ARMY ENGINEERS SET CONDITIONS FOR REGENERATION

Last September more than 100 engineers from 2 Engr Regt and SME conducted a variety of training activities around the country, to set the conditions to sustain our regeneration. Ranging from tactical exercises, training camps, courses and construction tasks, these activities contributed to the initial phase of regeneration for the Corps. It started with deliberate regrouping in April 22 and many 502 checks in the following months, as the Corps tackles our training deficiencies.

The RNZE Corps regeneration is focused on getting the NZ Army’s sappers back into soldiering and military engineering after two years of Operation Protect, says 2 ER Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Nochete.

“The main challenge for RNZE is the breadth of training required to supervise complex military engineering tasks such as assault demolitions, boating and construction, whilst providing a progressive pathway for our junior commanders to become confident and competent to deliver engineer effects safely.”

Ex HARBINGER 22

Ex HARBINGER saw Linton-based sappers develop their weapon proficiencies with two weeks of live firing in Waiouru across several ranges. The activity incorporated a deliberate build-up of competencies from static range weapon confidence to an urban live field shoot and night fighting section shoot.

SPR Brandon Hewetson-Hayes who deployed as a section member said he hadn’t touched many of the weapons since his basic training in 2020. But he found everyone keen to get back into training and said “teamwork enabled us to pull on the experience of the group” to ensure everyone got through.