Situated at Lohatlha in the Northern Cape, this military training institution was founded on 15 January 1978. Initially known as the South African Army Battle School, it was later renamed and became known as the South African Army Combat Training Centre. Lt Gen G.L. Ramano officially unveiled the new name on October 24, 2000.

The development of the SA Army Combat Training Centre originated due to a need by the Department of Defence for a military training facility where conventional and integrated training on divisional level could be executed. Combined practical training is a requisite to all armies worldwide. The development of such a training facility presented the South African Government with the ability to ensure a well-trained South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The SA Army Combat Training Centre is unique in the sense that it is one of ten similar institutions in the world that provide exclusive and permanent facilities for landward warfare training. Only two of these institutions are located in the Southern hemisphere, of which the SA Army Combat Training Centre is the largest, 158 000 hectares in comparison to other training facilities in the Southern hemisphere. Other similar institutions are situated in the Mojave Desert in the United States of America, the Negev Desert in Israel, as well as Canada, France, India, Australia and Pakistan.

The training terrain were developed and adapted, to accommodate specific requirements of different army units to achieve training aims in the execution of modern mobile combat exercises. The key to these successes lies in our facilities, technology and quality of training.

"SI VIS PACEM PARA BELLUM" remains the motto of the SA Army Combat Training Centre. Translated it means "If you want peace - prepare for war", a very befitting description that captures the essence of this military training institution situated in the middle of the Kalahari region in the Northern Cape.
 

Careers in the Department of Defence

DPACQ represents a career stage for young, fit and healthy members who are the citizens of the Republic of South Africa. The members will serve for a two-year period to augment the SANDF’s deployment capability. At the expiration of the two-year term, majority of each intake will be channeled to the Reserve Forces. Only the best of the best will be selected for continued service in the SA National Defence Force. read more

Lohatlha Military Sport Club Prestige Golf Tournament 05 to 07 November 2009

Kathu, which means "The town under trees", is once again the venue for the Lohatlha Military Sport Club Prestige Golf Tournament for 2009.  The Sishen Golf Course is one of the country's most beautiful golf courses, as it winds its way through a 500 hectare Camel thorn Forest.  With a newly renovated Clubhouse, new driving range, new putting green and many more, the course is in excellent condition and presents an even greater challenge. read more