courage | commitment | comradeship | integrity · afghanistan, timor leste, south korea, south...

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w w w. a r M y. M i l . N z i S S u e4 3 8 | D e C e M B e r 2 0 1 2

arMyNewSC o u r a g e | C o M M i t M e N t | C o M r a D e S h i p | i N t e g r i t y

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Nga tahi kotahitogether uNiteD

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

civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.

Editor: Judith MartinPhone: 04-496-0227 or

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

email: [email protected]

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

design: Jennifer Watts, DCG, NZDF

Editorial contributions and letters are welcomed.

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

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

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

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

contributions to the editor by the first of the month.

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

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

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

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

DeCeMBer2012iSSue 438

NzarMyNewSCoNteNtS

NewSArmy shooting competition 04

Recruits march out 0628 Maori Battalion Association closes 07

Territorials become more joined up 08

peopleStress and SAS selection 10

Changing trades 122 CCSB changes 14

Timor-Leste extraction 16Taking the stress out of

Christmas 17

SportTouch 20

Cycling 22

Personnel who have appeared in Army News throughout 2012-12-05

Like us on Facebook/officialNZArmy

reSt iN peaCe

we will reMeMBer theM

Nga tahi tatou hutototogether we BleeD

Nga tahi tatou ahurutaNgatogether we CoMFort

Nga tahi kotahitogether uNiteD

LCPL Rory Malone

LCPL Jacinda Baker

LCPL Pralli Durrer

CPL Luke Tamatea

PTE Michael Ross

PTE Richard Harris

CPL Dougie Hughes

PTE Alexander Rope

arMyNewS03iSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

Thank you Army News readers and contributors for all the stories, photographs, ideas and help you have given me during 2012. It has been a year of extreme highs and lows, as you all know. But as the until-recently

Chief of Army, Major General Tim Keating has often said, our Army is strong and in good spirits, and there is much to look forward to.Have a safe and happy Christmas.

May I take this time to acknowledge all your efforts over 2012 in what has been a very challenging year. There have been some highs and painful lows, but our ability to pull together as one has helped us through those tough times.

I would like to pass on to the families and friends of our men and women killed in action or who have died in New Zealand, that you are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this special time of year. We too grieve that some of our fellow soldiers and mates are no longer with us to share a beer and a laugh. However, our grief pales into insignificance in comparison to what you will be going through. Please know that your loved ones are never far from our minds.

To the families and friends of our men and women currently serving overseas on operations, again may I acknowledge your own personal sacrifice at this time of year. Where normally family and friends gather to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, there will be one seat that will remain empty. The Army demands a lot from not only our soldiers who are serving overseas at this time, but also their families as well and I do recognise this.

To all the men and women of the New Zealand Army, whether you are in New Zealand or overseas, in uniform or civilians, in the Regular Force of Reserve Force, thank-you for your service and all that you have done this year and for what you do for your Army, your Defence Force and your country. I and all my fellow commanders value your service and commitment and thank you all for your dedication throughout 2012.

Last, for those that can, please take the opportunity to have a break and spend time with family and friends. Enjoy your holidays and spare a thought for our colleagues overseas or who are no longer with us.

In closing, on behalf of my own family, may I wish you and your family a safe and Merry Christmas and New Year.

By Brigadier Peter Kelly, acting Chief of Army

lookiNg BaCk oN a ChalleNgiNg year

EXERCISE CAMBRIAN PATROL 2012

NZ Cambrian Patrol team after completing the 2012 Cambrian Patrol held in Wales. Left to Right: Pte Hart, Pte Rance, Pte Anderson, Pte Brown, Pte Dirou, Pte Piripi, Pte Tuck,

Cpl McMillan, LCpl Herewini, 2Lt Aldridge

It’s 0330 on a cold morning in the Brecon Beacons. Out of the darkness emerge 8 resilient soldiers from 2/1 RNZIR. They have just completed the 2012 UK Cambrian Patrol held in the Brecon Beacons.

