OUR NEW SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY COVID-19 ANZAC DAY, LOCKDOWN STYLE - ISSUE 512 MAY 2020 - NZDF
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ISSUE 512 MAY 2020 OUR NEW SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY COVID-19 The NZDF effort ANZAC DAY, LOCKDOWN STYLE TŪ KAHA COURAGE TŪ TIKA COMMITMENT TŪ TIRA COMRADESHIP TŪ MĀIA INTEGRITY
SMA.NET ISSUE 512 MAY 2020 Tena koutou to Maybe more fitting of the ceremony was the Time away in Special Operations and in the Joint Operations As Sergeant Major of the Army, I have two masters – principally NEWS you all. acknowledgement of WO1 Clive HQ has kept me distal to this the Chief of Army and you the Douglas, SMA and warrior. Warrior modernising land force and so I’ll Army, importantly I am a servant The Army’s new SMA 02 15 is a close friend and mentor need your help. I don’t pretend to to both. Over the next two to three What better chance to offer a wide greeting and introduction as making this small but meaningful know it all, but come into the role years I’ll be working toward the Bamyan range 03 task to recognise him a pleasure. with fresh focus and an eye for ends of ‘warrior development’ and your new Sergeant Major of the clearance to begin He set out three years ago to grow readiness detail. The first 90 days the ‘wellbeing of our teams’ (W2) Army. Last week, under the watch Covid-19 pandemic 04 of Chief of Army Major General our Army, sustain its qualities and will seek to engage and connect – both are required for a balanced to leave the ‘jersey in a better as our Covid-19 levels allow. If you force. I look forward to meeting response continues John Boswell, DSD I was privileged to be bestowed the honour of place’. Sergeant Major, Mr Douglas have opportunities in your units you and trust you’ll help me get the coloured coat of arms and – ‘Dougie’, well done, you’ve or formations, then I intend to get out of the capital at least once a PEOPLE achieved that. From us all, thank along and see you. I’m prepared month. Nga mihi tenei kia koutou. the SMA’s jacket. It’s a uniquely Anzac Day under 06 humbling experience to serve the you and good luck in the next to get dirty, to move, to run and Stay safe & get after it! lockdown organisation for many years and to challenge of personal study and shoot depending on your unit’s WO1 Wiremu Moffitt be recognised so honourably as its projects. For me the path is new schedules. Life in Vanuatu: 14 16th Sergeant Major of the Army senior soldier. and exciting. Awa Melbourne PTE Kylie Smith: 15 combat driver As a young soldier Warrant Officer Class VE Day – 75 years on 20 One Wiremu Moffitt thought his military career might be brief. TRAINING HRTU trains 10 Thirty years after joining however he is continuously taking on the mantle of the military’s top A year at Duntroon 13 soldier – Sergeant Major of the Army. Burnham’s new drive 17 On the eve of taking over the SMA role training track he talked to Army News about what SPORT inspired him to join, his experiences Army Cycling 26 over the years, and what is important for today’s soldier. When did you decide What did your you wanted to join the time in the Special Army? Operations Force There was always a keenness to teach you? join the services and that interest There’s a bias here but I think started while my father was SOF exemplifies culture and The new Sergeant Major of the Army, serving in 1 Ranger Sqn in our purpose. It’s no secret to military WO1 Wiremu Moffitt. home town of Papakura. Like him, organisations, but from a reflective I pursued a pathway as a ‘boy’ point there are valuable lessons soldier and entered the Army as a NZDF has great people and Many of the activities featured in this issue I learned about deep culture of Army News occurred before the Covid-19 distancing restrictions were in place. Regular Force Cadet. and the impact it has on the way capable platforms – in the Army When we talk about our platform is the people. we do business. SOF culture is Reinforcing traditional components an agile Army – how Cover: The Army’s new Sergeant Major of formed through a blend of strong the Army, Warrant Officer Class One Wiremu What were your values and shared experiences, of fighting power ensures our do you see that? Moffitt (left) who takes over from Warrant Officer Class One Clive Douglas (right). aspirations when you often attained through a selection soldiers have sustained investment across physical, cognitive and Agile for many will be seen rightly process, some form of shared Photo: Corporal Chad Sharman. joined? discomfort or the many evolutions moral parts. To me that means in the context of speed – and how that follow. better education and learning fast we react. I tend to equate Look, to be very honest I figured opportunities (especially for NCOs), agility as the rate of change in the just a few years in the Army would greater focus on Think-Move- environment, with the ability to do. Naively, a thought was to gain identify key changes distinctive some experience and coursing You spoke about Shoot combatives, the integration of Man-Machine-Learning, and to our business. There’s a NZArmy before trying out for the Unit. training, what in an emphasis on physical fitness, nimbleness or light-footed nature A year at Cadet School brought me back to reality and taught particular stood out? endurance and resilience. to this agility. Our adaptability matches perceptive thinking with some life lessons. I’m forever a shape-shifting culture where we NZDefenceForce In terms of skill development, thankful to those instructors who armed us with a mixture of Special Forces are one of the What are the bend the organisation to meet the purest practitioners of the effects of change. The Army News is published for the Regular good soldiering, discipline and a individual training system. They challenges young and Territorial Force and civilian staff of the willingness to compete. Posted to maintain an 80/20% individual- soldiers and officers New Zealand Army. 1 RNZIR and harnessed by some collective rule for good reasons, face today? What advice would Editor: Judith Martin wonderful NCOs, those former Ph: 021 240 8578 E: armynews@nzdf.mil.nz traits went on to serve me well in balancing some fairly wide-ranging you give a young www.army.mil.nz skill sets. At its core, members The Army is in a good place in Printing: Bluestar, Petone. my initial career path. need to grasp pure fundamentals terms of kit, capability and training person thinking of Design: Vanessa Edridge, DPA, NZDF Editorial contributions and letters are with an exceedingly fine standard systems but I’m sure there are joining the Army? and this ensures every member soldiers who will set me right. welcomed. They may be sent directly to Army News and do not need to be forwarded through What are the changes can fulfil a life-taking or life-saving There are challenges in every I’m always going to be a champion normal command channels. Submit them to The you have noted during role, often under pressure and high role and generation, the trick is to for the Army and look to inspire Editor, Army News, DPA, HQ NZDF, stakes. Formed over weeks, years future members of Ngāti Private Bag 39997, Wellington, or by email. your time in the and decades this system ensures clarify those that matter most. The Defence posting process can be Tūmatauenga. We need to be open Deadline instructions: Army News