Success army shooters win gold - shooting gold top sportsperson - NZ Army
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armynews
courage |
w w w . a r m y. m i l . n z
CO m m i t m e n t | comradeship | integrity
I s s u e 4 3 2 | J UNE 2 0 1 2
SUCCESS
Army Shooters win gold
Shooting gold Top sportsperson Winning recruit Singing sensation
NZarmy New funding to support NZ Defence Force
news
JUNE 2012
more war veterans
More New Zealand veterans will be acknowledged for their service in
operations overseas as part of a new initiative in Budget 2012, says Veterans’
supports “It’s Not OK”
campaign in Upper Hutt
ISSUE 432
Affairs Minister Nathan Guy. Roadside billboards featuring the Army’s Major David Thorsen and Warrant
“The Budget provides new operating funding of $4.8 million over the Officer Class One Todd Groombridge will be placed in Upper Hutt alongside
Contents
next four years to extend war pension coverage to those who served in 10 those of All Black Cory Jane in support of the City Council’s month-long
additional military deployments. This means that veterans will be eligible for a campaign against family violence starting 18 June.
War Disablement Pension for any disability that occurred as a result of service “Family violence is a community issue and we in the NZ Defence Force can
in these overseas missions. help prevent this by supporting initiatives in the wider community,” Assistant
NEWS “I am proud that this Government is showing our respect and thanks to men
and women who have served in these operations overseas. Those who took
Chief Personnel Commodore Kevin Keat said.
The five billboards feature two other “Champions” who are fronting the
Success 05 part deserve to be recognised and supported,” Mr Guy says. campaign within the New Zealand Defence Force – Lieutenant Sarah Campbell
Diva dentist delights 06 The 10 new deployments to be recognised are: from the Navy and Squadron Leader Oliver Bint from the Air Force.
• Rhodesia - Operation Midford (1979 - 1980) “This show of support from the NZ Defence Force is a big boost for our
Top sportsperson 09 • Afghanistan – Mine clearing training team (1991) campaign,” Upper Hutt Mayor Wayne Guppy said. “Police statistics show that
Exercise Alam Halfa 10 • Iraq - United Nations Special Commission (1991 - 1999) about half of all homicides in New Zealand result from family violence so the
more support we can get, the faster we can remove this scourge from our
Top Recruit 11 • Iraq - United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection
communities.”
Commission (2002 - 2003)
Enhanced Infantry • Cambodia - United Nations Advance Mission (1991 – 1992); Mine Action "We congratulate the NZ Defence Force for showing leadership on this issue.
Company 12 Centre and Mine Clearance Training Unit (1991 - 1993); and United By raising awareness about family violence within the NZ Defence Force and
by joining the Upper Hutt City’s campaign, they have shown true commitment
Erebus medals 13 Nations Transitional Authority (1992 – 1993)
to reducing New Zealand's high rates of family violence," said Murray
• Somalia - United Nations Operations (1993 – 1995)
Edridge, Deputy Chief Executive of the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
TRAINING • Haiti - United Nations Mission (1994 – 1995)
Last December, the NZ Defence Force launched its own campaign against
• Bougainville - South Pacific Peacekeeping Force (1994); Truce
Ex Tebaga Gap 15 Monitoring Group (1997 – 1998); and Peace Monitoring Group (1998 –
family violence. Posters and brochures about family violence have been
disseminated in camps and bases throughout the country. Online information
Twin peaks battle tab 16 2003)
about warning signs of family violence and where to seek help have also been
Land petroleum operators 22 • Sudan - United Nations Mission (2005 – present) made available to NZ Defence Force personnel.
• Southern Lebanon - United Nations Mine Action Coordination Centre The NZ Defence Force’s information campaign aimed to raise awareness
PEOPLE (2007 – 2008).
In total, this means an estimated 1,097 additional veterans will be eligible to
about family violence issues, signpost the services that are available within
the organisation and externally, and encourage personnel to seek help if
Mental health-talk to receive assistance under the War Pensions Act 1954. needed.
someone 18 The change follows a reclassification of these deployments as ‘emergencies’
US Army War College 20 under the War Pensions Act and will take effect from 1 July 2012.
SPORT
Macca trains for Poland 26 Kiwi military pers
Timor fight night 28
deploy to help Papua
The Army News is published for the New Guinea Electoral
Commission
Regular and Territorial Force and
civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.
Editor: Judith Martin
Phone: 04-496-0227 or Two Royal New Zealand Air Force UH-1H Iroquois helicopters have been
DTelN: 349-7227 loaded on to a Royal Australian Air Force C-17 for deployment to Papua New
Fax: 04-496-0290
Guinea, with a third to follow.
email: armynews@nzdf.mil.nz
New Zealand and Australia are providing support to the Papua New Guinea
Website: www.army.mil.nz Electoral Commission and authorities to ensure a fair, free and safe general
DEFENCE FORCE PERSONNEL
Printing: Bluestar, Petone. election.
design: Jennifer Watts,
The NZ Defence Force is supporting the Australian Defence Force-led
DCG, NZDF
Combined Joint Task Force 630, where over 250 Australian and New Zealand
TAKE UP UNITED NATIONS
Editorial contributions and
letters are welcomed. personnel will assist the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission in the
They may be sent directly to the Army News transportation of election material and election officials to and from remote
and do not need to be forwarded through
areas.
ROLE IN SYRIA
normal command channels. Submit them to
The Editor, Army News, DCG, HQ NZDf,
Private Bag 39997, Wellington, or by email. Deputy Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force, New Zealand Army
Deadline instructions: Army News is Lieutenant Colonel David de Koning, says the arrival of No. 3 Squadron signals
published on the third Tuesday of each
month, except January. Please have all the start of an intense period of operations in support of the election. The
contributions to the editor by total number of NZ Defence Force personnel involved will be 40. Six NZ Defence Force personnel have travelled to Syria to join the United
the first of the month.
Nothing in the Army News should be taken “3 Squadron will operate through Northern Province and Milne Bay Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS).
as overriding any New Zealand Defence transporting election officials and materials into the more remote villages. The New Zealand Government responded to an urgent request from the
Force regulation. Readers should refer to the
relevant service publication before acting They have a lot of work to do over a very short period of time to help ensure UN in May, and offered to deploy five Defence Force personnel to Syria as
on any information given in this newspaper.
the people on the ground get their opportunity to vote.” military observers monitoring the agreed cessation of armed violence. The UN
ISSN 1170-4411
All material is copyright, and permission to Four Australian Army Black Hawks helicopters, as well as Royal Australian Air subsequently asked for an additional NZ Defence Force officer to take up a
reproduce must be sought from the editor.
