ISSUE 514 JULY 2020
CHANGE OF COMMAND FOR 1 (NZ) BRIGADE GETTING TO KNOW THE ANTI-MATERIEL WEAPON CHANGES AHEAD FOR ARMY RESERVE
TŪ KAHA COURAGE
TŪ TIKA COMMITMENT
TŪ TIRA COMRADESHIP
TŪ MĀIA INTEGRITY
SMA.NET ISSUE 514 JULY 2020
NEWS Army reserve changes
02
Bushmasters on the horizon
05
PEOPLE Remembering PTE Manning
03
Brendon Fraher retires
04
1(NZ) Bde Change of Command
07
Tyre flips raise funds
08
Remembering Korea
10
MISSIONS Sinai
09
TRAINING New soldiers march out
13
Fast roping in the 189
16
CAPABILITY The anti-materiel weapon
20
SPORT Linton Rugby
27
PEOPLE: Inspire, empower and influence A recent Recruit Regular Force march out had me reflecting about the role of soldiering and the privilege we have in developing Army’s profession of arms – this starts with people. The air was crisp as ever and snow cased the grounds and barracks. Sounds of boots stomping and CSM Bray’s rehearsal voice echoed across Waiouru camp. These are the sights, smells and sounds many of us remember, and it’s part of the reason we return to support them through this ritual rite of passage. Talking with the soldiers of RRF 397 was reminiscent of my own journey, wearing that first uniform and beret, and becoming a member of distinct Army units or regiments. The recruits spoke highly of their Platoon leaders and revered the NCO’s who spent 18 weeks mentoring through thick and thin. While they performed only their assigned responsibility as leaders and instructors, they made lasting impressions on the recruits. Importantly – they
influenced our new people and their proud families. Rank responsibility. As our rank or experience levels elevate the busy nature of military work can consume the days, diminishing the shine and passion shown by newcomers. We shouldn’t lose sight of the values imparted to recruits nor the unique ethos we share as a Land Force. As the Way of the Warrior booklet reminds us, rank and authority carries privilege but it also demands a heavy responsibility of each of us. My check-in this month is to ensure we are doing our bit to uphold values; to demonstrate what right looks like; and to be role models for young and impressionable soldiers who will take our place. While greener subordinates must embody the characteristics of a modern Kiwi soldier or officer, those with rank must imbue followers with the will and skill to thrive in our chosen occupation, and that requires inspiration. “Inspire or retire.” While a quote rather than a challenge offered by USAF Command Master Sgt T. Narofsky (Rt), it carries true sentiment to other professional forces and our own. One common challenge I hear from engaged
Colonel (Rtd) Paul Curry is the new Colonel Commandant of the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers. He replaces COL (Rtd) Steve Ransley who has held the role for six years. The handover took place during a ceremony at Linton Camp where COL Ransley’s service was recognised. COL Curry has served in West Germany (with the British Army) Vanuatu, Cambodia, Angola, Mozambique, Bougainville, East Timor, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Cook Islands, Samoa and Malaysia. He is a graduate of OCS Portsea (Australia) and the Australian Army Command and Staff College.
Cover: Soldiers practise fast-roping from an RNZAF NH90. Photo: CPL Sean Spivey
NZArmy
NZDefenceForce
The Army News is published for the Regular and Territorial Force and civilian staff of the New Zealand Army. Editor: Judith Martin Ph: 021 240 8578 E: armynews@nzdf.mil.nz www.army.mil.nz Printing: Bluestar, Petone. Design: Vanessa Edridge, DPA, NZDF Editorial contributions and letters are welcomed. They may be sent directly to Army News and do not need to be forwarded through normal command channels. Submit them to The Editor, Army News, DPA, HQ NZDF, Private Bag 39997, Wellington, or by email. Deadline instructions: Army News is published on the third Tuesday of each month, except January. Please have all contributions to the editor by the first of the month. Nothing in the Army News should be taken as overriding any New Zealand Defence Force regulation. Readers should refer to the relevant service publication before acting on any information given in this newspaper. ISSN 1170-4411 All material is copyright, and permission to reproduce must be sought from the editor.
Dog handlers and their dogs from 2ER during the handover.
people is a lack of inspiration and encouragement by some seniors – in simple terms ‘blockers’ to new thinking and innovation. We have a great vision and a world-renowned leadership system but it requires adherence, time and individual effort to ensure it sticks. Behind clear purpose, empowerment and example by leaders create the adaptability we need in our force and I strongly encourage you to use it to effect. Despite all we know and how well it’s performed, our people are looking for authentic cultural-leaders who inspire them. Be real, explain context, and shift mind-sets from impossible – to possible. They’ll transform and thank you for it one day. WO1 Wiremu Moffitt 16th Sergeant Major of the Army
5 Liner: SMA’s Reading List Here are just a few books in my collection about to be read quietly or consumed in an audiobook session. Get after it. 1. Call-sign Chaos – Learning to Lead, by General (Rt) Jim Mattis & Bing West 2. Atomic Habits – Tiny Changes… by James Clear 3. FX – Leadership Unleashed, by Thomas S. Narofsky 4. The Art of Command, by Harry S. Laver, Jeffrey J. Mathews 5. Disrupt Yourself, by Whitney Johnson
Colonel Paul Curry
ARMYNEWS 03
A MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT CHIEF OF ARMY
(RESERVES)
CHANGES AHEAD FOR ARMY RESERVE Solid analysis on changes to the Army Reserve, and a strong future focus on NZ Army outputs will see positive changes on the horizon for the NZ Army Reserve Force. This means Reserve Force growth, stronger integration, and focused training are on their way to ensure the Army Reserve is best prepared to support their Regular Force counterparts and the needs of New Zealand. The role of the Army Reserves in the other ABCANZ armies has been clearly laid out for some time but in New Zealand, clarity around the Army Reserve role as part of NZ Army capability has taken longer to define. The ongoing Force Design process – optimising the garrison structure of the NZ Army to maximise the ability to sustain current and future operational deployments up to and including Multi Role Battalion Group – has indicated that Reserve personnel will be required for sustainment, sometimes earlier in the deployment cycle than had been anticipated. It is also clear that the Reserves should be engaged in a wider range of tasks than has been the case in recent years. The Reserve Contribution to Outputs paper was presented at the Army Leadership Board in June. The paper discussed areas of risk and gaps that appeared from the modelling, how those gaps might be filled and the arrangements that are needed to better allow Reservists to participate in and contribute to wider Army activities, including operational deployments. We have identified where the Army Reserve could fill these gaps and how it should be configured to do that, and we are working with the Force Design project to fully define the Reserve outputs. The Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell, made his concerns clear early in his appointment when he reiterated that he was not prepared to see the Reserve ‘wither on the vine’ in his tenure. This was followed up by his direction to move the three Reserve infantry battalions from under command TRADOC to 1(NZ) Brigade command arrangements in 2019.