is published on the third Tuesday of each month, except Army? quality martial skills, but more draining to our service personnel and candid with our new people, January. Please have all contributions to the importantly it’s the accountability and families, especially those allowing them to make informed editor by the first of the month. Technology and tempo. The most at team level that creates cognitive where dual incomes are needed. decisions based on the realities Nothing in the Army News should be taken as obvious contrast appears to be in ‘thinking soldiers’ who are adaptive I also think we need to pay attention of a soldiering career. Far beyond overriding any New Zealand Defence Force regulation. Readers should refer to the relevant the field of technology and how it in thought and flexible in action. to our unaccompanied and single the trade and skills ‘specs’, this is service publication before acting on any progressed with surprising speed. soldiers, their barracks, amenities about our story as a first rate land information given in this newspaper. It has most certainly made us and camp support systems. force. I’d ask recruits to understand ISSN 1170-4411 All material is copyright, and permission to better but at a cost of investment What do you feel The last challenge I’d raise is the Defence Force – that what we reproduce must be sought from the editor. and additional training. The second do is just as much a calling as it is aspect of change would be pace the Army should more closely tied to operational service and the advantages of a great job. I would highlight the and tempo. After a long hiatus do to maintain its self-assessment in the real-world. differences young New Zealanders between operations, Army began to deploy with greater scale and reputation as a highly While it’s not our role to drive or will find in the job, and more so the influence utilisation, it can be a differences they will make. Besides frequency. regarded light fighting significant force-multiplier to train, this, that they would enjoy a unique force? deploy and recover as military culture of camaraderie and kinship, units in an operational cycle. team activity, travel and a career of learning.
ARMYNEWS 03 A MESSAGE FROM THE LAND COMPONENT COMMANDER 2020 Version 2 (A Revised Training Year) As we emerge from the shadow Iraq back to NZ, deployed and of Covid-19 Alert Level Four and continued to sustain operations in Three lockdown, it is timely to take Iraq, Afghanistan, the Sinai, Korea, NZDF SIGNS stock of where we are at and how South Sudan, and the United Arab we transition to operating in the Emirates. This was only possible new normal. No two individuals by the outstanding effort of those CONTRACTOR TO WORK have had the same circumstances deploying, those providing the under the Covid-19 response; some training, and their units and families worked, some isolated at home or that support them. ON FIRING RANGES IN barracks, some became overnight Thirdly, we supported to the primary school teachers, and some Government’s Covid-19 response, continued the mission deployed involving up to 600 Regular and overseas. Regardless, we all were Reserve Army and assigned Joint asked to step up and play our part in the New Zealand response to Covid-19. We are not there yet, but are well on our way and are set Health and MP personnel either committed, or ready, to act through the country. They were employed as liaison and planning staff, managed AFGHANISTAN to transition through Covid levels toward a more normalised routine. Isolation Facilities, conducted environmental health and logistics The New Zealand Defence Force has signed a contract to This has been possible through assessments, and prepared carry out additional clearance of five firing ranges used by adherence to our ethos and values, additional mortuary, security and a fair bit of patience, some good distribution capabilities. That its Provincial Reconstruction Team in the Bamyan province humour, and keeping our focus on we were not required in greater in Afghanistan. the mission, our individual wellness, numbers is testimony to all of NZ’s and our families. adherence to the lockdown and the The contractor, Organisation International Security Assistance 10 other contenders, after being On lockdown, the Land capacity of our response. As Kiwis for Mine clearance and Afghan Force introduced a new standard deemed the best option to meet Component had four priorities. we should all be proud of this. Rehabilitation (OMAR), sent a for range clearance, which was the NZDF’s requirements. Firstly, to protect the force. By Our fourth priority was to team to the area recently to make then adopted by the Afghan The Afghan Directorate of Mine isolating the force in barracks and regenerate the force, and over the an initial assessment and set up Directorate of Mine Action Action Coordination, which will at home, we reduced the chance of past eight weeks this has been field offices. Non-technical survey Coordination. oversee the clearance work, has transmission of Covid-19 between about setting the right conditions, teams will then go to the area to To meet that new standard estimated that it will take up to our soldiers, our workplaces and planning activities and events start work. the NZDF has signed a contract 52 weeks to complete. However, our whanau. It also allowed us to to return to training safely, and The NZDF operated the ranges with OMAR, an Afghanistan- the work will be spread over two continue to undertake emergency to make up the lost time in what to fire non-explosive small-arms based organisation that has been calendar years, because much of services and support, essential is a new training and operating rounds, as well as some high- operating for 27 years. Bamyan Province is covered by ab-initio training in Waiouru, and environment. explosive rounds, for a decade It is experienced in range- snow for five to six months each to be ready to deploy (Covid free) At mid-2020, the effects of until the Provincial Reconstruction clearance work and has extensive year, which will have an impact on to any security or disaster relief Covid-19 on the NZ and world Team left Afghanistan in 2013. history working with aid-related de-mining activities. contingency. economies, and the effects on the Before the NZDF team started non-government organisations The combined value of Secondly, we sustained security environment are not fully operations the land was used by throughout Afghanistan. contracts signed with OMAR operations by preparing and known nor predictable. Our ability to Russian and United States forces The tender document released and Afghan Directorate of Mine conducting essential PDTs under operate under Covid-19 conditions in for live firing. by the NZDF in early February Action Coordination is about NZ$ different Covid alert levels, we the next 6–18 months and potentially When the NZDF team withdrew placed greater weight on aspects 6.2 million, subject to currency recovered Op MANAWA from beyond like we did pre-pandemic from Afghanistan in 2013, it such as health and safety, fluctuations. will be challenged. A new normal cleared the firing ranges in methodology and qualification of The worldwide Covid-19 for training, engagement, capability accordance with the standards of personnel involved than on price. pandemic has already affected Above: Land Component Commander introduction into service, and