After successfully winning the 1 (NZ) Bde SAA the 2/1 team was selected to represent the NZ Army in the 40 year old annually run Cambrian Patrol host by 160 (Wales) Brigade. Unfortunately due to other commitments the team had to be modified slightly to replace original members who could not make it. Full time training/ selection was then conducted over a 3 week period based on likely tasks that had been told and read about. 12 pers worked hard to make it into one of the 10 position (2 traveling reserves) to travel to the UK. Everyone performed well over the training but unfortunately 10 had to be selected.

The team then deployed on the 20th October to the UK via a 20hr + flight with a short stop over in Singapore to stretch the legs. Jet lag was expected and was present to varying levels in all pers. The host unit 2 Battalion, an armoured battalion, from The Royal Welsh Regiment picked the team up from Heathrow airport and sped (literally sped at 90 miles/hr or 140 km/hr) down the unknown deserted motorway. On arrival the team had the luxury of staying in the transit barracks 15 mins down the road. The rooms had such amenities as a mattress, a sink, and….well that was about it. Unwashed linen acquired somewhere within the barrack aided in the already luxurious living condition. But accommodation comfort was not the priority for the team and the focus remained on Cambrian Patrol and performing well.

Eight personnel from 2/1 RNZIR have returned to New Zealand with a silver medal after competing in one of the toughest international military competitions in the world.

They competed in the Cambrian competition held in the rugged mountains in Brecon, mid-Wales, with 75 teams from throughout the world in attendance. The competition involves pure military skills, and is held over two days, covering about 55 km of mountainous terrain.

Team members were happy with their performance even though they narrowly missed gold, due to being marked down in signals because of a faulty SAT phone.

CaMBriaN teaM wiNS Silver

kate— the voiCe BehiND kiwi ForCeS raDio

New Zealand Defence Force and police personnel who will be deployed overseas on Christmas Day can expect a bit of Kiwi cheer thanks to Christmas parcels from home.

Volunteers from local RSAs and children from Mount Cook School in Wellington joined with NZ Defence Force and NZ Police personnel to help pack the parcels, which included lollies, biscuits, chewing gum and ingredients to make that all-time favourite “Kiwi” dip, as well as licorice and Christmas cards from pupils in Burnham, Linton, Trentham, Devonport, and Mount Cook School.

More than 350 parcels were packed, and will be sent to personnel on operations in 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Timor Leste, South Korea, South Sudan, Egypt and Antarctica.

“Our personnel do a great job on operations overseas, and

we want them to know that we appreciate their hard work, especially over the holiday period,” says Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, Major General Dave Gawn.

“This is the last year that a large number of parcels will be required for our larger deployments in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste as these missions come to a close.

RSA Christmas parcels have been sent to troops overseas since the First World War. Generous financial contributions from local RSAs, the Navy, Army, Air Force, and NZ Police Welfare Funds enable the parcels to be sent each year.

“The Christmas parcels mean so much to the RSA movement because it is our way of acknowledging the great work of Defence and Police personnel on deployment overseas, and of bringing us closer to them at this special time,” says RSA National President Don McIver.

ChriStMaS Cheer For our DeployeD perSoNNel

Merry ChriStMaS

Judith Martin, Editor, Army News

Sergeant Major of the Army, WO1 Danny Broughton packs Christmas parcels with a young helper from Mount Cook School in Wellington.

December is frantic for NZDF civilian Kate Lukins, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Kate is the person behind the Kiwi Forces Radio programme which reaches all of our deployed personnel as well as their families back home. A former radio DJ, the programme is a labour of love for Kate, who puts it together in her spare time.

“I love doing it. It’s a very cool experience talking to the families and the deployed pers. It’s great find out about what people are doing and where they are. This project is a really

amazing experience and I am truly honoured and humbled that the families of our NZDF personnel share their emotions and stories with me.”

Kate has been producing the programme on her weekends and after work for three years. The Radio

Network allows her to use their studio, and with the help of the Defence Force’s Deployed Services Officers she contacts families who want to record messages and dedicate songs to their loved ones who are deployed.