The plan presented to the Leadership Board includes growth of the Ready Reserve to 1,500 by 2025, with that growth prioritised for infantry, engineers and logisticians and an expanded set of tasks for the infantry. The plan also includes training on the various support weapons, reconnaissance and surveillance, and the ability to generate a force element up to company level for operations. There is significant work to prepare for and execute what will be the most significant change in the role of the Army Reserve for some decades. The planning for this will focus on the integration of the Regular and Reserve Force, how growth of the Ready Reserve will occur, how training will expand and, in certain instances, be done differently, and the other enabling activities that will be required to ensure success. Five Corps have been analysed in this planning phase: RNZA, RNZAC, RNZIR, RNZE and RNZALR. This change is timely, and reflects the needs of the NZ Army as part the Army 25 plan. This is not a cold start – the Army Reserve has been more prominent in recent years both in providing individuals to deploy on overseas operations, and in significant input to the NZDF’s contribution to operations within New Zealand – including the Christchurch earthquakes, the Op Rena oil spill in the Bay of Plenty, regional flooding and fires, and most recently the NZDF input into Covid-19. This next step-change recognises the military professionalism and expertise of the Regular Force, which can be bolstered with the range of skills, commitment and enthusiasm within the Army Reserve – strengthening our ability to connect with wider New Zealand and sustain operations. Assistant Chief of Army (Reserves) Colonel Bede Fahey
Remembering Private Manning Three Memorial services are to be held in Timor Leste to commemorate 20 years since Private Len Manning was killed in action on Foho Debalulik in a militia ambush on 24 July 2000. Two services will be held in Cova Lima on 24 July 2020, one on Foho Debalulik at 1030 in the location, marked by a cross, where Len Manning was killed, and one at the Tilomar F-FDTL Base at 2pm next to the cross erected by B Coy, NZBATT2 in 2000. Additionally there will be a Memorial Service in the New Zealand Embassy at 5.30pm on 25 July 2020. Lieutenant Colonel Martin Dransfield who was PTE Manning’s Commanding Officer at the time of his death will speak and read a short message from his parents, Charlie and Linda, followed by the New Zealand Ambassador, Phil Hewitt, who will also read a message from Minister Ron Mark. LTCOL Dransfield is the Strategic Advisor to Falintil-Forças de Defesa de Timor-Leste. The service in Dili will be next to the Kiwi Stone laid by the last NZ Contingent of the International Stabilisation Forces in 2012, and the memorial plaque which was unveiled by Minister Ron Mark as part of the Interfet memorial activities last year.
At the service on 25 July the Ambassador will also acknowledge the sacrifice of the seven Kiwis who died during Timor Leste’s struggle for Independence and whose names are on the memorial plaque: Gary Cunningham 16 October 1975 at Balibo Kamal Bamadhaj 12 November 1991 Santa Cruz massacre, Dili WO2 Tony Walser 30 November 1999 SSGT Billy White 25 April 2000 PTE Len Manning 24 July 2000
Grants Fund was used to purchase equipment for the Technical Training Centre in Salele. As part of the students’ training in carpentry, electricity, plumbing, plastering, and welding they will do on the job work in the two Len Manning Training Centres in Lalawa and Belulik Leten. Other activities include, through Australian Veterans and Timor Awakening, the donation of much needed beds and equipment to the Suai Hospital, the building and opening of the new Cova Lima Radio Station. The Len Manning Foundation will make donations to the Uma-Mahon (Safe Home), in Salele which supports women and children, and an orphanage.
PTE Boyd Atkins 14 Mar 2001 PTE Dean Johnston 28 July 2002 To mark the 20th anniversary of PTE Manning’s death, two of the job training centres in Lalawa and Belulik Leten, where Len and many other Kiwi Soldiers were based from 1999 till 2002, will be opened. The Len Manning Trust has sponsored students for many years to attend technical colleges focussing on vocational training. Last year the Ambassador Small
Above, L–R: WO2 Aaron French, NZ BATT interpreter Francisco Arthouse, locals and F-FDTL members at a memorial cross for PTE Manning on Foho Debalulik; Private Len Manning. Below, L–R: The memorial plaque; The Tilomar Base Memorial Cross. LTCOL Dransfield is centre.
04 ARMYPEOPLE
Nearly five decades of service – Colonel (Rtd) Brendon Fraher.
SERVING NEW ZEALAND FOR HALF A CENTURY By Charlene Williamson
An Army officer with nearly 50 years service, Colonel (Rtd) Brendon Fraher has called it a day.
His career has taken him to all corners of the world, including Afghanistan, the former Rhodesia and the United States, but it’s his regimental appointments and commanding New Zealand soldiers that remain dearest to his heart. COL Fraher enlisted into the New Zealand Army in January 1971. He undertook officer training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon in Australia and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Military Studies graduating to the rank of Lieutenant in December 1974 having been awarded the Sword of Honour. He has held a wide variety of roles during his 50 years in the New Zealand Army and NZDF and has had two operational deployments – Rhodesia in 1979 and Afghanistan in 2007. His regimental pedigree includes commanding a rifle platoon, adjutant, being a rifle company commander and the Commanding Officer of 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNIZR). He also spent time as an instructor at the Officer Cadet School in Waiouru. His extensive list of staff appointments have all been in Wellington and include being the Military Secretary and Assistant Chief of Army Operations, Plans and Development and Training. He has also twice held the appointment of Deputy Chief of Army.
Within Headquarters NZDF he has been the Defence Inspector General, Project Manager for the initial Business Case and Cabinet Approval of Project Takatini, the consolidation of the Air Force at Ohakea, and Project Director for the building of the new interdepartmental Freyberg building in Aitken Street. He was a member of the Defence Transformation Programme team and of the steering group to establish Headquarters Joint Force New Zealand at Trentham. He is also a graduate of the British Staff College, Camberley and the Australian Joint Services Staff College in Canberra. He was the Military Advisor in New Zealand’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Headquarters in New York. COL Fraher was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2009 for his service in Afghanistan. He retired from the Army in 2009 and was appointed as Head of Corporate Support (Army) as a civilian. His most recent position was Head of Resource Optimisation (Army). COL Fraher said the highlight of his military career has been the privilege of commanding New Zealand soldiers and that he will most definitely miss the people he has worked with. His most rewarding appointment was as a Platoon Commander in
1st Battalion, RNZIR in Singapore. “Being in command of a rifle platoon was a great experience and one of the best military appointments I ever had. As a young platoon commander I learnt a great deal about soldiers and soldiering that prepared me well for my future in the Army, both in New Zealand and overseas. “I really enjoyed my time in South East Asia and the quality and experience of the non-commissioned officers who were with me. As well as this company commanders Robert Upton, MBE and Grant Steel, DFC, both guided my development as a junior officer. “I have spent all my working life in the Army and have had lots of different appointments; however the highlights have always been regimental appointments,” said COL Fraher. He also enjoyed being the NZDF representative in support of the filming of The Lord of the Rings and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. There have been many changes in the last 50 years and COL Fraher said the increasing level of technology is something that has changed the way the Army operates today. “The key changes have been the introduction of technology, the complexity of the equipment on issue and the quality of the clothing now provided,” he said.