Force B350 King Airs and C-130 Hercules, and a Royal Australian Navy Landing role in UNSMIS headquarters.
Craft Heavy have also been assigned to the operation. A small number of Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Dave Gawn, says the
personnel have also been working with the Papua New Guinea Electoral Defence Force has a strong relationship with the United Nations, supporting
Commission for several months in a planning role. these types of deployments.
No. 3 Squadron has just returned from Ex TROPIC ASTRA, an annual tropical “New Zealand is a valued international partner committed to a multilateral
flying exercise in Samoa. Detachment Commander, Wing Commander Shaun UN approach to peace and security. The Defence Force currently has 23
Clark, says the deployment to Papua New Guinea comes at an ideal time personnel serving as peacekeepers on UN missions in eight countries around
with 3 Squadron personnel having just exercised their skills in a tropical the world, from Timor-Leste and Afghanistan, to Iraq and South Sudan. The
environment. Defence Force also has a long standing commitment to UNTSO in Southern
"The terrain and weather in Papua New Guinea will present some Lebanon, Israel and Syria.
challenging flying for the aircrew, particularly when operating to the villages “Our personnel are well prepared and well trained for the situations they
in the mountains. The isolation of Tufi means that the maintenance team have may encounter in Syria. Their ability to work independently, think logically
no access to external support or equipment. They will be relying solely on and impartially, and establish professional relationships with a variety of
what we bring into theatre when we deploy.” personnel, make them ideally suited to work as military observers as part of
”We are looking forward to working with the Australians to assist Papua New UNSMIS.”
Guinea authorities. The NZ Defence Force has a long history, working closely UNSMIS is mandated to provide up to 300 unarmed military observers to
with our Australian partners building interoperability,” adds Wing Commander Syria to monitor an agreed cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all
COVER: Clark. parties.
Winners: Corporal Mike
Duncan and Lance Corporal
Paris Harrison, members
Army News needs your stories!
of the shooting team that Have you done something recently that really turned out well? Have your troops had successes they are proud of? Maybe they have come up with a truly great idea,
received an excellent exam result, or a win on the sportsfield.
brought Gold back to New
Tell us about it. If you need help with putting the story together or illustrating it, just call 04 4960227, or email armynews@nzdf.mil.nz
Zealand. See page 8
QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AND DIAMOND armynews03 issue 432 | JUNE 2012
JUBILEE HONOURS 2012 that will eventually assume the responsibility for security in
Bamyan.
Major Ackroyd served as Logistics Advisor to the Falantil
Four New Zealand Army – Forca de Defesa De
personnel who have made Timor Leste (F-FDTL) from
significant contributions June 2004 to July 2005.
while deployed both In November 2010, he
overseas and in New Zealand returned to Timor Leste to
were named in the Queen’s serve a second 12 month
Birthday and Diamond tour as Logistic Advisor to
Jubilee honours. the Logistic Commander of
Colonel Hugh Trengrove the F-FDTL. In these roles he
is to be a Member of the trained, provided advice and
New Zealand Order of Merit mentored Timor Leste officers
in the tactical and operational COL Ackroyd
(MNZM) for services to COL Trengrove
forensic science. aspects of military logistics and encouraged them to find
He is the National Disaster Victim Identification Coordinator solutions to problems and situations, rather than solving the
for Forensic Odontology and coordinated the disaster problems himself and imposing solutions. The outcome has
victim identification efforts following the 22 February 2011 been the considerable improvement in the capacity and overall
Christchurch earthquake. skill levels in logistics management within the F-FDTL. He has
Though due to retire on the day of the 22 February also been pro-active within a multi-national group of advisors
earthquake, he continued in his position as the Chief Advisor whose efforts have created a sound base upon which the
Health (J1 Health) at Joint Forces New Zealand and is a
qualified Urban Search and Rescue Operative. He personally
F-FDTL will grow and develop their maintenance and support
capabilities. Apart from his specialised role, his commitment Good on ya, mates
led efforts to recover human remains for identification as to the F-FDTL has ensured that recent Falantil Day parades,
effectively and promptly as possible, especially at the site of when the legacy of those who contributed and sacrificed so By Chief of Army, Major General Tim Keating
the CTV building. He also served with the New Zealand Police much for the Independence of Timor Leste are honoured, have
Disaster Victim Identification teams in Thailand following the been staged in a professional manner. The esteem with which This month Army News sets out to celebrate the many
2004 tsunami. Colonel Trengrove is a specialist restorative New Zealand is now held within Timor Leste, is due in no small successful individuals and groups that make up our Army.
dental surgeon, an examiner for the College of Dental Surgeons measure to his skills and diplomacy. It is our opportunity to say, “Good on ya, mate” .
and manages publications in the New Zealand Dental Journal. Warrant Officer Class One Chris Wilson served in Afghanistan In times like these we have a tendency to spotlight the
Three other personnel are to receive the New Zealand with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team from many challenges that we face rather than the positive
Distinguished Service Decoration (DSD). They are Lieutenant April to October 2010. His duty as Patrol Liaison Officer aspects of our profession which reflect the great people
Colonel Hugh McAslan, Major David Ackroyd, and Warrant was to establish a network of relationships with both local we have in our ranks, acting individually or as members
Officer Class One Chris Wilson. government representatives and community leaders in the of strong teams. During my visits to Camps and units and
Kahmard and Sayghan districts of Bamyan province, to in the correspondence and news that I receive, I have
Lieutenant Colonel McAslan served in Afghanistan as the
promote reconstruction been particularly struck by the many great achievements
Senior Military Advisor with the New Zealand Provincial
efforts in governance, that Army people have made. And they are continuing to
Reconstruction Team from
development and security. achieve both in their core professional skills, as members
April to September 2011.
In June and July, the local of the greater New Zealand Community or in individual
During this period, the
communities where he pursuits outside work.
responsibility for governance
worked were devastated
and security of Bamyan These people, who make up the majority of our Army,
LTCOL Hugh McAslan by the worst flooding
province was formally are often armed only with the barest of resources, but are
(left), with General David in living memory. His
handed over to the Afghan driven to excellence by a strong sense of purpose and a
Petraeus, Commander careful management of
authorities. At the same time, will to win. This exemplifies the character of our Army;
International Security scarce resources resulted
the Provincial Reconstruction that is despite limited resources and with the odds often
Assistance Force and in significant and much
Team was required to not in our favour, it is the sprit of human endeavour and
Commander US Forces needed relief being provided
develop strategies to prevent achievement that becomes the defining factor in the end.