The programme starts with a goodwill message from the Chief of Defence Force and Commander Joint Forces NZ then goes into a couple of hours of song requests and messages from loved ones. Some of the messages are funny, and many of them are from the heart, telling people how much they are loved and missed. It is very well received by all who listen to it. “I just put headphones on at my work station and listened to the first couple of clips - they put a smile on my face and nearly a tear in my eye. I have passed the link on to the Kabul Kiwis and I am sure they will enjoy them very much. It's great to hear the love and support from home,” says one deployed serviceman.

Copies of the programme have been sent to the missions, and will reach the Kiwis in time for Christmas.

04arMyNewSiSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

A team made up of soldiers from 5/7 Battalion took top honours in the NZ Army Shooting Competition held at Waiouru in late November. The team won the inaugural Army Shooting Competition trophy for their efforts.

Second place went to 2/1 RNZIR, and the 2 Canterbury Battalion team came third.

The format was extensively revised this year, with teams from all Corps and Regiments in the NZ Army able to compete in the competition, which included night shooting, pistol shooting, a falling plate shoot and shoots conducted in body armour.

The competition consisted of individual rifle shoots, machine gun shoots, a pistol match, and a section shoot. In the section shoot this year, teams ran to the range, conducted the shoot, completed another run and then completed a defensive shoot on the SART Range.

The revised format emphasised the Army’s core competencies, namely, individual and section application of fire at ranges from 10m - 600m, various shooting positions, engaging static and moving targets, CQB and night shooting, target indication, fire control, weapon handling skills and physical fitness.

All weapons and equipment used in the competition were NZ issue, giving competitors an opportunity to showcase the Army’s new capabilities, equipment and weapons to a wider audience.

With traditional trophies being an important part of the history of NZ Army Shooting competitions, the Freyberg Trophy was contested for among the RNZIR units, while all other NZ Army units competed separately for the Hardham Trophy. The top ten individual firers were also awarded the Marksman Badge.

Other results:

NZ Army Shooting Competition Night Shooting Match Trophy

1st 1RNZIR

2nd 2/1RNZIR

3rd 5/7

NZ Army Shooting Competition Falling Plate Trophy

1st 2/1RNZIR

2nd 3/6

Hardham MG Trophy

1st 3CSSB PTE Campbell Webb, PTE Adrian Te Aonui

Hardham Rifle Match Trophy

Name Unit Score

1st PTE Tom Waters

3CSSB 310

2nd PTE Malcolm Payne

3CSSB 272

3rd PTE Elliot Dodge

3CSSB 256

Hardham Section Match Trophy

1st 3CSSB

Hardham Trophy

1st 3CSSB

Freyberg MG Trophy

1st 2Cants PTE Daniel Sila, LCPL Geoffrey Stack

2nd 5/7 LCPL Mark Lupi, PTE Joseph McCann

3rd 2/1 RNZIR LCPL Ryan Bassett, PTE Nicholas Farrell

Freyberg Rifle Match Trophy

1st 5/7

2nd 1RNZIR

3rd 2/1RNZIR

5/7 BattalioN SolDierS our top ShotS

Shooting action from the rifle matches on day one.


Freyberg Top Rifle Shot Trophy

1st CPL Jackson Lewis 1RNZIR

2nd CPL Mark Duncan 5/7

3rd PTE Ben Clutterbuck

1RNZIR

Freyberg Sect Match Trophy

1st 5/7

2nd 2/1RNZIR

3rd 3/6

Freyberg

1st 5/7

2nd 2/1RNZIR

3rd 2 Cants

Overall indiv results:

Name Unit Score

1 CPL Jackson Lewis 1RNZIR 345

2 CPL Mark Duncan 5/7 343

3 PTE Ben Clutterbuck

1RNZIR 330

4 LCPL Geoffrey Stack

2CANTS 317

5 PTE Nicholas Farrell

2/1 315

6= PTE David Craze 4OSR 310

6= PTE Tomas Waters 3CSSB 310

6= SGT Dan Bristow 4OSR 310

9 PTE Andrew Peat 5/7 309

10th place PTE Samuel Olivier 5/7 308

NZ Army Shooting Competition trophy

1st 5/7

2nd 2/1 RNZIR

3rd 2 CantsA C9 Gunner clears his weapon under red light, during the night shoot phase of the competition at Taylor Range.