the time. It also placed an emphasis on the project, slowing the contract Brigadier Jim Bliss (right) and Land operations will exist. However, after the NZDF mine awareness education. process, and it may have further Component Sergeant Major WO1 Paul McIntosh. Continues page 6... deployments finished, the OMAR won the tender from impact. NZDF Savings Schemes – further innovation and Covid-19 impacts Further exciting shock for some members. However, turbulence for KiwiSaver schemes to cash or conservative. They then on investments. Milestone Direct most members have time on their and other managed funds, including locked in their losses. It will be also has some very good resources. developments are pending side and hopefully over time are the NZDF Savings Schemes. During many months, if not years, before These resources are available to for the NZDF Savings able to adjust their settings to save the most volatile period combined members are able to recover those any Defence community member, Schemes, says NZDF more. Of course, with any forward- funds under management for our “losses”, said Joseph. “Everyone’s not just members of the NZDF Benefits Manager Mark looking calculation a number of schemes dropped from $545m to situation will be different. Members Savings Schemes. Williamson. inputs need to be provided to $460m before they started climbing who are particularly anxious about For those Defence community arrive at the dollar figure you’ll be again. Members would have noticed what is happening to their funds are members more anxious about their The next members’ statements1 provided. These inputs include this drop in their own fund balance. able to give us a call to discuss the finances there are also additional due in early June, show members how much you have invested, your The reality is that these losses best option for them”. resources including a guide for how much of a weekly income their contributions, inflation, and your (and gains) are paper only until And, according to Joseph “for those facing potential financial funds might provide at age 65, current fund choice. If you’ve got the member attempts to withdraw those of you with surplus funds, hardship because of changes in through to age 90. According to queries regarding this, please funds or switches investment there is the opportunity to buy more household income. There is also Mark this will provide members with contact Mercer in the first instance.” portfolio. Then the loss (or gain) is units while prices are still relatively the opportunity for online financial another powerful tool to help with In 2018 Mercer introduced tools locked in. low, by either putting more money capability training. their decision making. “Post Covid projecting how members’ fund So what should members do into the New Zealand Defence 19, saving for retirement will be balances would look at age 65. This when faced with “black swan” Force KiwiSaver Scheme or the more of a challenge for many of us. tool has now been refined to reflect events like this? Ex NZ Army FlexiSaver Scheme.” To find out more: This new tool helps our retirement the member’s current investment Major, Joseph Darby, now head Market turbulence is likely to Google Force Financial Hub planning, clearly setting out in 2020 setting. It remains interactive so of Milestone Direct Ltd (NZDF’s continue for some months before and check out the Covid-19 page. dollars how much weekly income that the member is able to move preferred financial advice service) we see a return to a degree of NZDF Savings Schemes; or our investments may provide,” said the settings to see what their funds advises that the best option for normality. Fund manager, Mercer, our Financial advice service Mark. “The figures may come as a will look like if contribution rates or members is to do nothing. “The sad has developed a number of short (Milestone Direct Ltd); or email portfolio are changed. thing is that many members were videos explaining how investment benefits@nzdf.mil.nz This innovation comes against panicked by what was happening to markets operate and why Covid-19 1 For the New Zealand Defence a backdrop of extraordinary their funds, and switched portfolio has had such a significant impact Force KiwiSaver Scheme and DFSS
04 ARMYMISSION COVID-19 Our Response The New Zealand Defence Force NZDF personnel are providing planning, liaison, and specialist This changed to 150–200 when we moved to Level Three due to fast and virtual environments enabled remote learning, simulation, continues to support the all of operational and logistics support to the Operational Command food restaurants opening.” emulation and coaching. We couldn’t do things the same way, so government response to Covid-19 Centre and the National Crisis Management Centre. They are also 1 CSR we adapted. Quickly moving to Alert Level Three by providing personnel to augment helping NZ Police with operational, intelligence and quarantine/ 1st Command Support Regiment and then onto Alert Level Four had a huge effect on day to day work the various organisations involved isolation planning support. (1 CSR) found innovative ways for soldiers within 1 CSR. However, One person is working with the through the Covid-19 lockdown given the unit’s technical nature and in dealing with the pandemic. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to make the enforced isolation a familiarity with using technology Trade, and one is providing planning rich training environment for our to support commanders, the unit and liaison support to the Ministry soldiers, leveraging technology was well postured to continue with of Health. to find new ways to educate, valuable training. This occurred In camps and bases efforts assess and collaborate for our over a range of platforms, from are being made to continue with communicators, electronic warfare Zoom and Skype, to Facebook garrison activities, training and operators and intelligence staff. Messenger and Microsoft Teams. exercises (see page 10) 1 CSR is spread over three These platforms provided the At Linton Camp, two groups of camps, with six different trades ability to remain in daily contact to 16 chefs have been working 21 days and two different Corps, with conduct O-Groups, deliver lessons, on, 21 days off. The messes have technology a key enabler for all our briefs and presentations based on been supported by other soldiers outputs. The nationwide Covid-19 personal study. from 2CSSB who are helping lockdown merely forced the unit to with the front of house, cleaning double down on different ways to and setting the dining room for rise to the challenges of distributed all meals. “This support has been learning and training. Our soldiers fundamental in the operation of have continued to develop their the mess,” says Staff Sergeant knowledge and skills in a wide Above: Major Oliver Lynn briefs the Jonathan Bailey. range of areas, including: coding, All of Government team who are “Our daily output has not networking, communication theory, running the Isolation, Quarantine and changed since moving to the military knowledge, analysis, formal Repatriation border operations at various alert levels, and we were presentation, training and writing Police National Headquarters. feeding more than 300 personnel skills. The use of unclassified Right: Major Lynn at work with the within Linton during Level Four. collaboration tools, applications repatriation team.
