SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Evaluate the impact of the evolution of war on current military affairs 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119923  Evaluate the impact of the evolution of war on current military affairs 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Military Professional Development 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for officers to function at the operational level by developing their skills in evaluating the impact of the evolution of war on current military issues and broaden their understanding of military single-service, joint and multi-national operations, the management of defence and the wider aspects of conflict.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Evaluate the nature of war to determine the parallels that can be drawn from the past for application in future operations.
  • Evaluate the impact of historical events on the evolution of warfare and the development of operational art.
  • Evaluate the impact of total war in the 20th century.
  • Evaluate the evolution of warfare during and after the cold war era.
  • Evaluate the application of operational art by military commanders in Southern African history.

    The achievement of this unit standard contributes to the professional development of learners within the military single-service, joint and multi-national operations environment and provides further mobility and transportability within the field of Law, Security and Military Science. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for a beneficial impact on national security, social and economic transformation and upliftment within the South African society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Knowledge of the context of DOD and military activities - L5.
  • Basic communication skills (report writing, presentation skills and English language proficiency) - L4.
  • Basic analysis and research skills - L5.
  • Security awareness - L5.
  • Basic time management and self-management - L4.
  • Social awareness - L4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The range covers the role and purpose of military operations at the operational level of war in the context of the national security in South Africa. The range includes the practice and the culture of military operations at the operational level of war, the regulatory framework of military operations at the operational level of war, the main activities of military operations at the operational level of war, and military operations' stakeholders in and outside of the Republic of South Africa.

    This unit standard is intended for learners who are being prepared as officers for senior appointment at the operational level.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate as learners need to be able to exercise judgement in complex planning, design and technical functions related to military operational planning at a operational level of war. Furthermore, responsibility must be accepted for determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Evaluate the nature of war to determine the parallels that can be drawn from the past for application in future operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to critically review the nature of war is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to evaluate the utility of military history is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to identify lessons learnt from the past is demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability to apply historical lessons to current military affairs is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Evaluate the impact of historical events on the evolution of warfare and the development of operational art. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Historical events, Influence of the classical military philosophers, Napoleonic warfare and the General Staff System. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Napoleonic warfare is critically reviewed to determine its contribution towards the establishment of operational art. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The theories and contribution of the classical military philosophers are compared to reflect how they contributed to the establishment of operational art. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The development of operational art is analysed to determine the impact of the Industrial Revolution on it. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The development of operational art is analysed in terms of the impact of the evolution of the General Staff System. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The development of operational art is analysed in terms of prominent Western and Eastern block countries during the 20th century. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The contribution of military events and influences is critically evaluated to reflect their impact on the evolution of warfare. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Military events include historical, technological and philosophical developments.
  • Impact includes but is not restricted to size and structure of military forces, philosophy and practice of warfare, size and scope of the theatre, structure of command and control in military operations.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Evaluate the impact of total war in the 20th century. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The impact of the trench stalemate during the First World War is critically analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare in the 20th Century. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The practical application of manoeuvre warfare during the Second World War is critically analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare in the 20th Century. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The development and impact of nuclear weapons are critically analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare in the 20th Century. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate the evolution of warfare during and after the Cold War era. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The transformation of Colonial warfare to Counter-Insurgency Warfare is critically analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare in the 20th Century. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The predominance of Limited Warfare in the Cold War era is critically analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare in the 20th Century. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The development of Manoeuvre Warfare in US military doctrine is analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare in the 20th Century. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The Revolution in Military Affairs in the contemporary era is analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The unique approach to war in Africa is analysed to demonstrate its influence on the evolution of warfare. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate the application of operational art by military commanders in Southern African history. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The application of operational art by opposing commanders in battles between indigenous groups is critically evaluated, highlighting the impact on the evolution of warfare in Southern Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application of operational art by opposing commanders in battles between colonial powers and indigenous armies is critically evaluated, highlighting the impact on the evolution of warfare in Southern Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application of operational art by opposing commanders in wars between the British colonial power and the Boer republics is critically evaluated, highlighting its impact on the evolution of warfare in South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The use of insurgency warfare in Southern Africa during the 20th Century is critically evaluated to explain the impact on the evolution of warfare in Southern Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application of operational art by the South African Defence Force commanders during the war in Angola is critically evaluated, highlighting the impact on the evolution of warfare in Southern Africa. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assuror (ETQA) that has jurisdiction over this field of learning.
  • The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a relevant qualification and/or be a subject matter expert in this learning area and at least have experience in the skills specific area.
  • The learner can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification. To this effect, the following must be complied with:
    > Internal moderation must be conducted.
    > External moderation must be conducted.
    > An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
    > Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
    > All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
    > Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
    > Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
    > Assessment of a portfolio of evidence must be done.
    > Direct observation in simulated and/or controlled work conditions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Names, functions and locations of:
    > Various military organisations and structures.
    > Functional structures within military organisations.
    > Military structures and constituencies.
  • Purpose of processes and procedures of:
    > The purpose of military operations.
    > The activities in the planning cycle.
  • Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:
    > National security concepts.
    > Military culture.
    > The philosophy of history.
  • Cause and effect, implications of:
    > Causality of events.
    > The research cycle.
    > The processes in providing operational planning.
  • Categories of things, processes, concepts:
    > Definitions of aspects of operational art.
    > Elements of warfare.
    > Levels of war.
  • Procedures and techniques:
    > Departmental procedures, methods and techniques.
    > Procedures of military practices.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:
    > Departmental policies, directives and doctrine.
  • Theory - rules, laws, principles:
    > Military terminology.
    > Theory of operational art.
    > Uses of operational level concepts and principles.
    > Military culture.
    > Unique characteristics of military operations and military leaders/leadership.
    > Political systems.
  • Relationships, systems:
    > Between the constitution, legislation and military operations.
    > Between the state and the military.
    > Between the elements of the military operational planning cycle.
    > Between services.
    > Between international actors. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Complying with regulatory framework.
  • Understanding and applying departmental policies and procedures.
  • Understanding the relationships.
  • Understanding the cycle. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Support and assistance processes.
  • Liaison with stakeholders.
  • The establishment of internal relationships. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Following processes, procedures and protocols. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Information on the main functions of military operations at the operational level of war. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Complying with the regulatory framework.
  • Applying the policies and procedures.
  • Providing descriptions, explaining, defining. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Sourcing information on the legislation and policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Understanding military operations at the operational level of war.
  • The relationships are explained.
  • The mandates are discussed.
  • The military framework is explained.
  • The relationship between elements of the military planning cycle is explained.
  • The relationship between stakeholders and military operations is explained. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary information:

