ENGINEER REGENERATION

RNZE Section Commanders Course

The School of Military Engineering conduced the watermanship phase of the RNZE Section Commanders course on Lake Moawhango. LCPL Jonathan Darby, a course member, said the course was a step up. “It’s been good to adjust into the section command role, getting lessons on planning a boating task and thinking of everything a flotilla commander should be aware of and do.”

Increased exposure and confidence at the section level will be critical as the Corps moves forward towards more demanding tactical tasks on Ex Arras 23.

Explosive Detection Dog Handlers Course

The concentration of engineers in Waiouru allowed for mutual support and maximising training value. The EDD Handlers Course hitched a ride on the RNZE Section Commanders course boats to gain exposure to different insertion techniques.

“Becoming environmentally conditioned to the more austere climates of Waiouru enabled the handlers and their dogs to practice route and cache searches in more demanding environments than usual,” said EDD lead CPL Aidan Cornwall.

Helwan Camp Kitchen Construction Task

Construction Engineers from 25 ESS have been working hard to refit the Helwan Camp Kitchen. CPL Cunningham, task IC for the job, said, “this is the first major project we’ve had since OP PROTECT, it’s great to be back on tools, swinging hammers”.

This task captures the craftsmanship of the three trades within construction and maintains the great reputation RNZE is known for when constructing in the Waiouru Region.

Ex WAKA TAUA

To the South Island; 3 FD SQN has also been conducting watermanship training. For many Sappers, this has been the first time since Corps Training.

SPR Ruby Jones who marched out a year ago found this exercise a “significant step up from RNZE Corps Training, and it was challenging and encouraging to build on those foundational skills”.

3 FD SQN and the rest of the Regiment will continue to set the conditions for Phase 1 of the regen strategy in 2023 that will see a progressive approach that increases in complexity and is assessed on EX Arras in Aug 2023.

The Sappers of RNZE are excited to back into training but will take a methodical approach to achieve sustainable outputs.