Afghanistan, during a to the local population. WO1 Chris Wilson
insurgents from disrupting So we have used this month to highlight some examples
visit to the New Zealand On 3 August, his Patrol
the transition. He also of the many success stories across our Army. There are of
Provincial Reconstruction Commander (Lieutenant O’Donnell) was killed in an ambush.
adopted tactics that allowed course many more who have not made this issue, but this
Team (NZPRT) in Bamyan He had to take immediate command of the patrol, win the
the Provincial Reconstruction sample group of stories is used as an illustration of what
in 2011. resulting fire fight (during which actions by the crew members
Team to provide a greater a successful and proud organisation we belong to.
of the ambushed vehicle and another patrol member who
presence and level of Sometimes in our busy jobs, we can forget to stop and
went forward to affect their rescue, have been recognised by
security in the strategically important north eastern district of take stock of the good, as well as the not so good. In
gallantry awards) and adopt a defensive position until the
Bamyan, without incurring casualties to insurgent attacks on this we can often forget to acknowledge and thank those
arrival of a supporting force. He then also assumed command
two separate occasions. He also initiated a plan to provide that continue to add to the success story that is the New
of the patrol, providing the leadership and guidance necessary
the Provincial government with the means and resources to Zealand Army. Therefore in all our work places we need
for the young soldiers to come to terms with what had been a
maintain security in Bamyan when New Zealand forces leave to take some time to stop and reflect on what we have
traumatic event, without losing operational integrity, at a time
the province. The plan he developed has become the blueprint achieved and thank those who have led success. Put
when security was becoming of increasing concern.
for how New Zealand will meet the considerable challenges them on a pedestal and give due accolades, or at the very
• Major Bill Keelan, now of Army General Staff in Wellington is to receive a Commendation
associated with the transition process. The framework has least ,and in good Kiwi Army fashion, shake their hand
for distinguished service as part of the Australian Queen’s Birthday Honours. Major
now been set for the New Zealand Defence Force to meet its Keelan is to receive the award for distinguished performance of duty in warlike and say “Good on ya mate”.
obligations, in accordance with New Zealand government operations as the Combined Joint Operations Officer, Headquarters Combined Team
directives, to train and mentor an Afghan national police force Uruzgan on Operation Slipper in Afghanistan from September 2010 to May 2011.
Forensic dentistry is demanding and can be unpleasant work, but it is very rewarding, and
a stimulating change from day to day dentistry, says Colonel Hugh Trengrove.
Formerly Chief Advisor Health (J1 Health),at Joint Force Headquarters New Zealand, COL
Trengrove now works part-time from Auckland for Army General Staff as a special project
officer working on a number of health related policy and development areas. He also works
three days a week with the New Zealand Dental Association where he is the Associate
Director - Research and Policy.
He, and other forensic dentists, are regularly asked by the police to help identify human
remains using forensic dentistry, and to give advice regarding, for example, bite marks,
oral and facial trauma, assaults, and on anthropological remains. COL Trengrove has also
worked on identifying soldiers killed behind enemy lines in the first Gulf War, and in Phuket,
Thailand after the Boxing Day tsunami. He and other NZDF dental personnel were actively
involved with assisting with the identification of those who died in the Carterton Hot Air
ballooning accident in February this year.
Dental identification should, he believes, be a first resort.
“Primary identifiers of human remains are finger prints, DNA, and dental. DNA analysis
is expensive and there are long waiting times for the results (in New Zealand). Finger print
identification is often only viable if a person has a police record and their prints have been
taken previously or if the police can obtain ‘latent’ prints (finger prints left by the individual
before death) from, for example their home. In the case of a fire there are often no finger
prints left. But virtually everyone has a dental record and a great degree of accuracy is
ensured because there are so many checks and balances when ante-mortem and post-
mortem records are compared.
Colonel hugh Trengrove
“Despite it being at times unpleasant work I always feel privileged to be given the
opportunity to help resolve a situation for a grieving family. In terms of the award, I was very
surprised and feel quite undeserving. The old cliché 'recognition for other peoples efforts'
comes to mind as all I do is try to get the right people, with the right skills in the right place
to do the job - they do the work!”
04armynews
issue 432 | JUNE 2012
CEREMONIES TO MARK 70TH
A National Wreath-Laying Ceremony and Commemorative service to mark the 70th Anniversary
of the arrival of US Marines in New Zealand was held at the National War Memorial and Tomb of
the Unknown Warrior on 14 June.
ANNIVERSARY OF ARRIVAL OF
The service was attended by Governor-General of New Zealand His Excellency Lieutenant
General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, Prime Minister, Hon John Key,
Government Ministers and Defence representatives. The ceremony also involved US Marine
US MARINES IN NEW ZEALAND
Corp personnel and the Marine Forces Pacific Band.
US Marine Corp personnel and the Marine Forces Pacific Band took part in a Sunset Ceremony
on the forecourt of Parliament later that day.
The guard awaits the beginning of the commemoration.
The Commander US Marine Corps, Lieutenant General Duane Theissan with the Chief of
The Governor General LTGEN Sir Jerry Mateparae inspects the guard. Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones.
LCPL
Terry
top
JNCO
Burnham Army driver Lance Corporal Lauren Terry
has plenty to smile about— she topped the Junior
Non-commissioned Officers course at Burnham
Camp recently.
LCPL Terry received the highest marks in
instructional excellence at the end of the three
month course which began in February and ended
on 4 May.
Originally from Auckland, she has been in the
Army for five years, and hopes to deploy to the
Sinai as a driver or driving instructor in about 2013.
LCPL Terry wants to eventually train to be a physical
training instructor.
“I love my job— it’s awesome having an outdoors
office. It can be demanding, but it’s great working
Major Bill Blair presents the top award to LCPL Terry. with like-minded people," she said.
1 Pl Fast Roping to the rear of building A1
In this issue of Army News we are high-
he raid was a success in that both HVTs were neutralised and the entire task
oup withdrawn off the position to an assembly area.
lighting some of the successes our people
he follow-up
nce thenhave had
the training has recently.
not stopped. EIC Success
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the
apability by undertaking further live field firing, amphibious and urban
perations things to different
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upport thisdenominators
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the learned skills of stories
y night, to include swarm roping, as well as urban and amphibious live firing.
is the
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which will seetalent and
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of initially
ained personnel grow to around 120. This year has been an intense year so
r for the As theofChief
members EIC withof Army
a lot of time said earlier
away training. on the
However in this
issue, “It is the spirit of human endeavour and
achievement that becomes the defining factor
in the end.”
Good on all of you for the successes you have
achieved.
