Curriculum alignment at undergraduate level: military geography at the South African Military Academy

Abstract

ABSTRACT The importance of Military Geography in the curricula of military academies cannot be overemphasized, because geography plays a significant role during military operations of any nature. Military Geography encompasses various social science sub-fields, among others political science, military history, military strategy and military intelligence. It should therefore be recognized as a force multiplier in terms of educating military students and as a research avenue by both military academic and military training professionals. Military Geography as a subject should not focus exclusively on the theory of geography with potential military operational application. It should much rather train soldier-academics to conform to a country’s military doctrine for using geospatial information. This study evaluated the geography curricula of two military academies, abroad and in Africa, and one extra-continental civilian tertiary institution to identify generic elements needed in a fit for purpose Military Geography curriculum. The undergraduate Military Geography curriculum at the South African Military Academy was then assessed against their addressing these generic elements. Three limitations in the Military Geography curriculum were identified, namely inadequate Urban Geography coverage, lack of practical GIS and remote sensing application, and lack of accreditation credits to professional GIS bodies. Solutions were proposed to address the limitations.