CAPT Joe Darby and LT James Austin hard at work in the back rooms at Taylor Range collating the scores, which were displayed on a pair of large screen LCD TVs for competitors and teams to monitor their progress throughout the tournament.

CPL Jackson Lewis from 1 RNZIR went on to take out the top shot award.

The winning team from 5 and 7 Battalions.

Action from the Falling Plate competition, as shooters race down Taylor Range to reach the 200m mound.

Competitors sit and shoot on the 200m mound at Taylor Range during Rifle Match 2.


Sapper Angus White was named Top Recruit when the latest group of new soldiers marched out in late November.

From Rotorua, Sapper White, 20, has previously worked in gold exploration in Otago, and until recently played blindside flanker for the Old Crossleyans Rugby Club in Halifax, England. He is the son of Warrant Officer Class Two (Rtd) Danny White.

One hundred and eight recruits graduated.The marchout was reviewed by the Commander 1 (NZ)

Brigade, Colonel Chris Parsons.Other awards made included:

THE BDR ALEX MACDONALD MEMORIAL TROPHYCPL Stephen Salmon, RNZIR

THE MOREHU GEDYE MEMORIAL TROPHYPTE James Allsopp, RNZIR

TOP SHOT TROPHYPTE Allsopp, RNZIR

THE MOST IMPROVED RECRUIT FORYTH VC PL, PTE Lewis Chellew, RNZAMCCRICHTON VC PL, SIG Christopher Ansell; RNZSigs BROWN VC PL, Sapper Jack Bowring RNZEFREYBERG VC PL PTE Callum Heberley; RNZIR

TOP RECRUIT IN INDIVIDUAL PLATOONSFORYTH VC PL, , PTE Philip Marsh, RNZIRCRICHTON VC PL, Sapper Matthew Kerr, RNZEBROWN VC PL, PTE Gemma Townshend; RNZAMCFREYBERG VC PL, Sapper Angus White, RNZE

SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMY AWARDSPR Rewi Hudson, RNZE

Sapper top reCruit iN lateSt MarCh out

Our newest soldiers perform the haka after they had graduated.

Drill displayTop recruit Sapper Angus White receives his award from Colonel Chris Parsons.


Send us your name and contact details and be in to win 28 Maori Battalion by J F Cody

John Douglas Publishing has reproduced the official history of one of the greatest fighting infantry units of World War II the 28(Maori) Battalion.

Everything possible has been done to ensure the book is as close to the original which was printed in 1952.

In this history you will read the whole story—how they went overseas from New Zealand in 1940, with the Second Echelon to England, to take part in ‘The Battle of Britain’. When the threat of invasion diminished they re-embarked for the Middle East, and arrived in time to take part in the disastrous campaigns in Greece and Crete. Later they fought in the 1941 Libyan Campaign and in the battles in 1942 in defence of Egypt. Later, when the tide changed, they took an active part in the victorious Western Desert Campaign, under Generals Alexander and Montgomery. They finished the war in Italy on the 2nd May 1945.

Send an email with 28 Maori Battalion in the subject line to [email protected]. or send an envelope with your contact details on the back to: 28 Maori Battalion book draw, c/- The Editor, Army News, Private Bag 39997, Wellington

A ceremony to close the 28 Maori Battalion National Association was held at the National War Memorial in Wellington on Saturday 1 December.

The ceremony was supported by an NZDF guard, and was attended by 12 remaining Association members, as well as the Governor General, Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae, and the Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Rhys Jones.

The Association members who attended the ceremony placed wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior.

Recognised as fierce and courageous fighters, 3600 Maori Battalion men took part in World War II.

The four soldiers (below) who made up the bearer party have distinct connections with the Battalion. From left, below CPL Tyron Rapana is a descendant of SGT Haani Manahi from Bravo Company, and 2LT Tamaroa Waiwatai’s iwi is Ngati Porou from where Charlie Company was sourced. SSGT Regan Cherrington is a descendant of Sir James Henare from Alpha Company, and WO2 Tama Andrew is the grandson of LCPL James Ruawai of Delta Company.