Judith Martin, Editor
SUCCESS
06armysuccess
issue 432 | JUNE 2012
NZ ARMY COMBAT SHOOTING TEAM
the second run. This was completed with about four minutes
to spare, giving time to re-org, another wind assessment and
then prepare for the onslaught of targets. This final stage
WINS GOLD AT AUSTRALIAN ARMY
involves 33 exposures between 100m and 400m and includes
exposures with multiple targets up at once. It is very fast and
challenging, but went well for our team. Then it was a waiting
SKILL AT ARMS
game for results as the match took two days to complete. At
the conclusion we had won gold with 2260 points, 100 points
The team had mixed results in the fire team/section events. ahead of second placed Australia, making the victory all the
We finished well down the table for the Obstacle Course sweeter.
match and the Team Snap match, which were both goal
Overall there were mixed results but a good experience
Lieutenant Kurt Andersen matches for us. We did however do well in the Barricade Team
for all the team members. There were some outstanding
Championship, which is shot on the weapon simulator (like
The New Zealand Army Combat Shooting Team (NZACST) won individual performances from LCPL Harrison who medalled
our Weapon Training Simulator in Waiouru). Here our two fire
Gold at the Australian Army Skill At Arms Meeting (AASAM) at in each discipline (that is, with each weapon system) and
teams managed a silver medal, which was a good result for
Puckapunyal, Victoria recently. totalled 10 medals. Other good performances were from LCPL
many of our new firers.
This year saw a different approach to team selection where Lupi who was awarded eight medals and CPL Duncan, seven
Our main goal match was, and always will be the prestigious medals. The total count for the team this year was 17 medals
soldiers were selected based not only on shooting ability,
Section Match. This match is important because it highlights in all (see medal count list for breakdown). All team members
but also attitude, physical fitness, and communication skills,
the importance of ‘team work’. It takes both individual skill will now return to their units and pass on their new skills and
and predominantly from senior Private to Sergeant level.
and determination as well as a co-ordinated section led by a knowledge to their peers.
The concept was to train newcomers in high level shooting
commander. Six riflemen and two machine gunners make up
in order that they could then go back to their units and pass The NZACST will be deploying to AASAM 2013 next May and is
the section in two fire teams. The match involves a 2.4 km run,
on the expertise they had learnt. The deployed team ended looking for personnel to register interest. If you are interested
an assault down a classification range, another 1 km run, and
up comprising five Regular Force and eight Territorial Force in competing and winning against the best combat shooters in
then a section defence serial in a mechanical range. The run
soldiers, with only four soldiers having previous NZACST the world, contact previous NZACST team members to discuss
times for this event are currently quite generous, although this
experience. further and then register your interest through the chain of
is likely to change for next year. Faster runs will suit us better
The team began training in Waiouru from late March through command.
as we are usually the fittest team at the competition.
to late April, a total of 23 training days. This may sound a lot,
Our section was the first section to start, commanded by
however you never quite feel ready when you reach Australia
LCPL Lupi. The first run was completed with about five minutes
and compete against the best shooters in the world. Training
to spare which left heaps of time to prepare on the mound,
incorporated positional shooting practice, establishing points
remind each other what serials are coming up and assess the
of aim for targets between five and 600 metres, selection
wind strength and value (direction). The assault, from 400m
for the smaller teams within the group and practising the 36
down to 50m went well and after a small delay it was off on
matches involved in the competition. These include individual
and team matches for Steyr, P226, GPMG, bayonet and AW
Sniper Rifle.
The team deployed on 1 May to Puckapunyal for three weeks
and hit the ground running. The gear arrived on 2 May and the
team began the controlled practices (checking points of aim on
various ranges, etc) the following day. The snipers also began
their competition on 3 May. Three days and seven matches
later, Lance Corporal Paris Harrison (2/1 RNZIR), the Sniper
Team Leader and LCPL Mark Lupi (7 WNHB) walked away with
six medals, including a gold for LCPL Lupi and second overall
for the sniper pair. This saw them beat the US Marine Corp, the
US Army and Canada among others.
From there it was on to the individual rifle, pistol and
machine gun matches where the ‘baptism of fire’ began for all
the firers new to combat competition shooting. There were 159
international competitors from 14 countries (some of which
are full time shooting teams) and about the same number of
Australian domestic shooters. Until you have been there it is
hard to understand the pressure that this environment creates.
It provides a platform to test yourself in difficult circumstances,
with challenging matches against the best shooters in the
world.
The Kiwi machine gunners, LCPL Stack (2 Cant NMWC), LCPL
Lupi, LCPL Harrison and Corporal Mark Duncan (7 WNHB) did
very well firing a CQB match, including prone, kneeling and
standing unsupported with the 7.62mm GPMG, and two other
matches out to 400 metres and 600 metres respectively. These
matches are not designed for a machine gun as solid and
heavy as the GPMG, but the NZACST like it for its reliability and
accuracy. In skilled hands it can shoot as well with open sights
as many LSW with enhanced optics. At the conclusion of the
machine gun matches the NZACST achieved six medals out of
five matches. CPL Duncan led the way with three gold medals
and one silver medal, and LCPL Harrison managed one gold
and two bronze.
One of the goal matches for the NZACST this year was the
military biathlon. This is a complex and very physical match
involving several runs and shooting stands with both pistol
and rifle. The NZACST like this match because of its physicality
which plays to our strengths. We had six individuals compete
in this gruelling match and gained placings of second (LCPL
Harrision), third (Private Reed, 2 Cant NMWC), fourth (LCPL
Lupi) and ninth (PTE Kocis, 7 WNHB) out of 44 competitors.
