Issue 502may 2019

Courage Commitment Comradeship integrity

Run fast, shoot stRaIghtOur marksmen on form in Australia

anzac DayWe will remember them

attRactIng women to the nz aRmyRecruiting Days at our Camps

The Army News is published for the Regular and Territorial Force and civilian staff of the

New Zealand Army.

Editor: Judith Martin Ph: 021 240 8578 E: armynews@nzdf.mil.nz

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

Design: Vanessa Edridge, DPA, NZDF

Editorial contributions and letters are welcomed. They may be sent directly to Army

News and do not need to be forwarded through normal command channels. Submit them to The

Editor, Army News, DPA, 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 1170-4411All material is copyright, and permission to reproduce must be sought from the editor.

Cover: Recruiting Day at Burnham Camp.

Photo: CPL Sean Spivey

newsSAS soldier killed in

training accident 03

Ninth rotation leaves for Iraq

03

Q&A – TAD instructor Corporal Renee

Conlon-Rewiti

13

peopleAnzac Day coverage 05

AASAM – outstanding results for Kiwis

10

2LT Laura Bayfield builds a bridge

14

2CSSB win Roy Smith Trophy

16

capabIlItyWorking dogs’ new

home opened 04

opeRatIonsHawkes Bay

dental outreach18

exeRcIsesInfantry working dogs 09

Exercise Venom 15

spoRtCycling 26

ISSUE 502 may 2019

NZDefenceForce

NZArmy

sma.net

Often, we don’t understand why a particular drill, instruction or procedure is issued or required. This is particularly so when we are in the comfort of garrison environments or routine training. We may have heard the phrase ‘training is the best form of welfare’ when it relates to physical application of warfighting. But do we equally understand the importance of keeping our kit in good order and accounted for, conducting professional military development in units, addressing people correctly or issuing orders for common tasks?

There are many examples where ‘the reason why’ relates to embedding correct actions so that when we are at our lowest point of stamina, in chaos and uncertainty, we will do the right drill, immediate action, check on our mate, or make sure we have all our kit. And so we train as we mean to operate, anywhere, anytime, and anyhow. It is about the basics, our foundation skills. We do hear this frequently and yet we fail to do the simple things well – be it on time, clean

our boots, wear our headdress, plan ahead, train the basics, carry a notebook, or pick up rubbish. Does this translate into failing to check our weapon is clean, not wearing a seat belt or not securing our kit? You be the judge.

Shortcuts are another evil when we don’t fully understand the reason for the full process or drill, or when we don’t have the experience to know what can be shortened when time is compressed. Do it often enough and the shortcut becomes the drill or norm until one day it catches us out. There are some things that we can’t take shortcuts on and we need to know the difference.

Our lesson plans include ‘the reason why’, so do our orders? Let’s put it into our daily battle rhythm, mindset, actions and language. SMA Jungle Tip: Do the basics well, always.

Hunt the Good Stuff!ANZAC Day: ANZAC Day is a time to reflect and remember these who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of New Zealand.

Ka maumahara tonu tātou ki a rātou – We will remember them.

Army Sports Awards 2019: Recently the Army Sports Awards were held, where NZ Army’s finest sportsman and women were recognised for their achievements. Congratulations to these sports teams and individuals who have been recognised and a special SMA *MiD to CPL Nix Vunipola for her achievements and being awarded both the Individual Sports Person of the Year and Chief of Army’s Supreme Award.

CA Commendation: Saving a life or intervening in a situation to cause less harm takes personal courage and comradeship in caring for a mate. I would like to acknowledge SPR Amituanai for his recent recognition by CA in being awarded a CA’s Commendation. Proud of your efforts!

Army Shooting Team: Congratulations to the ASSAM team for their efforts in achieving the best result ever by a NZ team competing at this competition. Well done, good soldiering!

SMA Reading List recommendations: 1. GRIT – Why passion and

resilience are the secrets to success by Angela Duckworth.

2. Start with Why by Simon Sinek.3. What Got You Here Won’t Get

You There: How successful people become even more successful by Marshall Goldsmith.

4. Ake Ake Kia Kaha E! Forever Brave! by Sir Wira Gardiner.

Ngā mihi – see you on patrol

WO1 Clive Douglas Sergeant Major of the Army

The reason why

New Zealand Army veterans flew to Christchurch earlier this month on the same Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft that flew them to the Vietnam War 50 years ago.

heRcules flIes VIetnam waR VeteRans to 50th ReunIon

The veterans, former infantry soldiers from the Victor 4 Company that deployed to Vietnam on 8 May, 1969, were accompanied by their families. The reunion was to mark the 50th anniversary of Victor 4 Company arriving in Vuc Tau in southern Vietnam.

Flight Lieutenant Tim Leslie, an aircraft captain from the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No.40 Squadron, said about 90 veterans and their families were flown from Auckland, Tauranga, Ohakea and Wellington to their reunion at Burnham Military Camp.

Veteran Geoff Dixon, 70, said for wives, children and grandchildren to fly in the same aircraft that flew their husbands, dads or grandfathers to war was a very emotional trip.

Fellow veteran Phil O’Connor, 71, said the flight brought back a flood of memories.

Mr Dixon had just turned 20 when he went to Vietnam and was second in command of a rifle section comprising 10 soldiers.

“It was physically and mentally challenging. You had to carry heavy loads of ammunition and spent each day on edge,” he said

of the year-long deployment.During their first operation,

which Mr Dixon described as their “baptism of fire”, they came under heavy attack from the Viet Cong and suffered their first casualty – his best mate Jack Williams.

Operating as part of a combined Anzac battalion with the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, the New Zealand troops went into the jungle for a month of operations, tracking down hostile forces, and then returned to the Australian base at Nui Dat for a respite.

The veterans were welcomed to Burnham camp by soldiers from 2/1 RNZIR who performed a haka on the camp parade ground. The veterans marked their 50th reunion with a memorial service where wreaths were laid and the names of the fallen read out. They were also invited to displays of current military equipment, and attended a formal dinner.

Next month: Triumphs, tall stories, and tears: when veterans reunite.

Some of the veterans who attended the reunion after disembarking from the same C-130 that took them to Vietnam 50 years ago.

aRmynews 03

a message fRom chIef of aRmy

Army’s ongoing operational excellence needs more diversity and inclusion For those of us in command appointments it rolls off the tongue pretty easy, ‘people are our greatest asset.’ And, in our actions, we take the time to recognise good performance, innovation, potential, even acts of bravery. What we don’t do, nearly often enough, is recognise the importance of diversity in the NZ Army and how it makes us stronger.

For an organisation that prosecutes operations amongst the people in the land domain, be left in absolutely no doubt that diversity is a key operational enabler. Being more diverse better positions us to understand and empathise with local populations, build relationships, and gain a community’s trust and support.

Enabling and fully using the different backgrounds, skills and experiences from an Army of officers and soldiers, men and women, results in greater innovation and creativity. This enhances the agility and adaptiveness required of us all to operate effectively in the future battlespace, which is growing increasingly complex, fluid and fast-paced.

Valuing and seeking diversity also ensures that we are not restricting who we recruit, rather we are giving ourselves every opportunity to attract, retain and maximise the best talent available.

During my career I have had the absolute honour to serve alongside a variety of incredibly talented soldiers. What made them so good was not their gender, ethnic background, sexual preference or religion. What really mattered, what I remember most about them, was the professional competence with which they executed the tasks required of

them, and their character – as a soldier and, more importantly, as a person.

We are, and must continue to be, an organisation whereby success is driven not by our personal identities but by the skills and attitudes we bring to our work.

With diversity however, comes the responsibility of inclusion. All of us are responsible for creating the strongest possible team where all soldiers feel safe, included, respected and able to perform their duties free from inappropriate and harmful behaviour. Where all our people have every opportunity to develop their potential and be the best they can be.

In recent times, programmes such as Op RESPECT have been launched to improve how, as a defence force, we grow a professional culture of respect and inclusiveness amongst our people. We cannot be effective on the battlefield if we diminish the effectiveness of our ‘greatest asset’ – our people.

The messages here are clear. First and foremost, we must be an Army that looks after each other, trusts each other, and respects each other. An Army that lives the value of comradeship and that sense of mateship that binds us as a collective force. Secondly, there is no place in our Army for those who disrespect, bully or harm others – behaviours that attack the very essence of the team and our operational effectiveness can’t be accepted and must be called out by us all.

I am absolutely committed to ensuring we have an environment within Army where competency and character matters, one where our people live our values, and a culture of inclusiveness exists. More than anything else however, I am absolutely committed to all our people, and the incredible diversity they bring.

John BoswellMajor General

The ninth rotation of about 70 New Zealand Defence Force troops has left for a training mission in Iraq.The latest deployment brings to about 900 the total number of troops sent by the NZDF to Iraq over the past four years, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Rear Admiral Jim Gilmour said.

“Our Defence Force has been contributing to the international effort to help train and build the capacity of Iraqi Security Forces personnel,” Rear Admiral Gilmour said after he farewelled the troops

Lance Corporal Nicholas Kahotea, 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment died following an accident during a training exercise in Auckland on 8 May.

LCPL Kahotea joined the New Zealand Army on 25 January, 2006, as a Royal New Zealand Engineer, with an initial posting to the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment as a specialist searcher in 2008.

He successfully completed NZSAS selection and was badged

Army Captain Jono Steele, who is serving in the Sinai Peninsula, walked non-stop for 24 hours to raise funds for the family of his friend, Futsal Whites player Atta Elayyan, who was one of the 51 victims of the Christchurch terror attack. He helped raise more than $10,000.

Atta, said CAPT Steele, was a good friend who left behind his wife Farah and two-year-old daughter, Aya.

He started the non-stop walk at 8am and says it was pretty straight forward for most of the day. “The support grew steadily with people

at Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Ohakea.

“This means thousands of newly trained Iraqi soldiers, border guards and police protecting their country and securing its borders.”

More than 44,000 Iraqi Security Forces personnel have received training from Task Group Taji, which comprises NZDF troops and Australian Defence Force personnel, since its training mission began in May 2015.

Many of the Iraqi personnel trained by the combined New Zealand–Australian task group took part in the campaign to retake parts of Iraq from the terrorist group Islamic State.

Several Iraqi Security Forces personnel trained by Task Group Taji had also taken over some of the training in a self-sustaining cycle, Rear Admiral Gilmour said.

“This is the ultimate goal of our building partner capacity mission – Iraqi forces with an enhanced capability to train their personnel and protect their national security,” he said.

The training courses or programmes of instruction usually run for six weeks. The training covers individual soldier skills, including weapons handling and marksmanship at close quarters and longer ranges. It also includes combat first aid and obstacle-breaching techniques, as well as counter-improvised explosive device and explosive hazard awareness training.

All Iraqi Security Forces personnel are also taught the fundamental aspects of international human rights law and the Law of Armed Conflict.

nInth RotatIon of nzDf tRoops leaVes foR IRaQ

as an NZSAS operator in December 2014.

He served in Afghanistan, and was awarded the following medals: New Zealand Operational Service Medal (NZOSM), New Zealand Defence Service Medal (NZDSM), New Zealand General Service (NZGSM) and NATO ISAF (Afghanistan). 

He will be remembered as a professional soldier, a father and friend to many.

Chief of Army Major General John Boswell said Lance Corporal Kahotea was a consummate professional, who was known for his dedication and reliability – always

upholding the Army’s core values in every endeavour.

“He was an outstanding soldier and a top bloke,” Major General Boswell said. “I know that his family, friends and colleagues will be keenly feeling the loss and we offer our deepest condolences.”

The New Zealand Defence Force offers its deepest sympathy to Lance Corporal Kahotea’s family and will extend its full support services to them.

An investigation into the accident is being undertaken. Police are investigating on behalf of the Coroner.

sas solDIeR DIes afteR tRaInIng accIDent

long walk RaIses funDs foR teRRoR attack famIly

joining the walk in ones and two. I stopped to take a count at about 11 pm and there were 35 people walking with me from every single contingent – some of which had started at 11 am that day and would walk through until the end.

“It started to get pretty tough in the

early hours of the morning as the body started to fatigue and the weather started to turn. It went from a balmy 28 degrees with a slight wind during the day to a full on sandstorm and bucketing down with rain – it was pretty surreal. The team kept on going though and at about 4 am the body packed it in and I threw up everywhere. Fortunately for me I had a massive team still supporting me. The SNO, and a couple of other Kiwis got in my ear and gave me a bit of a boost and we finished.”

CAPT Steel said the funds raised in the Sinai went in with those raised by the National Futsal team of which Atta was a member. Overall, the efforts of Atta’s friends raised about 180k.

“For me the highlight was halfway through when I looked around to count how many people were walking with me. People from every corner of the globe and a bunch of different religions chose to sacrifice their time to honor the memory of an unknown man and by extension demonstrate their support for the families on the other side of the world.”

CAPT Steele, in centre, wearing blue, walks with other Op Farad personnel.

LCPL Kahotea

04 aRmynews

New purpose-built dog kennels at Linton Military Camp which were opened earlier this month by the Minister of Defence, Ron Mark, will ensure military working dogs are cared for in line with international best practice.“The value of these highly-trained working dogs to the New Zealand Defence Force is reflected in the care taken in providing an environment that protects them and their welfare,” says Alan Inkpen, Military Working Dogs Capability Manager – Land.

“These dogs save lives, so ensuring they are in peak physical condition supports our military’s operational effectiveness, and the safety of our personnel.

“International research has enabled us to develop a facility that ensures we can monitor and house our dogs in a way that ensures they maintain peak condition.”

Well-loved by generations of handlers, New Zealand’s military working dogs have a long and proud history. The new facility has been named “Ceaser Lines” after A Company, 4th Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade bulldog mascot Ceaser. (Ceaser is how the dog’s name was spelt on his collar). His handler, Rifleman Thomas Samuel Tooman, was assigned as an Ambulance Driver in World War I and trained Ceaser as a Red Cross

Dog to find wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Ceaser helped save countless lives before being killed in action in the Battle of the Somme. His collar is in the Auckland War Museum and a book, ‘Caesar the Anzac Dog’, has been written by Rifleman Tooman’s great niece Patricia Stroud who was a guest of honour at the opening ceremony.

Ms Stroud, from the Hibiscus Coast north of Auckland, said she was honoured to be invited to the opening ceremony, and delighted to help Ron Mark cut the ribbon to the new facility. She remembers her great-uncle well, and also remembers the large portrait of Ceaser on the wall of her family’s lounge when she was a young child.

The new working dog facility can house up to 12 dogs at any one time. The project was delivered on time and under budget through a collaboration of New Zealand Defence Force personnel, Army Engineers, Defence Estate and Infrastructure and local contractors. The kennels include exercise and sleeping places, as well as bathing and feeding areas.

nzDf woRkIng Dogs get new home at lInton

Above: The new kennels.

Bottom left: Defence Minister Ron Mark discusses the benefits of the kennels with an Army dog handler.

Bottom right: Ms Patricia Stroud helps Mr Mark cut the opening ribbon.

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They went with songs to the battle, they were young Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow, They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted: They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

– From ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon

Anzac Day 2019

Camp Taji, Iraq. (Photo: ADF)

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New Zealand and Australia commemorated Anzac Day with three services in the Anzac sector of the Gallipoli peninsula – a joint Dawn Service followed by the Australian service at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair.

The official party, led by Trevor Mallard, Speaker of the New Zealand House of Representatives, placed roses at the New Zealand Memorial to the Missing. The party was then led to the New Zealand Battlefield Memorial where 380 New Zealanders were seated for the service. Many Australians also gathered to watch the ceremony as they made their way to Chunuk Bair to wait for their transport off the peninsula.

New Zealand Defence Force personnel throughout the world commemorated Anzac Day on Thursday 25 April.

Her Excellency Wendy Hinton, New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey, led attendees in a minute’s silence for those killed and affected by the Christchurch terror attack which included two wounded Turkish nationals.

In his commemorative address, the Speaker noted that those gathered at Chunuk Bair had come together in the spirit of respect, peace and understanding. He also remembered all those that fought at Gallipoli – from whatever their country or creed – and the legacy they left behind as we face different challenges in the 21st century.

Significant Anzac Day ceremonies were also held in Iraq and Afghanistan, Egypt and Korea, Australia and New Zealand and many other nations where New Zealand is represented.

Auckland

Iraq (Photo: ADF)

Iraq (Photo: ADF) South Korea

South Korea

Afghanistan

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By Judith Martin

Two Wellington men with more than 200 years of life experience behind them have fond memories of their wartime experience overseeing munitions in an Australian explosives factory.

Mr Ernie Sellens, who has recently turned 105 years old, and Mr Alex Lees, 99, are New Zealanders but both worked together at the Mulwala Explosives Factory in New South Wales during World War II.

The men, both of whom have science backgrounds, are now residents of Te Hopai Home in Newtown, Wellington. They commemorated Anzac Day together, and shared some of their memories with Army News.

A Wellingtonian, Mr Sellens attended Victoria University where he studied chemistry, physics and geology.

“The Australian government got in touch with the New Zealand government and asked for a bunch of scientists to be sent over there during the war. We were to work at a factory producing munitions. I had to investigate and report on any accidents that happened. I also had to check that the munitions were made according to specifications, and were safe to send to the troops.”

He says when war broke out he was a pacifist. “Then I realised pacifism would never win a war or get me anywhere.” Mr Sellens went on to become, amongst other science-related occupations, an

eRnIe, 105, & alex, 99 the anzac spirit revisited

Inspector of Dangerous Goods for the New Zealand government.

Mr Lees also studied at Victoria University attaining a Master of Science, majoring in chemistry, physics and maths. He joined the group of Kiwi scientists working at the Mulwala factory, and spent much of his time working with five inch shells full of TNT, as well as mortars and grenades. He was in charge of the ballistics laboratory at the factory.

“You could only work in the TNT bay for a week at a time. I got sixpence extra an hour in my pay for working there.” He trained other people to do the job he was doing until his services as a scientist were no longer needed at the factory, and he eventually returned to New Zealand.

Both men brought their families up in New Zealand.

After the war the pair found themselves working together again

at a paint manufacturing plant. They changed jobs and lost touch, but were reunited when they chose to live in Te Hopai in their twilight years.

“I never wore a uniform, but it was good to be part of the war effort,” says Mr Lees.

In recent years Mulwala factory has provided the propellant for 5.56mm ammunition, .50 calibre machine gun ammunition, 25mm cartridges for the Bushmaster gun

mounted on Army ASLAVs and Armidale-class patrol boats, 81mm mortar, 105mm artillery and 5-inch 54 calibre naval gun ammunition, and the solid rocket motor for the Nulka active decoy. It has also supplied the explosive filling for 81mm mortar, 105mm and 5-inch projectiles, and aircraft bombs.

Above: Ernie Sellens (left) and Alex Lees

South Sudan South Sudan

DubaiAuckland

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Iraq (Photo: ADF)

Iraq (Photo: ADF)

Afghanistan

South SudanSouth Sudan

aRmyexeRcIse 09

While the Infantry Support Dogs (ISD) aren’t an enforced capability, at this stage, the training is important because the dogs and handlers could be deployed if necessary.

LCPL Gabriel Dewes, 2IC of the section, says the dogs can be employed to track, detect and apprehend people by day or night in various tactical and non-tactical scenarios.

“The dogs can operate independently or with visual trackers as part of a Combat Tracking Team. Or attached to an infantry section or platoon making the dog team a capability multiplier.

“All infantry support dogs are trained to be infilled/exfilled via air, land and sea. If needed, the dog teams could deploy in a non-tactical role such as in a Search and Rescue or in a tactical role where they pursue an enemy track in order to re-establish contact with a fleeing enemy and if necessary apprehend selected targets on command ,” says LCPL Dewes.

nz aRmy exeRcIses canIne capabIlIty

The Infantry Support Dog Section, Reconnaissance & Surveillance Platoon from 1RNZIR NZ Army undertook an intensive training exercise at Waiouru recently. Consisting of four students, each with a military working dog, and four instructors the course covered a wide range of potential deployable environments.

All military working dogs wear similar protective kit to soldiers. The dogs wear stab proof inserts in their vest; special canine boots, goggles and assault muzzles, and are provided with hearing protection and tracking collars. During urban operations each dog will wear a camera on their harness, which feeds directly to the monitor worn by the dog handler and/or commander, enabling him to constantly know where his dog is and in what type of situation.

“The safety and welfare of the military working dogs is paramount for us. Every dog handler completes a canine first aid course so they have the skills to respond in the field if their dog was injured. We also regularly practice our first aid skills on canine mannequins,” says LCPL Dewes.

All dog handlers must serve at least two years in a rifle company acquiring infantry skills before joining the Infantry Support Dog Section. Typical postings to the unit are two – three years duration.

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By LCPL Leon Hunter

The New Zealand Army’s best marksmen had their talent on display when they placed fourth overall amongst the 20 teams competing in the Australian Army Skills at Arms (AASAM) competition in Puckapunyal recently.This is an outstanding result considering the winning team, Indonesia, has a full time shooting team which trains all year round to win competitions like AASAM. The team had 4 firers finishing in the top 20 out of 200 firers in the competition; LCPL Jason Buick (1RNZIR) 6th, PTE Ezra Berridge (QAMR) 7th, LCPL Mark Lupi (5/7 RNZIR) 11th and PTE David Cramp (1RNZIR) 20th. There were three first placings, four second placings and three third placings amongst the team.

Preparation for the competition began earlier this year when a team of shooters gathered at the New Zealand Collective Training Centre to compete for a spot on the New Zealand Army Combat Shooting Team (NZACST), which would leave to compete at AASAM 2019 in four weeks’ time.

The soldiers trained under the expert guidance of Warrant Officer Class Two Monty Montgomery, honing their shooting skills further. The team followed three simple rules throughout the training and competition period: master the basics, do the little things well, and always do more.

Twenty shooting teams from 19 nations took part in the competition. Each competitor had to shoot 19 matches with three different in-service weapons – a pistol, rifle and machine gun. There were also various team matches and sniper matches. To compete competitively, all firers had to train in several different styles of shooting. These included rapid instinctive shooting, accurate reactive shooting and precise deliberate shooting, at ranges from 5m to 600m.

To prepare for this the team trained for three weeks in Waiouru, covering the techniques and skills required to compete on the

Run fast, shoot stRaIght

the new zealanD aRmy combat shootIng team 2019

world stage. The common theme throughout training was the basic techniques mastered in order to achieve advanced results. Marksmanship principles were broken down, and training given in understanding fine and complex human body motor skills.

The shooters were also trained to prepare themselves mentally in order to handle the stress of high level competition. Training days were devoted to high-level, purposeful, demanding training, which pushed the shooters to perform at their very best.

The assembling of the world’s best combat shooters in one place made for a fiercely competitive environment. The various flags of the nations were raised on flag poles, draped across doorways and windows, carried proudly behind teams and adorned the shoulders of the jungle of different uniforms.

In the sniper matches, the NZ sniper team shot with only 7.62mm rifle in comparison to most teams using .338 calibre. Despite this disadvantage LCPL Travis Sherriff and PTE Elliot Knight came third overall. New Zealand snipers will use the. 338 Barrett Multi-role Adaptive Design (MRAD) sniper rifle next year.

Team coach WO2 Montgomery said the benefits of training for and attending AASAM 2019 were immense for all involved. “From the FUP at NZCTC, and through three weeks of intense purposeful training in Waiouru, everyone worked extremely hard and improved their shooting considerably. This paid off, with the best results ever being achieved at AASAM. This experience has given these soldiers a huge skillset to take back and share with their units.

“The NZACST will build on what was achieved this year. Lessons have been learnt, soldiers are waiting in anticipation and the future of the NZACST looks bright. NZACST would like to thank everyone that helped during the training and competition periods.”

Competing countries included:

New Zealand, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, Indonesia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Cambodia, Timor Leste, Tonga, Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Brunei.

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Two young New Zealand Army soldiers found themselves on a par with some of the world’s best marksmen at the recent AASAM competition.

They put their success down to training, and having an excellent coach. Lance Corporal Jason Buick of Victor Company, 1 RNZIR was placed sixth in the competition, and Lance Corporal Ezra Berridge, of QAMR, seventh.

The two soldiers have entered the contest before, and in their words “did OK”, but nothing like this year’s results.

LCPL Buick, who was brought up on a Masterton farm, did some

clay bird shooting and casual hunting when he was younger, and says shooting is one of the most enjoyable aspects of his job. He didn’t train a lot until about a month before the competition, and then the practice was intense.

He tried to become proficient in the full range of weapons used by the NZ Army. “I enjoy the competitiveness of AASAM, and Sergeant Major Montgomery was a very good coach and mentor.”

He says the key to success as a marksman seems to be “more time behind the weapon.”

LCPL Berridge, an armourer at the QAMR workshops, has been in the Army for five years. He, too, had done a bit of hunting before he joined. “AASAM is a great competition and it’s a real privilege to be able to attend and compete against shooters from the likes of Malaysia and Indonesia. They train all year round, so our team did quite well.”

top shots

He also trained hard for about a month before the competition, especially on his favourite weapon, the MAG-58 machinegun. He said he found the hours before he had to shoot “a bit nerve-wracking”.

“It was easier this year though. We trained hard and it paid off.”

Above: LCPL Berridge (left) and LCPL Buick

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Fifty school students from around New Zealand took part in the first all-female New Zealand Army recruiting experience at Linton Military Camp during the school holidays.

women’s insight into army

The all-female programme for year-12 and year-13 students has been developed to showcase the Army as an attainable career option for women and increase the representation of females in Army trades. The format offers a unique exposure to Army trades through hands-on activities, workshops and resilience and leadership exercises.

“I was surprised at how many different trades there were in the Army and that it’s not all infantry,” said Eryn McIntosh (16) from Freyberg High School.

“I’ve been looking at the Army as a career option for a while, so this has been a great experience.”

There was also the opportunity to pick the brains of women who currently serve in the Army and ask frank questions young women often find hard to ask in a mixed sex environment.

“It has been great just having girls here, we can ask questions we might feel self-conscious about with having boys around,” said Eryn.

Those questions included whether women get treated differently to men, what challenges women face, whether they feel empowered and what were the most, and least, common jobs for women in the Army.

Selection of any recruit, male or female, relates to the Army’s operational outputs and the diverse environments it works in and all potential recruits have to meet specific standards of fitness and evaluation.

“We need a range of ethnicities and genders to engage with communities we serve in, and women offer skill sets that can be used in situations where a male soldier may not be appropriate,” said Sergeant Bertha Ruha, regional recruiting officer (Wellington).

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Why did you join the Army?I joined the Waiouru Cadet Unit when I was 13 years old and my passion for the military grew from there. I grew up in Taihape with my Nan and there was always a huge military presence there. I loved how professional and disciplined the soldiers looked.

Why did you choose to be an instructor?I have a passion for instructing and passing on my knowledge and pearls of wisdom to others. Ever since I joined I have wanted to “give back” and return as an instructor.

I also completed a four year posting at The School of Signals and that’s where I found I thoroughly enjoyed instructing. I wanted to develop myself more as an instructor and thought a position at TAD would definitely be the challenge I was looking for.

What are the challenges of being an instructor?I have to remember that most of our recruits at TAD are blind to the Army culture. It’s almost like we have to train and transform ourselves into being in civilian life for them to understand us.

Trying to make something normal that is not the norm to a bunch of people can be challenging. You have to try and gain their trust quickly so they have faith in you as an instructor. Some recruits are more natural at some things than others. We all learn at different paces and have different styles of learning so you have to be able to cater for it all.

And the positive aspects?One of the best parts of being an instructor is seeing the progress in the recruits and how they transform from being a civilian into a soldier. The recruits are always learning but I am too.

It’s great to see the excitement in their faces when they achieve something they weren’t confident with.

Q& a In this column Army News asks our people about their work, the challenges they face and why their job is fulfilling.

Corporal Renee Conlon-Reweti is part of the team that turns civilians into soldiers. It’s no easy task at times, but brings a wealth of satisfaction – and laughter – with it. She is an instructor based at The Army Depot in Waiouru Camp. Her partner Dean is based at TRADOC.

lanD waRfaRe symposIum 2019 operations in an urban environment25–26 September 2019Linton Military CampSponsored by: The Land Component Commander and The Special Operations Component CommanderMore information to follow

CPL Renee Conlon-Rewiti

The professional bond and banter between the other staff is also great.

The new recruits have a sense of pride about being in the NZ Army, and the TAD chant brings out all that Mana within them.

Instructors work long hours. How does this impact on your family life?You definitely have to have that work/life balance in order. There have been some days/weeks that have been long and tiring, however we are looked after well and our timetable has been managed the best it can be. We (my partner Dean and I) were well aware of what being at TAD meant for me. Having a partner who understands the Army and what is in store for me at TAD, does ease that pressure. The hardest part was trying to get my three year old daughter used to me not being around all the time, like she has been used to. Some days, I am gone before she wakes up and return when she’s asleep. When I am on leave or my days off, we sometimes take time out as a family to spend with each other.

What keeps you awake at night?Initially, it was pressures I was putting on myself to ensure that I was going to be producing quality instruction and also the “what ifs” but now that I am in the swing of things, nothing has been keeping me awake. To be honest, I am usually pretty shattered when I get home so as soon as my head hits the pillow, I’m asleep.

14 aRmypeople

How do you cope when the project you’re working on is not only followed by the media but also by your family?

aucklanD woman helps waIho bRIDge RebuIlD

For Second Lieutenant Laura Bayfield, it was all part of a day’s work.

As the Officer in Charge of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) contingent sent to South Westland, she led the 16 engineers from the New Zealand Army’s 2nd Engineer Regiment working with the New Zealand Transport Agency and Downer to rebuild Waiho Bridge.

The bridge was washed away during heavy rain on 26 March, cutting off access between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef and costing the Westland community an estimated $3 million a day in lost tourism income.

“It was awesome to be there to help out the community and support the New Zealand Transport Agency,” Second Lieutenant Bayfield said.

Her assignment drew lots of interest from her family and not just because they often see her on television news reports.

“My dad is a civil engineer and is quite intrigued with the project,” Second Lieutenant Bayfield said. “My sister is studying engineering and so is my boyfriend – they had lots of questions and their own ideas about how we could replace the damaged bridge.”

The new 170-metre Waiho Bridge is the biggest Bailey bridge in the

country and is believed to be the largest the Army has helped build since the Second World War.

“The new bridge has 52 bays over piers, whereas most of the bridges we do are 10–12 bays without piers, so it’s epic to be involved in this one,” Second Lieutenant Bayfield said.

“The Army is used to assembling Bailey bridges manually. It is hard work but very rewarding – it’s like putting together a giant puzzle.”

Second Lieutenant Bayfield enlisted in the New Zealand Army in January 2017, after graduating from Mount Albert Grammar School in Auckland.

In her final year in high school, where she was a prefect, she attended a two-day symposium at the Royal New Zealand Air Force

Base Auckland focusing on women in the NZDF.

“That gave me a bit of exposure to Army life and I was encouraged to join,” she said.

Although women engineers are no longer a rarity, the fact that engineering is still a male-dominated field does not faze her.

“I have not encountered any gender-based challenges or stereotypical views in my time in the Army,” she said.

“The number of women engineers is definitely growing as perceptions fade that it is a career only for men.”

Above: 2LT Laura Bayfield

Below & left: Sappers at work putting the bridge together.

aRmyexeRcIse 15

A live field firing, High Readiness Task Unit (HRTU) exercise was conducted by Alpha and Victor Coy platoons recently. Exercise Venom was conducted in Waiouru Military Training Area, and centred around Westlawn Hut using the surrounding native bush for close country operations. The focus of the exercise was to conduct live field firing section assaults in close country. This required the platoons to build from pairs up to section level. An evaluation was conducted by the NZTU company headquarters on the last day of field firing in order to assess the trained state of all sections.

The exercise was preceded with a broken week of in camp training, seeing the King of Tonga welcomed and an HRTU call out in support of OP UNITY, the NZDF response following the

Christchurch terror attacks. As a result, the field was made

to commence training with blank initially. Live field firing began when soldiers were at a good standard with blank and progressed to jungle lanes for five days. The platoons used two firing boxes to move from pair’s assaults to section level attacks with live grenades. The external support called upon for the exercise saw a large amount of experience being passed on to the young soldiers who were new to the platoons. As the knowledge was digested and applied, a large

increase in the soldier skills was seen, in particular in the area of gun team drills and communication between pairs.On the eighth day of the exercise the focus shifted into an assessment, planned and conducted by the Company HQ, on each individual section. For the first few sections only the sharpest sighted soldiers saw the targets from afar with many requiring a smaller distance between them before accurately identifying and reacting to the targets to their front. By the time the eighth

section moved through the box, a highway of trampled vegetation and brass casings was evident for all to see, with many soldiers taking up the same routes and firing positions as those who had moved through before them. Drawing the day’s firing to a close, Officer Commanding HRTU Major Hemi Smiler was happy to say that all sections had passed their assessment and could look forward to the walk out.

On the last day of the exercise, rather than wait for the Unimogs, the sections were involved in an

18km race in which they pack marched – walking and running – from Westlawn Hut into Camp. With only one drop out between the two companies it was considered a successful walk. A good sign, given that only longer pack marches are seen in the HRTU’s future exercises.

ex Venom

Personnel who served between 1986 to 1989 in Alpha Company (Bunnies) 1RNZIR got together for a reunion over Easter, 19–22 April.

The reunion marked 30 years since the return of 1RNZIR and in particular Alpha Company to New Zealand from Singapore. It was held in Tauranga and began with a powhiri at the Hungahungatoroa Marae followed by a formal dinner. A further two days were spent reacquainting over golf and other sporting activities. A historical tour of the local area was held, and the evening functions included a hangi, and Asian cuisine. Sunday 21st April was dedicated to the remembrance of the 16 Alpha Coy personnel who have died over the last 30 years.

About 70 members attended including Pl Comd 1986–1987 and now Chief of Army Major General John Boswell, OC and CSM of Alpha Company between 1986–1987 Major (Rtd) Stuart Gray, WO2 (Rtd) Sandy Sandford, and the CSM Alpha Coy 1971–1973, RSM 1RNZIR 1980–1982 WO1 (Rtd) Rex Harris.

Special mention to Stephen (Roscoe) Rosser (Alpha Reunion 2019 – Secretary/Treasurer) for planning and putting together such a great occasion to mark a significant time not only Alpha Coy but 1RNZIR’s history.

alpha coy reunites for 30th anniversary

16 aRmypeople

cookIng theIR way to VIctoRy2cssb Roy smIth cateRIng wInneRs

Above: LCPL Ted Wineti checks out his baking.

Left: A competitor puts the finishing touches to a salad.

Right: (from left) 2 CSSB RSM WO1 M. Yorwarth, PTE K. Davis, LCPL T. Wineti, PTE T. Erwin, PTE M. Tahapeehi, LCPL S. Cottle, and the CO, 2CSSB, LTCOL Megan Elmiger.

aRmypeople 17

The team from 2 Combat Service Support Battalion (2CSSB) was the overall winner of the 2019 Roy Smith Catering Competition.The competition had an international theme this year with not only the Royal New Zealand navy taking part, but also a tri-service team from Australia and American Marines from Hawaii.

Other winners:Quizzine Cup (theory based section) 3 CSSB

Harvey Bourne (cold kitchen) 3 CSSB

Murray Ross (hot kitchen) 2 CSSB

Dave Murray Cup (stewarding) 3 CSSB

The 2CSSB team has also won the 2019 Te Ope Katua O Aotearoa Catering Trophy. The trophy is competed for by Navy, Army, invited foreign military teams and NZDF hospitality (catering) contractor Service provider (ESS).

The Te Ope Katua O Aotearoa Trophy was instigated in 2014 to demonstrate the culinary skills of NZDF personnel and service provider trainees. It has developed into an international event with the inclusion of other defence forces.

The trophy will remain in NZ with the winners engraved each year. The winning team will be presented with a replica trophy.

A competition kitchen filled with smoke didn’t faze 2CSSB chef Lance Corporal Ted Wineti. He just kept his mind on the job at hand, even when the smoke was replaced with white powder from the fire extinguisher used to put out a small fire caused by fat dripping from a pork dish.

The incident involved the Australian team that was working right next to the 2CSSB team in the competition kitchen. “I felt really sorry for them at the time, but we had a laugh about it with them afterwards.”

LCPL Wineti says he enjoyed being in the competition, and loves being an Army chef. He enjoys all types of cooking, including baking, and likes trying out new recipes.

What does he cook for himself? “Asian, anything Asian. I could eat it all the time.”