Chief of Army Major General John Boswell said it has been an absolute honour to have served with COL Fraher over many years. “My first encounter was when he was my Commanding Officer at 2/1 RNZIR in the late eighties. “Latterly Brendon has completed a number of key headquarters appointments in Wellington, the most recent overseeing the maintenance and development of the Army estate – an area of critical importance to the future of our Army,” he said. Late last year COL Fraher agreed to take up the position of Honorary Colonel 2/1 RNZIR. “‘It’s great that Brendon will retain a link with Army by recently agreeing to his appointment as the Honorary Colonel of 2/1 RNZIR,” said MAJGEN Boswell. COL Fraher said he would like to thank those people who had looked after him during his career and that he was looking forward to spending time with family and friends at his home in Wanaka.
ARMYCAPABILITY 05
NEXT STEPS ANNOUNCED FOR ARMY PROTECTED MOBILITY The NZ Army will soon take delivery of a fleet of 43 Bushmaster NZ5.5 vehicles along with training, a desk top simulator, and operational equipment. The Government has approved funding of $102.9 million for the project. Getting people safely where they need to be, when they need to be there, is vital to mission success. Chief of Army’s Army25 Strategy is designed around the Army being a modern, agile, highly adaptive light combat force, and the Bushmasters will be part of that force. In 2019, Government launched its Defence Capability Plan – part of which signalled a re-equipping of the current NZ Army Pinzgauer fleet with modern, armoured vehicles better suited for an Army where agility is key. Delivered through the Protected Mobility Capability Project – an integrated project team with staff from the Ministry of Defence and NZ Defence Force – and announced recently by the Minister of Defence, the Australian-built Bushmaster will provide a multipurpose, highly mobile vehicle that provides a high level of protection across multiple environments. “The versatility of this vehicle will increase the Defence Force’s ability to help our communities during a time of need such as a natural disaster, and contribute to supporting vital peacekeeping operations with our global partners,” said Defence Minister, Ron Mark.
Along with wide use in Australia and other Five Eyes nations, the Bushmaster is already in service with New Zealand’s Special Operations Forces. The vehicle’s high levels of blast and ballistic protection makes it suitable for deployment as a troop transport, operating as a command and communication hub, and as a means of evacuating casualties. The vehicles will be based at Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles (QAMR), in Linton Military camp. Work is underway through the Defence Logistics Command Consolidated Logistics Project to relocate and upgrade the stormwater network in preparation for the construction of new purpose-built maintenance and repair facilities for 2 Workshop Company, which will be capable of supporting the Army’s current and future vehicle fleets, including the new Bushmaster fleet. This is the second fleet of protected mobility vehicles approved for purchase by the Government. It follows delivery this year of the Polaris MRZR fleet of side by side all-terrain vehicles that were announced last year to replace the quad bikes and other small vehicles used by the New Zealand Army. Deliveries are expected to commence in late 2022 with the full fleet beginning operational introduction and the fleet workshops being completed from late 2023.
An impression of the new workshop which will support Army vehicles.
Tech Specs Weight
17 tonne
Payload
5 tonne
Seating capacity Up to 10 personnel depending on variant Engine Caterpillar C3126e in-line 6-cylinder 7.2 litre turbocharged diesel engine Transmission ZF Automatic 6HP502 ECOMAT G2 Wheels fitted with run flats which enable the vehicle to continue moving after loss of air pressure. Fitted with a Central Tyre Inflation System to improve cross country mobility. Vehicle design and construction material provide protection against attacks from ballistic and blast weapons. Capable of carrying a machine gun and military communications systems. Some vehicles will be fitted with self-recovery winches, while others will have an auxiliary power unit to provide electrical power when the engine is not operating.
06 ARMYPEOPLE
CHAPEL GETS ITS VOICE BACK
One hundred and twenty three years ago, an ornately carved reed organ was shipped from Canada to take up residence in the small country St Martin’s chapel of Makotuku in Southern Hawke’s Bay. As time passed and the township gradually reduced in size to just a few houses, the organ and church parted ways. The church was gifted by the Parish to the Royal New Zealand Engineers Memorial at Linton Military Camp and was re-built by 2 Field Squadron and opened by Lieutenant Colonel Lindell in July 1974. The organ found a new home at the Dannevirke Museum. Fast-forward almost three decades to when Rob and Gail Leach wandered into a second hand furniture dealers in Dannevirke in 2002 and stumbled across the organ. They had been searching for something like it for many years, so they bought it and then set about extensively restoring it and painstakingly researching its extensive heritage.
On Friday July 3rd the organ was officially rededicated back into St Martin’s Chapel at Linton after being donated to its spiritual home by Mr Leach. “I am delighted to pass custodianship to you as I know that it will be looked after in perpetuity and respected for what it is,” said Mr Leach. “Not only has the organ found a worthwhile custodian for the future but it also is reunited with its original home.” At the same time the organ was rededicated, the WW1 Roles of Honour that have been hanging in Linton Community School were transferred to the Chapel and additional names of engineers who have died while serving have been recorded on a new brass plaque. Renowned New Zealand organist and composer Mr Roy Tankersley played the organ during the rededication and its rich sounds welcomingly filled the chapel after so many years.
Left: Mr Rob Leach with the restored organ in its new home.
Are you looking for a new challenge? As part of 1 NZSAS Regt, Support Enablers are the personnel tasked with supporting capability through specialist logistical, medical, signals and intelligence input throughout the full spectrum of operations. As logisticians, medics, signalers and intelligence analysts our goals are to enhance, enable and empower 1 NZSAS Regt by increasing capability depth through specialist knowledge in all combat support areas ranging from the front lines through to sustaining operations. Our selection is made up of a two week package called Support Enabler Special Operations Training (SESOT) and is designed to test and integrate all enablers into the Special Operations family. It is mentally and physically rewarding and the friends you make are for life.
1NZSAS Regt Support Enablers To express interest in becoming a 1 NZSAS Regt Support Enabler, please: • submit an AFNZ49 with the posting preference to Support Squadron, 1 NZSAS Regt through your CoC to DACM. • Ensure that you are physically fit and deployable as well as a trusted team player. Any questions you may have on SESOT, what a support enabler does or what it is like living in Auckland can be sent to SASRec@nzdf.mil.nz and someone will get back to you.
