The Role of Training in Preparing for the Unexpected – A Correctional Officer’s Perspective

They don’t tell you how much you’ll change—not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually—when you sign up to become a correctional officer. You step into training thinking it’s about rules, uniforms, and routines. But what many don’t see is how those months shape you into someone who can stay calm in chaos, spot a threat before it escalates, and lead with both firmness and compassion.

In this blog, I want to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to prepare for the unexpected. I will share my personal experience going through the intensive basic training program at the Lisius Sumbwanyambe Mahoto Correctional Training College in Omaruru and how it changed not just my skills, but also my mindset. From physical endurance to mental resilience, from learning self-defense tactics to managing volatile situations, this training became the foundation for who I am today as a correctional officer.

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The Reality of Basic Training

When I made the decision to leave my previous job at Quartile Tracing and Collections, a company focused on debt collections, tracing, and logistics, I had no idea of what is ahead. My background was rooted in communication and linguistics, and my goal was career growth, financial stability, and job security. I joined the Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) determined to learn, adapt, and grow, even if I did not yet know what to expect.

Basic training lasted nine intense months. The experience was both physically and mentally demanding. Our instructors came from Namibia as well as neighboring countries like Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, each bringing unique strengths and techniques. The training covered a wide range of areas including:

• Physical fitness and endurance

• Psychological preparedness

• Law, criminology, and penology

• Firearm and security equipment handling

• Self-defense, including karate and tactical drills

• Academic components like finance, communications, and restorative justice

This wasn’t just about acquiring knowledge, it was about breaking us down to build us up stronger. We had strict regulations: no cell phones, no intimate relationships, no arguing, no picking meals, and lights out by 22:00. We had to respond to commands at any hour, and even walking freely on college grounds was off-limits. It was discipline in its purest form.

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Personal Growth Through Training

Before joining the service, I was someone who avoided confrontation at all costs. I was highly emotional and preferred to stay clear of chaotic environments. But training pushed me beyond that comfort zone. I learned how to remain composed while dealing with people who are often frustrated, aggressive, or emotionally vulnerable.

Today, I don’t hesitate to speak up when something is not right. I have found strength in my voice and confidence in my ability to maintain order while showing empathy. I can defend myself when necessary inside and outside the facility using tactics we were trained in alongside critical thinking.

Training also taught me the importance of mental stamina. Long hours, intense drills, and emotional tests of willpower gave me a level of endurance I did not know I had. I can now execute tasks promptly, stay focused under pressure, and support my team while navigating complex, high-stress situations.

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Let's Conversate

To my fellow officers—what weaknesses did your training help you overcome? What skills do you now carry with pride?

And to the public: What’s your perspective on basic training for correctional officers? Do you think military-style preparation is necessary for this line of work?

Let’s open up the dialogue and explore the often unseen, yet vital, role that training plays in ensuring correctional officers are ready for whatever lies behind the walls.