ARMYMISSION 05 LOCK DOWN TRAINING – All part of the picture for TAD By Judith Martin Keeping a bubble of 181 Army recruits safe and motivated during the Covid-19 lockdown has been a challenge, says The Army Depot (TAD) Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Dean Gerling. However, he says he is gratified by the way his instructors have dealt with the situation, and also by the The staff and recruits have been As Waiouru Camp gymnasium for LTCOL Gerling, whose wife, the situation we find ourselves. attitude of the recruits themselves. practising physical distancing, with and swimming pool have been Squadron Leader Bethany Gerling This includes managing children’s TAD has two courses under recruits maintaining close contact closed since Alert Level Four is Head of Army Psychology. school activities, and working from instruction, Recruit Regular Force bubbles within their platoons. Their was introduced, physical training The couple, who have two young home,” he said (RRF) course 396 with 104 recruits, close contact bubble has been like has been conducted outside children, were both required to be As the nation now looks to and RRF397 with 77. their household, with all members of utilising recruit’s own pack and fully involved in their work roles. moving down through the Covid-19 “The way we have been training the same platoon being in the same webbing, as well as conducting They have attempted to balance Alert Levels, TAD continues to our newest members of the Army bubble. Anyone outside of that has body weight classes. the demands of the Service and review the way they operate and has continued to evolve since the been considered a casual contact. Every recruit course has that of keeping things on rails at looks forward to graduations and Alert Levels were announced,” says Instructors have been maintaining individuals who decide the Army home, to varying levels of success the next arrival of candidates in LTCOL Gerling. “Our instructors casual contact, ensuring separation is not for them, and the current and often resorting to bribery (of August 2020. have shown remarkable flexibility as by physical distancing. However, courses have been no different. the kids). “Across the NZDF and our soldiers and officers always do; when required, they have been “We always lose a small New Zealand, people are finding they get on with the task to get it wearing personal protection percentage, some recruits try it and new ways to lead and command in completed. equipment, especially in places like just don’t like it. We realise being “Due to the changing Covid-19 range shoots. a soldier isn’t the right choice for Alert Levels, TAD has only everyone. We have had a couple Official advice, says LTCOL conducted one family day this who wanted to release when we Gerling, was to provide instruction year – there is normally one per were at Alert Level Four, but we in groups that were as small course – which is an opportunity have kept them safe in Waiouru as possible to minimise risk of for family members to visit their and looked after them, ensuring Covid-19 infection. “It was a real soldier-in-training. In addition, the they had their mobile phones so balancing act, ensuring consistent course’s mid-course breaks had they could keep in touch with their messaging and providing a safe to be cancelled, but the recruits friends and family.” environment to ensure training understood why, and were pleased The Covid-19 lockdown has been could continue.” interesting on a personal level that we kept their training up.” LTCOL Gerling discusses progress with an instructor. Private Ruby Dunn, from 17-year-old college students, Mitimiti in Northland developing a rapport, and encouraging them to book in and played an important utilise the free dental service screening role during available to them. Level Four of the When the DHB dental facilities pandemic. closed, their staff were briefed and requested to assist at Covid A serving Reservist with 19 screening stations. Roles Dental Services in FHO, she is required were traffic control, employed as an Oral Health administration, or nasal and oral Therapist with the Northland swabbing stations. PTE Dunn District Health Board (DHB). had no hesitation in volunteering Graduating from Auckland her services. She undertook University of Technology in training in nasopharyngeal and 2018 with a Bachelor of Health oropharyngeal nose and throat Science in Oral Health, her swabbing, the current diagnostic normal clinical dental day method used to take oral and would consist of examining nasal samples for Covid testing. and treating children aged “I felt being in the Army helped 0 – 18 years. Prior to Covid 19, me stay calm in such a high- Ruby was engaging with local pressure situation,” she said.