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CHANGE OF COMMAND FOR 1(NZ) BRIGADE By Judith Martin
People are the centre of 1st (New Zealand) Brigade so training and well-being will be at the core of how it achieves its outputs, says the newly appointed Brigade Commander Colonel Stef Michie. “The Brigade is on a really good path so I want to add my energy to that rather than try and make big changes. Right now, the Brigade has a large role to play in operations as part of the All-of-Government Covid response; we have to get that right and help assure the people of New Zealand the risk is being managed effectively,” he says “Beyond that immediate priority, we have Army25 which sets out what we are to achieve.” COL Michie, who takes over from (now) Brigadier Matt Weston, says he wants to help make training as interesting and stimulating as possible as forces are generated ready for operations. “There are a lot of peoplerelated initiatives such as the WIRES programme that I’m keen to see reach their full potential. The Brigade must also do its part in growing the Army and preparing for the future, so that means supporting individual training through TRADOC as well as getting ready for new capabilities, both in the immediate future and further downstream such as NEA or the recently announced PM-V acquisition.” COL Michie has served in the Sinai, Timor Leste, Afghanistan and Iraq, and has held a variety of training and command posts in New Zealand and Australia. Before taking up his current role he was Chief of Defence Strategy Management. What is he looking forward to as Commander 1 Brigade? “Primarily it’s the chance to work with so many motivated Kiwis serving their country – 1 Brigade has people and purpose; those are the things that drew me to the Army in the first place.”
Today’s young soldiers face many challenges, he says. “Any young person in New Zealand society today has to deal with a myriad of complex social issues and soldiers are not immune from them. Additionally, the Government has high expectations of Defence, especially here in NZ and around the Pacific so that has helped pump up the tempo, together with things like vastly more complex technology, a much more rigorous approach to training standards and Health and Safety requirements. “Along with rising expectations, soldiers today will also find themselves under greater scrutiny in almost everything they do. Ubiquitous mobile devices and social media means that almost anything can become public knowledge within minutes, both on operations and domestically. That makes for a higher-pressure environment than previous generations grew up in.” With respect to the Brigade’s training focus, COL Michie notes that “first and foremost, the Army is required to generate land forces ready to undertake combat operations. Until that changes, preparation for combat will always be the core purpose of our training. While we can be highly adaptable, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and similar operations are something we can do because of our training and readiness, not the primary reason for them.” COL Michie was awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday Honours for his role in the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquake in February 2011. COL Michie and his wife Lieutenant Colonel Roz Michie have two daughters, Molly and Grace. “My own whanau give me amazing support. As many people know, being part of a Service couple brings its own special challenges and there is no way I could do this job without the support of my wife Roz who is already a very busy officer herself, while also being the primary caregiver to our girls. She is just awesome.”
The Chief of Army, Major General John Boswell welcomes Colonel Michie.
Colonel Michie (left) with his predecessor Brigadier Matt Weston. BRIG Weston is now Deputy Chief of Army.
08 ARMYPEOPLE
RAISING FUNDS, FLIPPING TYRES Lance Corporal Ash CarmichaelMcBride has achieved the incredible feat of flipping an 80kg truck tyre 2,517 times in order to raise money for veterans’ charities.
Above: LCPL Carmichael-McBride hard at work. Right: Receiving a certificate from an Australian commander recognising her efforts.
“The idea was sparked by wanting to do something both physically and mentally challenging to raise money and awareness for something I am passionate about. I have friends who have suffered through mental health issues and it’s important that the stigma is removed.” LCPL Carmichael-McBride has been seconded to Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) in Australia for the last nine months, providing support to NZDF and ADF operations in Iraq in her role as an intelligence operator. Her tyre flipping challenge marked the end of her time at HQJOC, and she set herself a target of raising a total of $2,000 across two charities; No Duff New Zealand and Young Veterans Australia, both of which support the mental wellbeing of veterans. She was expecting to complete 2,000 tyre flips, but by the start of the event $2,517 had been raised and she committed to doing the full number of flips, despite this number seeming overwhelming at times. “I started off okay, but I hit a mental wall around the 800 mark, and for the last 500 I couldn’t feel my hands. I got through it by trying to switch off from the pain and by reminding myself of the mental and physical pain that other people have been through. The support I received also kept me going.”
LCPL Carmichael-McBride took three and a half hours to complete the challenge, during which time she displayed grit and tenacity, drawing on impressive reserves of mental strength to keep going, despite growing exhaustion. She was supported by a number of her colleagues who took turns to flip tyres alongside her and keep her motivated. Further cash donations were made during the afternoon, bringing the total raised to $2,917, well above the original target. The tyre flip challenge was briefly interrupted so that LCPL Carmichael-McBride could be awarded a commendation by the ADF for her outstanding contribution to her job in her time at HQJOC. She has been an active participant in HQJOC activities and her citation noted that her performance exceeded her rank. Although it was an unexpected addition to the event, it was well in keeping with her efforts in achieving such a mammoth task, and she returns to New Zealand having done both herself and the NZDF proud, as well as raising valuable funds and awareness for an important cause.
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SPR Ngakita Beazley-Ruwhiu works on a camp switchboard.
NZDF SPARKIES REVAMP SINAI FACILITIES Five NZDF electricians are making sure everything is ship shape in the Sinai buildings where their colleagues live and work. The surge team which has deployed for three months to the Multinational Force and Observers mission consists of electricians SGT James Caird, 3 WKSP Coy (also electrical inspector qualified), CPO Chevy Rangitakatu, RNZN, CPL Ryan Douglas, 2 WKSP Coy, SPR Matt Thoms, 25ESS and SPR Ngakita Beazley-Ruwhiu, 25ESS. In November 2019 SGT Caird along with another inspector deployed to South Camp, Sinai for a month to audit the camp’s electrical situation. They submitted a report to MFO Headquarters in Rome outlining the faults and potential hazards that were prevalent in some of the buildings around the camp. The MFO asked the NZDF to repair the electrical faults on critical infrastructure and fix identified hazards. CPL Douglas said getting to the Sinai during the Covid pandemic was no easy feat. “We finally deployed from New Zealand and isolated ourselves for two weeks prior to arriving in South Camp. We had a three day hand over and then the reigns were ours.
“The first few days were spent finding our feet and getting our bearings, as well as meeting key engineer personnel who we are working with. We concentrated on what needed to be done in the camp gym first. Covid restrictions meant the gym was closed and was a perfect time for us to isolate the power and rectify the faults. Faults such as switchboards that could not isolate power supplies, broken wall sockets and exposed cables were some of the hazards rectified on that job.” The team has also been able to get some of the more complex tasks underway. Switchboards in some of the accommodation blocks have now been completely removed and replaced with new boards that have additional protection. They were initially found to have no RCD protection (an RCD is a device that quickly switches off the electrical circuit due to an imbalance that is detected because of a fault that has occurred. This will prevent any serious harm or death by electric shock or prevent serious damage to equipment). In the coming weeks the dining facility will be upgraded, and the mechanic workshop facilities will be upgraded and partially rewired. “This deployment so far has definitely been like no other due to the current pandemic,” said CPL Douglas. “Remaining flexible and adaptive have become key and will remain so throughout our time here. The variety of work and the environment is a great experience for all five of us which has seen us use our trade skills effectively.”
The team.
“The variety of work and the environment is a great experience for all five of us which has seen us use our trade skills effectively.” – Corporal Ryan Douglas
10 ARMYPEOPLE
REMEMBERING THE KOREAN WAR 70 years on The 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War was commemorated in Wellington earlier this month.
