ARMYNEWS 03
A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF OF ARMY
To say that 2020 didn’t play out how we intended is a blinding statement of the obvious. But, as I’ve said before, whilst you’ve got to play the game with the cards you’ve been dealt being smart about how you play them is key. And, if we look back critically at the year, and despite all the challenges that Covid has brought, there is a lot to admire – a lot that we can, and indeed should, be very proud of. That TRADOC was able to quickly adapt to a rapidly changing environment and continue with both recruit and officer cadet training was an outstanding achievement. Equally impressive has been the subsequent adjustments to individual training to optimise the delivery of promotion and trade courses. For the wider Army, the cancellation of high level unit/combined arms training and overseas exercises, has led to a focus on core skills and the maintenance of short notice contingency forces. This is appropriate, and while it will require a dedicated regeneration period downstream to regain our conventional high-end capabilities, the Land and Special Operations Component Commanders are ensuring we are best positioned to undertake that training when the opportunity presents. Operationally, our commitment in Taji was successfully wound up, we maintained a number of smaller overseas deployments and, of course, leant into our nation’s response to Covid-19. What is obvious from what I’ve seen and heard of the managed isolation facilities is that our people understand the importance of the support they are providing, and that there is real determination to both deliver that support in the best possible way and represent our Army, to the public of New Zealand, as a disciplined capable force. What each of you is doing right now, in support of our nation, is both critical and impressive. And it’s important that it is acknowledged as such. Just to complicate things further we have had to continue with our critical capability enhancements; Networked Enabled Army, Protected Mobility and soldier modernisation in particular. These efforts will only gain momentum in 2021 and large parts of Army have done great work to position ourselves for the next stages of these critical programmes. I am fully aware that striking the balance between the introduction into service of new capabilities, the provision of force elements to Army’s Op Protect effort, the development of a focused steadystate training regime, and the maintenance of both domestic and regional response forces has proved complex and it has tested us. And while it’s taken time to
land Army’s ‘battle rhythm’ we now have detailed plans down to sub-unit level and a reasonable understanding of what the next 12 months holds. It would be a brave person, given the ‘fluidity’ of the last eight months, to say that these plans will play out in full so agility in adapting to changes in the environment will be just as important next year as it was in 2020. From what I’ve seen from you all over the past eight months, remaining agile and adaptive won’t be a problem. So, look back with pride on what each of you have achieved in 2020. It has been a year ‘like no other’ and it has challenged us. But you’ve not only risen to those challenges, you’ve got after them. And you’ve done so in a thoroughly professional manner ensuring that, as an Army, we’ve both achieved every task given us and that we’ve positioned ourselves, as best we can, for the next mission. For many, the Christmas break this year will be disrupted by duty at a MIQF. Can I thank those impacted in advance for your service and encourage you, when the opportunity presents, to make the absolute most of the time off you do have – to relax, and to reflect on a job well done. For those that are able to take leave over Christmas it’s really important that you kick back, recharge the batteries, and have a safe and enjoyable break with your friends and family. My final word though, is to the wider Army family. To those partners and dependants who have continued to support our officers and soldiers throughout 2020. Your support has been absolutely critical to our success and, without it, we would not have achieved anywhere near what we have. If we haven’t acknowledged often enough throughout the year all that you do, the sacrifices you’ve made, then I apologise. Please know that you are such a critical part of our team, we would not be able to do our job without all that you do, and we will always appreciate your support. Thank you. Merry Christmas all. Major General John Boswell Chief of Army
New Zealand Defence Force
Person of the Year Staff Sergeant Mata OltachesTagavaitau of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistics Regiment, says she was speechless when she learnt she had been chosen as top soldier and NZDF Person of the Year. “It is a blessing and the rarest of opportunities to share my journey in the hopes to reaching out and inspiring, in particular Pasifika youth, to have courage and take a leap. It means that girls ‘like me’ are absolutely more than capable and being Soldier of the Year is testament to that.” SSGT Oltaches-Tagavaitau’s skills are multi-dimensional; the judges felt she was an outstanding soldier in many fields: within her own trade, in training-based roles, regimental roles, cultural development and sport/sport management. “She has added immense value in each of these areas during her career and has consistently demonstrated the ideal qualities of a soldier in the NZ Army,” they said. SSGT Oltaches-Tagavaitau recently performed the role of Acting ASM of 2nd Engineer Regiment; a WO2 appointment. At the time she was the only Senior Non-Commissioned Officer in Combat Service Support Troop out of a total of seven established Senior Non-Commissioned Officer positions. She proved herself to be a competent and capable leader
within her trade in very challenging circumstances, and was awarded the Commanding Officer’s Leadership Award for her efforts in December 2019. Over and above this, SSGT Oltaches-Tagavaitau has contributed to NZ Army Touch Rugby (Code Chair), NZ Army Women’s Rugby (Assistant Manager), and has been a member of the NZDF Women’s Rugby Board. Due to her excellent reputation, she was actively pursued by the RNZAF to coach their Women’s team that travelled to Colorado to play against other US Military teams earlier this year. What prompted her to join the Army? “When I was a teenager, I had four goals that I wanted to achieve all in one hit, How can I avoid uni without disappointing mum and dad? How can I still gain a qualification without a student loan? How can I contribute financially to our home and what could I pursue that was outside the social norm? Fortunately I was able to participate in an Army Technical Trade work experience through school, and it was inevitable from that point on that the Army was going to tick all the boxes. Fifteen years on, here I am.” SSGT Oltaches-Tagavaitau is also taking part in the development of the NZ Army Pasifika Strategy – designed to
improve cultural standing for serving Pasifika personnel and to set the conditions for enhanced operational effectiveness when NZDF next deploys within the Pacific region. “I love to serve the people around me. It never feels like going above and beyond, it’s simply believing that everything I have to give serves a greater purpose than you can see. My career has been unique and rewarding, and I have gained so many skill sets, and had incredible experiences. I am absolutely grateful for everything the Army has given me.”
“It is a blessing and the rarest of opportunities to share my journey in the hopes to reaching out and inspiring, in particular Pasifika youth, to have courage and take a leap.”
ARMY RESPONDS QUICKLY TO NAPIER FLOODING Fresh from a weekend training exercise at Waiouru in the central North Island, soldiers from 5/7 Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment were called upon at short notice to help out during the Napier flooding in November. Army Reservists were assembled at an hour’s notice on 9 November after the call from Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Army Unimog trucks, which had proved their worth during flooding in Northland in July, were again called on to rescue people. Twenty-two people were rescued and delivered to welfare accommodation. The Unimogs were also used to transport officials around Napier as they surveyed the damage and delivered assessment teams to flooded communities. “Our Mogs are the only vehicles that could negotiate the deep flooded streets in Napier,” said
Major Tausia Tarsau, Executive Officer of 5/7 Battalion. “It was a job well done by our soldiers given the late notice and reaction time of just over an hour to mobilise. “This is another very good example of both Regular Force personnel and Army Reservists working closely with other Government and non-government agencies to support our communities during their times of need,” Major Tarsau said.