06 ARMYPEOPLE A message from LCC – Continued from page 3 The Land Component cannot wait for 100% clarity or understanding before acting. We must plot our Covid-19 has route with known waypoints and then be agile of thought and action had a significant to adjust to new and emerging impact on our situations and opportunities. All our actions must contribute to 2020 training our mission and we must continue to prepare for all operational year and we must contingencies and be ready to adjust and train support at home and abroad. Our approach to training the differently than force has required adjustment before. and a reset. The loss of training time, has been compounded by some, predominantly overseas, on Covid-19 travel and border training locations and activities now permissions, they are important being unavailable. Unfortunately, milestones to strive to achieve and a number of collective training to focus our preparatory training on. activities has had to be cancelled Other key activities that are or adjusted. Ex Southern Katipo 20, currently in planning, but yet to our premier joint collective exercise, be confirmed, include conducting has been re-shaped to provide us Public Duties in the UK, the with training space and time to 50th anniversary exercise for regenerate, whilst retaining some BERSAMA LIMA in Malaysia core joint training outcomes. This and Singapore, and sending a adjustment, however, has provided team to the Australian shooting some opportunities for individual competition. At home, we will host and collective training. the Singaporeans for Ex THUNDER As part of TRADOC (NZ)’s Army WARRIOR and will be prepared to Individual Training Evolution (AITE), support APEC, America’s Cup and individual training will speed up Women’s Rugby World Cup. its transition from the traditional, Covid-19 has had a significant one-size-fits-all approach to a impact on our 2020 training year modern learning system. This and we must adjust and train includes leveraging blended differently than before. We are learning techniques, e-learning and blessed to have the space, the technology to support instructor ranges, the diversity of terrain to delivery and student learning. conduct good training activities, As a result of Covid-19 we have including live field firing at both had to cancel a number of courses Waiouru and Tekapo. and re-schedule others between The Land Component also has now and next year. We have put the people and commanders to our priority on individual career, reset the force under a new training All Corps promotion, and trade regime. To do so takes flexibility, courses, with TRADOC (NZ) set agility and mission command. The to conduct more than 140 courses Land Component is empowering between the start of July and unit, schoolhouse and junior Christmas this year. In doing so, we commanders to lead our training can focus on growing our base of through this reset. We know that well-trained and competent soldiers these leaders the skills, the attitude, and small teams ready to undertake and the drive to bring us success. a higher degree of collective We have done a great job so far, training in 2021. on behalf of the Land Component Collective training, this year, Leadership Team, thanks for will focus on our generating high your efforts thus far, take the readiness force elements for any future opportunities that present population support and population themselves, look after yourself, your protection tasks and missions. whanau, and your mates. These are our contingency forces, and are our priority. Between now Land Component Commander and December we will undertake a Brigadier Jim Bliss and number of exercises and activities, WO1 Paul McIntosh including live field firing, to grow and maintain our combat capability. These exercises will ensure we have well prepared and trained individuals and groups proficient in our core warfighting skills, able to concentrate as combined arms groups, for training activities in 2021 which focus on joint land combat, our high-end warfighting role. Critical collective training activities in 2021 will include the SARI BAIR Series, Ex TALISMAN Sofie Perkinson, aged 11 from Belmont SABRE/HAMEL in Australia, on the North Shore created a poster potential deployments of a Combat to display alongside her teddy in her window. Team to the US Joint Readiness Training Centre, and a Task She was concerned and sad that the Group HQ to Joint Warfighting usual Anzac Day remembrance events Assessment, also in the US. Whilst and marches were not taking place these activities will be dependent this year. Sofie suggested it might be fun for children who are taking part in local bear hunts to cut out the poppy and get the teddy to hold it in his/her paws. With the help of her dad Duncan she shared her work with the local community via local Facebook groups. Sofie, who’s also a Girl Guide said that ‘then people could print it out and colour it in themselves’. Her Great Grandfather Fred Philpott, was a New Zealand war hero and prisoner of war survivor of WWII.
ARMYPEOPLE 07 ANZAC DAY UNDER LOCKDOWN By Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) Chris Mullane There is no doubt that Anzac Day 2020 was like no other. It is true that many of us did miss gathering for traditional Anzac commemoration ceremonies, however there has been much to celebrate in the wide-ranging demonstrations of Kiwi ingenuity and creativity that have sprung up as a result. Various scenes from Stand at Dawn. Photos: Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn
08 ARMYPEOPLE In the weeks leading up to Anzac twos to lay a floral tribute and pay New book confirms Day, during our daily exercise we their respects at the Devonport witnessed ever-increasing window Memorial or used various online displays of teddy bears and other options to came together to dramatic increase in favourite stuffed toys wearing a commemorate with family members poppy. Many families adorned or old comrades elsewhere in New their fences and porches with Zealand and overseas. Others, number of New Zealand home-made poppies of all sizes, while still respecting Level Four and wreaths of many descriptions Rules, pushed the envelope a lovingly crafted from egg cartons little. One example was a Dawn soldiers at Gallipoli and other recycled materials. Yet Ceremony held in Bayswater. At others flew flags or displayed 6.00am, strictly observing two home-made banners bearing the metre spacing, a small number of words “Lest we forget” or “We will local residents, including veterans remember them”. For the most young and old, gathered at O’Neill’s part our local schools were already Point Cemetery to lay wreaths at Two New Zealand Defence Force historians have published an e-book confirming linked up with pupils online from the military headstones of two that the number of New Zealand soldiers who served at Gallipoli in 1915 was more the start of lockdown and amongst young Maori soldiers from World than 16,000 – almost double the accepted number of 8,556. the ‘in your home bubble’ activities War One. Bill Rimmer played Last children were encouraged to create Post. The Ode was then recited in The book builds on previous about 170 per cent attrition, of the campaign. Twice as many and share wonderful examples of Te Reo Māori by currently serving research carried out in 