Ten Korean War veterans were joined by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, South Korean Ambassador Sang-jin Lee, Minister for Veterans Ron Mark, Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short, Chief of Army Major General John Boswell and other members of the NZDF, and Head of Veterans Affairs Bernadine Mackenzie at the commemoration at Pukeahu National War Memorial. Wreaths, were laid, speeches given, and memories shared. While the armed conflict lasted from 1950–53 and was ended with an armistice but no peace treaty, from 1950 to 1957 more than 6,000 New Zealanders served in Korea on land and sea as part of Kayforce.
Above, L–R: Young soldiers during the war; Old soldiers meet again.
During that time 45 New Zealanders died and 81 were wounded. Thirtythree of those who died are buried in the United Nations Cemetery in Busan, South Korea, while Able Seaman Robert Marchioni’s body has never been recovered from what is now North Korea. About 500 New Zealand Korean War Veterans are alive today.
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Des Vinten lays a wreath in memory of his fallen comrades.
By Judith Martin
Des Vinten has razor-sharp memories of a war fought in the backblocks of Korea 70 years ago. The Wainuiomata man who is in his late 80s was just a teenager when he deployed as a dispatch rider from 1951–53. “I had trained as a signaller in New Zealand and to start with I was in Seoul. There was plenty of action going on, and it was still pretty hectic for the people in the front line.” After three months he was posted to the divisional headquarters just south of Inch’on River. He drove a jeep on what were mainly dirt tracks to deliver his dispatches.
The New Zealand Army’s 16 Field Regiment has a special relationship with Korea. New Zealand servicemen of 16 Field Regiment arrived in Korea on 31 December 1950, along with 10 Transport Company, a Divisional Signals detachment, joining the two Navy frigates that had arrived into theatre on 1 August 1950. As part of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade they were eventually deployed north of Seoul in the area of the Kapyong Valley in early April 1951. With Anzac Day approaching it was planned to acknowledge the day with the Australian 3 RAR Battalion and Turkish soldiers also in theatre. On 22 April however, a massive communist offensive of some 30,000 troops put paid to this plan and the Battle of Kapyong began.
While the war held all the tension and heartache expected, there were lighter moments. “I spent an Anzac Day in the Aussie battalion’s lines – that was a lot of fun. And I ended up in military jail for a bit. The actual charge was “firing on the enemy without the Queen’s permission”. It was a bit foolish, and there might have been some beer involved.” Mr Vinten went on to have a lengthy career as a signaller in the New Zealand Army, retiring as a Warrant Officer Class One in 1976.
New Zealand was one of the first nations to respond to the United Nations Security Council’s call for assistance in Korea, and New Zealand was the second largest troop contributor per capita. Mr Vinten has served as National President of the New Zealand Korean Veterans’ Association, and says he has always been very proud of the Kiwis’ contribution.
Kapyong Valley had long been used as an approach route to Seoul and should the communists break through, the entire front would shatter. Elements of 6 Republic of Korea (ROK) Division, 3 RAR Bn, 2 Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Battalion (PPCLI) and The Middlesex Battalion supported by 16 Fd Regt were ordered to hold the line at all costs. From 22–25 April massed waves of communist soldiers were repulsed using a combination of infantry holding ground and artillery fire support. At times gun fire was directed onto friendly infantry positions as it was the only way to break up attacks, and by 26 April the communist forces had withdrawn. The battle was intense; 16 Fd Regt fired some 10,000 rounds in its duration. For its role in halting the attack the Korean Presidential Citation was awarded to the Regiment. • What do Korean veterans, Otaki School and 16 Field Regiment have in common? Read about it in the August edition of Army News.
Kiwi servicemen during the war (Historic photographs courtesy of New Zealand Army Museum).
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Soldiers from 5 Movements Company helped train and assist members of 161 BTY over two days during Exercise Steel Talon, rigging the 105mm gun so it could be flown by No. 3 Sqn from one location to another.
EXERCISE STEEL TALON
The first day of the exercise consisted of theory, learning about the different equipment used and the reason behind in-flight stability before becoming hands-on and conducting training in rigging. Once 161 BTY and 5 Movements Company personnel arrived at the Landing Zone, 5 Mov Pers were put into a safety staff role overseeing 161 BTY members as they rigged the two guns. When the rigging was complete the movers conducted a final check before No. 3 Sqn began the lift and the movers conducted the hook-on procedure.
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THE ARMY’S NEWEST SOLDIERS MARCH OUT After receiving most of their training during a pandemic, nearly 170 new soldiers have marched out in Waiouru.
Photo: Corporal Naomi James
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Land Component Commander Brigadier Jim Bliss inspects the guard.
Recruit Regular Force 396 and 397 has been distinctly different from any that have come before. The unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic has brought about challenges for both recruits and training staff, testing the mental resilience of all involved. Recruits have been required to undergo training under challenging circumstances, and according to Lieutenant Colonel Dean Gerling, Commanding Officer of The Army Depot, they have responded to a high standard. The training programme itself was adjusted to allow for the challenges set by the Covid-19 pandemic. Recruits were required to maintain physical distancing from other platoons and external personnel, sticking to their ‘platoon bubble’, while external agencies who were usually part of the training programme were rescheduled to later in the course when movement restrictions were lifted. Any inter-company competition that required close contact was also cut. Recruits from RRF 397 were struck a blow when informed that family day would not be going ahead, and again when both courses had their mid-course leave cancelled. There was also the looming threat that recruit graduation would be virtual, with
family members not allowed to attend. Although the courses were extended by two weeks, this did little to dull the enthusiasm, with recruits displaying their new found resilience and continuing to perform well. Training went ahead with the recruits participating in urban and field exercises. The urban exercises were held in Waiouru Camp, with recruits keeping the streets of Waiouru Military Camp safe through patrolling, setting up a vehicle check point for any suspicious personnel, and clearing buildings of possible weapon caches. The two field exercises were both held in the training area, and involved the usual assortment of living in a tactical environment, digging holes, and assaulting the enemy. The climax for both courses was Exercise Warrior, which was conducted in trying conditions that tested recruits on all aspects of their training in a competitive environment. Despite inclement weather threatening both graduations, both courses conducted full parades in front of large crowds of family and friends. Most of the new soldiers will get a short break at home before starting the next phase of their journey at their Corps training establishments and units.
Prize winners RRF 396 Top Recruit TPR Aaron Chemaly SMA Award PTE Te Arepa Whareaitu Top Warrior PTE Thomas Carratu Top Shot PTE Caleb Hoyle Top Instructor CPL Nathan Thompson
Prize winners RRF 397 Top Recruit PTE James Dowling Top Warrior PTE Owen Clifford Top Shot PTE Brayden Elmaz SMA Award SIG Garth Clement Top Instructor CPL Daniel Shelton
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FAST-ROPING IN THE 189
ARMYTRAINING 17
By Charlene Williamson
In late June, Delta Company, 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment from Burnham Military Camp, conducted airmobile training with the Royal New Zealand Air Force NH90 Helicopters. Delta Company, Officer Commanding Major Tim EwingJarvie said training such as this helps with enhanced mobility by integrating with joint assets. “The skillset of fast-roping increases our agility by delivering highly-trained and well-equipped troops at precise times and locations. “It allows us to rapidly respond to opportunities or threats within a dynamic operating environment,” he said. MAJ Ewing-Jarvie said training activities such as these also serve as an opportunity to stay connected and co-ordinated with the Army’s Air Force colleagues.