    Notes to assessors:

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • At this level some errors are to be expected. Assessors must use professional judgement in evaluating competence.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the range as expressed under the title. Specific range statements under individual outcomes or assessment criteria are illustrations, from which learning programme developers can select. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance can be reproduced.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles: assessment should be appropriate, fair, manageable, integrated into work or learning, valid, and consistent. Evidence should be authentic, sufficient, and current.
  • Assessment of this standard can be carried out through continuous assessment throughout the course of study and specific performances assessed.
  • Embedded knowledge must be integrated with the specific outcomes of the unit standard and critical cross field outcomes.

    Definitions:
  • Operational level (of war): The level at which military and non-military sources of power are employed to accomplish military-strategic or theatre-strategic objectives through the planning, preparation, and execution of a single campaign; sometimes the same objective could be accomplished by conducting a major joint or Multi-national operation; this level of war is conducted in a given theatre of operations. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)
  • Operational art: A Component of military art principally concerned with theoretical and practical aspects of planning, preparing, conducting, and sustaining major operations and campaigns to accomplish operational and strategic objectives in a theatre. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)
  • Operational: Any theoretical or practical aspect of warfare or conflict at the operational level. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)
  • Major Operation: A series of related battles, engagements, strikes, attacks and other tactical actions sequenced and synchronised in terms of time and place, and aimed at accomplishing an operational (and sometimes strategic) objective; it could be conducted by a Single-Service, jointly or multi-nationally. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)
  • Campaign: A series of related major operations sequenced and synchronised in terms of time and place and aimed at accomplishing a military-strategic objective; it is usually conducted jointly or multi-nationally. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego) 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Fundamental  49783   National Diploma: Joint and Multi-National Operations  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.