The men said they felt honoured to be part of the closing ceremony.

wiN

the

Book

28 Maori BattalioN NatioNal aSSoCiatioN CloSeS

A group of the remaining veterans at the ceremony.

The bearer party marches on to the National War Memorial forecourt.

The Governor General, LTGEN Sir Jerry Mateparae greets a veteran.


On 7 December, the Army’s six Territorial Force (TF) RNZIR battalions will amalgamate to form three new battalions, a move that will deliver a more operationally focused and sustainable reserve capability for the Army. This final phase of the TF integration will also see the TF change its name to the Army Reserve. The

TF exists to supplement the Regular Force, so it makes sense to have a name that reflects its actual purpose. There will shortly be new categories of employment introduced across the NZDF as part of the Total

Defence Workforce (TDW) approach which will, among other things, make transition between the TF and RF easier and smoother. TDW will mean that Army Reserve personnel can easily and quickly be integrated into an RF unit if

that unit requires supplementation for an exercise or deployment and just as easily, and quickly, returned to the Army Reserve as and when required.As TF conduct integrated training and work closely with the RF this will boost reservist skill levels and

raise the profile, utility and range of civilian skills within the wider NZDF. This increased awareness should also ensure that if personnel leave the RF, the TF will be something they actively consider transferring too as an extension of the world they already know and operate in.The intent is to bed in the new structures before the end of the calendar year and then hold a

ceremonial event in Wellington in early 2013 to mark these significant changes.

territorialS BeCoMe More joiNeD up

By Director Army Reserve Colonel Jon BroadleyThis change is about integrating the TF much more closely

with the RF and operationalising the TF so it can play a greater role in achieving NZDF outputs.

In recent years, a number of TF units have re-integrated with their RF parent units to create single units with an enhanced cross-section of capability. This re-integration has successfully brought TF personnel alongside their RF counterparts and created strong links which have facilitated integrated training and deployments. The final phase of this integration will see the largest component of the TF, the infantry, integrated much more closely with the RF than they have been.

The regional connections of the TF, embodied through the TF battalions, are important and will be preserved. Each existing TF battalion will merge with the battalion closest to it to form the new Army Reserve battalions; 2/4 RNZIR, 3/6 RNZIR and 5/7 RNZIR.

2/4 RNZIR will be aligned with 2/1 RNZIR, 3/6 RNZIR with QAMR and 5/7 RNZIR with 1 RNZIR. Some combined training has already begun and as the relationship develops between the units, links will be developed at all levels resulting in a strong synergy between the RF units and the Army Reserve units.

The new TF battalions will remain under the command of TRADOC and retain their HQs and Coy HQs in the regions they operate in. Battalion training will be guided by TRADOC in line with the aligned manoeuvre units, so Territorials will be trained to the required standards and specifications demanded by the aligned RF unit. This means that Territorials who supplement RF units will be able to join the units quickly and reduce the amount of training required to get them to a capability level required for employment on an exercise or operation.

Each of the new battalions will have three companies, one representing each of the former battalions and a third

company of standby reservists. For example 3/6 Battalion will be made up of the Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) and Northland Company, Hauraki Company and Standby Company.

Territorials who maintain an active engagement with their unit and train regularly will be classed as Ready Reservists. Those who do not train as regularly, or who need to take time out from training for personal or other reasons but do not wish to leave the Army, will be held in the Standby Reserve. More information about the categories is provided in the FAQ below.

This is a significant change for the TF and marks a further step in supporting NZ’s military operations for more than 150 years.

QuEstioNs AND ANswERs

whAt is hAPPENiNg?Between now and the end of December 2012 the Defence

Force’s six Territorial Force battalions will amalgamate. Three infantry battalions will soon be responsible for their respective amalgamated geographic regions as follows:

Establish 2/4 RNZIR Battalion (short name 2/4 RNZIR) by 1. amalgamating:2nd Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast •Battalion Group, and4th Otago and Southland Battalion Group•Establish 3/6 RNZIR Battalion (short name 3/6 RNZIR) by 2. amalgamating:3rd Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) and •Northland Battalion Group, and6th Hauraki Battalion Group•Establish 5/7 RNZIR Battalion (short name 5/7 RNZIR) by 3. amalgamating:5th Wellington, West Coast and Taranaki Battalion •Group, and