“While operationally important, these are the sorts of activities that many soldiers join to do. “They contribute to a sense of quiet self-assuredness and the competitive mindset which distinguishes those in the profession of arms.”
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TRAIN SAFE CASE STUDY 4
JULY 2020
The principle of the Army Health and Safety Policy is to take all reasonably practicable steps to prevent occupational accidents and illness from occurring and to reduce the possibility of harm to our personnel and to any other person who may be exposed to Army activities. Where an incident of harm occurs, reporting, investigation, and follow-up action is aimed at ensuring that the possibility of such an incident re-occurring from the same set of factors is eliminated or effectively managed for the future.
The Incident • A unit was conducting a Live Field Firing activity in the South Island. • The activity were live firing fighting withdrawal drills using Individual Weapon (IW) and Light Support Weapon (LSW). • Fire teams used the tactic to bound from firing positions as they moved back to a safe location. • During one bound, the Range Conducting Officer (RCO) dislodged his own hearing protection covering his left ear. • Rather than pausing to stop the practice and adjust his hearing protection, the RCO continued to oversee the activity. • The RCO was located approximately 1–2 metres from the LSW during which time 200–300 rounds were fired from the weapon.
Facts
Findings
• The activity was planned in accordance with approved procedures in Defence Force Orders for Army, DFO (A) Vol 7, Training.
• Subsequent examinations showed there was evidence of permanent injury.
• The RCO continued to monitor the activity after losing a seal of his hearing protection.
• Rather than pause the activity and readjust the hearing protection, the RCO let the live firing activity continue.
• The RCO experienced hearing difficulties and was diagnosed as having suffered acoustic trauma to his left ear consistent with short exposure to impulse noise.
• Remedial training was implemented for the RCO and Safety Staff to prevent a similar incident occurring in the future.
• The RCO reported to the medical centre 4 days later.
• As a result of the incident, Lesson Learned were advised across the Land Component Command.
Conclusion: The discharge noise of modern weapon systems can cause considerable damage to unprotected eardrums. • Safety in training: To prevent noise induced hearing loss, the officer in charge of the practice, range conducting officers, safety supervisors, and person in charge, are to ensure that all personnel participating in blank and live firing activities are provided with the correct designated hearing protection. The ear cups of earmuffs are to be worn in direct contact with the skin and hair surrounding the ear. The earmuff and the hair and skin around the ear is not to be broken or interfered with at any time (for example – wearing the ear cup over head dress). Directing staff must also ensure that all personnel exposed to a hazardous noise event are informed of the hazards and reasons for adequate hearing protection. Also to be shown or reminded how to correctly fit and wear the required hearing protection prior to the activity commencing.
‘Learn from the past – live in the present – plan for the future’ This case study is based on real events. Some details have been omitted to protect privacy.
COVID-19 LESSONS CONFERENCE 2020 A one day Covid-19 Lessons Learned Conference was held at Linton Military Camp earlier this month with nearly 150 personnel attending from the NZDF. The conference, which was hosted by the Land Component Commander, focused on sharing lessons related to the pandemic at tactical and operational levels across the NZDF as well as from ABCANZ partners. The content of the conference was presented by four live panels covering a spectrum of Covidrelated topics including historical lessons from prior pandemics, Joint lessons, and effects on
training and operational outputs. Recorded presentations from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia provided further lessons collaboration from the international lessons communities. Question and answer sessions followed each panel presentation and helped to further explore the various topics. The panel presentations as well as the question and answer sessions were recorded and the recordings will
be uploaded and made available publicly so that all can benefit from the conference. Before the conference lessons learned were submitted to the NZ Army’s Adaptive Warfighting Centre (AWC) and additional lessons learned were collected during the conference. AWC is analysing the information to identify trends and present information that can be considered and used by the Army.
The Covid Lessons Conference 2020 gave attendees the opportunity to reflect on recent observations from the national lockdown, and allowed attendees to engage with the NZDF’s partners and allies, and learn from each other. To view the recording visit www.kea-learning.nz
ARMYEXERCISE 19
GETTING TO KNOW THE AMR
Exercise Kleidi Pass
Photos: Corporal Vanessa Parker
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Soldiers from Fire Support Group (FSG) 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment have been recently been in Tekapo on Exercise Kleidi Pass, familiarising themselves on the new M107A1 Anti-Materiel Rifle (AMR). This is the first time soldiers from FSG 2/1 RNZIR have trained with the new rifle. The M107A1 is a new capability providing soldiers with the ability to identify and effectively engage/neutralise point targets with precision out to 1800m. The AMR also has the capability to fire with different ammunition and provide quick and accurate fire by day and night with the advanced tactical rifle scope.
ARMYEXERCISE 21
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HQ NZDF SUMMER INTERNSHIPS 2020/21 Are you a serving Reservist about to complete your university studies or preparing for a mid semester break? Do you want to learn more about what the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) does in your area of study? The HQ NZDF Winter Reserve Force Internship Scheme (RIS) will provide selected NZDF Reservists with an internship at a NZDF base across New Zealand. Interns will be placed where their individual skills can best be used while the intern will be exposed to opportunities to further a military or civilian career with the NZDF. At the end of the placement, applicants will receive a final report/ reference from their sponsor branch. The report is detailed and covers Position Title, Position Description, Experience Gained, Task/Projects completed, Skills Acquired, Strengths Displayed and a general comment from the supervisor.
Eligibility Criteria
Remuneration
Administration
Selection Criteria
10 internships are available to current tertiary students who: a. are junior rank or junior officer Reservists from either the Navy, Army or Air Force,
Interns will be paid in accordance with DFO 7.3.36 Reserves Full Time Duties noting: a. Interns are not to work in excess of five days/40 hours per week but may attend additional duty activities at Unit expense,
The Reserve Force Internship Scheme is managed by Defence Reserves, Youth and Sport (DRYS), 34 Bowen Street, HQNZDF, Wellington.
Applicants from any academic discipline will be considered. 1. Security Clearance Interns must have a NZDF (CV) security clearance prior to application.
b. have completed more than two year’s undergraduate studies or are undertaking post graduate studies, c. are available between 15 November 2020 to 19 February 2021 (individual start and finish dates are able to be negotiated to suit academic commitments), and, d. are not in paid full time civilian employment.
b. All public holidays are unpaid as Holiday Pay is a component of Reserve daily pay, c. Interns are offered rations and quarters at the nearest military base to their place of employment at public expense. Packed lunches may be sourced through the mess but not subject to reimbursement if unavailable. d. Interns are offered a travel pass from their military accommodation to their place of work, if not located on a camp or base, and, e. Travel expenses to and from either university or home locations will be met by NZDF at the beginning and end of the internship.
