w w w. a r m y. m i l . n z i s s u e4 5 6 | s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4

armynewsc o u r a g e | c o m m i t m e n t | c o m r a d e s h i p | i n t e g r i t y

tradoc change of commandcolonel Jim bliss new commander

taiaha tombakrevisiting and renewing old skills

Qamr celebrates150 years of service and sacrifice

The Army News is published for the Regular and Territorial Force and

civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.

Editor: Judith MartinPhone: 04-496-0227 or

DTelN: 349-7227Fax: 04-496-0290

Email: armynews@nzdf.mil.nz

Website: www.army.mil.nzPrinting: Bluestar, Petone.

design: Vanessa Edridge, DCG, NZDF

Editorial contributions and letters are welcomed.

They may be sent directly to the Army News and do not need to be forwarded through

normal command channels. Submit them to The Editor, Army News, DCG, HQ NZDF,

Private Bag 39997, Wellington, or by email. Deadline instructions: Army News is

published on the third Tuesday of each month, except January. Please have all

contributions to the editor by the first of the month.

Nothing in the Army News should be taken as overriding any New Zealand Defence

Force regulation. Readers should refer to the relevant service publication before acting

on any information given in this newspaper. ISSN 1170-4411

All material is copyright, and permission to reproduce must be sought from the editor.

september 2014

issue 456

nzarmynewscontents

newsQAMR celebrates 03

peopleTRADOC changing of the guard 06

Invictus Games 12MHOVS on the road 15

trainingLinton’s new helo tower 05

Taiaha Tombak 09

sportCycling 17

Softball 18Netball 22

Like us on Facebook/officialNZArmy

COVER: The new helo tower at Linton Camp

Former Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General (Rtd) Rhys Jones was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit at an Investiture Ceremony at Government House, Wellington on 10 September.

LTGEN Jones received the award from the Governor General, LTGEN Sir Jerry Mateparae for services to the State.

At the same ceremony Lieutenant Colonel Richard Weston was awarded a Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD) for the work he did extracting the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team and its equipment from Bamiyan, Afghanistan. Captain Dominic Wylie also received a DSD for his work with the Afghanistan security forces.

The Governor General presented Staff Sergeant Dean Rennie with the New Zealand Gallantry Medal for his work in identifying bomb makers in Afghanistan. A story on SSGT Rennie will appear in the October issue of Army News.

defence service acknowledged at investiture ceremony

win a bookArmy News has a copy of No Front Line, Inside stories of New Zealand’s Vietnam War by Claire Hall to give away. The book, which is reviewed on page 16, tells the story of the Vietnam War from the perspective of New Zealanders who were there.

To be in the draw to win a copy of No Front Line email armynews@nzdf.mil.nz or write your details on the back of an envelope and send to: Army News, Private Bag 39997, Wellington 6011. Entries close on 10 October.

The winner of No Better Death The Great War diaries and letters of William G Malone was WO2 Derek Bolt.

Sir Jerry congratulates COL Weston

CAPT Wylie, LTGEN (Rtd) Jones, and COL Weston

The Governor General, LTGEN Sir Jerry Mateparae pins the award to CAPT Wylie’s uniform

next month:– More QAMr

celebrAtions

– our engineers in PAPuA new guineA

– wArrAnt officers’ ProMotion course

As members of the NZDF we pride ourselves on our ability to get on with most people. As Kiwis, this trait is innate and has helped us – soldiers, sailors, airmen or air women – to go about our business in far flung places and combat zones. I will touch on this point later.

Recently, I attended the final parade for Exercise Taiaha Tombak in North Malaysia. The exercise saw the men and women of V Coy 1Bn RNZIR deploy and train alongside the soldiers of the 6th Bn Royal Malay Regiment (RMR). In a way, the soldiers were getting back to their roots. 1Bn has a strong lineage in Malaysia dating back to the late 50s when they deployed there on operations during the Malayan Emergency. During that campaign, the 6th Bn operated in the North, not far from where 1Bn were training on this visit. The relationships that were developed by our former soldiers back in the 50s have stood the test of time, and now 57 years since Malaysian statehood, New Zealand servicemen and women are still held in very high regard in Malaysia.

During the closing ceremony the Malaysian forces did a number of cultural performances and V Coy replied in kind, with a rousing Battalion haka full of passion and emotion which was well received by our Malaysian colleagues. At the conclusion, a dance by a Malaysian female dance troop sought out volunteers and non-volunteers alike and I was pleasantly surprised at the way our soldiers readily participated in this with a bit of individual flair, if you could call it that!

These young men and women from New Zealand were doing exactly what our forebears did – they got on with the people they were working alongside. This is why New Zealanders are liked the world over – creating enduring relationships with people from different cultures. In my time in the Army and the NZDF I have realised that the secret to good leadership is that relationships matter, people matter, and its starts early – as our young soldiers and officers from V Coy 1st Bn showed. They have forged another link in our relationship with Malaysia and shown that this generation has all the traits that our forebears held dear.

To all the men and women of V Coy 1st Bn – thanks for a great evening, one I won’t forget. Particularly WO1 Millar’s dancing!

Brigadier Peter Kelly, Land Component Commander

relationships –the secret to good leadership

Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles (QAMR) from Linton Military Camp brought the regiment to the centre of Palmerston North on Saturday September 20 to commemorate 150 years of service and sacrifice.

The regiment was on parade to highlight its history and included Light Armoured Vehicles, riflemen on horses, the Army Band and 200 foot soldiers marching in the Palmerston North Square.

“This was great opportunity for us to connect with the wider community as the last remaining Mounted Rifles Regiment in New Zealand, that has served New Zealanders proudly for the past 150 years,” said QAMR Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Sholto Stephens. “It was also a chance to pay tribute to all those who have

Qamr commemorates 150 years of service

served in the Regiment throughout its history, especially those who paid the ultimate price for their service.”

The parade was attended and reviewed by His Excellency the Governor-General Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae.

The weekend’s activities concluded two weeks of celebrations and commemorations to mark the regiment’s 150th birthday.

Wellington East Coast Squadron Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles mounted a Beat Retreat in Whanganui as part of the commemorations. The Squadron worked with the Whanganui District community, helping with community projects such as cutting a mountain bike track, helping clean up and build a vegetable garden at Gonville kindergarten and fixing up DoC huts.

Mounted riflemen, foot soldiers and LAVs parade through the grounds of Linton Camp to mark the 150th birthday of QAMR

04armypeopleissue 456 | september 2014

In this issue of Army News I will tell you about what we are doing on my priority around our people, what we have already achieved and what is planned for the future.NZDF is dependent upon well trained and passionate people to deliver the outcomes required of us. That is why we need to build a new sustainable force generation model that delivers the right people capability and capacity.

a message from the ChIef of DefeNCe forCe Lieutenant general tim Keating, mNZm

• A single plan for the NZDF implementing the DM RR*—investing in smart capability, focused on excellence

• Focusing on the delivery of our core military skills towards the tasks expected of us by Government and the people of New Zealand

• Growing the people we need and better supporting our military families

• Greater partnering with other agencies and other militaries

• Stronger leadership, better governance and improved management.

Priority one, the single plan, is already under development, with our new four-year plan to be released soon.

cdf five priorities

The Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Tim Keating.

To move this forward I recently held a People Capability Summit where I charged NZDF’s leaders to ‘re-imagine’ how we would do this.The top five out-takes of the day were:

• We need to be more responsive and helpful with people’s requests around their career

• We should work hard at keeping attrition low • We must develop our workforce diversity to reflect the

changing demographics of New Zealand• We need to simplify some of our rules and processes to

attract prospective personnel • And, finally we must make it easier for people to move in

and out of NZDF. We also discussed how to better connect military families to the Defence Force and planning to achieve for this is underway.

My expectation is you will begin to see a marked shift in our approach in the next few years which will make the New Zealand Defence Force an ‘Employer of choice’ and the Armed Forces a ‘Career of choice’. Some of the wins we have had recently are:

• The work done in a report on uniformed women – now we have a blueprint to make sure there are no barriers to women having a successful military career and to stand up a programme of activity.

• A recent 2014 remuneration package - pay and conditions are vitally important.

• A new healthcare policy focusing on maintaining operational outputs, but recognising we need to provide our military people good healthcare so we can deliver operationally.

• Streamlined insurance cover (Death and Disability Insurance - DDI) to cover both military and civilian staff.

