Commendations for Army pers

Coming home to serve his country

By Emma Horsley

James Dowling may have been raised in Australia but his heart lies in the country he was born in and he has returned to New Zealand to serve in the New Zealand Army.

The 20 year old was born in Christchurch but moved to Australia with his family. However the determination to give back to his homeland was strong.

“I wanted to have a career that gave me the opportunity to serve and protect New Zealand.”

He marched in to Waiouru Military Camp as a new recruit in early March and has spent many weeks honing his skills in the austere environment to be an infantry soldier.

It’s well known that the basic training NZ Army recruits undergo in Waiouru is not easy and PTE Dowling found himself challenged mentally and physically, but with great rewards.

“It challenged my leadership skills. When you have to lead groups of people you have only just met while completing physical challenges in a military environment, it certainly tests you. “The training increased my mental and physical capabilities and of course there’s the self-discipline.”

PTE Dowling’s efforts were recognised by his instructors and his commitment was rewarded by being named Top Recruit of Brown VC Platoon and Top Recruit for Rafah Company at his graduation in July.

Of course in the middle of his training there was a small issue of a pandemic to deal with, which meant the training schedule had to evolve to take into consideration travel limitations and lockdown restrictions.

Resulting in the training taking a few weeks longer than normal.

PTE Dowling is now in Burnham Military Camp for Corps Training for the next step of his career in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. Before he joined the NZ Army PTE Dowling enjoyed sports and is excited about keeping that part of his life alive.

“I’m really looking forward to the sporting opportunities that Army offers.”

He accept that the life of a soldier is not something everyone may want to do in their lives but says if you think you can rise to the challenge the rewards are worth it.

“Military life is not for everyone but if you have the courage to embrace the Army life you will find it will change your life and you get to serve your country too.”

I am posted to 5 th /7 th Battalion, having transferred from full-time service with 2nd/1st Battalion in

Feb 2019. I hold an Honours degree in Defence Studies from Massey

University, and I am studying towards a Masters degree in

International Relations at Victoria

University of Wellington.

The Reserve Internship Scheme offered the opportunity to utilise service in the Army to conduct a short-term, full-time internship at HQ NZDF, over an extended university summer period between

October 2019 – February 2020. The internship provided the opportunity to work for four months towards a project in the Directorate of Future

Force Development, Defence

Strategy Management supporting

Above: Brigadier Hugh McAslan presents PTE Dowling with his award. New Zealand Army Captain Bronwyn Flewellen was presented with a Defence Meritorious Service Medal by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short at a ceremony in Wellington.

CAPTAIN BRONWYN FLEWELLEN

Captain Bronwyn Flewellen has been recognised by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) for her work as a nurse to coalition forces in Iraq in 2018.

CAPT Flewellen has been presented with a Defence Meritorious Service Medal by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short.

Her citation said during her time as a Senior Nursing Officer in Iraq she was responsible for providing health support to all 3,500 coalition forces and in emergency cases to civilians within Camp Taji.

“Despite being a junior military officer she proved to be a very capable leader within the Primary Health Care team,” the citation said. “She demonstrated these leadership skills early in her pre-deployment training and was appointed second-in-charge of the Anzac Health Company.

“CAPT Flewellen was determined to improve health care through the creation and maintenance of a clinical skills development programme for all coalition clinicians, which ensured health care was provided to the highest possible standard.”

While deployed, CAPT Flewellen assumed command of the health support company during a stressful and difficult time for the medical staff, and under her command the company evolved quickly and operated more efficiently in the environment she created, the citation said. the development of the 2020/21 Strategic Foresight Plan. This work contributed towards a deeper understanding of the strategicthinking environment required at HQ NZDF, whilst providing the opportunity to work alongside senior-ranked officers across the three services.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at HQ NZDF over the summer, and was extremely grateful for the opportunity presented. The internship provided an excellent opportunity to broaden my understanding of the strategicthinking environment across defence, whilst complementing my university education with relevant professional experience in the public defence sector. Since “This was a remarkable feat for an officer with only two years’ experience in the New Zealand Army and her drive and passion gained the respect of not only the clinicians within the coalition forces but also the patients she was responsible for.