For all queries please email reserves@nzdf.mil.nz.
2. Application Process a. Applications are available by email request to reserves@ nzdf.mil.nz b. Applications are to be endorsed and sent to reserves@nzdf.mil.nz by the applicant’s chain of command. Chain of Command can endorse applications via email or by signature on the application form. c. Applications to include: • Completed application form available (by email request to reserves@nzdf.mil.nz), • Covering letter, outlining why you would like to work at NZDF on a Reserve Internship, • CV – current, to include all academic, sporting and cultural achievements. d. Interviews will be held for short-listed applicants. The interview will be either by phone or in person. e. Final day for applications: 24 August 2020.
Post Covid-19 check up By Mark Williamson, NZDF Benefits Manager
The sudden arrival of Covid-19 is a timely reminder to us all of the importance of having our own risk management strategies in place to cope with unexpected events. NZDF and the Force Financial Hub (FFH) are able to assist all NZ Army members and their families. • Life insurance – there is a fresh 60 day window in place for the MIBP staff insurance programme. Through to the end of August Defence members are able to obtain additional insurances for themselves under MIBP Tier 2 or for their partners/spouses under MIBP Tier 3 without going through a medical questionnaire process. Check whether your current insurance is sufficient for your requirements, particularly to cover long term illness or illness related death. • Other insurances. Check if your house, contents, barracks or ship insurances are at the levels you require to fully meet recovery costs. The FFH provides a comprehensive insurance package through NZI/ Lumley. • Free Wills – Defence members and their partners/spouses are able to obtain a free Will, no strings attached through Perpetual Guardian/Footprint. Sadly, over the last 12 months
14 Defence personnel lost their lives or became terminally ill. Only five had an up to date Will. • Budgeting and managing debt. There are a number of very good tools available to assist with budgeting and management of your debts. And for those who are keen on obtaining a financial plan contact Milestone Direct Ltd (MDL) for access to a substantially discounted service. This year’s member statements for the NZDF Savings Schemes include an additional powerful tool to help with your retirement planning. The statements now project what you are likely to have as a lump sum at age 65 and how much in weekly income this will provide to supplement any national superannuation payments. I urge all NZ Army members to check their statements for the latest projections and then calculate any gap between what they are projected to have and what they will spend in retirement. MDL is able to help you with
strategies to close the gap. Options may include increasing contribution rates (if affordable) or changing investment portfolios.
Contacts Force Financial Hub Google search Force Financial Hub MIBP Phone 0800 642 748 or email nz.nzdf.enquiries@aon.com Domestic insurances Phone 0800 4 46367 or email inforce@lumley.co.nz Wills Email www.myfootprint.co.nz – enter code AON105 MDL Phone 0508 645 378 NZDF Savings Schemes Phone 0800 333 787 or www.nzdf.superfacts.co.nz
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BOOK REVIEW Call Sign Chaos – Learning to Lead By General Jim Mattis and Bing West Published by Random House I anticipated this would be a thick tome, providing a detailed account of the author’s rise from young Lieutenant to Four Star, but it’s a relatively slim volume and as the sub-title indicates, the focus is on how and what Mattis learned about leadership. I was sent a copy of this book by an old mate who spent 20 years in the New Zealand Army during which he was posted twice, first to 1RNZIR in Singapore and then 2/1 in Burnham. My mate spent most of his time in the recon world, and spending all that time at the tip of the spear, he knew good… and bad leadership when he saw it, his primary comment on this book, apart from a ringing endorsement, was that it should be read by all junior officers… Im inclined to agree. Mattis developed his combat leadership skills in the USMC Infantry and his rise from Battalion Commander in the Gulf War to getting his fourth star is plotted in detail as he recounts various unit, formation and finally theatre commands. Throughout the text he provides real world examples of leadership challenges he faced and how he overcame them. One of the immediate and most enduring characteristics that strikes the reader is just how much can be gained through being well read. A solid, broadbased general knowledge, acquired through reading can be a real force multiplier.
RSA HUB TRENTHAM
Mattis regularly updates his personal recommended reading list and a copy of the list (with some cracking reads listed) is contained in the appendices. The appendices also contain a great letter Mattis wrote as a LTCOL to his formation commander (a LTGEN) after medallic awards for The Gulf War were announced. Mattis found many of his combat troops were to receive inferior awards to those being presented to staff officers which understandably frustrated him, so he took to paper to express his displeasure. The letter is a wonderful example of a combat leader standing up for his men and pointing out the failings of the system… BUT doing it all in such a way that it not only did no harm to his career prospects, but also enhanced his reputation as a leader with his troops welfare at heart. The book is a great read, not just a lesson and meditation on leadership but also a very entertaining and polished read. Mattis undoubtedly owes thanks to his co-author, retired USMC officer, Vietnam Veteran and prolific author on the Corps, Bing West – grab a copy, you wont regret it and if you don’t think you can learn anything new about leadership… you possibly shouldn’t be in leadership.
Do you realise that you do not have to be a member of the RSA to receive support? The RSA will help where we can, to support you in areas such as; providing financial assistance, advocating for service benefits, providing advice and connecting with other agencies. An RSA Support Officer will be at the DCF Office, Clock Tower, Trentham Military Camp every pay Thursday 1100–1300hrs. RSA: Michelle Tebbutt 0211936261 Michelle@wrsa.org.nz
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MISSION COMMAND TRAINING CENTRE The Army’s Mission Command Training Centre (MCTC) brings together Tactical School, the School of Military Intelligence and Security (SMIS), the School of Signals and the newly formed Command and Control Systems School (C2SS) under one headquarters. MCTC’s remit is to train commanders, staff and specialists in Command and Control, and Command Post procedures. Before the MCTC was established, Command Post (CP) training had been based on a number of trade based courses, unit training, and on-the-job training. As a result, proficiency in running a CP varied across the Army. This was particularly apparent when task-organised Headquarters were stood up for exercises or operations. Three of the MCTC schools continue to deliver trade and career based courses but with an increased emphasis on command and control. This emphasis complements the work being undertaken by the Network Enabled Army Project as the NZ Army heads toward the Networked Combat Force 2025.
Command and Control Systems School (C2SS) is the newest school born out of what had been the Simulation Centre. The purpose of the school is to provide assessable C2 training environment up to and including Task Group (TG) level. Simulation is simply one way a scenario can be generated to exercise the target HQ.
Tactical School
School Of Signals
While undoubtedly a disruption to the flow of this year’s Grade II Staff and Tactics course, Covid-19 allowed staff at the school to focus on individual instructor excellence, as well as outfit the school with much needed infrastructure.