Our goal is to lead, train and equip people to win and we have made tangible progress already. With morale up, attrition down and an active focus on attracting and keeping people with the skills needed to make the Armed Forces a desirable career, the Defence people priority is on solid ground.

In the following page you can read how Defence is supporting military families through its ‘shared parental leave’ policy which allows both parents to play a greater role in their children’s upbringing.

Capt Sutton and Capt Kate Stanbridge are the proud parents of eight month old Bridget. Both Geoff and Kate have busy careers with NZDF, with Geoff a psychologist and Kate a medical officer training as an Emergency Department Specialist.

They are Auckland-based and have no family support nearby. They opted to share 12 months parental leave, with Kate taking the first eight months to bond with Bridget and establish her routine. Geoff then commenced

four months parental leave while Kate returned to work fulltime. He is taking the opportunity to work on his fitness and loves running and biking. He aims to return to his challenging work role feeling re-energised.

Both have had very supportive managers – Kate was able to reduce her hours temporarily and work from home while Geoff was attending a conference; Geoff’s manager, who also has young children, raised with him the possibility of his sharing parental leave.

Information about parental leave eligibility requirements and entitlements can be found in the HR Toolkit (HR Toolkit > Leave and Working Time > Leave > Parental Leave

sharing parental leave – it’s worth consideringSharing parental leave is gaining popularity as an increasing number of parents want to have a greater role in their children’s

upbringing. Here Army parents tell how their family have benefitted from the experience of sharing parental leave.

“we love the security of having one of us available for bridget at all times –

for me it’s an absolute pleasure to be able to socialise with my daughter and watch her grow

day by day. it’s a wonderful opportunity for fathers and very beneficial for bridget.”

capt geoff sutton

TIPSIf you are interested in sharing parental leave raise it early with your manager – it helps them to plan for your absence and “fill the gap”.Talk through workload issues related to timing of parental leave – if you have periods of particularly heavy workload present your manager with some solutions about how this might be dealt with.Consider any particular issues relating to career management – the completion of Kate’s post graduate specialist medical training is time-bound so was a factor to be considered in the duration of parental leave for her.Communicate, communicate, communicate – Consider how you might keep in touch with your team – discuss this with your manager before you start parental leave. You will know about any developments and will be more up to speed when you return to work.Be flexible – it’s a win-win for everyone. It is helpful to new parents if there is a degree of flexibility both before, during and post parental leave – Kate was able to modify her hours when Geoff attended a conference.Remember that both parents may have had a stressful day – build in a chill time at the end of the day to relax.

Geoff Sutton, Kate Stanbridge and baby Bridget

armytraining05issue 456 | september 2014

new helo tower at linton camp

The new Helicopter Descent Tower at Linton camp has been opened by the Commander 1(NZ) Bde Col Nick Gillard.

The tower has been specifically designed and built to replicate both the UH1H Iroquois and NH 90 helicopters, and is designed to support the Air Mobile operations of rappelling and fast roping.

06armypeopleissue 456 | september 2014

giving tradoc a role and purpose

COL Williams speaks on the marae

COL Bliss and the Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn at the ceremony

Waiouru soldiers greet their new leader with a haka

COL Williams greets his successor

COL Bliss speaks at the handover

armypeople07issue 456 | september 2014

By Judith Martin

Watching many young New Zealanders come to Waiouru, realise their dream and march out as soldiers or young officers was one of the highlights of Colonel Evan Williams time there.

COL Williams passed over the Commander TRADOC reigns to COL Jim Bliss recently, just before heading to the United Kingdom. There he will study at the UK Defence Force, Royal College of Defence Studies and after that will take up the role of Head of the New Zealand Defence Staff with Defence Attaché roles in the UK, Germany, Belgium, Italy, France and Ireland.

He says he loves Waiouru and the training area.“I was born here and have spent nearly 10 years in total here so I have a special link to the place I call the Heart of our Army. Many young soldiers and officers learned their trade in Waiouru and in the harshness of the training area, many went overseas and didn’t come back but their spirit lives on.

“It is also the home of our Marae, Rongomaraeroa O Nga Hau e Wha, the heart of Ngati Tumatauenga, our tribe. I have taken real pleasure in being immersed in Ngati Tu and feel that I can take this critical piece of our culture away with me. I enjoyed being involved with a great little community that makes you feel at home. It may be small but it is big at heart and full of caring people who know that their job is to support the foundation training of our young soldiers and officers. This singular focus for the majority of the staff in Waiouru gives us all a common and clear purpose – it galvanises us.

“Also, commanding the Army’s individual training organisation is a huge privilege as it is the place that is charged with building the foundation of the future Army and allowing people to realise their potential.

One of the biggest issues he had to manage throughout his time in Waiouru was the uncertainty about the future of the camp. “It has been unsettling for the community and has meant that it has been hard to gain traction on initiatives to improve the services and facilities to support our core role. It is hoped that the current strategic direction will enable a clear plan to be developed so that all can be better informed of the future of Waiouru.

“There have been a few teething problems as the NZ Defence College got up and running and as many grappled with the new paradigms. This required good clear intent and leadership and the forming of a strong relationship with the Commandant and his staff at the College. It was difficult at times but with good open communications we were all able to achieve the necessary resolution and to realise that there are real benefits with the NZDC concept given it is a work in progress.”

COL Williams says the other significant challenge was dealing with the loss of service and support personnel over the period of his tenure. “We lost Staff Sergeant Stephens, Private Michael Ross, Trooper Chase O’Connor, Mr Graham Wi, Mr Charlie Pine, Mr Ross Wilson, Mr Toki Te Kani and Mr Gary Jordan. Each occasion saw Waiouru and TRADOC farewell either one of its own or one of Ngati Tu’s warriors and this was hard. I have been well supported in this role by many good people who helped us all deal with these difficult times.”

COL Williams was central to the standing-up of TRADOC and giving it a role and a purpose.

“This was a great challenge and one that I feel we have all worked hard to achieve. We have established the basis of the ‘thinking’ piece of TRADOC – the Adaptive Warfighting Centre; we have structured the HQ into a functional organisation dedicated to the delivery of two key themes; Training a Thinking, Smarter and Adaptive Army, and Training Tomorrow’s Soldiers Today.

“We have also embraced the role of commanding the Reserve Infantry and navigated the difficult process of amalgamating the six Infantry Battalions into three. This was achieved through hard work, diplomacy and good leadership by the unit command teams. The Reserve Infantry soldiers have a clear purpose and know where they fit in and this has reinforced their sense of belonging. We have imbedded a Resilience framework to help both students and instructors become stronger and to maximise the learning opportunities while growing in confidence through each experience.

“We commenced a project to look at the way our officers and NCOs are trained now and in the future through the establishment of a Land Professional Military Education framework. This will ensure that officers and soldiers get the right training, at the right time and through the most

effective and efficient learning medium. It will also ensure that overall, our training is efficient and we get the most from our training dollar.”

COL Williams says the project will ensure the Army is able to align to any joint initiatives in the individual training space. “Linked to this is the project that will look a how the Army delivers its learning. Blended Learning is where we take the many methods of learning and look at ways that allows our soldiers and officers to maximise their professional, military, personal and educational development. In time this will see our soldiers using a mix of self educational development through online and e-learning methods and in class and on-the-job practical learning. This is an exciting space that the Army is starting to explore however it will fundamentally change the way our soldiers and officers learn in the future. This, coupled with a real focus on ensuring that the Army’s doctrine is contemporary and relevant will enable our future junior leaders to be comfortable in their roles based on sound learning and confidence in their training.”

COL Williams is proud of his efforts to help reinvigorate the Army’s awareness and acceptance of the power of Ngati Tumatauenga. “We have something incredibly special in this aspect of our culture. It gives us our warrior culture and we should be drawing real power from it. We should be very proud of it as many are envious of us for having it so imbedded in our ethos and culture. I hope that the work of many in this area will see the Army really embrace it and encourage our officers and soldiers to ‘explore it’ and then reflect it when required.

With his partner Kristin he is looking forward to being able to explore Europe and be involved in the WW1 100 commemorations over the next three years.

“In my 2 years 8 months in command, I have been incredibly well served by brilliant personal staff, outstanding unit leadership teams, a first class HQ staff – military and civilian, dedicated contracted service providers and a caring focused supportive community and its relevant community services.

