computer Courses. It is currently under construction.

### Recruit training

As the primary training institution, basic training for all NDF recruits is undertaken at the Osona military base outside Okahandja. An extension of the school is also located at the Ondangwa Military Base where basic training for recruits can also take place. Basic training for recruits is six months long, and is offered in two phases, Basic Military Training and Platoon Weapons.
Some of the military aspects covered include drills, field craft, skill at arms, minor tactics, coin ops, military hygiene, military law, military aspects, first aid, map reading, law of armed conflict and conventional warfare.

### Central support structure for peacekeeping missions

Being set up with German assistance, the facility will consist of training workshops for plumbing, carpentry, welding, electricity and bricklaying artisans. The central support unit aims to capacitance the military when it deploys on peace support operations.

## Commandants

Namibia Military School :
| From | Commandant | To |
| Unknown date | Colonel Malakia Nakanduungileh | 10 April 2002 |
| 10 April 2002 | Colonel Mwetufa Mupopiwa | unknown datw |
| Unknown date | Brigadier General Joseph Kakoto | 18 April 2011 |
| 18 April 2011 | Brigadier General Fredrick Siluzungila | 1 April 2014 |
| 1 April 2014 | Brigadier General Wilbard Shikongo | 27 February 2017 |
| 27 February 2017 | Brigadier General Joshua Namhindo | 2018 |
| 2018 | Brigadier General Kashindi Eusebi Kashindi | incumbent |
| From | Formation Sergeant Major | To |
| 2010 | Warrant Officer class 1 Albert Siyaya | 2011 |