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Hannah Brady - learning to lead
Learning TOlead
NZ Army officer cadet Hannah Brady with her father who is an ex-officer. Dio alumna Hannah Brady (2017) will soon begin her training as an officer in the NZ Army. She’s been offered a position (one of just two available) at The Royal Military College of Duntroon in Canberra, Australia.
After leaving Dio, Hannah began her first year of an arts degree at the University of Auckland then transferred to the University of Canterbury where she completed her Bachelor of Criminal Justice in 2021.
It was during her studies in Christchurch that she entered the Army Reserves (formerly the Territorials), which she says is like being in the army part-time.
“I was at university during the week, and I’d be a soldier during the weekend and get paid for it. It was a great part-time job to have as a student as it provided some balance to sitting behind a desk all week. It also gave me life skills and work experience that will be valuable in any organisation I choose to apply to.”
After graduating, Hannah began working full time for New Zealand Defence Force Recruiting. She was encouraged to join the Regular Force and go for Officer Selection.
Where Army Reserves is a part-time job, the Regular Force is a full-time role in the army. Officers are like the managers of the soldiers, explains Hannah. They manage and lead them both in a camp and field environment. Officer Selection is a week-long job interview where candidates are assessed in a range of different scenarios to determine whether they’re fit to undergo officer training.
“For Officer Selection, we were first assessed through a series of tests and interviews. Those who passed this screening then travelled to Trentham Military Camp in Wellington for five days and were assessed by a panel of senior officers. We were put through different tasks and activities all while being watched and assessed. The idea is that
they get to see you for who you are in all these different situations.”
While most of the officer cadet cohort complete their 18-month Commissioning Course at the Waiouru Training Facility, some are sent to Singapore, and Hannah has been offered one of two positions at The Royal Military College of Duntroon, Canberra. She’ll start her officer training there in January 2023.
When she graduates from officer training, Hannah will be a Second Lieutenant working in a management position in charge of at least 30 soldiers. There will be opportunities for further training throughout her career in a specialist field (combat, engineering, intelligence, communications or logistics) and varied appointments as she climbs the rank structure.
Officers carry out many important tasks, including leading troops on deployment, instructing them during training exercises, operating and maintaining army equipment, helping in search and rescue operations, including disaster relief efforts here and abroad, budgeting and managing resources, and conducting operational and strategic planning.
Army officers need to be disciplined, organised and confident, as well as physically fit, healthy and strong. The role requires problem-solving and decision-making and the ability to lead and manage people. Officers must be careful, accurate and efficient and work well under pressure. And, of course, they need to be able to communicate well.
Women currently comprise around 15% of the NZ Army and 19% of the Regular Force (which includes the Navy, Army and Air Force), but the NZDF has been working hard to attract more female recruits.
“While there are some trades (areas of specialisation) that are still male dominated, the Defence Forces overall is much more equal for both men and women than it used to be,” says Hannah. “Women aren’t disadvantaged or given less opportunity than men, and the importance of having women in the military has been recognised. There are specific programmes for female school students in Years 12 or 13 to experience the military and the different trades available. There are also programmes within the military to encourage equality and fair treatment, and support is always available for anyone who may need it.”
Hannah hopes to be one of the few female officers in a combat corps and she wants to help break down the stigma that the army is a job for men. There are also future opportunities for her for deployments and United Nations postings.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have been offered this opportunity and am excited to see where the role takes me.”
BECOMING AN OFFICER CADET IN THE NZ ARMY
Entry requirements for basic officer training:
• Be at least 17.5 years old • No criminal convictions • Minimum of NCEA Level 2 with 12 credits in English • Current, clean driver’s licence • Medically and physically fit • New Zealand citizen or New
Zealand residence visa holder. You must also: • pass aptitude and fitness tests • attend a formal interview for your selected trade • pass a selection board held over a week at Trentham Military Camp.