“CAPT Flewellen enhanced the reputation of the New Zealand Defence Force on an international stage.”

CAPT Flewellen, who is based at Linton Military Camp, said she was honoured to receive the award.

“I feel it reflects the success we had working with foreign militaries,” she said. “Instead of being satisfied doing things the way they were always done, we aimed to enhance health processes among the foreign nations within Taji, for the benefit of all.”

CAPT Flewellen joined the Army in 2015, to gain wider clinical experience as a nurse.

“I was looking for challenges and plenty of variety in my job, and I have certainly had that so far,” she said.

Among her highlights are deploying to Fiji following Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016, where she cared for deployed forces rebuilding in the Northern Lau group, and her deployment to Iraq, which she felt enhanced the New Zealanders’ connection to their Australian

Reserve Internship Scheme

Private Stephen Savory of 5 th /7 th Battalion, RNZIR recently completed an internship at Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force (HQ NZDF) in Wellington, as part of the 2019/20 Reserve Internship Scheme. It was, he writes, a great opportunity to broaden his understanding of the strategic thinking environment across defence.

Defence Force health counterparts. the completion of the summer internship, I have been invited back to HQ NZDF for a second internship during an extended university mid-year period. When I complete my current postgraduate studies, I intend to return to fulltime service in the Army.

RESERVIST RECOGNISED FOR WORK IN AFGHANISTAN

Captain Penny Roy is a teacher by trade but has been recognised by the New Zealand Defence Force for the role she played in mentoring officers at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in 2018–19.

CAPT Roy, a Reservist with the New Zealand Army, has been presented with a Chief of Defence Force Commendation by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short.

While in Afghanistan she was responsible for providing professional development, coaching and training advice to staff of the academy.

Her citation said she was the only female mentor initially tasked to support efforts to integrate females into the Afghan National Army Officer Academy.

“She quickly assessed the environment and saw opportunities to exert greater levels of influence on the male leadership beyond the overarching integration framework,” the citation read.

“One strategy was to have fellow mentors engage CAPT Roy to role model their Afghan counterparts in equity and diversity, thereby demonstrating that female colleagues can play an equal and leading role in the affairs of the academy. “CAPT Roy clearly understood the challenges she faced in seeking to overcome prevailing Afghan male attitudes towards women. She set about delivering her engagement plan to raise the level of leadership competence of the three company commanders and, in doing so, developed a series of innovative approaches that encouraged the Afghan commanders to identify their own strengths and weaknesses.

“The results of her endeavours were noticeable, with significant improvement in training design and delivery by the Afghan commanders, which improved learning outcomes for the cadets.”

CAPT Roy, who grew up in Karori and went to Wellington Girls’ College, said she was honoured to receive the award.

“You go on deployments to do a job and you aim to do it to the best of your ability, and I certainly didn’t expect to be rewarded for that.

“Ultimately it was a team effort – my command team gave me the freedom to conduct myself the way I thought was most beneficial to the mission.”

She joined the New Zealand Army as a Reservist in 2011, eager to embrace a career that would provide continuous challenges plus the opportunity to serve her country at home and overseas.

“I was also attracted by the fact I would always be learning new skills and would be serving with like-minded people,” she said. She was commissioned as an officer in 2013 and from 2017–2019 was a full-time member of the Army, serving in 2nd/1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

It was during this time that she was deployed to Afghanistan, which has been her career highlight so far.

“That is what we train and work so hard for – to ensure we contribute above our weight in the international arena,” she said.

She is currently working in Christchurch as a teacher at Cashmere High School, while still actively contributing to the NZDF as Adjutant of 2 nd /4 th Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

“My role as the Adjutant is selfdirected, so I just fit in my Army work around teaching, at night or on the weekend. I also attend Wednesday night parades with A Company and then participate in weekend activities when required.”

NORTH CANTERBURY MAN RECOGNISED BY DEFENCE FORCE FOR WORK IN SINAI PENINSULA

Staff Sergeant Joseph van Arendonk has been recognised by the New Zealand Defence Force for the key role he played working as part of an international peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula in 2017–18.

SSGT van Arendonk, has been presented with a Chief of Defence Force Commendation by Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short.

His citation said in his complex role as the Operations Instructor of the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), which oversees the terms of the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, he exceeded all expectations for his rank and trade.

“On arrival he quickly identified aspects of existing training that were not being taught to an acceptable level, thereby exposing individuals to unnecessary risks,” the citation said. “Under his own initiative he set about conducting a comprehensive re-write of the training programme, which resulted in patrol commanders being better prepared to deal with the rising threat level in the operational area.

“As the Operations Instructor he also reviewed the daily operations and identified areas for improvement by regular inspections, fault checking and problem solving. The result was the development of procedures that created a higher standard of safety for members of the patrols, an area he was not otherwise responsible for.”

SSGT van Arendonk was influential in fostering relationships with other units and nations that enhanced training and mentoring, the citation said. He was recognised for this work with an MFO Force Commanders Award and with a certificate of appreciation from the Commanding Officer of the Colombian Battalion.

“His professionalism and motivation were over and above what was required of him as the Operations Instructor, where he excelled on an international stage and brought great credit to the New Zealand Defence Force.”

SSGT van Arendonk said he was honoured to receive the award.

“It was pretty unexpected,” he said.

ARMY COMMAND SCHOOL

By Warrant Officer Class One Lyall Mooney

During the early stages of my tenure as the RSM of Army Command School, I was asked by many soldiers, what is the function and role of Army Command School?

While many young officers and NCO’s have passed through the Unit, completing a variety of promotion and leadership courses, some personnel still seem to be unaware of the breadth and diversity of training that Army Command School provides. Therefore, in this issue of Army News we provide some clarity and understanding of the Unit’s purpose within our organisation and perhaps answer that lingering question.

Army Command School is a young unit, established in December 2011, comprising of OCS(NZ), NCO School, and the NZ Army Leadership Centre. If looking for a brief but accurate descriptor for the Unit, it is probably best encapsulated in the mission statement, which states; “Army Command School is to develop and deliver the requisite moral, intellectual, and physical leadership and command skills for Junior Officers, Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to succeed in their future service”.

As one of many training units within TRADOC (NZ), Army Command School is the centre of excellence in providing the All Arms leadership development for the NZ Army. The Chief of Army’s intent for the New Zealand Army is clear; we are to generate a modern, agile, highly adaptive, light combat force capable of operating in an integrated, austere, and complex environment. So, in its quest to continue providing the critical training for our young officers and NCO’s, ACS is currently evolving teaching methodology and content. This change in training methodology will lean heavily on our ethos and values, resulting in a greater understanding of our leadership and resilience framework. It will also increase the ability to apply critical and diverse thought processes, preparing our people with the knowledge to thrive and win, whilst still enhancing our Ngati Tū and the Way of the Warrior identity.

The following articles by the staff of ACS sub-units provide further insight into the functions of ACS, but if you really want to know what we do, and you’re up for a challenge, the December posting cycle is coming up.

By Warrant Officer Class Two Glen Savage CSM – Officer Cadet School (NZ) The Officer Cadet School of New Zealand (OCS NZ) is the initial breeding ground for all our future He Rangatira Toa – Warrior Leaders.

The OCS(NZ) mission is to develop the moral, physical and intellectual leadership and command skills of selected individuals in preparation for future service.

The way this mission is achieved is in two parts, the eight week Initial Induction Training (IIT), and secondly, the nine month long New Zealand Commissioning Course (NZCC).

IIT introduces the cadets to maintaining personal standards within both the garrison and regimental environments. Ngati Tūmatauenga values and the Army Leadership Framework are continually used to assess the cadets during IIT at the lead self level. The “shoot, move, communicate and medicate” model is used to prepare cadets for the field environment. Cadets conduct weapon qualifications, learn to navigate and basic individual soldier skills required to operate in the field. The IIT package covers all the basic soldier skills required to prepare the cadets for NZCC. NZCC training is designed to prepare future officers to lead in New Zealand and on operations and is broken into three terms.

Term one introduces the Officer Cadets to leading teams, section level tactics, university education and platoon level tactical exercises without troops (TEWTs). In the garrison environment it involves the continuation of morning parades, barrack inspections and introduction to Colour and Sword drills. The cadets are continually assessed on lead self and introduced to lead teams, on Exercise Le Basse-Ville.

A challenge that cadets will never forget is Exercise Nemesis. This is a resilience exercise which pushes cadets to their limits through walking between 150km–180km, challenging activities, and a lack of food and sleep over six days.

Term two introduces the cadets to Platoon level tactics and command, and the likes of formal dinner protocols and how to plan and execute training. Platoon level TEWTs, education and military Studies, and garrisons standards are all also continued through the term. Cadets are now assessed on lead self, lead teams and lead leaders. Cadets conduct Exercise Tebaga Gap which is an open country advance to contact and Exercise Santici which is a Security and Stability Operations exercise, and a different environment for the cadets to experience.

Term three is the reinforcement of the formal learning training period. The two main exercises are Luluai in a close country, and Exercise Alam el Halfa, the combined arms exercise. The final hurdle is the graduation week which consists of a Beat Retreat and Graduation Parade.

The NZCC is a long, high tempo and exciting journey to develop our future officers. The course is challenging, but meets the OCS(NZ) mission with the overall endstate – a warrior leader who will lead us here in New Zealand and on operations.

DEVELOPING LEADERS

By Major Kyle Olsen, Chief Instructor, Army Leadership Centre The New Zealand Army Leadership Centre (NZALC) facilitates leadership excellence across all levels; it supports, educates and enables NZ Army Commanders to get the best out of our people in order to achieve success on operations and in garrison.

The role and purpose of the NZALC has recently been reviewed. This was inspired by CA’s Army25 presentation, namely the four pillars of People, Information, Relationships and Capability Enhancement. ALC has looked at each of these pillars with a leadership lens to determine our future role and outputs within the organisation. The NZALC consists of two wings, the Leadership Development wing, and the Experiential Learning Development Activity wing. Collectively these wings deliver training and courses aligned with the NZDF Leadership Development Framework (LDF) to produce leaders who possess selfawareness, are inspired to be better leaders, are more resilient and possess intellectual curiosity.

TRAINING AND LEADING: NCO SCHOOL By Warrant Officer Class Two Geoff Simonsen Senior Instructor – SNCO Wing, NCO School NCO School aims to deliver highly capable non-commissioned officers able to deliver against the Army’s mission, which is to provide world-class combat ready land forces that are trained, led and equipped to win as part of an integrated Defence Force.

communication. In order to achieve excellence, the NZALC has narrowed its focus within the realm of leadership to • Develop strategic selfawareness across the organisation to enhance or mitigate leadership strengths and weaknesses, and improve resilience • Deliver and enhance the fundamental LDF Transition courses and ELDA courses allocated to ALC • Provide direct leadership development support to the Lead

Capability level • Support units to develop processes and capability to execute internal leadership

NCO School focuses on the ‘trained and led’ elements of the Army’s mission.

NCO school delivers the JNCO Course, for those soldiers looking to make the transition to Corporal, the SNCO Course, for those looking to transition to Sergeant, and courses for aspiring Warrant Officers. It is important to the success and efficiency of NCO school that JNCO flows to SNCO and up to WO’s. The course is designed to provide for essential skills being dusted off, and new skills taught and tested in a work place environment.

Recently, as a result of Covid-19 and Level 4 Lockdown NCO school has had the opportunity to develop. The lockdown gave the staff time to take stock, pause, and critically examine what we are delivering, to whom and why. We stopped to sharpen the saw. In a way that is what NCO school is for many students at all levels. Attending a NCO school course is acknowledgement from your command chain that they see something in you and they are willing to invest time, a very precious resource, in you and your development.

NCO school is always developing. We are in a moving world, we need to be agile of thought and of action. We need to be adaptive, and maintain a flexible approach to education, resourcing and development training with the LDF.

The staff selected to work within the NCO school are able to be flexible when it comes to delivering courses. They display the ethos and values needed in order to develop a worthy NCO, worthy of praise, promotion and our trust that they will carry forward our values. The staff are trusted to develop modern and agile learning environments, they recognise when they need to sharpen the saw and remain situationally aware with good teaching skills. The students should experience growth during and after a NCO school course. They are able to pass on knowledge, values, modern instructional techniques and always working towards our shared mission.