18 aRmymIssIon

nzDf’s Dental outReach eaRns gRatItuDe of hawke’s bay ResIDents

aRmymIssIon 19

by Luz Baguioro, Public Affairs Manager – Joint Forces New Zealand

About 530 high-needs patients from across the Hawke’s Bay region received dental care and treatment through the New Zealand Defence Force’s (NZDF) recent dental outreach programme with the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board.

“We know how poor oral health can cause pain and other harmful effects on daily life. So we are pleased that our joint initiative has had a positive and tangible impact on hundreds of people.”

– Lieutenant Colonel Lee Turner

“We know how poor oral health can cause pain and other harmful effects on daily life. So we are pleased that our joint initiative has had a positive and tangible impact on hundreds of people,” Lieutenant Colonel Lee Turner, Officer Commanding of the NZDF’s Dental Services, said of the two-week outreach called Exercise Wisdom Tooth.

“Support from the community, community dentists and the District Health Board (DHB) has been tremendous, which accounts largely for the success of our outreach.”

Bernard Te Paa, Executive Director – Health Improvement and Equity at Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (DHB), said the feedback across the region, from

Wairoa to Central Hawke’s Bay, had been one of gratitude.

“We have had so many appreciative locals arriving in pain and discomfort and shedding tears of joy when they leave after receiving treatment,” Mr Te Paa said.

“People were grateful for the care they received as well as the time taken by our DHB team to ensure their oral health is better managed in the future.”

Mr Te Paa said the combined team of Army and community dentists worked well together during the outreach, which ran at the Cook Islands Community Centre in Flaxmere.

“As a DHB team, we have hugely enjoyed working alongside both

military and civilian dentists and other oral health professionals who have given their time to this important cause.”

About 500 students attended the health promotion sessions which were run at a number of local schools.

“They were a good opportunity for students to learn about the importance of good oral health as well as being able to take those messages home so that everyone benefited,” Mr Te Paa said.

Lieutenant Colonel Turner said the joint initiative at Hawke’s Bay mirrored community outreach activities that the NZDF conducts regularly in New Zealand and the Southwest Pacific. The NZDF ran similar outreach programmes in the Bay of Plenty, Kaitaia, Vanuatu and Samoa.

“Apart from supporting communities, these outreach activities also provide an opportunity for our personnel to practise their skills in a field environment, as part of their ongoing training,” he said.

The NZDF contingent was a mix of Regular Force personnel and reservists from the New Zealand Army and the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and included dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, medics, Career Advisors and physical training instructors.

Pictured: Dental Officers, hygienists and technicians at work in Hawkes Bay.

20 aRmynews

A35001 19/02 NZDF CACI Selection – 1–8 Jul 2019 Noms open now!

For more info contact: CAC.RECRUITING@nzdf.mil.nz

Challenge yourselfYou must have no outstanding discipline problems and be able to cope with extremely unsocial conditions...

Learn and teach how to resist interrogation and survive with honour... Have you got what it takes?

conDuct afteR captuRe InstRuctoR (cacI) couRseOpen to all NZDF service personnel

aRmytRaInIng 21

How does the Army train its personnel to plan and execute ground based reconnaissance and surveillance (R&S) operations at a Task Group level?

The R&S Command Course is run once every two years by the Dismounted Operations Wing of Combat School, and the six week course is designed to train officers and NCO’s in vital R&S skills.

For officers the focus is on command of an infantry R&S platoon as they learn to appreciate the intelligence cycle and where the platoon’s capacities fit within the battlespace. Their ability to comprehend Task Group operations in a Joint Land Combat scenario, and how they can best support it by providing timely and accurate information is the hurdle they’re challenged to overcome.

honIng the aRmy’s Recon anD suRVeIllance skIlls

They are tested throughout the course on their understanding of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) theory through a series of TEWTs that become increasingly complex. While they get to grips with the theory they are also assessed in their ability to plan and execute platoon level reconnaissance operations including multiple patrols deployed into physically isolated areas with limited support. How they perform in a field environment as they support deployed patrols while concurrently planning the next phase of the operation determines their final grades and qualification.

NCOs are introduced to ISTAR theory early so they understand the bigger picture; they can then knuckle down and focus on pursuing excellence at the patrol level. Reconnaissance patrols consist of only four to six soldiers so their force protection is achieved through stealth, not firepower. Their tasks inevitably take them beyond the immediate protection of flanking units so their patrol planning must include every contingency in case something goes wrong.

The corporals running each patrol are challenged to have a detailed understanding of the Commanding Officer’s intent, as well as the enemy threat in the area. This allows them to operate independently in the battlespace, and make sound decisions that support the Task Group plan.

Secure communications can be difficult over the extended distances the patrols operate at, so they will often go long periods between contact with a higher headquarters. This means the patrol commander must be prepared to independently make significant decisions without support. This can often place them in a position where they are required to make decisions at a level that is well above what is normally expected of their rank.

This year’s course spanned the full spectrum of operating environments including close, open and urban operations, culminating with the final patrols deploying out into the furthest reaches of the Waiouru Training area, testing the patrols to their limits. The course enjoyed significant support from 1(NZ)Bde with personnel from 1RNZIR, 2/1RNZIR and 1CSR contributing Directing Staff, patrol

members, OPFOR, signals and intelligence support. Without these contributions the course wouldn’t have been possible.

With tranche two of the Network Enabled Army project just around the corner, this will likely be the last course to operate on the current voice-based communications systems that have shaped our patrol procedures and current capability expectations. The R&S community look forward to the next course in 2021 with secure data capabilities and enhanced long range day/night optics that will bring a new edge to ground based R&S capabilities. They will also further improve the multi-role battalion’s ability to collect reliable and timely tactical information on the battlespace.

22 aRmynews

The New Zealand Defence Force will have a new equipment management organisation (EM Org) from July 2019. It will report directly to Commander Logistics, (COMLOG) Brigadier Rob Krushka.

The new organisation is one of the key results of the Consolidated Logistics Project (CLP) led by COMLOG. EM Org will provide through-life strategic equipment management support and advice across Land, Air, Maritime, and Joint domains. It will become the one accountable organisation for non-platform management (any equipment that is not integral to a ship or aircraft) in the NZDF.

The EM Org is a response to several challenges the NZDF faces. Non-platform equipment has become more diverse and complex; logistics commanders are under pressure to be more agile and responsive to NZDF operational needs while meeting an increased emphasis on health and safety, and while also supporting Strategy 25 – Integrated Defence Force.

They need to be able to proactively forecast and plan for future challenges, reduce whole-of-life costs, and increase equipment serviceability and material availability. They also

need to provide equipment-specific through-life management, while assuring users that NZDF equipment is safe to use. The EM Org has been designed to meet these needs.

For COMLOG, the EM Org is the foundation that will enhance and better assure that equipment is fit for purpose, reliable and safe to use, and that it maximises the return on investment.

In September 2018, Tony McQuillan was appointed Director of EM Org and has now established his leadership team. From July 2019 the new organisation will be officially stood up under COMLOG.

Mr McQuillan says the changes will take take time.

“Over the next 12 to 18 months we will be improving how we work and our tools so that we have the information we need to make informed decisions and achieve the changes we need. After 18 months we will re-group to assess where we are at.”

