FILM SHOWS TRAINING OF RECRUITS AT THE LUSAKA BARRACKS OF THE 2ND BATTALION OF THE NORTHERN RHODESIAN ARMY. THE UNIT IS A NEW ONE, ALTHOUGH IT IS FULLY MULTI-RACIAL. IT ALSO SHOWS NEW HOUSING AT THE BARRACKS, ONE OF THE INCENTIVES BEING USED TO ATTRACT FRESH RECRUITS.




Initials



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Background: WITH NORTHERN RHODESIA NOW ON THE ROAD TO FULL INDEPENDENCE, THE FIRST ALL AFRICAN GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED UP PLANS TO STRENGTHEN THE COUNTRY'S DEFENCES. PRIME TARGET IS THE ARMY, WHICH LOST A LARGE NUMBER OF MEN AT THE BREAK UP OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN FEDERATION, JUST OVER A MONTH AGO.

THE NORTHERN RHODESIAN ARMY CONSISTS OF FOUR BATTALIONS, TWO REGULAR BATTALIONS AND TWO TERRITORIAL UNITS. THE OFFICERS ARE WHITE AND ARE ALL REGULAR MEMBERS OF THE NORTHERN RHODESIAN ARMY-MANY WITH 20 YEARS SERVICE. IN KEEPING WITH MULTI-RACIAL CHARACTER OF THE FORCE, A NUMBER OF AFRICAN AND COLOUREDS HAVE BEEN SENT TO BRITAIN FOR OFFICE TRAINING.

TO FORESTALL ANY DISCONTENT AMONGST THE OTHER RANKS, THE NEW GOVERNMENT IS IMPLEMENTING PAY INCREASES FOR THE ARMY, IMPROVING CONDITIONS AND PROVIDING A PENSION SCHEME. TO ENSURE THERE'S NO FURTHER REDUCTION IN THE STRENGTH OF THE ARMY, A FULL SCALE RECRUITING CAMPAIGN IS BEING CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY.