14 ARMYEXERCISE
YOUNG LIONS ROAR DESPITE COVID By Emma Horsley
When Covid-19 hit New Zealand and the country went into lockdown everyone’s life was affected. Within NZ Army decisions had to be made on promotion courses and training exercises and what could and couldn’t be supported with the suspension of some activities and new restrictions. To ensure soldiers were not adversely affected by the dramatic changes in promotion courses 1 (NZ) Bde made the decision, alongside TRADOC, to sponsor and deliver a Junior Non Commissioned Officer Course from 3 August to 9 October. Resources were drawn in from across both formations to provide the structure for a successful course delivery. As 1 (NZ) Bde does not normally run promotional courses there was a steep learning curve in regards to resourcing instructors and administrative elements. However established personal relationships came to the fore with Headquarters staff and units working together to share resources for the mutual benefit of the 32 students. Senior Instructor Warrant Officer Class Two Melissa Greig said “Being the first one it definitely had challenges, but the attitude of everyone to make it work well made sure we delivered the best course package we could.” “We now have 32 soldiers who most definitely would not have had the opportunity this year to complete a JNCO promotional course.” Senior officers and Warrant Officers from Brigade Headquarters stepped in to support and deliver lessons with units providing instructors to act as directing staff, and equipment and vehicles to make sure things happened as and when they should. The course culminated in Exercise Young Lion in September in Waiouru that tested the students on building teams, applying the appreciation process, delivering verbal orders and commanding a section.
Lance Corporal Terry Beddek said the biggest challenge of the course was the team work for her due to her normal job but it was good to have to address that. Having joined the NZ Army three and a half years ago she says the job has thrown multiple challenges at her and she is reveling in it. Being out in the field was exhilarating. “Being out of my comfort zone was great. I thrive on challenges and being out in the field on Young Lion was a great learning experience. The whole course has been great actually. Certainly testing but we need that to ensure we are able to do the job.” LCPL Te Rangitira Ropati QAMR was on the reserve list for a JNCO course in 2020 when Covid hit and pushed everything sideways. He says this additional course ensured he was kept on track for promotion. “It was good to know a lot of people on this course. You already have those relationships and commonality and building on those has been good.”
