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Army Order of Battle - 1990s

As of the early 1990s, the conventional forces are organized into contingency forces and a mobilization force. The contingency forces consisted of one mechanized/motorized brigade -- 43 SA Brigade -- and two parachute brigades -- the Forty-fourth Parachute Brigade and the Forty-fifth Parachute Brigade. The mobilization force was organized into three mechanized divisions--the Seventh Division, the Eighth Division, and the Ninth Division.

The 1998 Defence Review Option 1 laid out a the basis for conventional defence as the Rapid Deployment Force (RDF). This comprises of a mechanised infantry brigade, a parachute brigade and a special forces brigade, which maintain immediate readiness for all shorter term contingencies. Potential for expansion was provided by the Part-Time Component mobile division, consisting of three balanced brigades at various levels of preparedness. Two Brigade headquarters, that can be used as Task Force headquarters (one Reserve - 46 Bde and one Active - 43 Bde ) deploy under C JOps control, as required. As of 1998 43 Brigade HQ was controlling South African forces operating in Lesotho. Neither Brigade was assigned any permanent units. The Olifant Mk1A/B was South Africa's main battle tank and was the main component of the conventional land battle.

These conventional, mobile forces are supplemented by border and area protection forces. Their main purpose was the protection of landward borders and interior assets against enemy mobile, airborne and special forces. During peace-time they form the backbone of SANDF participation in border protection and maintenance of law and order tasks. These forces consist principally of 14 light infantry battalions, 12 territorial infantry battalions and 183 area protection units. Command and Control was currently effected through 27 Group Headquarters within nine Command Areas of responsibility throughout South Africa. The full-time force of the Army comprised

• 1 Tank regiment (Olifant Mk 1A)
• 1 Armoured car regiment (Rooikat)
• 1 Mechanised infantry battalion group (Ratel, Rooikat, G5)
• 1 Mechanised infantry battalion (Ratel)
• 1 Parachute battalion
• 3 Motorised infantry battalions (Buffel and Casspir APCs)
• 9 Light infantry battalions (Mamba APCs, Samil 20 trucks)
• 1 Specialist infantry battalion (motorcycles, mounted infantry, dog handlers, trackers)
• 1 Anti-aircraft regiment (twin 35 mm)
• 1 Intelligence regiment
• 7 Engineer regiments of various types.
• 1 Construction regiment
• 2 Field workshops
• 1 Artillery regiment (G6, G5 and Bateleur)
• 2 Maintenance units (logistic support/transport)