“Many come to Waiouru kicking and screaming, but then leave kicking and screaming. I came willingly and leave with a mix of satisfaction and sadness however I have an excellent opportunity to look forward to and I know that Waiouru and TRADOC (NZ) is in excellent hands.”

COL Bliss during the challenge COL Williams receives the korowai

A last ride around the camp with partner KristinCOL Williams is farewelled after the ceremony

08armytrainingissue 456 | september 2014

Conclusion – Fault Checking and Individual Responsibility x What do you think? x The incident appears to have most likely originated from the conduct of an

unauthorised GPMG shooting serial. x There was belief amongst those conducting the shoot that if Range Standing Orders

did not specifically preclude a shoot, practice, or conduct then it could occur, This is not correct; authority must be requested from the higher HQ.

x Qualified personnel from within the unit received retraining on gazetted range shoots including planning and conduct of gazetted range shoots in accordance with Range Standing Orders and NZ P99 requirements.

x There were no injuries to any personnel involved. x Disciplinary action was taken against the RCO of the GPMG shoot.

Conclusion - Fault Checking and Collective Responsibility x What do you think? x The soldier remained under observation in the Timaru Hospital for two days, and he

has not suffered any permanent ill effects. x It was recommended that where a fire engine is in attendance, the senior fire fighter

present should thoroughly brief participants on fire fighting techniques. x It was also recommended that the Tekapo Range Standing Orders stipulate what

size of fire requires an ammunition incident investigation.

‘A challenge only becomes an obstacle when you bow to it’.

This case study is based on real events. Some details have been omitted to protect privacy.

‘A bruise is a lesson, and each lesson makes us better’.

This case study is based on real events. Some details have been omitted to protect privacy.

train safeTrain Safe Case Study 23 Train Safe Case Study 24

Training should allow people to learn from the experience of their mistakes. However not all errors are permissible, particularly where safety and potential risk to life are concerned, or where individuals have been negligent; nor should repeated mistakes

be acceptable. Warfare is inherently dangerous and on operations safety measures are self-imposed. Training must adhere to safety regulations, but their application should

be judicious and appropriate to the level of competence of the training audience.

Training must be focused on the achievement of the mission. Valuable and limited training resources are to only be expended on those mission-essential tasks that are crucial to the realisation of the mission. Joining with other units of the combined arms

team is one way of making efficient use of resources. Training cannot be efficient if it is not effective.

The Incident x A group of soldiers were conducting a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) shoot

on the West Melton Wooster B Range. x Another group of soldiers were conducting snap shooting practices with the IW

Steyr on the West Melton Wooster A Range. x The soldiers firing the GPMG from the shoulder in the standing unsupported

position were firing from the 100 metre mound. x The soldiers firing the steyr were dressed in FSMO and were firing from 100 metres

through to 70 metres. x The Range Warden received a complaint from a group of forestry contractors that

they had heard rounds going through the trees around them. x The contractors were working near the Waimakariri River behind the West Melton

Ranges and beyond the rear boundary of the ranges and its safety areas.

The Incident x A Mortar Course was firing a smoke serial of two rounds in the Tekapo Military

Training Area. x Another serial was fired and during this time a fire was observed within the

impact area. x Firing was immediately ceased and a fire fighting party of six personnel armed with

two water spraying packs and shovels were dispatched on a V8 Land Rover. The fire engine on site also moved forward to attend the fire.

x Once the fire was completely extinguished and on return to the mortar line, a soldier approached the medic complaining of difficulty breathing.

x The medic under the advice of the Burnham Military Camp (BMC)Duty Doctor had the soldier moved to Timaru Hospital due to concerns over breathing difficulties resulting from smoke inhalation.

Facts x There were two sub units firing,

one on the West Melton Wooster A Range and one on the West Melton Wooster B Range.

x The shoot conducted with the GPMG was not an authorised practice, nor was it approved by HQ 3 Land Force Group (3 LFG in accordance with West Melton Range Standing Orders (WMRSO).

Findings x The rounds had most probably

originated from the unit firing on the Wooster B Range with GPMG’s.

x At the approximate time of the incident being reported a unit was identified as firing on the Wooster B Range.

Facts x Prior to the live firing activity

beginning, all participants received a brief for actions on a fire.

x Fire fighting equipment was supplied and instruction as to its use was provided.

x All personnel involved in fighting the fire acted responsibly.

x Comments from soldiers involved suggested that the injured soldier may have moved closer than necessary to the flames.

x The fire covered an area of approximately 40 metres x 40 metres.

Findings x All appropriate measures in

accordance with DFO (A) Vol 2 and the Tekapo Range Standing Orders were taken with regards to fire safety.

x The correct medical treatment and advice was sought with the medic and the BMC Duty Doctor in accordance with the medical plan.

x No major damage to property, stores, or equipment occurred.

armyexercise09issue 456 | september 2014

taiaha tombakExercise Taiaha Tombak is a bilateral activity between the Armies of Malaysian and New Zealand.

It is part of a biennial and reciprocal exercise programme, and on even years is titled EX Taiaha Tombak and held in Malaysia, and on odd years it is called Exercise Kris Mere and held in

New Zealand. The exercises involve a sub-unit size element, of up to 120 personnel, deploying for about three weeks. This year the Honorary Colonel of 1 RNZIR, COL (RTD) Ray Seymour called

in to see how things were going.

victor company in the malaysian Jungle

10armyexerciseissue 456 | september 2014

Monday, 25 August 2014, started out with an early breakfast in a Penang hotel, in the company of the Land Component Commander Brigadier Peter Kelly, the Land Force Sergeant Major, WO1 Dirk Miller, the RSM of 1 RNZIR, WO1 Tony McIntosh and our DA to Malaysia, Group Captain Alex Shariff. It was then a rapid convoy trip north, under an MP escort, to an area near Baling in the Malaysian State of Kedah.

As soon as our vehicle turned off the sealed road and followed a dirt track through a rubber plantation, the plan started to go wrong. The road tyres just could not handle the wet and muddy track conditions. Plan B was quickly executed – we got out and walked. Somewhere along the track, our party literally ran into a V Company patrol. There was no time to talk – they had an RV to get to and we had a briefing to attend. As we learned at the briefing, V Company was shortly to attack an “enemy” camp, so, no doubt, the patrol we had encountered was on its way to enter the FUP.

Our hospitable Malaysian hosts were not about to commence the brief until the mandatory breakfast (the second for the morning) was served. Then there were the introductions. The host for Exercise Taiaha Tombak 25/14 was the very friendly Brigadier General Zacharia. He may have been a very short man – and he did tell us that he wore size 5 boots – but he had a great big heart. His love and respect for Kiwi soldiers had its genesis many years ago when he first visited Waiouru to undergo some training at the then School

of Infantry. He managed to bring the boot size back into the conversation, by telling the story of going to the Q Store to get his New Zealand issues, and when he advised the storeman that he took “Size 5” – he was told that only females wore that size boot.

Following the various introductions from both sides, there was a real sense of ‘brotherhood’ between our two Armies. As so there should have been. We must not forget that New Zealand troops first ventured into Malaya in 1955 with 1 New Zealand Ranger Squadron being deployed to be engaged in the Malayan Emergency. Two years later, 1 RNZIR’s forebears, 1 New Zealand Regiment, were deployed and operated in the vicinity of where this exercise was now taking place. I reminded all the participants at the briefing that the fact that V Company, 1 RNZIR was exercising with the 6th Royal Malay Regiment, was significant – both 1 RNZIR and 6 RMR have an Alliance. Alliances are not given lightly. Both Units involved must demonstrate more than a relationship with each other. Possibly the litmus test is that there must be a well-defined “brotherhood” between the Units. Now that 1 RNZIR and 6 RMR have ‘re-united’, it is vital that from here on in, this Alliance is enhanced by a reciprocal visit by 6 RMR to New Zealand for the next exercise.

The introductions took longer than the programme stipulated, and as a consequence, the formal briefing on the exercise was abbreviated. We were then raced off to the ‘VIP

Stand’ – which just happened to be in the centre of the jungle “enemy camp”, and, having been told that “H Hour” was 0800 hours, with it now being 0758 hours, we didn’t have too long to wait.Right on time (as one would expect) a prolonged burst of machine-gun fire to our flank, signalled that H Hour had come. The burst certainly got the exercise ‘enemy’ out of their hammocks and take up firing positions to our immediate front. Then, in the glow of the morning, V Company, ably led by Major Matt Tucker, assaulted from the north.

