Part of receiving new students

When a new student arrives at Milites Dei Academy, We start with a welcome salute at the gate and then the students introduce themselves. I enjoyed sitting with the Campus Director Amareza through introduction and talking to the new students as well as the parents.  We spoke about the course and what they can expect and what take away with it when finishing training at MDA. We then take them on a quick tour through the MDA base and property/campus. At MDA you become family, so we were so comfortable working together as a team and that made the process run so smoothly.

Personally, I mentored and guided students to stick, stay, complete the course and be employed

MDA welcomed quite a lot of new students and me being here almost 5 months, I’ve seen a few squad members come and go.  Also being a mother of a 20 year old son and 16 year old daughter, I know all the tricks in the book and the challenges these guys face and go through. There is an open door policy and any student at any time will be assisted with whatever they need help with.

Whether it is a helping hand, some coping issues or just a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, I was always there giving advice, without any judgment or reprimand. I’m a mentor, sister, mother, friend, trainer and all that a situation requires me to be. I was and will always be there for them, “once a brother always a brother”.

I find that people always feel comfortable with me and tend to open up to me from the get go.  I just have this personality where people can be themselves and I think that is one of the reasons the guys can be” guys” around me, because I am not your average girl with mood swings.

In actual fact I don’t have any. So whenever one of the members felt like giving up, I supported and guided and pushed/motivated them through, even though I was busy with my own training.  I will always put my own needs aside and assist. Surrender is not an option!

 

AS A WOMAN:

• In a man’s world

They say “it’s a man’s world”, but it does not mean woman are not capable! We tend to take training very seriously and I found with SWAT, we are more stealth and we tend to end up with fewer injuries than the guys.

My one SWAT trainer actually told me that I’m giving him nightmares, because of the way us girls handled ourselves during the simulation which we had to create and do on our own, it was swift, on point and done with so much precision.

We provided clear and supportive evidence that woman do make better assassins than men. (Daleen laughing out loud). Women also tend to handle conflict and lack of discipline situations better, because we do not have that testosterone clash most guys have, we also tend to stay calm in a stressful situation when pressure is applied.

• Bush work

I’ve always been more of an outside/nature person than an ocean person. However since moving to George recently, I fell in love with the ocean.  Thus said, the bush will always have a special place in my heart. I feel comfortable being in the bush and nature.

I am absolutely a night owl and not afraid of creepy crawlies. I have perfect night vision, huge lover of the moon and stars. So for me to sleep in the bush with just a poncho or sleeping bag was not a challenge at all.  Although, I must admit… being a girl “facing” a “feldty” (as the guys call it), was a bit of an emotional, mental barrier, but surviving a week on survival in the bush was a cure for any phobias you might have.

• Physical fitness

Always being fit and active the fitness was not really a huge challenge, but the terrain was something to get used to. The guys beat me with running, but I did kick their but with other stuff, so I did not feel one bit incompetent or unequal.

• Tactical exercises

I loved every moment of it. I learned so much during my SWAT training. Being a Krav Maga instructor also prepared me for some parts of SWAT, like the colour coding, staying calm and assessing a situation and act accordingly. It takes noise discipline, focus and dedication.

• Fire arms (how you helped others to achieve success)

I was almost literally born with a weapon in my hand. I attended a “woman on fire” event with GOSA end of January 2020 in Johannesburg, where we had the privilege to shoot weapons form LM-5, 50Cal.BMG, AK47, glocks, shotguns etc.

So I was well prepared for my firearm training. In firearm competency, I used:  303. British, Ruger 22, Remington 870 pump action shotgun, 556. Dashprod, CZ 75 B, Lever action 30-30 & AK47. Knowing how to handle a weapon safely, gave me the opportunity to assist the Trainer and Range Officer on the shooting range as an assistant Range Officer.

It also gave me an extra qualification from the Trainer and he sponsored me my Range Officer course. It also equipped me to assist other students and guide them through training.

Seeing how others grow and become successful and get employed

The sun does shine on everyone. There is a place for everyone in this world. Seeing how others grow and become successful is absolutely fulfilling and knowing you had a part to play in their journey, makes the reward so much more rewarding.

Friendships you made

To become part of a “brotherhood” was just so much more than just friendships. It’s better than family. The bond is one that cannot be bought by money, but was forged by sweat, blood and sometimes tears. A bond that can never be broken not even by distance. We try to stay in touch with each other and keep each other up to date on the successes and progress we are making.  The mission of Barney and Amareza is unmatched, due to how they run their academy and I’m privileged to be part of the journey. We became close friends and this will always be like a home away from home. Amareza and I share a lot, like we are both mothers, artists in our own right and we carry only the good of the academy at heart. I will miss you tremendously especially our morning coffees we shared together. We also had our squabbles, but we were grown up to work through it and we have a mutual respect for each other.  You took me in with open arms and made me part of the family for which I will always be grateful. I will miss you my friend and all our chats and laughter. Thank you for everything!

 

The leadership role you fulfilled

2 Weeks in, I was placed in a leadership role and I only had my best intentions for the academy and each and everyone that walked a path with me through their journey as well as my own. I could only teach from my expertise and my life experiences.

Hearing the feedback from everyone, that I did play my role successfully, but I also had so much help from each squad member, my officers held my hands high and then management,  always there to guide me.

It was a road I will walk any day if the opportunity presents itself again. I came here a bit lost but I found myself and what I was capable of. It was a road of discovery and for that I’m so grateful.