LCPL Harrison was only one second behind the winner, and did
it all after injuring his hamstring during one of the falling plate
matches.
armySUCCESS07
issue 432 | JUNE 2012
Nations Represented at the Competition
Medal Count
New Zealand, Australia (Australia A and Australia B teams)
Match 53 Section Matc Gold (8 pers) Brunei, Canada, French Forces New Caledonia, Indonesia,
Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor
Match 48 LSW Teams Aggregate Gold (2 pers)
–Leste, United Kingdom and United States of America (US
Match 207 Sniper Service Rifle Gold Army and US Marine Corp)
Match 140 LSW Assault Gold NZACST 2012 Team:
Match 47 LSW Individual Aggregate Gold Team Captains
Match 65 Weapons Simulator Match Silver (8 pers) Major Pat Edmonds HQ TRADOC
Match 87 ANZAC Teams Championship Silver (13 pers) Lt Kurt Andersen 2 CSSB
Match 201 Sniper Snap Silver (2 pers) Coach
Match 210 Sniper Championship Silver (2 pers) WO2 Paul Mumm NZCTC
Match 208 Sniper Service Pistol Silver Manager
Match 41 LSW Application Silver SSgt Kate McGregor HQ TRADOC
Match 61 Military Biathlon Silver Firers
Match 61 Military Biathlon Bronze CPL Mark Duncan 7 WNHB
Match 61 Military Biathlon Bronze LCPL Mark Lupi 7 WNHB
Match 41 LSW Application Bronze CPL Ben Wilkin 5 WWCT
Match 47 LSW Individual Aggregate Bronze LCPL Ben Hajdu 16 Fd Regt
Match 200 Sniper Badge Test Bronze LT R. Short 2 CSSB
SGT Matthew Eaton 2 CSSB
LCPL Paris Harrison 2/1 RNZIR
LCPL Geoffrey Stack 2 Cant NMWC
LCPL Darvid Molloy 7 WNHB
LCPL Timothy Watt 2 CSSB
PTE Andre Kocis 7 WNHB
PTE James Ordish 7 WNHB
PTE Samuel Reed 2 Cant NMWC
08armysuccess
issue 432 | JUNE 2012
The lead up to range
shooting success
By Judith Martin
Good training and the right attitude go a long way when it comes to achieving success on the
shooting range.
But two top scoring Kiwi soldiers believe there’s something else that helped them secure gold.
“It is the attitude of the people who train us. They teach techniques but they are always willing
to trial what works for the individual, or to try new ideas. Everyone is always encouraged to try
new things,” says Lance Corporal Mark Lupi.
The 7 Wellington and Hawkes Bay Battalion soldier walked away with eight medals from the
recent international competition in Australia, and his friend and fellow competitor, Corporal
Mark Duncan won seven.
CPL Duncan, a university graduate and member of 7 Battalion’s Bravo Company says the Army
team trained for about four weeks before the competition. “We had long days on the range,
then a quick dinner and often back to the range for night shooting. On top of the physical side
of things, and the shooting, we had to do a lot of mental preparation.”
The team, he says, had a high level of physical fitness which helped with breathing control
and subsequently better shots. The importance, however, of being in the right frame of mind
when a shot is taken cannot be understated, he says.
“Shooting can be a mental minefield. You really do have to buy into the mental side of the
house. If you are not focused 100 per cent you won’t succeed because the competition standard
is so high. If you’re not in the right zone you’ll get a hiding from the opposition.”
The men have "mental triggers” and pre-match routines to help get them into the right frame
of mind before a shoot. “Triggers” are certain words or actions that help convert a marksman
into the right frame of mind.
LCPL Lupi echoes CPL Duncan’s sentiments, and says the pair are lucky coming from 7
Battalion which is well-lead and places a lot of emphasis on shooting.
The coaching the team received from the likes of Warrant Officers Paul Mumm and Chad Hally,
and Lieutenant Kurt Andersen was invaluable too.
LCPL Lupi: “Shooting is a science not an art. If your ammo and weapon are good the bullet will
do pretty much what it’s meant to do. It’s up to the firer to have the weapon in the right position
and pull the trigger so the bullet does the same thing each time.”
The men are most proud of winning the section match, which encompasses all aspects
of soldiering. It involved the eight man team firing and manoeuvring down the range, then
reorganising themselves, adopting a defensive position and firing at targets out to 400 metres
on a mechanical range.
“Considering our resources and the time we get to spend on training we did do pretty well.
Kiwi soldiers have good attitudes – they are never defeatist, they’re always trying to win. And
they’re highly competitive and staunch. They don’t get over-whelmed; they just crack on with
the job at hand.” Top guns: CPL Mike Duncan (left) and LCPL Paris Harrison
She’s back - Defence diva
dentist delights
Open wide: Major Lisa Caulton with a patient. Major Caulton with (left) Shele Sondheim and Neil Finn.
Major Lisa Caulton is the Army’s Singing Dentist, and when Studio Auckland, which happens to be Neil Finn’s (Crowded Major Caulton said the highlight of the recording was
she’s not tending the teeth of grateful patients, she’s wowing House) recording studio. Major Caulton spent her annual meeting Tim and Neil Finn for the first time. “They are two
others with her singing skills. leave recently recording three songs to commercial standards, iconic musicians who have done much to put New Zealand on
After competing in the World Championships of Performing and they will have the final sound engineering finished in the map internationally through their success with Crowded
Arts in 2011 and winning medals in pop and country singing Los Angeles and the United Kingdom. She hopes by the end House. Singing in a recording studio is extremely challenging,
sections, Major Caulton returned to Waiouru Dental Centre of this year to have commercially available songs that can however having three professionally produced songs, to
with a yearning to record original rhythm and blues/pop be downloaded onto itunes, YouTube and broadcast on New release has been well worth the effort.”
songs. Zealand radio. Time will also be spent presenting her music After sitting down and contemplating the lessons learned
After a chance meeting with Shele Sondheim, one of the to record labels in New Zealand, and will be marketed by Shele from the journey to Los Angeles to recording at Roundhead
main judges who has produced and worked with Phil Collins, Sondheim overseas. Studios Major Caulton has a few pearls of wisdom for anyone
Natalie Cole and Little Richard, preparation for recording Both the Australian and NZ WCOPA national team heard that pursuing competition at a regional, national or international
sessions began. Shele was coming, and meetings were arranged for a rare level.
Major Caulton has spent six months rehearsing and being opportunity for him to speak to the 2012 teams about what to “Irrespective of what your circumstances are don’t let anyone
tutored over Skype by Shele Sondheim who lives in Los expect at the World Champs before they depart for Los Angeles say you can’t do it, practise like you are a winner already, and
Angeles Hollywood in order to perfect the original Rhythm in July. Fortuitously Annabelle Fay, an up and coming young never ever give up on your dreams. You never know they just
and Blues / Pop songs that would be recorded. Finally, after NZ artist/song writer, also provided insight into the recording/ might just come true as they have for me.”
much discussion it was decided to record in Roundhead performing side of being a full time pop singer.