For further information, go to the EM Org information page from NZDF’s intranet site. Email any questions to: EMorg@nzdf.mil.nz

new nzDf eQuIpment management oRganIsatIon

New Zealand Cadet Forces (NZCF) Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel Grant Morris,and Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (the Award) National Director, Karen Ross, have signed an agreement together to help cadets and young officers gain their Award.The Award programme is a natural fit with the NZCF. Both organisations have very similar aims and values, so it makes sense to work together. “We both want to empower young people to lead lives that make a positive difference,” said LTCOL Morris.

combInIng effoRt foR the best effect foR young people

Karen Ross said the Award is open to anyone between the ages of 14 – 24. “Young people design their own Award programmes, set their own goals and record their own progress.  The only person they

compete against is themselves by challenging their own beliefs about what they can

achieve.“It is a privilege to work

with the NZCF and assist their cadets and young officers to achieve the Award. Many of

these young people fulfil elements of the Award during

the course of their NZCF

training, and having this

acknowledged with a global award lends weight to their efforts.”

LTCOL Morris said that partnering with the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award is a great way to assist cadets and young officers in challenging themselves to achieve their full potential and recognise progress and achievement of goals within the Cadet Forces programme. “The partnership also directly supports and strengthens the New Zealand Cadet Forces’ vision of preparing New Zealand’s successful leaders of tomorrow by providing our young people with an internationally recognised acknowledgement of their leadership development journey.”

The agreement signals a commitment from both organisations to work closely together and to actively search out opportunities which will provide young people with the skills, knowledge and experience to thrive.

Right: Combining their effort: LTCOL Morris and Karen Ross.

aRmynews 23

book ReVIews

holding the high ground a history of montecillo 1918–2018By Billy Barnz

This book is a comprehensive history of the first 100 years of operation of the Montecillo war veterans home in Dunedin, from its establishment in 1918.

Upon initial inspection it appears to be a fairly serious tome with detailed chapters on administration and Policy, but a liveliness underlies the narrative and readers of this volume, commissioned by the Montecillo Trust are guaranteed a lively read.

At 329 pages, it is detailed and extensive but related in an informal and informative manner. Barnz has presented exactly what he says

he will, a history of the home and provided an invaluable service to South Island veterans.

Barnz tells the story of Montecillo across nine chapters. The chapters cover all aspects of the home, including detailed lists of patients since the homes establishment and fascinating brief biographies of veterans of conflicts from World War One, to Vietnam who have been cared for at Montecillo. These nominal rolls of patients and biographical notes will make the book of particular appeal to researchers.

The home’s administration, staffing and almost every other aspect of its operation are related in a readable, accessible style.

The book is black and white throughout and profusely illustrated with photographs, diagrams and tables. The book is printed on high quality, glossy paper all of which add to its appeal.

The final two chapters ‘Vintage Montecillo: Special Times’ and ‘Montecillo Mysteries: Odds and Ends’ provide an excellent forum for Barnz to present all manner of odds and ends accumulated over 100 years. These humourous anecdotes, insights into eccentric or well known residents and staff and other random but very relatable stories put a very human face on the institution and make this volume all the more readable.

the hero from nithdale station the remarkable true life story of major Charles W.h tripp – “the Boss”By Dick Tripp

This slim volume (81 pages) offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a remarkable man, Charles Tripp DSO.

Written by his son, Dick Tripp, rather than a full or detailed biography of this pioneering farmer, soldier and all round hard man, this is a collection of short anecdotes and stories. Combined, these serve to clearly illustrate the character and personality of a man who could almost be hailed as larger than life.

Not only was he phenomenally fit, with a stellar work ethic, Tripp also had a degree from Cambridge, and went on to be decorated for his service in the Second World War.

Given his character, it is no surprise that when war broke out, despite being older than the average enlistee, he secured a commission. After a staff job in Fiji, his obvious talents were spotted and he was tasked with raising and leading a Commando unit, made up primarily of Fijian troops with some Kiwis and other Pacific Islanders.

The Commando unit conducted long range reconnaissance tasks and spent much of their time working closely with American units. Tripp’s men distinguished themselves in the island fighting and Tripp himself was one of very few New Zealanders in World War Two who were awarded the US

Silver Star, the third highest US Army Gallantry award. Tripp was also made a companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for his outstanding gallantry and leadership.

After the war he returned to his farm, his 5am rising and his daily cold baths.

This is a great, quick read which paints a vivid picture of a different time, the hardships and realities of which bred men like Charles Tripp. The early life and farming detail adds colour to the story of the man at war and clearly illustrates those factors which gave rise to the warrior and leader he became in time of war.

trentham camp and upper hutt’s untold military historyBy Howard Weddell

If, like me, you hadn’t ever given the history of Trentham Camp much thought, this book will be a real eye opener.

I started this book with some trepidation, after all, the history of a camp primarily known for its workshops and warehouses could be pretty dry, but Howard Weddell has written a fascinating account of the development and evolution of the camp, and reveals, as the cover promises, “Upper Hutt’s untold military history”.

The dominance of Trentham by warehouses and workshops is a fairly recent phenomenon. Military activities in the Upper Valley go

back to pre-European times. Trentham Camp itself has gone through a wide variety of iterations, first as a range support facility, then a training camp and more recently a logistics hub.

New Zealanders have assembled at Trentham to complete pre-deployment training before departing to South Africa to fight in the Boer War and The First and Second World Wars. More recently Trentham served as the central logistics hub to support the deployment of an infantry company with armoured support to work with the UN in Bosnia in the early 1990s.

At one stage, Trentham was in the country. Upper Hutt was sparsely populated and the surrounding empty fields and

bushland provided a perfect training environment. Over time the area became more and more urban and the transformation from an isolated training base in the countryside to an urban military logistics and command hub is clearly and very well illustrated. Weddell has made excellent use of a broad selection of photos, drawings and maps to chart the evolution of the camp.

The narrative flows very well and the story is told concisely and clearly. My only complaint would be the spelling and grammatical errors that appear in the text which, I suspect, better proof reading would have eliminated. That, however is a minor distraction from what is an otherwise excellently told story.

All books reviewed by Captain Jeremy Seed.

24 aRmynews

Aumangea 18 is done and dusted. Sixteen eager volunteers turned up at Woodbourne Air Force Base mid-February ready to test themselves. Including personnel from Army, Navy and Air Force and three from the Canadian Armed Forces.

The notorious Tasman sun turned up the heat as the volunteers made their start to the program. It wouldn’t be the South island without some good old southerlies and torrential rain later on to add into the mix. Yet another thing the volunteers would have to adapt to. The variety of training locations in the area meant for unique and exciting new elements to the program and helped to reinforce the fact that no one program is ever the same.

Unfortunately, the program arrived in Nelson shortly after the devastating Pigeon Valley fires that had the region on edge. Arsonists had also set light to the hills surrounding the city, destroying forestry and farmland. This caused a temporary closure to many of the area’s most popular parks and recreational areas as a precaution in the wake of this devastating events.

The training cell had to adapt quickly to create alternative solutions to the program which was achieved with great success, well

20th anniversary of timor leste Referendum (popular consultation)The 20th anniversary of the Timor Leste Referendum (Popular Consultation) will occur on 30 August 2019.From 1–24 August there will be cultural  activities, educational activities at schools, painting and photographic exhibitions, documentaries on TV and lectures at the university.

On 20 August there will be the annual FALANTIL Day parade.From 25–30 August the g7+ guests will arrive and conduct a series of

visits, including to Oecusse.On 28/29 August VIPs, including those from New Zealand, will arrive.

