Navigating the New Terrain of Military Operations The Geoscience Compass

Dr. Ivan Henrico is an Associate Professor in Military Geography and the current Acting Vice-Dean for Teaching, Learning and Research at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University. He served in the South African National Defence Force for more than a decade in the geospatial environment. He obtained his PhD in geoinformatics from the University of Pretoria in 2017. His expertise includes geoscience, geography, geopolitics, and geophysics. He served as the co-chair of the United Nations Open GIS Initiative Working Group 2 (Capacity Building) from 2023 to 2025, the previous chair of the research committee at the Faculty of Military Science, and serves on the faculty’s executive committee. Ivan has published numerous accredited papers and presented at various national and international conferences, and is a C-rated scientist with the National Research Foundation. Since 2021, he received various institutional awards for significant contributions in teaching excellence and research. Ivan also regularly presents GIS short courses to students, staff, and industry members (nationally and internationally).

Prof Evert Kleynhans is an associate professor in the Department of Military History at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, and a leading researcher in operational, naval, and intelligence history, as well as irregular warfare in Southern Africa. He recently completed his tenure as Editor-in-Chief of Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. Prof Kleynhans holds a Y2 rating from the National Research Foundation. He also delivers annual guest lectures in the Department of War Studies at the French Military Academy Saint-Cyr and holds an honorary research position at the Centre for War and Diplomacy at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. He is also a research fellow at Centre de Recherche de Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan at the French Military Academy Saint-Cyr Coëtquidan, and a senior researcher at the Africa Research Institute of Óbuda University in Hungary.. His academic career includes numerous articles, book chapters, and two monographs, showcasing his significant contributions to military history and related fields.

Ms Anri Delport is a lecturer in the Department of Military History at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, where she currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Scientia Militaria: South African Journal of Military Studies. Her research delves into military medical history, soldier and veteran narratives, and the role of airpower in warfare. As a dedicated scholar, Ms Delport actively contributes to teaching and research, with a keen focus on the intricate intersections of military history and society. Her publications reflect her commitment to advancing the field through critical inquiry and academic excellence.