armySUCCESS09 issue 432 | JUNE 2012 CPL Hepi NZDF’s top sportsperson Army Physical training Instructor and Touch rugby player Corporal Eugene Hepi is the New Zealand Defence Force’s Outstanding Sportsperson of the Year. He has represented the NZ Army, NZDF, Manawatu Region and New Zealand, and has coached the NZ Army Open Men’s team. Last June he was selected to attend the 2011 International Federation of Touch World Cup in Scotland in the NZ Mixed 30’s team. Judges felt CPL Hepi demonstrates commitment as a player, mentor and coach; through his achievements, passion, athletic ability and support to the code. The 2011 NZDF Sports Awards were announced at a function on Friday 25 May. The other nominee was LAC Amy Hatcher from the Royal New Zealand Air Force whose chosen sport is Full Bore Rifle Shooting. The Individual Sportsperson of the Year is: SGT Leo Wiapo who represents both the NZDF and RNZAF in basketball. He VCDF Rear Admiral Jack Steer presents the top trophy to CPL Hepi. captained and coached the RNZAF Woodbourne Basketball team in the top Marlborough Basketball division. The RNZAF team won Inter-Services and Leo’s leadership and dominance on the court led him to be appointed vice captain of the NZDF Men’s team and captain on the court. He plays as a member of the Marlborough Magic provincial team. The other nominees were CPOSA Daniel Mau’afu who captained the RNZN Dolphins rugby league team, and WO2 Greg Mildon who has represented NZDF and NZ Army Touch rugby as a player, coach, manager, and administrator. The Sports Official of the Year is: Flight Sergeant Michael Thomas who has been involved in Softball as a coach, committee member and mentor for Base Ohakea, the RNZAF and the NZDF. He has been selector for the RNZAF and took on the role of coach for NZDF where he guided his team to a victory over the ADF Softball team. The other nominees were CPOMED Simon Vissers, RNZN Rugby Football, and SGT Rebecca Dymock, Army Softball. The NZDF Sports Team of the Year is: NZDF Men’s Hockey. The NZDF men’s Hockey team has gone from strength to strength and continue to perform to the highest standards. In 2011 NZDF Hockey toured to Australia to compete in a three match Trans-Tasman test series. Four games were played in five days and the NZDF team won all four games. The other nominees were NZDF Rugby League and the NZDF Men’s Softball team. The Sports Award luncheon was hosted by Colonel Howard Duffy, with VCDF Rear Admiral Jack Steer representing the Chief of Defence Force. The guest speaker was New Zealand Olympian Hamish Carter, who gave an entertaining yet insightful speech about the challenge of climbing back from Sergeant Major of the Army, Warrant Officer Class One Danny Broughton with Ziggy Ziarno. failure, to win. The NZDF Sports Committee Executive thanks the following organisations for their continued support to the NZDF Sports Awards: • Lumley General Insurance • NZ Uniforms • Hills Hats ltd • FLAUNT • Armed Forces Canteen Council • gen-I Sergeant Rebecca Dymock receives her certificate from the Assistant Chief of Personnel, Commodore Kevin Keat. SMA, WO1 Broughton presents a certificate to Staff Sergeant Abe Pourau.
010armysuccess
10armysuccess
issue 432 | JUNES
JUNE 2012
2012
Exercise
Company and 1 (NZ) Military Police Company providing significant support. 2 and 3 Combat
Service Support Battalions provided a Combat Service Support Team, and 2 Health Services
Battalion provided 1st Line medical support. Often covering vast distances (at one stage the TG
was spread from Kaingaroa Forrest to Bridge Pa), maintaining effective C2 was always going to
Alam Halfa
be a challenge for the TG, in particular the HQ.
“Our Regimental Signals Officer Lieutenant Matt Blake and his team, together with the
operations staff worked very hard to ensure effective communications were first achieved
then maintained. While not always successful, they never gave up and explored numerous
options right to the end. We were also able to rely on the Task Elements understanding their
role in the plan through the orders process, and trust them to do what was required. This
– A Commanding Officers view
Nursing Officer Nicole Houlahan discusses the arrival of a patient with air crew.
Soldiers extract a cartridge case from a light gun.
Exercise Alam Halfa, the largest army exercise for many years provided Lieutenant Colonel
Glenn King the ideal opportunity to command a Multi-National Task Group (TG) within a Joint
Task Force (JTF) setting.
Usually Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion RNZIR, LTCOL King says the aims and objectives
for the exercise were bold yet deliberate, and allowed land force elements to exercise in a way A mud model is used during Orders.
that it hadn’t done for some time.
“As a lieutenant I participated in about four Brigade level field exercises. It was more common generally worked out all right, again recognising that we made improvements as the exercise
then, and with only one operational deployment on at the time we were able to plan, prepare, progressed.”
and then conduct these large field training exercises. They gave you a good appreciation of A benefit of an exercise of this scale is the ability to practise the full spectrum of combined
both time and space, and the terrain required for main defensive positions and Brigade Support arms training not readily available during most company level exercises. “Sub units in 1 RNZIR
Areas. Nowadays it is more difficult to conduct regular large scale exercises, and the fact we conduct regular exercises with 16 Field Regiment and 2 Engineer Regiment. They don’t however
were able to achieve what we did on Exercise Alam Halfa with up to 1100 personnel in TG 651 get routine exposure to working the medical chain from the point of casualty to the closest
alone, is testament to the efforts of the planners and participants involved.” medical facility, or have Military Police and Intelligence operators available for Tactical Site
LT COL King was under no illusions that it would be a significant challenge for all Task Elements Exploitation. Having a CSST forces you to plan well and not assume away the problem with a
to come together in a Joint, Combined Arms setting and operate as a cohesive force. fuel card. It was in these areas that I think we learnt a lot. Also having three air frames from 3
“I spent some time with TG 21 (2/1 RNZIR) on Exercise Southern Reaper last year and it was Squadron RNZAF working with us provided options when developing our plans, whether it was
plain to see that their TG Command and Control (C2) made significant improvements as the for the insert of recon patrols, AME or aerial re-supply.”
exercise progressed. My key expectation for Exercise Alam Halfa was to achieve incremental LT COL King relished the experience and is adamant that both exercise planners and
improvements each day, primarily around managing information to allow effective decision participants would have learnt a lot from this experience. “Personally I got a lot from the
making. From the outset I re-iterated to the TG Command Teams and staff that we were in the exercise. It confirmed for me that we should better align our processes in both garrison and in
crawl-walk phase of the training path, and therefore we do have some time to learn new things the field through common tools and standard operating procedures. It re-affirmed for me that
and in many cases re-learn.” we are good at operating at company level and need to practise and exercise more effectively,
As part of JTF 65 under command of Colonel Chris Parsons, Task Group (TG) 651 consisted of W through both CPX and field exercises at the TG level. Importantly our officers and soldiers have
and D Coy initially, with A Coy 1 RNZIR joining the fray mid exercise. Combat Support consisted shown that they can operate effectively in complex operating environments. It was a shame the
of 161 Battery and 2 Field Squadron, with 1 (NZ) Signals Regiment, 1 (NZ) Military Intelligence weather was so good throughout, as that would have added another dimension”.
