Logistics

The prevailing environment has given rise to the manifestation of a myriad of unconventional, asymmetric and hybrid threats. The new circumstances require the ZDF to address a number of fundamental issues and one of the most pivotal is to do with logistics. More and better logistics planning is needed to deal with the various contingencies confronting the forces. It is against this background that a Logistics Staff Course was conceived and introduced at the ZSC in 2012. Pursuant to this idea a fully fledged Logistics Division was established at the Zimbabwe Staff College (ZSC) in March 2017. The establishment of the Division was a landmark development of our Logistics Staff.

The Logistics Division imparts necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes of Officers in defence logistics and supply chain management studies. This is necessary, in order for the College to be at par with other professional armies’ higher learning institutions. The Division also aims to provide a forum for discussion on defence and national logistics issues, international security affairs, logistics doctrine, other relevant and current topics.

The Division runs two programmes namely the Logistics Staff Course and the Bachelor of Science (Honour) Degree in Defence Logistics.

• To develop professionalism and competency of officers in the field of logistics.
• To develop innovative and versatile logistics officers capable of effectively contributing in defence logistics and supply chain management.
• To create conditions for officers to explore their inherent abilities in the field of defence logistics.
• To provide opportunities to officers to enhance their knowledge and insights in defence logistics and hence widen their career prospects.

The ZSC has been home to logistics Courses since March 1991, when its establishment incorporated a Logistics Division. The Division used to run special to corps logistics programmes that included Ordnance, Transport and the Workshop Commanders Courses. In 2004, the Courses were moved to the newly established School of Logistics in Mutare and the Division was closed down.

The Division was reestablished in 2012, albeit on adhoc basis to run the Logistics Staff Courses. It was then established permanently at the ZSC in March 2017. In line with the new mandate and vision of the College, the Division developed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Defence Logistics which was launched in February 2018.

The Logistics Division is the premier logistics training establishment of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces where middle-level Logistics Staff Officers are trained in the field of military Logistics.

The Division runs two programmes, namely the Logistics Staff Course and the Bachelor of (Honours) Degree in Defence Logistics.

THE LOGISTICS STAFF COURSE

The Logistics Staff Course (LSC) is the highest professional course in the field of Logistics conducted for the Officers of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. The Course is a full time residential course which runs for a period of 5 months (21 Weeks).

1. Aim. The aim of the course is to develop professional knowledge, skills and understanding of selected officers in planning coordinating and executing logistics tasks at strategic and operational levels.
2. Objectives. At the end of the Course students should be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of the organization and roles of key logistics branches/corps/departments/agencies in the context of ZDF logistics support systems.
• Interpret and apply the principles and concepts of logistics in support of military operations, including Logistics in Peace Support Operations (PSO).
• Produce logistics plans at strategic, operational and tactical levels including joint planning in joint operations.
• Plan, produce and interpret multi modal operational movement and plans.
• Produce Defence Management Plans at Service HQ, Formation HQ/Base and Unit levels including implementation of such plans and their subsequent reviews.
• Coordinate Logistics effort from ZDF HQ, Service HQs, Formation HQ/Base and Unit levels.

Acquire, manage, maintain and efficiently utilize logistics resources during peace and in war. For more Info Click Here

The Zimbabwe Staff College in an Associate College of the Chinhoyi University of Technology for the award of a four year Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree in Defence Logistics. The degree programme provides breadth and depth of knowledge needed for defence logistics and supply chain management. The students of the programme are drawn from the wider defence and security community and civil service departments in Zimbabwe, the SADC region and beyond. The focus of the programme is on up skilling and professionalising of the logistics officers in the defence and security organisations/industries. The curriculum is built around supply chain/logistics theories, concepts and practices and is complemented by modules that build a broader understanding of the technological and operational context of modern defence

The broad objectives of the programme are to: –

• Provide an in-depth understanding of the theories and concepts in defence logistics and supply chain management.

• Produce graduates with relevant skills to plan and execute logistics operations in multi-dimensional military contexts.

Develop innovative and versatile graduates capable of effectively contributing in defence logistics and supply chain management.

• Incorporate technological knowledge and skills in defence logistics operations and practices.

• Impart skills to conduct applied and advanced research that addresses current and forecasted defence logistics challenges.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of the programme graduates should be able to:

• Demonstrate sufficient understanding of the theories and concepts in defence logistics and supply chain management.

• Apply the acquired skills to improve the defence logistics and supply management practices.

• Apply flexible solutions to defence logistics and supply management challenges.

• Demonstrate ability to explore, adapt and apply novel technologies and skills in defence logistics operations.

Conduct applied research that addresses contemporary defence logistics challenges. For Info  Click Here