THE ZIMBABWE DEFENCE FORCES HEADQUATERS

The existence of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, Chapter X, 96 (1), which states that," For the purpose of defending Zimbabwe, there shall be Defence Forces consisting of an Army, an Air Force and such other branches, if any, of the Defence Forces as may be provided for by or under an Act of Parliament"

The ZDF was set up by the integration of three belligerent forces, the Zimbabwe African National Liberation Army, (ZANLA) and the Zimbabwe Peoples' Revolutionary Army, (ZIPRA) on one side and the Rhodesian Security Forces (RSF) on the other at the end of the Liberation Struggle in 1980. The Integration period saw the formation of The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) and Air Force of Zimbabwe (AFZ) as separate entities under the command of Rtd General Solomon Mujuru and the late Rtd Air Chief Marshal Josiah Tungamirai respectively. The integration commanders handed over the Zimbabwean flags to then Lieutenant General Vitalis Zvinavashe, who later became the first Commander Defence Forces (1993), and Air Marshal Perrance Shiri in 1992, and subsequently in the ZNA to then Lieutenant General Constantine Chiwenga in 1993.

The approval of the Defence Amendment Bill saw the setting up of a single command for the Defence Forces in 1993. Rtd General Vitalis Zvinavashe became the first commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, with the commanders of both the Army and the Air force falling under his command. Following his retirement in December 2003, General Constantine Chiwenga, was promoted and appointed Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces. Lieutenant General P. V. Sibanda replaced him as Commander of the army.

In order to streamline its operations, ZDF Headquarters is divided into the following departments; Command Element, Operations and Plans, Operations Requirements, Medical Services, Support and Careers, Finance, Logistics, Programmes, Reserve Force, Policy,PR,and International Affairs, Protocol, ZDF HQ Camp and Defence Intelligence.

THE DEFENCE FORCES VISION

To provide the nation with a Defence Force that is more responsive, versatile, strong, resilient, sustainable and a source of pride for the nation.

THE DEFENCE FORCES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide the defence and protection of the country's territorial integrity and national sovereignty over its land, natural resources, and air space against external aggression and sabotage by enemy forces and to lend military cooperation to organizations to which Zimbabwe is a member.

DEFENCE FORCES VALUES

Loyalty, duty consciousness, respect, selfless service, honour, integrity and courage.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ZIMBABWE DEFENCE FORCES HEADQUARTERS

The roles and functions of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces are:

• To ensure the protection and security of Zimbabwe's territorial integrity and independence.
• To provide military aid to civil power and civil authorities in Zimbabwe.
• To provide military support to promote Zimbabwe's economic, political and social interests.
• To fulfill international obligations and responsibilities with regard to international treaties and other states in the field of support operations, collective security, confidence and security building measures and humanitarian relief activities.