Support to Task Force Central – Information Management
Brandishing a new and improved projection system as well as better hardware in TEWT rooms, the schoolhouse entrusted with preparing New Zealand Army Commissioned Officers for duty as All-Corps Staff Officers on operational headquarters remains at the forefront of formation tactics for the New Zealand Army. Fortunately for both the staff and students, Covid fell at the key juncture of the 2019 Grade Two, just prior to the mid-course break. As a result, the course was able to recommence in early July with limited impact. A study package developed by Tactical School was aimed at mitigating the risk of ‘skill fade’ experienced during the pandemic, as well as smoothing the transition back into the tactics domain. Only one Grade Three will now run in 2020 from 8 October – 27 November. However, the cancelled course will be caught up next year, with Tactical School planning to run a Grade Two and two Grade Three’s in 2021.
Mission Command Training Centre was tasked to provide personnel support to the TG Central HQ as part of the NZDF response to Op Protect. The country was divided into three regions. TG Central covered the lower half of the North Island, stretching from New Plymouth across to Gisborne, and down to Wellington, and was led by the RNZAF based out of Ohakea. The Information Management team, drawn from the School of Signals, recognised that this was a unique environment, and procedures had to evolve rapidly in order to meet the deteriorating situation. The purpose of Information Management (IM) is to ensure the right information, in the right format, gets to the right place in order to
empower commanders to make timely decisions. The establishment of TG Central HQ was one of the first times that the new DDMS application has been employed in an operational setting. Although most of the procedures leverage off the HQ 1 Bde standard operating procedures, a lot of effort was required to refine procedures to fit this HQ, creating IM ‘how to’ guides, and delivering user training to the predominantly RNZAF staff within the HQ. Complicating the situation was the fact that TG Central had four separate shifts, which had to remain isolated from each other, and this added an unprecedented layer of complexity.
ARMYTRAINING 25
School of Military Intelligence and Security (SMIS) Human Intelligence in the New Zealand Defence Force In the last 20 years, the Kiwi attitude and psyche on operations has proven to be a winning combination when working amongst the local population. NZDF has established a reputation for effective engagement in all environments from the Pacific to the Middle East; conducting activities ranging from patrol questioning, and liaison, to intelligence collection.
What is HUMINT? HUMINT encompasses capabilities which leverage human sources and individuals of intelligence interest to support NZDF operations. HUMINT provides a unique perspective on the human terrain and the motivations and intentions of an adversary.
Where does HUMINT fit within NZDF?
Command Training Centre (MCTC), is responsible for delivering all individual HUMINT training for the NZDF.
What training opportunities does SMIS offer? Debriefing: Debriefing is the formal and systematic questioning of selected, willing individuals by specifically trained personnel in order to gather information of relevance. MCTC regularly delivers the five day Tri-Service Debriefing Course, which qualifies students to conduct debriefing operations. This base level HUMINT training is an all Corp skill and does not require any previous experience as students receive theory and practical exercises, including the employment of linguists.
HUMINT Training
Tactical Questioning: Tactical questioning (TQ) is obtaining information from Captured Persons (CPERS). TQ is neither debriefing nor interrogation, but is the first phase of questioning, conducted on willing CPERS as soon as possible after capture and normally at unit level. MCTC has developed the Material and Personnel Exploitation Course, which includes a TQ component. This training is an all Corp skill and does not require any previous experience.
The School of Military Intelligence and Security (SMIS), Mission
Defence Source Operations Series: The Defence Source
Within the NZDF context, HUMINT is conducted by both specialist and non-specialist HUMINT entities with utility at tactical, operational and strategic levels across all services. As the capability grows, units throughout Defence are employing qualified personnel to capture information of intelligence value. The NZDF also has a specialist HUMINT Source Operations unit in 1 NZ BDE.
Operations Series are the NZDF’s specialist HUMINT trade courses. MCTC offers a training pathway for suitable personnel of all Corps with no previous experience. Defence Source Operations Assessment (DSOA): The DSOA is a four day assessment designed to identify personnel from across the NZDF who are suitable for specialist HUMINT training. HUMINT operators will interact with a wide range of individuals from an array of different backgrounds, cultures, religions and values; the ideal HUMINT team should reflect this diversity and as such, NZDF service personnel of all ages, ethnicities, genders and Corps are encouraged to apply.
Command And Control Systems School (C2SS) What is the Command and Control Systems School (C2SS)? It is a sub-unit of the MCTC with a remit to provide assessable C2 training up to and including Task Group level.
How does C2SS do this? The main ‘vehicle’ for providing this training is the Command Post Exercise (CPX) which requires significant planning including scenario development, ‘main event’ design and inject script writing. Whilst some minor improvement and enhancement will continue, C2SS is now able to deliver two fully developed TG level CPX. One is a dismounted urban operation, the other a motorised advance to contact, both of which have been
enhanced with realistic simulation product and will give the TG staff an excellent development opportunity. For more information email your questions to C2SS.Ops@nzdf.mil.nz.
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L–R: Captain Waaka Parkinson, LCPL Connor Stent.
STRONGEST SOLDIERS PIT THEIR STRENGTH Pull ups, dead lifts, rope climbs, tyre flips, a power bag drag and, just for good measure, a pack march were among the components of 2/1 Battalion’s Strongest Soldier Competition recently. Private Alexandros Merentitis won the event, which was designed to incorporate as many aspects of fitness as possible. The pack march was four kilometres around the wire and had to be completed in under 36 minutes.
LCPL Visori Vanavana
CPL Sam Prosser
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Linton Rugby Club has a proud history within the local Manawatu area. The club was established in 1919 and played under Regiment teams. It first entered a team in the provisional Snr B competition in 1950 before entering a Snr A team in the local competition in 1979. Since 1995 the Linton Rugby Club has been affiliated to the Manawatu Rugby Football Union. Last year Linton Rugby ended the year with only the Linton 3rds team in the Manawatu competition, which has meant a reset for the Linton Rugby Committee. This has included reviewing the Linton Rugby Club Constitution, undertaking a survey of current and previous players and switching to a more community focus. The Linton Rugby Club has this year got a Women’s rugby team for the first time since 2014, a President’s team for the first time in four years, an U6 team for the first time since 2014, as well as a Linton B’s men’s team and Linton 3rds team. This growth in team numbers wouldn’t have been possible without the men and women within NZ Army coming forward to coach or manage the teams. The Linton Club Committee would like to thank: • Women’s Team – WO1 Mark Thompson, Mr Rupert August, LCPL Crystal Mayes and SSGT Tokahaumata OltachesTagavaitau • Mens B’s and 3rds – SSGT Chris Watty, Mr Philip Maxwell • Presidents – WO2 John Broderson • U6 – SPR Maitlin Kakau and Miss Anneliese Nikorima Linton Rugby Club relies on volunteers to make the club function. We are currently looking for people who are interested in coaching or managing a team, or volunteers for our Club Committee now and in 2021. If you are looking for some experience in sport management or sport governance, or you have a passion for ensuring Linton Rugby continues to thrive in the future please contact Major Gabrielle Gofton or WO1 Tom Kerekere.
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A recruit under training. Photo: CPL Sean Spivey