This time, just one year ago, the soldiers of V Company were undergoing their Corps Training, so in the scheme of things, they are generally very junior and inexperienced combat warriors. Well, not any longer. The way they attacked that enemy camp with their determination and enthusiasm had all the hallmarks of their forebears in that very first V Company that was formed in 1967 and became New Zealand’s first infantry element to serve in South Vietnam.

With the attack over, the VIP group witnessed a number of displays, and some members of the New Zealand party had to partake in their third breakfast that morning, by trialling the ‘delicacies’ that can be found in the Malaysian jungle.

To bring everything to a close, Brig Kelly gave the closing address. His comments were sincere. He talked of the bond that had obviously developed between the two groups; he reinforced the importance of the Alliance and he thanked 6 RMR and the supporting cast, for the unending support they had provided V Company on this exercise. On the LCC’s final comment, the choreography possibly didn’t go off according to the script. Smoke grenades – lots of them – were fired. Whilst the build-up of smoke was slow, once it was established, all participants and probably half the State of Kedah, were engulfed in the thickest and most prolonged

armyexercise11issue 456 | september 2014

smoke screen ever experienced. I think Brigadier General Zacharia will be investigating this action further.

In the margins, I spoke to many of the men in 6 RMR and 6 Infantry Brigade, to whom they belong. They had nothing but praise on the performance of V Company. Brigadier General Zacharia commented on the respect he now had for V Company’s knowledge of the operation they had just been exercising on. More importantly, he openly discussed the tremendous rapport that he had identified between the two groups, and the subsequent ‘bondship’ that had been developed. Well done V Company!

Later on that day the participants and the VIP party moved to Jitra. Seventy three years ago another foreign Army moved into Jitra – the Japanese – and with little resistance from the 11th Indian Division, they occupied positions in and around the town. V Company was now in occupation of Jitra. Their clean-up commenced – a Malaysian wet season meant clothing and equipment was covered in red mud. Our soldiers immediately started their clean-up. That evening, 6 RMR hosted a “Malam Akrab” – or evening concert. And what a spectacle it was. During the concert, dinner comprising traditional Malaysian food was served in copious quantities. One of the many positives received on V Company’s performance was their desire to participate in the Malaysian cuisine. It’s little aspects like that, that ‘touch’

the Malaysians and further enhance the relationship. The penultimate performance was an excellent demonstration of the taiaha by a small group of V Company warriors and this was a prelude to the entire Company performing an outstanding haka. The Malaysians were most impressed. To signal the end of the evening there was a fireworks display. That went off far better than the smoke grenade extravaganza. This culminated an excellent evening that well and truly demonstrated the determination by all to make Exercise Taiaha Tombak a memorable one.

Two days later, the Company was given the opportunity to learn more of the Malay culture by attending the Padi Museum and Science Centre at Alor Setar, and they then carried on further south, to Sungei Petani, where a luncheon was laid on at Airport Camp, the home of the Malaysian 6 Infantry Brigade. This was then followed by a visit to the Archaeology Museum. At that point, the RSM 1 RNZIR and I made a flanking movement to the west, in preparation for their return to New Zealand.

In conclusion, Exercise Taiaha Tombak 25/14 was an excellent exercise and V Company, as to be expected, performed beyond expectations. Well done V Company. Your individual and collective performances bode well for a good future in this, our profession of arms.

The Land Component Commander, Brigadier Peter Kelly (second from left) and his RSM, WO1 Dirk Millar contemplate aspects of Malaysian jungle warfare training.

12armysportissue 456 | september 2014

The Invictus Games – brainchild of HRH Prince Harry following a visit to the USA’s Warrior Games – saw over 400 competitors from 13 countries battle team and individual sporting events in a bid to being back gold. From the hard-hitting team sport of Wheelchair Rugby – or ‘murderball’ as it is sometimes known due to its intense physicality – to the demands of track and field events, the NZ Defence Force team pitched themselves against some stiff competition, and came up trumps.

Six medal wins for the Kiwi team were a massive highlight but the experience itself offered much more to those involved.

“I am proud of my achievements,” said double medal winner CPL Kelly Whittle, who took silver in the Women’s Open Class discus and shot-put. “I am as proud of just competing. I watched teams who didn’t place give it a try. It’s not just about winning – taking part is massive,” she said. POSCS Tana (Johnny) Pungatara agrees. “The Invictus Games is about being part of a team, and giving it a go,” he said. “Challenge yourself; conquer your fears.”

The challenges were many. For most of the team, the sports they competed in were nothing they had ever tried before. Add to the mix the technicalities of competing in a wheelchair for

The team would like to thank the following for their sponsorship, contribution, and support – the RSA, New Balance, Jaguar Land Rover NZ, Canterbury Clothing, Singapore Airlines, APX, Ultimo Clothing, The Fallen Heroes Trust, Flaunt, and those organisations that generously sponsored individuals. From within the Defence Force, they would like to acknowledge the Singapore Fund, and NZDF Leadership for allowing them the opportunity to participate in the games. Particular thanks go to everyone who gave up their time and expertise for free to coach the team, those who provided equipment and training venues, and all who offered encouragement and showed they were behind the Kiwi team.

six medal wins for kiwi invictus team

basketball and rugby, of having to sit while playing volleyball; of minimal team-training time (just one week learning the basics in July together); and the fact that these sports were secondary to the every-day roles of each of the competitors – the challenge became immense. But, in true Kiwi style, each rose above the odds to reach for gold, play hard, and beat personal bests.

“When I won bronze in the Women’s 1600m Road Cycling, I couldn’t believe I had placed,” said CPOMED Amy Baynes. “I looked at the competition and thought ‘Paralympians? I don’t stand a chance’”, she said. She was also awarded bronze in powerlifting. LCPL Connor McLellan shared her sentiments. “I made it to the Men’s 1500m run, and kept thinking about how quick those Americans were,” he said. He went on to place fifth in the finals – beating the US entrants to the finish line. “But those Brits” he laughed, “They’re fast!”

Due to a very limited training schedule, the Kiwi team were understandably nervous of taking on the wheelchair sports. “The team had about three hours’ total training time together before they played their first match against the USA,” said Team Coach, SSGT Phi Stanbridge. After battling hard but losing out against the USA and then the Brits, the Kiwis did not give up.

A little over three months ago, the Invictus Games meant little to the New Zealand Defence Force. After an incredibly short training period, a long flight and four days of intensive competition, it now means much more to twelve soldiers, sailors, and

airmen, both currently serving and retired who took part in nine sporting events in London’s Olympic venues.

They went in and played a great game against Australia that, at 25 seconds left to play, saw the Kiwi team down eight points to nine. A foul from the Aussies gave Team Captain, Dave Sherriff the opportunity he had been waiting for. “I had a feel for the ball,” he said, “so I controlled myself; I took my time.” He had two free shots, and sunk them both – winning the game for the Kiwi team, and raising the roof of the stadium.

When asked what his highlight was, however, the double medal winner (silver for sitting discus, bronze for sitting shot-put) gives an unexpected answer. “When I was competing in discus, there was a British guy who had been bumped up a class. There was no way he was as physically able as the other competitors,” said Dave – himself a paraplegic. “He was strapped in to the seat, and he took his throws. He threw with all his might and beat out men far more physically able than him. When he took that podium and was presented the bronze, I was in awe of him. He’d got up there, done his best, and it paid off. I was delighted and proud for him.”

One of the carers supporting the athletes summed up the Invictus Games perfectly. She said, “For a lot of these guys, when they’re at home they feel broken. Coming here they’re not. They’re the same as everyone else. It’s a level playing field and they are competing beside people who are just like them and that’s a good thing.”

The Invictus Games took place in London, 10 – 14 September 2014, to bring together injured, wounded and ill service men and women from countries that had served alongside each other. The aim of the games was to spotlight the sacrifices participants made while serving their countries, and highlight their determination to overcome personal restrictions to continue to lead lives of excellence. Or, in the words of CPL Jason Sturley – “Are my circumstances bigger than me, or am I bigger than my circumstances? I am.”

CPL Kelly Whittle PTE Dion Taka

CPL Jason Stirling CPL Jason Stirling is assisted from the pool

armypeople13issue 456 | september 2014

Qamr commemorates 150 years of service and sacrifice

Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles’ Scot’s Squadron held a poignant ceremony at St Mary’s Church New Plymouth earlier this month to pay its respects at the Sarten family memorial. The ceremony was part of QAMR’s 150th anniversary commemorations.

Three members of the Sarten family were killed during 1860 and are buried at St Mary’s Church. John Edmund Sarten was the first official fatality of the Taranaki War when, as a member of the mounted volunteers, he died from wounds received during the assault on Te Kohia on March 17.

His father Edmund died in August and his brother Joseph was killed in a raid on the village of Henui in December.

Members of the public in Taranaki saw Scot’s Squadron personnel and vehicles out and about in the district as it conducted training exercises and visited local schools.

The commemorations continued with events in Whanganui and Manawatu throughout September, culminating in a large parade in Palmerston North on September 20.

14armypeopleissue 456 | september 2014

A recent independent survey of 18 “balanced” KiwiSaver funds rates the Defence Force Superannuation Scheme as the best performing fund for the year ended 30 June 2014. For the two years ended 30 June 2014 DFSS performance was rated number 2. For the five years, the DFSS performance was also rated No 1.

According to DCA BRIG Phil McKee “this is a great outcome and highlights recent feedback from two independent commentators that the DFSS is a sound product, with strong results and a competitively low fee structure. A review of the DFSS is currently underway and I am excited at the options to improve the scheme and provide more benefits to the membership. Any changes approved by CDF as scheme sponsor are likely to be introduced in mid 2015”.

The DFSS Category B is open to new members. Members of other schemes (e.g. KiwiSaver or SSRSS), may also join the Category B. For further information on the DFSS Category B and how to join contact the HRSC or refer to the DPE HR Toolkit.

defence force superannuation scheme rated number one

Linton Camp motorists will have no trouble noticing the local school children as they go to and from school, after Spotless kindly provided high visibility vests to every student at Linton Camp School.

Principal, Geoff Franks said that cycling is a popular method for children to get to and from school. He observed that the vests will make the cyclists in particular much more visible; staff and parents alike can now encourage all students to wear the vests whether they walk or cycle to and from school. Ensuring our students wear these highly visible vests is one of the best ways all of us can help to keep them safe on both the streets and the footpaths around Linton Camp.

After presenting the vests at Assembly last week, Wallace Brady (Facility Manager Spotless) said “It’s a pleasure to be involved in the local Linton community and we are grateful to be able to support the school for a cause like this. Spotless views people’s safety as a priority and we believe the sponsorship is worthwhile to keep our kids safe on or near our roads at Linton.”

There is no cost involved to parents or the school, thanks to the kind generosity of Spotless. Linton Camp School, all of its students, whanau and Parent Teacher Association are very grateful to Spotless for assisting us in this very simple and highly effective safety measure for our children.

spotless supports safety at linton camp school

On 8 August 2014, a small group gathered at the New Zealand memorial wall at Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli, to commemorate the 99th anniversary of the epic battle in which New Zealanders of the Wellington Battalion led by LTCOL William Malone captured the heights and were finally able to see the Dardanelles.

The simplified and unofficial commemoration was organised by the New Zealand Defence Attaché to Turkey, COL Peter Wood. Well-known New Zealand military historian Doctor Chris Pugsley spoke about the significance of the battle. Of the 760 New Zealanders who made it to the summit, 90 percent were subsequently killed or wounded; this was a very high toll. LTCOL Malone was one of those killed. One Gallipoli veteran who Doctor Pugsley interviewed years ago recalled that the top of the hill was covered in blood, such was the carnage wrought in the attack and in the subsequent defence of the crest.

Following these sobering reminders, wreaths were laid by the New Zealand and Australian Defence Attachés. The commemoration concluded with The Ode and a minute’s silence.

Earlier that day, in New Zealand, the Veterans’ Affairs Minister Michael Woodhouse announced that a national service would be conducted at Chunuk Bair on 8 August 2015 to mark the 100th anniversary of the battle.

On 10 August, COL Wood laid a wreath on behalf of Yeni Zealanda (New Zealand) at a Turkish ceremony, also at Chunuk Bair, commemorating the day the Turks won the heights back by means of a fierce and sustained counterattack.

august battles rememberedmid-winter swim

A mid-winter fund-raising swim at the Burnham Camp pool netted nearly $600 for the Cancer Society recently. About 50 people took part, including one in full field kit.Above, Jo Barrett takes the plunge.

The Army NPF Personal loan scheme was introduced in 1993 with the aim of providing Army personnel with lower than commercial interest rate loans. Anecdotal evidence indicates that awareness of the scheme has declined over the years. A significant number of personnel remain unaware that the Army Non Public Funds offer Personal Loans at competitive interest rates of 9.4% (secured) and 11.4% (unsecured).

Army Personnel looking at purchasing major assets such as a motor vehicle often take advantage of the lower interest rates offered by the Army NPF. Those concerned about the high cost of their debts also choose to take advantage of the lower rates to consolidate their debts. Personnel have also sought loans for a variety of other purposes such as setting up house, taking a family holiday, purchasing recreational equipment and vet expenses for a family pet.

the army non public funds personal loan schemeArMy nPf PersonAl loAn

current interest rate

9.4% SECURED

11.4% UNSECURED

All full time permanent employees of the New Zealand Army who have completed 18 months service, are eligible to apply for an Army NPF personal loan of up to $15,000 which is repayable over a maximum term of 3 years. As with any responsible lender the Army NPF checks that applicants can afford the loan repayments by ensuring that their fortnightly commitments (e.g. accommodation costs, loan repayments, insurances, credit/store card repayments) do not exceed 30% of their fortnightly gross income. The Army NPF also obtain a credit report on an applicant to asses their suitability for further lending. Applicants seeking larger loans or those wishing to take advantage of the reduced interest rate will be required to provide security in the form of a vehicle of an equivalent value or greater value to the loan being sought.

The loan approval process is straightforward with the funds being credited to the applicant’s bank account once the loan has been approved and the signed loan contract

and associated documents have been received by the Army NPF.

The loan is repaid by a fortnightly direct debit from the applicant’s nominated bank account.

Additional information on the Army NPF Loan Scheme is available on the Army Welfare intranet page http://org/l-ags/pages/HR/Welfare/welfare-home.aspx or by calling the Army NPF on Dtln 347 7821.

Principal Geoff Franks, Amanda Gray, and Wallace Brady from Spotless with students Elizabeth and Alex.

armynews15issue 456 | september 2014

mhovs’ first challenge

By LCPL Christopher Fuller,Section 2IC 10th Transport Company

10th Transport Company was recently involved in one of the first online tasks utilising a combination of the recently introduced HX60 and HX58 Medium Heavy Operational vehicles (MHOVs).

In two sections, we had the task of assisting the Defence Munitions Management Group in clearing out some of their ammo stocks near Kauri Point, Auckland. Leaving early Sunday morning we travelled from Linton Military Camp to the North Shore, Auckland ready to start the following day.

Early Monday morning we arrived at Kauri Point ready to load an assortment of land, air and maritime ammunition. As it was the first time loading the MHOV with various ammunition container configurations it took some time adapting to the differences between vehicles and getting used to the new deck layout. Wanting to be certain that we were carrying the maximum amount possible without being overweight we had to do a bit of shuffling on the decks and run the trucks over the scales a few times. Once our first section was loaded up, they stepped off to begin the dumping cycle to Waiouru Camp.

The next day saw the second section having similar loads as the day before. As a result, they managed to step off a few hours earlier. Heading down to Waiouru, they were exposed to a whole range of weather conditions including rain, ice, sleet and snow as well as extreme wind warnings. This adverse weather was a challenge as they were able to operate the trucks and assess their ability to drive beyond normal road conditions.

As we reached the mid point of the week, we achieved a good routine and were able to load up quickly and more efficiently. This enabled us to leave earlier and earlier each day, with the main goal of beating the Auckland traffic. With the MHOV having an 800km range it meant we had no problems making a return trip without refuelling and also provided enough ‘fat’ to deal with any detours resulting from the adverse conditions happening around the mountain.

In the last couple of days the weather took a turn for the worse, especially in the Ruapehu district. There were heavy snow falls throughout the week, causing the Desert Road to be closed Wednesday evening through to 10am the following day, forcing us to take the National Park route back to Auckland. On Thursday, the country was hit by a massive southerly. Just as we entered the Desert Road it started to snow and the roads were closing in as we got to Waiouru Township. Unloading that night was particularly fun as it was snowing, so much that you could barely see what you were doing.

Due to the snow, all roads in and out of Waiouru were closed overnight. The adverse weather was hindering our movement schedule. A section was left stranded in Waiouru, but eventually managed to get out on the roads which turned out to be a good chance to test the MHOV’s ability to operate in snowy conditions. The last ammo run from Auckland had to be cancelled due to the road conditions around National Park, leading to all roads into Waiouru being closed .

Overall this was a great opportunity to work with the NZ Army’s newest asset in what were at times challenging conditions. The NZDF complies with national Class 1 hazardous

substance regulations and specific transport rules and regulations when moving ammunition and explosives around NZ, either by road, sea or air. The requirement is no different or dangerous to other hazardous substances, such as fuel or gas, being transported around the country.

All NZDF drivers and operators are fully qualified and competent to handle and transport ammunition safely and in accordance with national legislation.

All ammunition and explosives procured have the appropriate safety features or are specifically designed to enable safe handling, storage and movement. Activities involving the handling, storage and movement of ammunition and explosives happen daily within the NZDF. The NZDF does not procure unstable ammunition which could put their personnel at risk, or the public, when they undergo their daily duties.

16armysportissue 456 | september 2014

DATES: 15–20 Feb 2015LOCATION: Palmerston North GC

NZ ARMY 2015 REGIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

NORTHERN: SSGT Gio FortunatoCENTRAL: Capt Carey Talauta

WELLINGTON: Maj Jeff HoweSOUTHERN: Mr Jon Berry

Get your sports nomination in to your regional reps now.

LCpl Ben Clutterbuck2014 NZ Army and NZDF Golf Champion

2015 – Is this you?

?

‘no front line’

Sergeant Greg Fagg, a Burnham-based fireman, began hunting at an early age.

With hunting as a hobby, it pays to know how to shoot accurately, and the Army was ideal for learning that skill.

Hunting has taken him all over New Zealand’s three main islands, pursuing, amongst others, tahr, chamois and Big Reds.

So passionate is he about his hobby he has written a book “Hunting under the Southern Cross.” It’s an easily read paperback, and details his experiences, as well as many hints for a successful expedition. It focuses on both his successes and failures, and is an ideal guide for anyone keen to pick up tips about hunting in New Zealand.

‘hunting under the southern cross’by claire hall

by greg faggReviewed by Jack Hayes

As a Vietnam veteran and one of the many voices in this excellent publication, I was initially reluctant to write a review of this book.

Having read it cover to cover and received a good range of positive feedback from veterans and their families I am now confident that my initial assessment is sound.

This is a different book to the usual recital of the author’s view of a conflict – there is a little setting of the scene drawn from Ian McGibbon’s fine formal review of Vietnam, but 90% of the book is the view of the Vietnam War as seen and recorded by the participants. The stories range from their first impressions of the Army, right through to how they feel 40 years later about having taken part in this divisive war.

The stories cover all aspects of this conflict including the families left at home, and that is the real strength of this work. Whether the statements made are true or accurate is less important than the ‘view of their life at that time’ delivered. This is a book that is a ‘Must Read’ by the families of all Vietnam veterans and maybe then they will have a better understanding of some of the behaviour of ‘their Vietnam veteran’.

I suggest this book should also be read widely by our current serving men and women and their families. They will then realise that this historical conflict was a guerrilla war with generally poor support for their families left at home – surrounded by some very aggressive anti Vietnam War protestors.

This is a well- presented soft back with some striking images not seen before – collected by the team involved in the Vietnam Oral History programme as they recorded the voices of these men and women in their homes across New Zealand. These voices are a valuable part of our military history and when that value was realised Paul Diamond and Claire Hall worked hard to produce this book – thank God they did. It is also a flow on from the great website managed by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage – http://www.vietnamwar.govt.nz

Well done Claire on this first book, this is a highly recommended book for all to read.

Jack Hayes is an NZDF medals policy advisor. He served in the Vietnam War as a member of I NZSAS GP.

armysport17issue 456 | september 2014

After a few months off, the Benchmark Homes Elite Cycle Series burst into life at Ashburton recently. The local Burnham Army Cycling team, in its first year of competition, was up for the challenge and rode aggressively right from the start. The pace was high, with Gordon MacCauley returning from injury and attacking from the gun in the 133km elite race.

The Army team got caught out be the cross winds and missed the break of the day, when Jason Allen and Reon Nolan made a significant push toward the end of the first lap. With most of the point scoring positions being in the break, the team had to chase, but it was always going to be a hard task, with four riders working to catch up with 11 motivated competitors. Jason Allen, from Scotty Browns Racing Team won the stage, and the Army had to be content with putting the day down to experience.

The Wakanui course, although flat, turned out to be just as demanding as the other stages of the series. The day was crystal clear and mild, given the time of year. The final is in Rolleston on 4 October.

A big thank you to our local sponsors, Hollands Collision Repair in Rolleston, and Fulton Hogan Burnham.

cyclists crack good pace in benchmark series

Army drives the peleton

An Army rider takes a corner

Heading into a corner

18armysportissue 456 | september 2014

During my 23 years in the Army, I acquired logistics planning skills and experience on the job, plus course management, APTI, and budgeting. My passion has always been softball, and my Army experiences gave me the confidence to say “hey, I’ve got something to offer”. So, in May 2013, I stepped up to the plate and volunteered for the assistant manager’s role with the NZ Junior Black Sox (Under 19s).

I teamed up with the manager Smally Small and Black Sox legends Thomas Makea (coach) and Jarrad Martin (assistant coach). We started piecing our World Championship campaign together by working out what we wanted to achieve as officials, and what we wanted the players to do. We also engaged with previous campaigns’ coaches and management using lessons learned to help make our journey a little easier. Our main objectives were to install into the boys the desire and work ethic required to win a Gold medal, and to provide a World Championship experience in preparation for the next level (being the senior men’s team, the Black Sox).

In July and September 2013, the extended training squad was introduced to the Army over two training camps. The boys met a regular Softball NZ assistant in SSGT Davey Forbes and he was joined by Mr Nicholas Chong at Trentham Camp and SSGT Mooks Maraku at Papakura Camp. The boys were put through the ringer during both camps with a series of physically and mentally challenging activities to see what bottle they had when fatigued and under pressure. They were also required to cook the odd meal for themselves, which proved to be quite tricky for some (they were blind folded and or taped to a team mate). One lucky volunteer was padded up and introduced to a working dogs’ jaws at Papakura.

like we do in the Army. This was their tour and they had to own it and work through the struggles using their selected leadership group.

On 8 July, we flew two hours north to Whitehorse, a small town in the Yukon that features on the TV Series Ice Road Truckers, although it was now summer. In the summer time the region usually gets four hours of darkness a day, so good black out curtains were a must.

The team started the tournament in style by disposing of Australia, USA, Denmark, Canada and Japan, and things were looking good until we were beaten by defending champions Argentina. With three round robin games remaining the boys got back on track beating the Czech Republic, Singapore and Mexico to finish 8 and 1, which was the best round robin record for a NZ junior team in 17 years. We then beat Argentina to go straight into the final; the boys were pumped and gold was insight, but unfortunately, we were unable to carry that form into the one-sided final. So, we ended up with the silver medal and to be fair that was about right. The Argentinians had lights-out pitching and deserved gold, and we were better than the other teams.

The Junior Black Sox boys have now had a realistic World Championship experience and know the expectations and hard work required to be a champion, thanks in part to the help and continued support of the New Zealand Army.

So, maybe you have skills and experience from your own Army careers that could be put back into your chosen sport. If so, go for it and know the Army will have your back.

The Junior Black Sox World Championship team was named in January 2014, which was six months out from the ultimate stage for junior mens’ softball in Canada. From that point on, the momentum progressively increased with satisfactory performances at a top level club tournament in Auckland and a series of good performances against the Canterbury and development teams in Christchurch.

Most military contingents these days pass through Waiouru before departure on operations. In June this year the Junior Black Sox assembled in Waiouru for their final team bonding camp before the World Championship tour. The introduction to the gym high ropes by PTI’s Terry and JD was a fun and easy going activity for the boys. They had a crack at the Confidence Course which cut the boys in half particularly the freezing creek run, but once back in the comfort of the barracks, the fun was gradually realised. The Junior Black Sox were by now the best- prepared junior softball team to play overseas in a long time. We were ready for business. The Quest for Yukon Gold was on.

On 28 June, the World Championship tour began in Vancouver with 13 warm up games against a variety of local men’s teams. The Junior Black Sox results were a mixed bag and some players were all over the show, which caused some concern for the coaches as to what team would show up each night. Some individuals were in a slump on the diamond, which transitioned to off the diamond. So, keeping the boys busy both mentally and physically helped a great deal. Little things like making our own meals (hot chicken wraps) and eating in the corridor instead of diving off to their hotel rooms kept the boys together and we could check on morale, just

The team, with Doon Groves and WO1 Wayne Small at rear, left.

For nearly 20 years the Army has supported New Zealand Softball’s elite teams. It’s all about the love of the game, and the desire to use military skills to help players, writes Doon Groves, who, with WO1 Wayne Small managed the NZ Junior Black Sox (Under 19s) when they played in the World Championships earlier this year.

army helps Quest for gold

Team members are put through their paces, Army-style.

armysport19issue 456 | september 2014

“the gnarliest riding i have ever done...”The Red Bull Romaniacs is a five day extreme endurance motocross race held in the Carpathian Mountains, and to finish it is no small feat. It didn’t quite go the way Corporal Phil Cheater planned. This is his story.The course takes riders into the mountains to test man and machine to their limits. The rivers are deep, the uphills are steep, the down hills are steeper and the views are amazing.

A total of 350 riders from 40 countries entered in the race. There were four classes: Iron, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Iron is hard but rideable and each class is progressively harder until you get to the Gold glass where sections are classed as extreme to unrideable. Only 33 riders from around the world had entered the Gold class. Chris Birch, Mike Skinner and I flew the Kiwi flag in the Gold class.

Training had gone well and I felt ready as I lined up to take my first timed run on the Enduro Cross style prologue course held in the heart of Sibiu. I set a good time which saw me qualify for the final. Chris Birch set the second fastest time in qualifying and Mike Skinner also making the final. The final would be a brutal 15 minute plus one lap race. I started back from the front row and got a good start when the flag dropped. I managed to quickly pass some riders who were stuck and settled in around 10th. I put some good laps together until I caught my front wheel at the top of an obstacle and flipped over the front of the bike. It took quite some time to wrench my bike free in doing so some riders even used my bike as a ramp to jump off the obstacle. By the time I freed my bike I was dead last with 5 min to go. I put my head down and tried to catch as many riders as I could. When the flag dropped I had made it back up to 16th which would determine my start time for the next day’s riding in the mountains.

Day 2 started on the outskirts of Sibiu. I pushed hard from the start and caught and passed 6 gold class riders in the first 2 hrs. My bike started to steam badly as I climbed a steep hill. I had to stop and fix the leaking radiator hose which took some time. By the time I had fixed my bike I was at the back of the gold class. Little did I know it would be the start of some challenging times. I pushed on into a well-known section called doomed that is a steep single track section that doesn’t allow any passing. Stopping to fix my radiator meant I was caught behind 20 or so of the front runners of the silver class and could do nothing but wait for the track to clear. I spent well over an hour waiting until I could get past and push on to the finish. Somehow I managed to finish 19th for the day which was a surprise.

Day 3 was promised to be a step up in difficulty for the gold class. I began the day setting a good pace until a split second error on top of a razor back ridge saw my bike tumble down

50m off the ridge and wedge itself in the trees and shingle. No matter what I did I could not get the bike back on the track and was forced to make my own way downhill into steep gullies and try and intercept the track at the bottom. It took me four hours of the gnarliest riding I have ever done to reach the bottom some 2km away. The gullies were full of fallen trees and I had to negotiate numerous water falls. One water fall was some 12 m high and well beyond riding down so I had to hook my tow rope on to the back of my bike and belay it to the bottom. I then had to use my rope to rappel down myself unfortunately I had to double up my rope so I could retrieve it which meant the rope was too short. So I made my way down until I hung three metres from the bottom and had to cross my fingers and let go. I made it but my bike was almost out of gas. I cut the race track and made it to the fuel point with 50mm of fuel left. I was 4 hrs behind the rest of the gold class and knew my day was over but I decided to push on and see how far I could get. Somehow I managed to catch one other gold class rider but I was time barred at the last check point. It was the hardest days riding I had ever done unfortunately not much of it on the right track but a true test of fitness and character.

Day 4 wasn’t going to be any easier with 160km between me and the day’s finish line. I set out with a determined mind set to make up for yesterday’s mistake and rode well making good time to the service point which was around half way. I was making such good time that I made it to the service point before my service crew had arrived, so I had to do some smooth talking and get one of the other teams to check over my bike. While they were checking my bike I tried to eat as much food as I could. I had caught back up to Mike Skinner at the service point and was looking forward to having a good battle with him in the afternoon. We set off 40 sec apart at a cracking pace. We made our way down “Front Flip hill” and then headed up “Arm Pump River” I was almost at the top of the 4km rocky river section when without warning my bike stopped driving. I checked the chain was still on, that was fine so I chucked my bike on its side and pulled the clutch cover off to see what was going on inside the engine. As soon as I looked inside I knew my race was over. There wasn’t one drop of oil in the gearbox and I had absolutely cooked the clutch. I couldn’t find any damage to the outside of the engine or any oil leaks which meant only one thing. My Romanian mechanics hadn’t put any oil in the bike when they serviced it the night before.

I had to pull out my emergency map and work out where I was. I ended up rolling my bike back down the river I had just ridden up. I found a safety marshal but he was no good as he couldn’t speak English and I couldn’t speak Romanian. After such bad luck I got lucky when a French rider who had withdrawn from the race came by and I got him to tow me back to the service point. Needless to say it was a little frosty with my mechanics when I got back and told them that my bike had no oil in it. My race was done and I wouldn’t be allowed to start the last day.

Day 5 would finish at the famous Gusterita hill climb but there was some serious riding to be done to get there. I wasn’t allowed to race as you can only DNF one day so I headed out with some of the Kiwi supporters and climbed up to the top of a Gold Class hill to help pull my fellow competitors up. Chris Birch got to me first sitting in 6th overall. I pointed out the best way to go and he flew up. A very tired Mike Skinner arrived 30 min later and with six other Gold class riders stuck on the hill he didn’t have a chance getting a clean run to get up in one go. So the next best thing was to drag his bike up the hill for him. Mike was stoked to see me and I got him to the top passing the six other riders in the process. Once Mike was gone I went back and helped the other riders up who were more than grateful to say the least.

At the finish line it was a full on Red Bull party as the riders came in from the mountains and made their way up Gusterita hill climb and crossed the finish line. Johnny Walker KTM from the UK won overall with four time winner Graham Jarvis and South African youngster Wade Young completing the podium. Chris Birch finished 6th and Mike Skinner 15th in the Gold Class. Fellow Kiwis competing in the other classes all rode well with notable finishers Dougie Herbet finishing 3rd and Greg Delatour 4th in Silver. Mark Newton and Sean Clarke 2nd in Silver teams and 16 year old Taylor Grey 5th in Bronze.

Going strong: CPL Phil Cheater Part way through the race

Wedged in the trees: a recovery under way

20armysportissue 456 | september 2014

Although Army won 27–6 over Air Force on the final day of the Inter-Service Rugby Tournament it was Navy’s day in the end.

With a win over Army 15–6 on Day 1, and a draw against Air Force 29–29 Day 2, the result saw Navy crowned Inter-Service Rugby Champions for 2014.

navy crowned inter-service rugby champions

armypeople21issue 456 | september 2014

Pre-Selection: 15 – 18 Jan 15Selection: 19 – 27 Jan 15Officer Testing: 28 – 30 Jan 15

NZSAS SELECTION COURSE

Act now if you have an interest in joining the NZ Defence Force’s premier combat unit. If you haven’t already, you need to:• Complete a Med Board and get a MD918 from your

MO (within 4 months of Selection start date)• Submit your AFNZ 3

(located at – http://org/nzsof/LP/Recruiting.aspx) complete with MD918 attached

• Pass the NZ Army RFL (within 4 months of Selection start date)

• Commence the Selection Course Training Programme (3 months out from Selection start date)

• Send your UPF to the NZSAS Recruiting Cell NLT 22 Nov 14

• Be mentally focused and have the desire to win

Any queries contact the NZSAS Recruiting Cell: SASRec@nzdf.mil.nz or 021 743096

Words and pictures by John Cosgrove

It was sizing day today at the Kensington Army Hall for members of the Dunedin Based Bravo Company of the 2/4 Battalion RNZIR recently. Local soldiers from the NZ Army Reserve Force were measured for their new Multi-Terrain Camouflage Uniforms (MCU) which will shortly replace the very familiar Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM) uniforms that they have worn since the mid 1980s.

