Harare — Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa has said a well-trained workforce is the most important resource in quality service provision by any organisation.

He said this while addressing 20 Junior Staff Course graduands at Manyame Airforce base on Monday.

"The success of every organisation is built around its human resource development policy.

"It is pleasing to note that the Air Force of Zimbabwe, like any other organisation, is striving to ensure that its personnel continue to acquire new skills and knowledge.

"This helps them to cope with demands of the ever-changing global environment," he said.

Minister Mnangagwa said an educated defence force was the best guarantee for national and regional peace.

"Knowledge indeed conquers fear. You can never be confident and courageous when you do not have knowledge.

"As military commanders you are expected to use the skills you acquired for the benefit of your nation and the entire world as you will be assigned on international peacekeeping missions," he said.

The Junior Staff Course is tailor-made for personnel destined for appointment as staff officers within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces.

The students started training in June with participants drawn from different AFZ directorates.

Their curriculum included defence studies, civil-military relations, command and leadership, and regional and international affairs, among others.

Among the students were two female officers.