The qualifications accumulated

• Certificates – I’m walking away with approximately 18 Certificates, (too many to mention them all), but I completed them all successfully. I enrolled for the 3 month course and CPO, but I’m walking away with so much more…
• Skills – I personally have learned so much, not only from my peers, trainers, but also from each and every student and that I will take with me on my journey. The program is well designed and it not only prepares you physically with fitness and endurance, but also mentally for what you might encounter on your journey ahead.

What are you leaving behind for MDA

Apart from my footprints and a big piece of my heart that will always stay here, I asked some of the students what they would say I’m leaving behind and this was some of the replied:

For one an empty ladies bungalow, a tradition of how to properly fasten boots the old army style, but the one that caught me was my leadership skills I’m leaving behind and how I run things with a strong, firm hand, but also a kindness I brought with me. For example, when the guys messed up and an “oppie” was given. It’s always creative, tough, sometimes a few hours and it pushes you to your limits. I was ruthless, firm and strict, and tolerated no half “ass”, but right after we will go and have a smoke break having conversation like friends about anything… Like the crime and punishment was over and done with and we move on.  I made sure nothing was personal, “you do the crime you do the time”, but then we move on and do what needs to be done. The leaders taking over from me were given a strong platform to build on, to grow and to make their own mark, but so does the students.

Fellow student’s thoughts of Master Major Gunnery Daleen

From Staff Lieutenant André

(Your knight in shining armour on a white Italian horse (André laughing loud)!

“Words cannot explain how the beauty of this woman grasped our hearts and enhanced our views on ourselves to motivate ourselves to the fullest”.

From Staff 2^nd Lieutenant Phillip

“A leader and inspiration to all of us. The Master Major was an essential member of our squad, she kept the morale up when it was low, led the squad when it seemed like they were lost and inspired a lot of the squad members. It’s a pity her time with us was so short, but she made her mark in all of our lives. I’ll follow her even into the deepest valleys with the utmost respect for her. May she have only the best on her way forward”.

From Captain Olebogeng Moloatsi

“Brutally honest, warmth when the moment arises, cold to any heat scenario, a cut above her peers. Modest, humble, intelligent, but never mediocre. A pioneer and marvel. I’ve grown and had a stable platform of occupational nurturing and guidance of positive support. We were privileged and lucky to cross paths under her command. Truly a marvellous and exceptional woman of her time. Thank you Master Major Gunnery”.

From 2^nd Lieutenant Michael

“Major Daleen is a very powerful independent woman and she is a natural born leader. The squad look up the her immensely, she had managed to perfectly balance strictness, kindness and professionalism in how she leads and addresses the squad. The major is an authority figure for all of us yet she still treats us with the same amount of respect we have for her. I can honestly say that she is perfect for the role she has been given. And I am personally impressed with how good of a mother she is to her own daughter and still be there for any member of the squad when we need her”.

From Staff Sergeant Elton Patrick

“Dearest teacher, I thank you earnestly for standing by me during the hard and good times. I want to use this opportunity to let you know how much I will miss all your teachings. Goodbye. Al the best Master Major Gunnery”

From Corporal TR Morgan

“WHAT A WARRIOR!  In isiZulu there’s a word used to describe woman as “Imbokodo” meaning “a rock”. Master Major has held our hands and kept us together like glue from the day I arrived. Her resilience, strength and leadership style are traits that can only propel her to the top of the top with other eagles. Definitely going to miss her, building “strictness” and warm attitude. Mini Master Major Robyn (daughter) is lucky to have a mother like her. Wish you well in all endeavours and may you soar to the greatest heights! At least all our balls are safe because of not wanting to get out of line 🙂 “

From Corporal Francois

“The Master Major is an amazing, kind hearted and loving person and also when the need should arise she is an “absolute badass” which means she keeps us in line and keeps us high moral and leads by example. She helps us when we are and I would definitely go to war with her”.

NCO Coenraad

“I personally have high regard and a great deal of respect for Major. She is firm, fare and just. It’s been my honour being under her and she as a person is someone I’ll strives to be like. Strong characteristics and morals. Farewell Mayor you will be missed”.

NCO Jonathan Strauss

Great leader, she kept everything in order and taught us discipline…..Thank you for everything Major, going to miss you”.

NCO Slade Sanders

“One of the best leaders I’ve had and a woman to look up to, her knowledge of the industry is unmatched and so is her discipline, a pillar of MDA. I will never forget the lessons and discipline she has instilled in me in the short time I knew her. I hope to cross paths with her again one day, an extraordinary woman indeed”.

NCO Derick

“The Master Major is a kind and compassionate leader, but she is also stern and tough when the need arises, she is methodical and well disciplined. She is a great teacher and she is always willing to learn. It has been an honour to be under her command”.

NCO Adriaan

“The Major is a really good leader; she knows how to keep the gents in line. If someone slips up with something or struggles she’s always there to help and guide. The Major likes to run a tight and error free squad especially when it comes to training that can save your life”.

NCO Lester

“Finding the right choices of words to put in your goodbye message can often be a difficult task to do, but what I can say is – I respect you for having such a big heart to tolerate behaviour of naughty and disrespectful students, just to ensure that you impact knowledge to everyone. It has been an awesome tuition from you and I must confess that I am indeed proud and grateful to have had someone like you in my world. It is sad to say goodbye to someone who is as awesome as you are, but the joyful thing is that your teachings will never depart from me. Wish you all the best in your future endeavours and hope you will keep in touch with us from time to time. All the best Master Major Gunnery”

NCO Stefan Pretorius

“It has been three hard days since I have known you Major and I will never forget how awesome you are in the way of your teaching 🙂 All the best for U”.

NCO Phillip van Wyk

“These past three days since I have known Major. Thanks Major for teaching me the drill. You’re a great teacher and thank you for all the other teachings. Hope the best for you on your journey :)”