Using RFID chips lodged in each piece of this new multi-layered uniform, the staff from the Burnham based clothing store are able to accurately record each soldier’s preferences in sizes and cuts.

The sizing operation for 2/4 Bn soldiers from all over the South Island marked the start of the second phase of a two year long process by the NZ Army to re-equip all its soldiers with the new MCU which has a camouflage pattern designed to work in multiple environments including jungle, scrub, arid, desert and urban.

The new multi-layered uniform reflects international innovations in uniform design and is also designed to work well with body armour.

More than 2000 Reserve Force soldiers will soon be issued with their new uniforms joining the 4000 Regular Force Soldiers already outfitted in the new MCU colours.

mcu sizing for reservist soldiers

22armysportissue 456 | september 2014

NZ Army Women’s and Mixed Netball teams are 2014 Inter-Services Champions. Army is on top of the Defence Netball world after two close fought finals at the Inter-Services Netball tournament held in Palmerston North 31 August–2 September.

NZ Army Coaches selected two fit and skilful teams from the Inter-Regionals held in July with a view to retaining the Mixed Trophy and bringing to an end the 5-year reign of the Navy in the Women’s competition. The teams came together for a 2-day training camp in Linton where they spent the limited time available developing combinations and working towards their coaches game plans, from here the teams went straight into the tournament.

This year both the Army and Navy teams were fortunate enough to have players who had played at a higher level which included an ANZ Cup Development player PTE Samantha Rowe (Army) and two NZ Men’s representatives LT Waaka Parkinson (Army) and AWTR Sheridan Wills (Navy). These players along with experienced senior players provided a large amount of input into their team’s development, cohesion and game plans.

As is always the case, the Inter-Services Netball Tournament is played with a double round robin followed by finals. The round robin on day one provides teams an opportunity for their first hit-outs and re-seeds the teams for the competition proper on day two before heading into the finals on day three. Army were number one seeds which meant they played the first and the last games of the day.

DAY ONE

Mixed: Army’s first game was Navy who were at the tournament for the first time and were an unknown quantity and ended providing very good opposition for a fit and agile Army Team. The game saw Army were a bit shaky in the first quarter however took the game away in the second to win convincingly. In the next game was against Airforce who caught Army on the back foot and put up a good fight in the first half but after some key changes Army came away with a win seeing them seeded as number one for the second round.

Women’s: Army started the tournament against current champs Navy and knew from the outset that it was going to be a tough game. Navy played their typical strong brand of netball and left some of the new Army players a little awestruck at the level of competition and some of the old heads knowing that they had to fight harder if they wanted to beat their old foes. Army’s next game was against Airforce and although still not performing at their best Army’s combinations improved and they came away with a convincing win.

DAY TWO

Mixed: First game was Navy who went back to the drawing board and came up with a game plan to counteract Army’s strength. Although Army were leading by eight at one stage Navy showed purpose and beat Army by one goal. The next game was against Airforce and after game analysis by the coach and senior players it allowed the team to play different combinations in preparation for the finals the next day.

Women’s: After post game debriefs, analysis by the coach and with input from the co-captains the Army team came out on

double netball champs!

armysport23issue 456 | september 2014

double netball champs!

day two knowing they definitely had to up their game to be in the final on day three. Army’s first game was against Airforce who came out firing after disappointing results in round one and they pushed Army hard for the first half but couldn’t maintain the tempo and Army took the win, first step to the final, check! Earlier in the day Navy made the road to the final a sure thing for Army by beating Airforce, so two losses for them unfortunately kept them from finals contention. Game two against Navy despite being another loss was a much closer result and left Navy perplexed and Army knowing they could lift yet again to another level for the final the next day.

DAY THREE

3rd vs 4th games: The day started with both Airforce teams playing against Army based invitational teams. First up was the Mixed game against Airforce playing the Chief of Army 12 which were made up of development players that took part in the Inter-Regional Netball tournament. Both teams took the opportunity to have some fun providing plenty of entertainment for the crowd. Next was the Women’s game playing against a Linton Camp selection, which Airforce convincingly won.

Mixed Final: Navy vs Army. First time finalist Navy, were full of confidence going into the Mixed final having beaten Army the previous day. They were looking to secure the title in their first outing at Inter-Services. Army were confident despite the loss, they knew they could step their game up and make things difficult for the opposition and banked on superior fitness and speed. The game started at a high tempo and seemed to get quicker as the quarters went by, Navy started the best and lead

through the first half and into the 3rd quarter. Army however stuck to their game plan and pulled the lead back and went ahead with 10mins to go and held the lead finishing deserved Inter-Services Mixed winners 36–27.

Womens Final: Navy vs Army. After 5 years of trying, Army were hoping that this would be their year and they could finally topple Navy from the top of NZDF Netball. Navy were just as determined to make sure they stayed as reigning champs for another year. Both teams desire for the win showed on court as they battled hard and played fast and furious netball. The Navy took the early initiative and their lead ebbed and flowed over Army for the first three quarters of the game, looking like they would keep their title. At three quarter time a few inspirational words and some basic guidance during the team huddle saw Army come out in the final quarter with a simple game plan, “we just need two turnovers ladies, we can do this” and final words from co-captain Wai Cross “empty the tank” also saw the team absorbing every word. With this in mind the team stepped up, won crucial turnovers and edged ahead of Navy with 3mins to go on the clock. While Army kept their heads and stuck to the game plan a bit of panic snuck into the Navy camp and the bounce of the ball started going against them and unlike previous years they were unable to bring it back. Army finished the game the strongest and closed out a very exciting final 42–39.

Some final words of wisdom prior to the finals from 1 (NZ) Brigade Command Sergeant Major, WO1 Clive Douglas to co-captain Wai Cross “take the initiative, get to high ground early and make sure you have fire support”, words that lead both Army teams to their victories.

2014 TEAM LISTS: NZ ARMY

Womens Team:

CPL Jax Tuala (Coach)

MS Jo Te Kanawa (Manager)

SGT Jo Fraser (Strapper)

WO1 Wai Cross (Co-Captain)

PTE Samantha Rowe (Co-Captain)

MRS Jackie Fenton

MS Mel Chase

LT Kate McGregor

LBDR Calla Poi

LCPL Bridget Lake

PTE Jasmin Kepa

PTE Savannah Grace

MRS Chloe Waititi

MISS Tamara Hamiora

MISS Ashleigh Walker

Mixed Team:

SGT Mata Oltaches (Coach)

MR Dean Komene (Manager)

CPL Karen White (Strapper)

MR Mike Gray (Captain)

LT Waaka Parkinson

SSGT Lisa Harrison

CPL Tara Bullard

LCPL Melissa Daley

LCPL Cherie Field

LCPL Jaylene Gardiner

PTE Hiria Grant

SGT Kevin Packer

PTE Steven Dwyer

Congratulations to the well deserved recipients who received the highest awards for Inter-Services Netball and to those who made both the NZDF Women’s and Mixed teams.

2014 Inter-Services Awards:

PTE Samantha Rowe Women’s Rookie of the Year

Women’s Most Valuable Player with ASTD Nirah Nathan (Navy)

PTE Hiria Grant Mixed Women Rookie of the Year

LT Waaka Parkinson Mixed Men Rookie of the Year

Mixed Most Valuable Player

The following Army Officials and players were selected to represent the NZDF Netball Teams:

2014 NZDF Womens Team:

CPL Jax Tuala (Coach)

MRS Jackie Fenton (Asst Coach)

WO1 Wai Cross (Co-Captain)

PTE Samantha Rowe

PTE Savannah Grace

MS Mel Chase

2014 NZDF Mixed: (paper team)

SGT Mata Oltaches (Coach)

PTE Hiria Grant

LT Waaka Parkinson

LCPL Cherie Field

LCPL Jaylene Gardiner

2014 NZ Army Women’s team will now prepare to tour to Australia competing in the Australian Defence Force Inter-State competition in November.For updates on the teams go to the facebook pages: NZ Army Netball and NZ Defence Force Netball.

The New

Zealand Arm

y Wom

en’s netball team, w

inners of the Inter-Service N

etball Competition.

winners