The final assault.armySUCCESS011
armySUCCESS11
issue 432 | JUNE 2012
Private Andrew Army’s Top Recruit
A Tauranga line mechanic who enjoyed being a Territorial Qualification Shoot. This was awarded to Signaller S.M.
Force soldier so much he joined the Regular Force is the Army’s Loader RNZSIGS
latest top recruit. • The Most Improved Recruit is awarded to the recruit
Private Laurie Andrew, 43, graduated this week from the from each platoon who has displayed the most marked
All Arms Recruit Course in Waiouru. The Top Recruit award is improvement throughout the course. These awards were
presented to the recruit who has displayed a consistent effort presented to :
in all areas of training which consists of weapons handling, xx PTE Daniel Liddington, RNZALR, Hinton VC Platoon
field craft, drill, physical training and also demonstrates xx PTE Daniel Shelton, RNZALR, Ngarimu VC Platoon
leadership in a field environment and in barracks. xx PTE Kallum Brown, RNZALR, Upham VC and Bar
PTE Andrew who is married with two sons aged 16 and 13, Platoon
joined 6 Hauraki Battalion and served for two years. “I enjoyed xx PTE Sydney Bailey, RNZALR, Elliot VC Platoon
it so much I decided to make the Army my fulltime job.”
• The Top Recruit Each Platoon is awarded to the recruit
As a registered line mechanic he built power lines, erected from each platoon who has displayed the highest level
power poles and drove trucks. of achievement and potential throughout the course:
Now based in Linton, he is a driver with the Army’s Royal New xx PTE Catherine Wood, RNZALR, Hinton VC Platoon
Zealand Logistics Regiment.
xx PTE Laurie. Andrew, RNZALR, Ngarimu VC Platoon
Other awards presented at the AARC 363 were:
xx PTE Ashley Hickman, RNZALR, Upham VC and Bar
• The BDR Alex MacDonald Memorial Trophy was awarded Platoon
to the winning Section Commander of the winning Skill
xx PTE Dearna Graves, RNZALR, Elliot VC Platoon
At Arms section. This was Corporal Eddie Ballas RNZE
• Sergeant Major of the Army Award is presented to the
• The Mo're-hu Ge-Dye Memorial Trophy was presented
soldier who has consistently demonstrated and applied
to the recruit who gained the highest individual score
the NZ Army ethos and values and is willing to put their
during Exercise Warrior. This award recognises the
mates before themselves. It was awarded to PTE Jack
immense effort and skill that a recruit contributes to the
Colton, RNZAMC
team. This was awarded to PTE J.E. Colton, RNZAMC
• The Top Shot is awarded to the recruit who attained the
highest score on the Individual Weapon Steyr Annual
Recruits show their skills learned on course.
Private Laurie Andrew receives his award from Brigadier Tim Gall.12armynews
12armysuccess
issue 432 | JUNE 2012
Ready, able and rearing to go:
the Army’s Enhanced Infantry Company
By Major Brad Taylor, Officer Commanding D-Day to around 120. This year has been an intense year so far for
In late 2011, as a result of the Defence White Paper, 1RNZIR All the training came into effect early on a Thursday morning the members of EIC with a lot of time away training. However
was directed to establish an Enhanced Infantry Company (EIC) when EIC conducted a raid on the UCV facility in Waiouru as the training has being exciting and with few complaints. The
for the NZ Army. EIC was to encompass the existing high- part of Exercise Alam Halfa. We were tasked to capture or battle handling exercise as part of Exercise Alam Halfa was a
readiness Company, then held by A Company 2/1 RNZIR, but neutralise two High-Value Targets (HVT) from within a non- good chance to practise our individual skills collectively within
also have the additional tasks of supporting 1 NZSAS Regt permissive village. To assist in this task, EIC was assigned four a complex problem. EIC is ready, should it be needed. In the
worldwide and conducting independent operations within the UH1H, additional sniper pairs, a Cavalry Platoon from Whiskey meantime, we are still working to further enhance our skills.
South-West Pacific. In order to best achieve this, a combined Company and some zulu LAV from QAMR. The target personnel
arms grouping was formed for training, based on A Company, were holed up within a compound consisting of a three storey
1RNZIR and enablers from Support Company 1RNZIR, 161 building and a high perimeter fence, designated A1. Prior to
Battery, 2 Field Squadron, and 2 Military Police – 90 personnel H-hour, Two Platoon A Company patrolled through the night
in total. to set up two observation posts to track enemy movement in
and around the village and, on command, establish the inner
Training
cordon supported by Recon and Snipers.
In February 2012, EIC conducted Block 1 enhanced
On H-hour, elements from Two Platoon established the inner
infantry training in Auckland. Consisting of three separate
cordon around A1 and contained the HVT’s within. Immediately
packages— amphibious training, airmobile training and
upon setting the inner cordon One Platoon conducted the
urban operations— this was delivered under the watchful
assault on the target building. The large perimeter fence
eye of members of 1NZSAS Regt. The amphibious training
surrounding A1 was breached by callsign “Juggernaught”,
was somewhat challenging, as it took soldiers and placed
the new 2ER armoured HEMMI. This allowed clearance of
them well out of their comfort zone operating in small boats
the satellite building by half of One Platoon that followed it
around the islands of the Hauraki Gulf by day and night. Being
in with NZLAV. As the threat elements were being distracted
saturated head to toe was par for the cause.
by the monster knocking at the front gate, the remainder of
The urban fighting package enhanced our skills at fighting One Platoon swarm-roped to the rear of the building. They
within built up areas and within buildings. It consisted gained access into the compound via a NZLAV and ladder,
predominantly of live firing within buildings. In addition, and entered the building on the second-floor. Surprise was
training focused on method of entry and movement within the achieved and both targets were located and processed.
urban environment.