2016, which which about half were caused by New Zealand families as how they wanted to acknowledge Navy veteran Leading Seaman Te was widely reported at the time. a dysentery epidemic that raged previously thought had at least those who had served. This Orangapumau Elia and in English Phenomenal and Wicked: through the Allied forces on the one member on the peninsula impromptu community involvement by me. This was followed with a Attrition and Reinforcement in the peninsula. in 1915. was in part encouraged by the very lament played by piper Chris Lucas. New Zealand Expeditionary Force “This very high attrition rate “We think that this goes a very rules imposed by lockdown. And then after a minute silence the at Gallipoli, by Defence Force seems to have been common to long way towards explaining Somehow, the restrictions of bugle sounded Reveille and the Historian John Crawford and all the Allied contingents fighting why Gallipoli had such a Level Four strengthened community brief ceremony was over. Senior Advisor Heritage Matthew at Gallipoli,” Mr Crawford said. profound effect on contemporary bonds and our connection with It was a fitting way to honour the Buck, is the culmination of five “The infantry battalions in the New Zealand society, and why it the privations experienced by two soldiers who, while undertaking years of research. New Zealand and Australian continues to have such a central earlier generations in times of war, pre-embarkation training at Narrow The research was highlighted Division were losing about 30 place in our national memory.” disaster and pandemics. Perhaps Neck, had died from Influenza. in 2016, when Mr Crawford per cent of their strength every The book is the result of this spontaneous community One had died on November 2, 1918 discovered the notebooks of month, which was double the cooperation between the Ministry response offers a message to barely a week before the war ended the Deputy Assistant Adjutant attrition rate of the British infantry for Culture and Heritage, the those organising future Anzac Day and the other died on November 11, General of the New Zealand and on the Western Front.” NZDF, Archives New Zealand commemorations. Yes, tradition is 1918 only nine days after Armistice Australian Division in Archives Another key to the research and Statistics New Zealand. important but there are many ways was declared. Their service New Zealand. was the more recent discovery Mr Crawford and Mr Buck of honouring the fallen other than numbers show they had joined The book also provided insight of financial records that show followed a research trail from just the usual style of ceremonies the Army together – 84749 Pte into the planning undertaken exactly how the New Zealand Archives New Zealand to the which follow a time-worn pattern T. Chase and 84750 Pte T. Oneroa. prior to the main body of soldiers forces were distributed over the Australian War Memorial in largely inherited from our British They were probably close mates. leaving New Zealand in 1914, course of the campaign. Canberra to piece together forebears. Perhaps it is time to They lie buried side by side. Mr Crawford said. “The financial records a story that corrects faulty develop our own particularly For over 100 years they have “New Zealand’s political and confirm that relatively few of the assumptions that for decades New Zealand format for such been our sons too. We will military leadership were well thousands of men who became distorted how we saw our nation’s important community events remember them! aware that losses in a major sick or wounded at Gallipoli involvement at Gallipoli. – honouring the past and also war were likely to be extremely returned to their units during Partly for their work in • Chris Mullane, ONZM, MBE, is a heavy,” he said. the campaign,” Mr Crawford establishing the new numbers, in celebrating the present? Vietnam veteran and a staunch “However, their extensive said. “The only way that the 2019 Mr Buck received a Chief of This was epitomised on Anzac advocate for veterans. preparations were almost New Zealand Expeditionary Force Defence Force Commendation Day itself, by the many ways in which people ‘stayed alone’ while overwhelmed by the scale of could stay in the battle was by and Mr Crawford received the ‘coming together’. Many stood the losses that were actually pouring in thousands of fresh Defence Meritorious Service at dawn by their gates, some experienced – more than 2,700 reinforcements. Medal. sharing impromptu ceremonies killed and many thousands more “We now know that up The book is available for free at: on Bluetooth speakers with their becoming sick and wounded.” to 17,000 New Zealand https://nzhistory.govt.nz/war/ immediate neighbours. Throughout By late September 1915 the Expeditionary Force personnel gallipoli-campaign-numbers the day people came in ones and infantry had typically suffered had a direct connection with Bugler Bill Rimmer plays the Last Post.
ARMYPEOPLE 09 ANZAC DAY IN AFGHANISTAN By Major Shay Bassett Because we’re in an Islamic dividing the commemorations up we now serve on operations than to country, the early morning brews into several services all conducted our own homeland New Zealand. For the small contingent of New Zealand were drunk without the traditional concurrently, and within the bounds Another unusual aspect of component to make them ‘gunfire’. of the rules. this year’s Anzac Day was being Army personnel based at Camp Qargha, Nevertheless, it hit the spot, nicely With a large number of Australian able to see real poppies. Due to and working with the Afghanistan aided with freshly baked Anzac biscuits to accompany the coffee soldiers also based at Camp Qargha, the numbers were not it being spring here, wild poppies are currently blooming and are National Army Officer Academy, Anzac before we commenced a number wanting, and with our limited relatively easy to find, which Day started before sunrise with coffee of commemoration services held simultaneously throughout the strength as Kiwis this meant trying to spread ourselves as wide as provided another link with our military past. Serving with the NZDF from about 4am. base, starting just on the cusp of possible to ensure New Zealand often provides the opportunity first light at 4.30am. was represented as well as it could of experiencing Anzac Day in Due to currently operating under be on the day. As may be seen numerous and varied locations. Covid-19, a maximum number of 10 by the photos, the rallying point This year was another example of people are only to be assembled for each of the commemoration this for the Kiwi team in Qargha. in one location at one time, and services were fuel drum fires, Our memories of 25 April 2020, strictly two metres apart of each one having been modified while inevitably sombre, are still course! As a result, the Anzac by members Australian Light Aid fond ones that each member of our Day committee, which consisted Detachment to show an Anzac group can take away with them. of Kiwis, Aussies, and Turks (a theme. The fires served as a situation that was rather unique), poignant reminder of the sacrifices came up with an elegant solution. made by our forefathers, 105 years We didn’t hold just one event, but ago, in a land far closer to where Major Nigel Gattsche in Lake Ferry on Anzac Day.
