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| As with all eligible South African males, Dr Robertson was conscripted into the South African Defense Force (SADF) for National Service in 1972 and thereafter became liable for regular Citizen Force (CF) service |
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Deed of Commission
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| In response to his father's experience in World War 2 as a volunteer and then as a Prisoner of War, having been taken captive at Tobruk, Dr Robertson took the warning, "son, if you are going to get killed in war, make sure it is on the basis of your own orders" seriously. |
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Qualification as Regimenal Commander
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| Rapid Promotion |
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| He was commissioned in 1980 and rose to command of 6 Field Engineer Regiment of the South African Engineer Corps, in Seven Infantry Division by 1986 and achieved the rank of Commandant (Lieutenant Colonel) by 1987. A relatively uncommon rate of promotion. |
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| Experience in Administration and Personnel |
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| Prior to assuming command of the Regiment he served as Administrative Officer for a number of years and gained valuable experience in the administration of a large and potentially bureaucratic organization. |
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| This post also entailed the Personnel (Human Resources) Management of the Regiment and considerable experience was gained in dealing with the human resources issues of an organization of close to 600 conscripts, most of whose service was grudging at best. |
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| Commendation |
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| Near the completion of his term of duty as Administrative Officer, the then Officer Commanding the regiment was awarded Chief of the Armies Commendation in recognition of the standard of excellence of the administration of the Unit. |
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| Invaluable Corporate Insight |
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| This experience has proved invaluable in relating to the issues of human resource and administrative management of large corporate clients. It also testifies to Dr Robertson's ability to adapt to and excel in diverse areas of operational competence. |
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| Qualification as Regimental Commander |
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| During the four years that he served as Officer Commanding, Dr Robertson completed the necessary courses to qualify as a Regimental Commander. These courses, over a number of years culminated in the Regimental Commanders course which entailed intensive training in quick tactical and strategic appreciation (assessment of battle conditions) and formulation of quick attack orders under mobile warfare conditions. |
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| Background to Investigational Techniques |
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| These various courses provided substantial background to formulating the investigational techniques used by JAR&A in assessing initial project briefs and in evaluating client circumstances when conducting I.T. and Strategic Audits. The emphasis in these processes is on rapidly identifying the Critical Issues and then formulating an approach to respond to them. |
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| Strategic Rebranding and Repositioning |
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| At the time that he assumed command the morale of the unit was poor. In response to this Colonel Robertson established a new mascot and Regimental emblem and developed a program of morale building. Within the four years of his term the Regiment was acknowledged as one of the two best peace keeping units to serve in one of the most difficult deployments in the country and also set a new record for formal assault river crossing at night. |
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| Subsequently, with the change in Government looming the conventional forces were largely disbanded and Six Field was one of the few regiments that retained it's identity. Direct testimony to Col. Robertson's success in developing the unit as a leader in it's field. |
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| Tangible Competitive Advantage |
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| These years of part time service afforded Dr Robertson the opportunity to gain valuable first hand insight into the management and motivation of a relatively large organization and particularly in the development of a brand and development of brand awareness. |
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| Relate in Practical Terms to Corporate Issues |
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| This experience has served Dr Robertson extremely well in terms of being able to relate in practical terms to the management and leadership issues of large organizations. |
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| This first hand experience in administration and leadership provides a further useful context in the consulting work that Dr Robertson undertakes and has proved particularly useful in formulating his approach to strategy development. |
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| Another Factor Supporting Success |
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| As with many other areas of specialist professional experience, Dr Robertson's military experience is another factor which significantly increases the probability of a highly successful outcome to any project which he undertakes, provided the client is willing to go with what at times may seem to be unconventional approaches. |
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| Supports Competitive Advantage in Solutions |
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| These factors serve to greatly increase the profitability and competitive advantage which result from following Dr Robertson's project advice. |
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