The thoughts of many in South Africa’s military community – serving and retired – will be on Tempe today (Friday, 28 November) where a memorial service will commemorate the life and career of Major General John Kobbie.
He died in 1 Military Hospital, Thaba Tshwane, on 24 November leaving a service record that started 38 years ago in 1987 with the then SA Defence Force (SADF). The funeral service will be at the St Patrick’s Primary Independent School in Bloemspruit tomorrow (Saturday) a SA National Defence Force (SANDF) Directorate Corporate Communication (DCC) statement has it.
Kobbie’s time in uniform was, an official DCC obituary reads, marked by key appointments across the SA Army, the SANDF Joint Operations Division and the SA Military Health Service (SAMHS). Among others he was Officer Commanding (OC) at the Durban and Western Cape general support bases, General Officer Commanding (GOC) GSB (general support base) Garrison, GOC of the Logistics Support Formation and Chief Director for SAMHS Medical Support Services.
His last position was Chief Director Operations Development at Joint Operations Division. He took up the post in September last year and was responsible for strategic military and corporate direction to support the Joint Operations mandate. His portfolio included doctrine development and support to deployed force structure elements on internal and external operations.
Kobbie’s academic achievement include B Mil, B Mil (Hons) and a Masters in Military Science from the University of Stellenbosch, a Masters in Strategic Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a number of advanced military qualifications, including completion of the United States (US) Army War College programme and the Security and Defence Studies Programme (SDSP) at the SANDF College. Among awards presented to the two-star in recognition of operational excellence and leadership are the Commandant’s Trophy at both the SA Army War College and the SANDF College.
A DCC tribute reads: “Major General Kobbie’s strategic acumen, extensive operational insight and deep understanding of SANDF mission requirements made him an invaluable member of the national defence force’s senior leadership”.