10 ARMYTRAINING LIFE IN LOCKDOWN: A HIGH READINESS EXPERIENCE By Lieutenant Ashton Lovell Could a deployable force be firstly, the HRPG deployed within an environment where contactless maintained and trained despite mandated response times without support was required was another For the High Readiness Task Unit the restrictions placed on all citizens? How could the high being tested and potentially with Covid-19; or secondly, the HRPG obstacle to work around. Drop zones were created for 1RNZIR (HRTU) the Level Four lockdown readiness output be met under these conditions? If Covid-19 did not deploy within mandated response times in order to be CSS Company to drop off items required for training or general announcement on the 23 March spread widely and rapidly, could tested. There was an alternative quality of life. On delivery the the New Zealand Army guarantee outcome. This was to screen and HRPG storeman would thoroughly presented some unique and a deployable force, on short notice, monitor the HRPG over a two week disinfect delivered items before that was completely virus free to period in isolation—confirming as issuing them for use. uncertain challenges. support the South West Pacific? best as practicable that no one Maintaining an acceptable trained With only two days to prepare had Covid-19 without testing— state during this time was another before entering Level Four and maintaining this bubble by factor to consider. Training for this lockdown, these were the questions eliminating exposure to others. group of soldiers was placed under the HRTU were required to answer. The preparation for this had to extra scrutiny: every training activity Several courses of action were be fast. Soldiers were immediately had to be segregated from the developed and considered before informed so they could give a general Linton Camp population to a final decision was made: the High timely warning to their families, minimise contact with the outside; Readiness Platoon Group (HRPG) the quarantined barracks had to social distancing and group sizes consisting of an infantry platoon, be vacated by all occupants and while training needed to be well company headquarters element, thoroughly cleaned, and areas considered; finally, a different medics and enablers from signals around both the barracks and 1 risk profile needed to be adopted and intelligence would move into RNZIR lines were cordoned off. as the last thing anyone wanted enforced quarantine. This required These actions were carried out to to do was divert limited medical all personnel in the HRPG to move minimise the risk of exposure from resources away from the Covid-19 into an isolated zone with the anyone outside the HRPG and to pandemic. As such the focus for HRPG becoming its own bubble. ensure the areas the group were training was largely on maintaining The isolated zone included Travis using were hygienic and could avoid the ability of the group to deploy barracks and certain training areas contamination by Covid-19. overseas, while also continuing to within Linton Camp that allowed the Moving into barracks as a build the fundamental skillsets that HRPG to maintain its deployability group also presented difficulties: would allow the HRTU to transition and trained state. The HRPG would if one person were to get sick, towards more complex training as remain there for three weeks before it could spread rapidly through the alert levels moved down. rotation with another platoon group. the general population creating a This meant that regular activities The primary reason for enforced cluster. As a result, a wing of the to maintain deployability such as quarantine was based on the barracks was isolated purely for fitness testing and range shoots proposition that – at the time – anyone suspected of illness. These were conducted, but also that it could not be guaranteed that personnel could be placed into a focus on small team training, testing equipment would be isolation, with contactless meals at either section level or below available to test the HRPG for delivery and daily checks by the was adopted. This allowed the Covid-19 within their mandated medics for progress without risk to practice of activities such as response time. This created the wider group. urban clearances utilising HRTU’s two unacceptable outcomes: Maintaining logistical support in façade facility and other areas
ARMYTRAINING 11 around Linton Camp. Being able to continue this training was vital to enable the transition to live field firing activities during Exercise Venom 1 in late May and early June. The final key challenge during this time was boredom. Boredom was an aspect of lockdown that most of New Zealand will probably relate to and it was no different for the HRPG. To alleviate some of this boredom, as well as the stress of being isolated away from family during lockdown, an entertainment committee was created to come up with ideas for weekends and downtime. The results were activities like socially distanced cricket in the 1 RNZIR quad, quiz nights and a highly entertaining costume evening. Moving into a post lockdown environment it’s important to reflect on the lessons learnt over this period. In an uncertain situation, the success of the HRPG to maintain an R1 response was attributable to two key things: firstly, a considerate appreciation of the commander’s intent at all levels which enabled the development of innovative training practices; secondly, resilient soldiers and their family units living the axiom of ‘to serve’ without complaint in an uncertain and stressful time. This allowed the HRTU to conduct business as close to usual in a unique time.
12 ARMYMISSION LCPL Desiree Arnold uses the ANPRC-150 radio. LINES OF COMMUNICATION By Andrew Bonallack “At the end of the day, this can be set up anywhere in the world,” Effective says CPL Parker. “It’s not just for eight miles to the ship. We can communication go the length of the country. It informs the operates between 3 to 30 MHz. Ultra-High Frequencies (UHF) leadership will pass through objects but decision. Or in High Frequency (HF) is more malleable. It doesn’t go through the other words: what’s ionosphere, it bounces off.” The mission was a the weather like communication success for the where you are? Department of Conservation as well, who established a repeater Based on ‘lessons learned’ from antenna on a peak halfway along previous Sub-Antarctic missions, the harbour. But it still relied on line Operation Endurance 2020 and of sight. HMNZS Canterbury embarked CPL Parker says their system four signallers from 2nd Signal was the ultimate backup, and could Squadron to set up an all-round link in with all other systems in use communication network on on the island. “Even satellite phones Campbell Island. are difficult here. There’s something Traditional Very High Frequency about this area. They use a low (VHF) line-of-sight communication, earth orbit, more at equatorial from the ship to the shore, had latitudes, and so there’s less of been used for previous visits to them to pick up.” Campbell Island, and would be He says it was a new experience again, but this had been unreliable. to work with Navy and experience HMNZS Canterbury, spending its Navy communications. The nights going back and forth in the signallers’usual mode of operation vicinity of Perseverance Harbour would be to drive somewhere and entrance, needed a means of establish a communications set-up. communicating with Beeman Hut “Everyone’s enjoyed their time base, at the far end of the harbour, down here. For us, lessons learned past substantial ranges over 400 would be to have more frequencies. metres high. Our one frequency worked best at But line of sight isn’t an issue certain times of day. The sun hitting for a High Frequency Near Vertical the atmosphere during the day can Incidence Skywave (NVIS), which make things work differently than sends an encrypted HF signal at night.” straight up, bouncing off the Commander Martin Walker, ionosphere, and back down again Commanding Officer of to a receiver – HMNZS Canterbury. HMNZS Canterbury, says good Corporal Harry Parker, with communications was something three signallers, organised the they wanted this time around. establishment of an antenna and “When it was fogged in at sea, it equipment at Beeman Hut, and was clear there, and they could tell ensured it was continually manned. us, and it could aid my decisions. It It meant that even with inclement something we’ll definitely push for conditions at sea, or high winds at in future operations.” the harbour entrance, Canterbury’s Commanding Officer could be assured that conditions near Beeman Hut favoured anchoring in the harbour.
