Captain Andre Odendaal served in the South African Army during the Border War, beginning his national service with 31 Battalion before being selected for the elite 5 Reconnaissance Regiment (5 Recce), with notable experiences also including interactions with the Israeli Defence Force. André Odendaal began his military career in the South African Army with 31 Battalion, also known as the "Bushmen Battalion," which was a light infantry unit primarily composed of San (Bushmen) recruits.This unit operated under both the SADF and the South West African Territorial Force (SWATF), and Odendaal completed his national service there before applying for selection into the Special Forces. His early service involved standard infantry tasks and counter-insurgency operations along the South West Africa (Namibia) border.
Following his time in 31 Battalion, Odendaal underwent selection for the Special Forces, successfully joining 5 Reconnaissance Regiment (5 Recce) in 1987. . 5 Recce was an elite South African Special Forces unit tasked with deep reconnaissance, counter-insurgency, and special operations during the South African Border War. Odendaal participated in small team operations, which required proficiency in survival, reconnaissance, and unconventional warfare . He shared insights about these operations in interviews recorded for the Legacy Conversations series and other veteran projects.
Captain Odendaal also spoke about his collaboration and experiences with members of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), highlighting shared insights and operational experiences between South African forces and their Israeli counterparts. These discussions provide a unique perspective on cross-training, tactical approaches, and soldiering philosophies in elite units during the period of the Border War.