The raid was a success in that both HVTs were neutralised
The Air mobile package practised us in deploying from the and the entire task group withdrawn off the position to an
UH1H by swarm roping, casting or hover jumping by day. The assembly area.
live helo descents were definitely the highlight of the training
with some members descending from up to 90 feet. The follow-up
At the completion of the training the EIC returned to Linton to Since then the training has not stopped. EIC has continued to
undertake some intensive training in a collective environment. develop the capability by undertaking further live field firing,
This included less-than-lethal training where members amphibious and urban operations training. Tactics, training
received training in weapon systems not frequently used by and procedures as well as Standard Operating Procedures are
NZDF soldiers, while being introduced to OC Spray – without being produced by the current members of EIC to support this
even having to upset the police. The key to maintaining the unique organisation. The next goal is to master the learned
skills acquired has been establish to a training routine which skills by night, to include swarm roping, as well as urban and
includes weekly live firing, urban operations and regular amphibious live firing. Block 2 training is currently underway
EIC personnel swarming from 90ft during Block 1
access to resources such as helicopters and boats. which will see the numbers of initially trained personnel grow
Members of the EIC swarming from 90ft during Block 1
At the completion of the training EIC returned to Linton to u
intensive training to employ these individual skills in a collecti
This included less-than-lethal training where members rece
weapon systems not frequently used by NZDF soldier
introduced to OC Spray – without even having to upset the po
maintaining the skills acquired has been establishing a trainin
includes weekly live firing, urban operations and regular acce
such as helicopters and boats.
D-Day
All this training came into effect early on a Thursday mor
conducted a raid on the UCV facility in Waiouru as part of
Halfa. We were tasked to capture or neutralise two High-Valu
from within a non-permissive village. In addition, EIC was
Members of the EIC ‘Rafting Up’ on the Hauraki Gulf during Block 1armytraining13
armySUCCESS13 issue 432 | JUNE 2012
Erebus medals presented
The Chief of the NZ Army, Major General Tim Keating, presents the NZ Special Service medal (Erebus) to retired former LCPL Alan Robert Richardson RNZCT while his wife Anne-Marie looks on.
The Chief of the NZ Army, Major General Tim Keating, Zealand Army, RNZAF and Police personal tasked with the
presented the NZ Special Service medal (Erebus) to retired job of recovering bodies and investigating the cause of the
former Lance Corporal Alan Robert Richardson RNZCT, disaster which killed all 237 passengers and 20 crew on board.
during a ceremony at the NZ Army’s Kensington Army Hall in And the Commander HQ DJTF(L) Colonel Phil McKee,
Dunedin recently. Mr Robertson was presented the medal presented the NZ Special Service medal (Erebus) and the
in recognition of his service during the very difficult and NZDSM to the Rev Kirsty MacDonald, wife of the late Corporal
often hazardous work he was involved in during the recovery Brownie Ashby RNZCT, during a ceremony in the Red Diamond
of victims of the 1979 Air New Zealand Erebus disaster in Room at 2/1RNZIR recently. The Rev MacDonald was presented
Antarctica. the medal in recognition of Brownie's service during the
Mr Richardson had been originally deployed on Operation recovery of Erebus victims.
Deep Freeze to the United States Antarctic Programme at Camp CPL Ashby deployed to the Antarctica on 29 Novemebr 1979
Byrd earlier in November 1979 and after the Air NZ DC-10, the day following the Air NZ DC-10, registered ZK-NZP, crashed
registered ZK-NZP, crashed into the side of nearby Mt Erebus, into the side of nearby Mt Erebus.
he played an active part along with a large contingent of New
Lieutenant Colonel Darren Beck, New Zealand’s Military Advise in Canberra, presented two former 1 RNZIR soldiers and The Rev Kirsty MacDonald holding the NZSSM (Erebus)and
Vietnam veterans with their Defence Service medals recently. He presented the medals to Peter Ramsay (left) and Kevin Bovill her daughter (Bronwyn Allnutt) holding the NZDSM which
(right) at a ceremony in Perth. Mr Bovill served in Borneo as well as Vietnam. was also presented at the ceremony.14armydeployments
issue 432 | JUNE 2012
Kiwis in the snow
By LTCDR David Washer
– making an impact in Antarctica
Operation Antarctica is, at its highest point each year, Sound in February 2011. RNZAF P3Ks also undertake Base Support Team.
New Zealand’s second largest mission. surveillance and are often called upon to conduct SAR xx The SNO is responsible for all NZDF personnel in
The Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 nations, including tasks, such as the Sparta Russian fishing vessel mission Antarctica and also has a civilian role within Antarctica
New Zealand, in 1959. The Treaty remains in force in December 2011. NZ as the Operations Scheduler.
indefinitely and the original signatories have been Antarctica NZ is responsible for managing New Zealand’s xx The Cargo Handler is an Air Force SNCO in a sole charge
joined by many others, bringing the total to 49 countries presence on the ice and this small organization with position managing all cargo and passenger movements
representing 80% of the world’s population. The Treaty’s modest funding relies on its partnership with the NZDF into and out of Scott Base.
primary aims are to: to achieve a year-round presence and field science xx Two Army Plant Operators drive the heavy plant
• demilitarise Antarctica; programme at Scott Base. If the NZDF were not involved, machinery at Scott Base and have an important role in
• establish it as a zone free of nuclear tests and the the nature of New Zealand’s Antarctic effort would have to managing snow clearance early in the season.
disposal of radioactive waste; drastically change. xx A vital role at Scott Base is Communications Operator.
• ensure that it is used for peaceful purposes only; The NZDF has a long tradition of sharing logistic These four people are at the core of Scott Base
• promote international scientific cooperation in and other resources with the United States Antarctic operations and the voice on the radio or telephone for
Antarctica; and Programme. NZDF personnel are flown to Antarctica in those on field operations and people contacting Scott
USAF C17s, New Zealand stores are shipped to Antarctica Base from NZ or the rest of the World. It is vital that
• set aside disputes over territorial sovereignty.
in the US supply vessel and fuel is transported south in a Comms Ops can communicate appropriately with a
The New Zealand Defence Force conducts a range of US tanker.
surveillance, patrol, resource protection, and border diverse range of people, so they need excellent verbal
NZDF personnel apply their specialist trade skills in the communication and interpersonal skills.
security tasks within its maritime zone and the Southern
extreme, remote environment that is Antarctica, which is • The Light Engineering Team is based at the US’s
Ocean, and achieves this by operating aircraft and ships
an invaluable training ground. McMurdo Station and their time on ice and trade make-
into the Southern Ocean and Ross Dependency.
Our People in Antarctica up varies each season, depending on the tasks they
The Air Force’s C130s have, for many years, been
operating into Antarctica and they were recently joined During the 2011/12 summer season, 170 NZDF personnel are required to complete. Last summer 17 engineers
by the Boeing 757. The RNZN has started testing their deployed to Antarctica, from all three NZDF services. Most spent two months in Antarctica, the previous season
Offshore Patrol Vessels in the Southern Ocean, with HMNZS provided support to the United States logistics pool. it was four people for five weeks. They do great work
Wellington completing the first deployment to McMurdo The team spending most time in Antarctica is the Scott at McMurdo in some of the most extreme weatherYou can also read