ARMYPEOPLE 13 WARFIGHTING SKILLS, FRIENDSHIPS, AND SHEEP JOKES – A YEAR AT DUNTROON LT Berryman (left) and LT Calder-Steele. In January 2019, Upon arrival in Canberra, there was an adjustment period of getting The 18 month curriculum at Duntroon is broken up into three I am graduating into the Royal New Zealand Army Logistics soldiers Tony used to the 40 degree days and six month classes. This sees you Regiment. I am looking forward to “During my time Calder-Steele and frequent sheep jokes, however we progress from III Class where continuing to learn and progress in Duntroon quickly settled in to the Australian you learn foundation warfighting in the NZDF and hope to further Mitchell Berryman way of life. We undertook 18 months techniques and are assessed in develop my skills and leadership I gained the skills were selected of training and graduated on 28 April 2020 as the newest lieutenants of command of a section, through to II Class which has a focus on platoon whilst working within the workshop once again. Tony is graduating into and knowledge to to begin their the New Zealand Army. command in an offensive and the Royal New Zealand Infantry become a leader I started my career with the defensive operations environment. Regiment and is likewise excited for commissioning New Zealand Army in 2013 The course concludes with stability upcoming challenges. in the NZ Army course at the and enlisted as an automotive and complex operations packages and learnt that technician. While posted to undertaken in I Class. One of Royal Military 16th Field Regiment Workshop the key benefits of studying at failure can lead to College – Duntroon I became qualified in my trade and was promoted to Lance- Duntroon is the level at which the Individual Military Appreciation success.” in Australia. Corporal. During my Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course Process package is delivered, practised and assessed throughout – Lieutenant Mitchell Berryman There were many in 2018 I found that the 18 months. We are far better I wanted to be challenged further as placed to begin a career of planning highlights, writes a leader and the idea of becoming as a result of this aspect of the newly graduated an officer really intrigued me. curriculum. Tony comes from a similar There were many highlights to officer, Lieutenant background having joined as an my training in Australia however, Berryman. electronics technician in February 2011. He completed postings in the one that will last was the friendships I made during my time workshops and was promoted over there – not only locals, but to Corporal in 2017. Though he also the plethora of internationals enjoyed his previous role, he had for who study there. During my time some time considered making the in Duntroon I gained the skills and move out of the ranks. knowledge to become a leader in the NZ Army and learnt that failure can lead to success.
14 ARMYPEOPLE OUR PEOPLE ACTING WARRANT OFFICER CLASS TWO, AWANUIRANGI MELBOURNE enforcing law i.e. curfews, Acting Warrant What does a normal provision of housing, evacuating Officer Class Two, day at work look like people, protection of women and children to name a few. It has been Awanuirangi for you? challenging not having extra military Melbourne, is I would love a normal day, or even on the ground, and military assets to assist. I have been providing currently based in a week, to look something similar as best I can information back to to what we are afforded in NZ. NZDF and MFAT, giving situational Vanuatu. However a day can change very awareness here in Vanuatu, with quickly from what you thought the hope that we can all work you might be doing, to what collectively in making things work you actually end up doing. The for the people of Vanuatu. Eyes and What is your usual role VMF is tasked with many duties, ears on the ground. at post and how long ranging from providing security for their president and many have you been there? other dignitaries, crowd control, How has Covid-19 security around elections, enforcing My role is known as the Foreman government directives, training in affected life for you of Works, where primarily I am embedded into the Vanuatu Mobile their specific skill sets and every (and your family) in Force (VMF) in their Engineering now and again managing some construction work. Very adaptable, Vanuatu and how did and the people here as best we Platoon. There are many aspects to it, but I assist in training in vertical very flexible. it affect NZ’s support could. You could say we are lucky to be in a position, to be able to do construction, project managing of for Vanuatu after the so. Thankfully as we speak Vanuatu construction tasks, assessing and What have you and cyclone? has no Covid-19 cases. quality assurance of tasks, general Support to TC Harold from NZ engineering tasks, and other your team been It has been quite an experience in has been outstanding, and we know military related matters that knowing the environment that we I might be able to assist in. Although focusing on during live in is medically inadequate to that in normal circumstances NZ Inc would be here in a much larger right at this moment my HADR cap Vanuatu’s response deal with Covid-19 should it ever capacity, providing much needed is in full swing as we coordinate the recovery of affected islands from to Tropical Cyclone arrive. The upheaval of people in skill, resources, and manpower. The the decision making to return home response from the Vanuatu Govt/ Tropical Cyclone Harold. Harold? or stay, was unsettling with many National Disaster Management My partner and I arrived here on friends and colleagues choosing Office was affected because of 5 December 2018, so we have been To date distribution of aid supplies to return to their homes, for many From top: WO2 Melbourne (centre) the fear of Covid entering through here approximately 16 months. to affected areas, assessing reasons. Everyone was supportive with Vanuatu colleagues; WO2 the transportation of aid supplies. damaged islands, security of key of decisions made – our focus was Melbourne helps unload emergency We can only learn, and be more installations, patrolling streets, supplies following Tropical Cyclone on staying and supporting Vanuatu prepared if this happens again. Harold.
ARMYPEOPLE 15 Private Kyla Smith has been a combat driver for just over two years. “I chose to be a driver in the Army “As a driver you also go through because it seemed interesting and Junior and Intermediate combat there was eventually deployment driver courses. opportunities. I also liked the idea “Being based in the South drivers get to travel in New Zealand. Island our most common drives “I’ve always enjoyed driving. would be to Tekapo or through Growing up in the Far North my Dad Arthur’s Pass to the West Coast. taught us to drive, including a 4wd, Being so junior I can only drive a from when we were young as he MSV, Mog, HX 60 and HX 58. used to take us diving and hunting “During your familiarisation with him. courses you’re taught skills “The Army provides the under a driving instructor like opportunity to sit all your Licence how to handle tricky situations. classes from 1 through to 6 and Yes sometimes it can be scary provides familiarization courses but prior to being sent out on on each of the vehicles that you will tasks you’ll go through training be driving from Pinzgauer to Man and courses to make sure you HX Variants. understand how the vehicle handles under different loads and terrains. It’s up to your driving skills then, and how you assess the terrain and trust the vehicle.”
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