The program for 30 August includes

• 0900 Mass in Dili Cathedral

• 1000 Formal sitting in National Parliament with Speech from UN Secretary General

• 1500 Cultural Events in Tasi Tolu

• 1900 Formal Ceremonies begin in Tasi Tolu, including speech from the President, Honour Medal Presentations, Traditional Dances, Fireworks

• 2030 Conclusion of Formal Ceremony and Musical Show at Tasi Tolu

Travel and accommodation is at the traveller’s own expense.

aumangea upDatedone to the team.

TAD/Aumangea would like to extend their appreciation to the people of the Nelson region for their support which enabled Aumangea to continue without pause despite the events in their community. With the support of the local population the programme was able to provide another unique experience and we were grateful for the opportunity to give back to Nelson.

To the 11 newly tabbed members of the Aumangea programme:

Your ability to endure the extremely challenging conditions and demonstrate resilience no matter the situation has earnt you your tabs. You displayed the mental agility and strength to overcome and endure that which many cannot. Wear your tab with pride, only you know what you had to go through to earn them. Congratulations and may your new knowledge take you above and beyond in your careers. Take pride in the great memories, skills and bonds that won’t be forgotten.

So, do you think you’re up for the challenge? Come and prove who you really are.Aumangea #19 (19/03) 8 July – 9 August 2019

Nominations open now.

Anyone interested can contact either:

Aumangea Training Warrant Officer WO2 Ian Hauraki

Aumangea Training Sergeant SGT Adam Gane

aRmyspoRt 25

By Judith Martin

As a four-year-old Nix Vunipola was the only girl in her older brother’s football team. “I was constantly trying to be better than the boys and trying to prove that I deserved to be there. There weren’t too many girls playing football back then which I think sparked my passion for it.”

That devotion to the game has paid off – the combat driver is at the top of her game and has been awarded the Army’s Sportsperson of the Year trophy, and also the Chief of Army’s Supreme Award for an individual sportsperson.

She has been playing football as her main sport for 27 years, with her only breaks coming from the births of her three sons, and injuries.

Corporal Vunipola first experience of representative football came at age 10.

“I trialled for the Boys’ Manawatu U11 rep team, with the support of my parents, and was successful. From there, trialling in the boys’ teams became a yearly challenge I set myself and I was successful through to U15’s. Being in these rep teams was hard work for my parents and I owe a lot to them. Due to being the only female, I had to have my own designated changing area and always required

a chaperone on away games and tournaments which doubled the price for mum and dad.”

When she turned 15 she was told she had to play in a female team, as it had become more popular with females and there were avenues she could pursue. She admits she didn’t try that hard in her teenage years but still managed to make rep teams and be awarded MVPI and Golden Boot awards

Nix has been in the NZ Army team for eight years and captained the side for the past five years.

“We are the current title holders for the Inter-services trophy and have done so for the past four years. Throughout this time I have been awarded Overall MVP a few times and nominated for NZ Army Individual Sportsperson of the year twice. One of the highlights of these years was being a part of the NZ Army team that toured to Sydney, Australia in 2017 to play in the ADF tournament (equivalent to our Inter-services) and being awarded MVP. I have had the privilege of learning and growing through some amazing mentors and coaches throughout this time, and enjoy being a part of the development of women’s football in the NZ Army and seeing the ever constant growing skill level and new ladies that turn up each year.”

She has been in the NZ Defence Force team for seven years and captain for the past four years. “We normally have a fixture against the NZ Police and I have also been on two overseas tours in this team,

one to Sydney, Australia in 2013 and last year we toured England. The highlights of this tour were playing at St George Park which is an amazing facility and is home to all 28 England teams, and attending services for Armistice Day in Hyde Park, London at the NZ Memorial.”

After a few injuries and sacrificing a lot of family time for sports, she decided it was time to give up football and focus more on supporting, with her husband, their three boys in their sporting endeavours.

“The topic came up in a discussion at home and immediately our boys told me that it wasn’t worth giving up just yet. I laughed it off commenting that “mum is getting too old” and changed the conversation. A week later, I couldn’t shake what our boys had said and decided that if I was going to play again that for once I needed to hold myself accountable, work on my fitness and give it my best shot.

“I was selected in the Marist Central League Women’s team which competes in the Wellington competition on a Saturday (sacrificing our boys again) and partway through the season was made captain of the team. At the end of year prize-giving, I was awarded MVP for our team and Marist Football Club Overall Female MVP. From there I trialled and was selected for the Central Football Federation Team that plays in the National Women’s League, being the highest league in Women’s

Football. Throughout the season, I was selected and played for the 2CSSB mixed football team, the RNZALR Corp team, the NZ Army team as Captain and the NZDF team as Captain for the tour to England. Upon ending the 2018 season, I was awarded the 10 Tpt Coy Overall Sportsperson, 2CSSB Overall Sportsperson.

“If it wasn’t for the support of my husband and our boys (and extended family), I never would have been able to accomplish what I have in one season. As a mum, I always felt guilty for taking this time for me, but my family made me realise that it wasn’t worth giving up on just yet and that taking time for me was okay. When I held myself accountable and made no excuses, the opportunities were limitless and without realising it, my actions were speaking louder than words with inspiring our boys in what they want to achieve.”

why I staRteD playIng football

The Women’s Softball Team won the NZ Army Team of the Year Award at the NZ Army Sports Awards. Sergeant Craig Culver won a NZ Army Sports Administration Pocket, and Warrant Officer Class Two Lisa Harrison and WO2 John Tuala won NZ Army Colours.

“I was constantly trying to be better than the boys and trying to prove that I deserved to be there. There weren’t too many girls playing football back then which I think sparked my passion for it.”

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aRmy cyclIng InteR-RegIonal competItIon Linton hosted a successful cycling

inter-regional competition recently with 33 road and 26 mountain bikers participating. It included great comradeship, sunshine, fitness and no major injuries!A participant, WO1 Wayne McAsey, posted this to the group Facebook page:

“Hi team, just wanted to say thank you to all who organised and competed in the Regionals. It’s been a couple of years since I have been but thoroughly enjoyed the comradeship and enjoyment everyone got from the events. Thanks for a great four days.”

At the final prize-giving the following awards were presented:

Overall winners: Northern

1st Road: Southern

1st MTB: Central

Queen of the MTB: LCPL Robin Goomes

King of the MTB: LT Cam Howell

Most valuable contribution: SSGT Kurt Newlands

We were privileged to listen to guest speaker (fellow cyclist) Colin ‘Pencil’ Sullivan who spoke about his highs and lows as an NPC rugby player in the ‘90s.

A number of cyclists/manager were also presented their Army pocket and tie/scarf for their respective 2018 Inter-Services representation.

Congrats to all. See you next year. Bring a friend. All abilities catered for and supported.

Clockwise from top: The mountain bikers post-enduro; LT Cam Howell in the endure; Criterium racing; CPL Hamish Scott in the enduro.

Opposite: Arapuke cross country; LCPL Goomes receives the QOM from LTCOL Grieves; Cycling Pocket recipients, from left, Steve Eardley, Tama Wawatai, Kurt Newlands, Dave Hare, Hamish Scott, Scott Adams, Colin Sullivan, Murray Kinnell, Martin; Major Glenn Kirk finishes the road race, Whanganui.

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REGIONALS Linton 24–28 June

ARMY Ohakea 29 June – 05 July

NZDF Tauranga 10–23 September

Email your noms to:

Southern & Northern SGT E Blackmore – 3 CSSB

Central SGT M Emerson – DHO SSGT E Geange – 2CSSB

or to army.hockey@nzdf.mil.nz

aRmy hockey 2019Call for noms

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An infantry support dog exercises with 1 RNZIR soldiers. Photo: A/SGT Naomi James