7th Wellington (City of Wellington’s Own) and Hawke’s •Bay Battalion Group

how will wE BE stRuCtuRED?Each battalion will be made up of three companies, one

drawn from each of the parent battalions (as above) and one of personnel on the stand by reserve. For example 2/4 RNZIR will consist of Canterbury Nelson Marlborough and West Coast Company, Otago Southland Company and a company made up of stand-by reserve personnel.

whAt BElt will i wEAR?You will continue to wear your current regimental belt. The

regional affiliation of the existing battalions is strong and there is no plan to remove this element of the battalion’s identity.

whAt DoEs it MEAN thAt wE ARE ‘AligNED’ with REgulAR FoRCE uNits?

Each of the newly formed battalions is aligned to a Regular Force unit as follows:

3/6 RNZIR to QAMR•5/7 RNZIR to 1RNZIR•2/4 RNZIR to 2/1 RNZIR.•

Each TF battalion is essentially a training formation and is part of TRADOC, coming under the command of TRADOC, but there will be a training and supplementation relationship formed with the designated Regular Force unit.

The TF battalions can be used as a source of manpower if the Regular Force units need supplementation for training or deployments. The intent of alignment is that the TF units will be familiar enough with their regular counterparts that they can easily integrate into that unit if TF supplementation is required for a deployment or an exercise.

will i BE PARt oF 1RNZiR / QAMR / 2/1?No, you will be part of the TF battalion you joined unless


you are part of the Waikato Mounted Rifles which will be fully integrated with QAMR.

will wE tRAiN with thEsE uNits?Yes, the intent is that the units will undertake some collective

training and in some cases, this is already underway.

iF wE ARE PARt oF tRADoC, DoEs thAt MEAN wE will hAvE to tRAvEl to wAiouRu to tRAiN?

No, training will be conducted, as it presently is, at a wide variety of locations.

the battalions will retain their facilities and remain integrated into the communities they draw their personnel from.

TOTAL DEFENCE WORKFORCE

whAt will thE NEw CAtEgoRiEs oF REsERvist BE?The new categories of Reservist will be the ‘Ready Reserve’

and ‘Standby Reserve’. Ready Reserve personnel will undertake on average 24 days

military training per year - up from 20 days. Standby Reserve will undertake military training on an as required basis.

Remaining Reserves will form the ‘Inactive’ Reserve – those who are no longer engaged with the Defence Force and who can only be activated by government legislation.

is thERE A PAy DiFFERENCE BEtwEEN thE CAtEgoRiEs?No.

CAN i ChoosE whAt CAtEgoRy i sERvE iN?Yes, you can ask to transfer between categories and

obviously the ability to do so will depend on vacancies, levels of training, fitness, skills etc, but the intent is to make transition easier than it is at present. Here are two examples:

ExAMPlE oNEPrivate Brown serves in 2CSSB as a RF movement operator

but decides she wants a break from the Army to go to

university. She can transfer from the Regular Force to the Ready Reserve and still keep training with the Reserve. After several years at university she graduates and chooses to go travelling — she transfers to the Stand-by Reserve while she is unavailable, remaining “in the system” but has no expectation of payment from us, nor do we have any expectation of training by her. When she returns to New Zealand she can choose to return to the Regular Force, the Ready Reserve, stay in the Stand-by Reserve or take a discharge from the NZDF completely.

ExAMPlE two Corporal Green serves in 5/7 RNZIR and is a Ready Reservist.

Corporal Green’s wife is pregnant and he needs to spend more time at home to help out with domestic duties, but he doesn’t want to leave the Army. Corporal Green can transfer to the Stand-by Reserve while he helps his wife at home. When she has had the baby and returned to her normal routine, and he is able to return to soldiering, he can simply transfer back to the Ready Reserve.

will thERE BE FEwER tRAiNiNg DAys?Training programmes will be determined by the units, but

it is not anticipated that there will be a cut in the amount of training available.

To increase the effectiveness of the Reserve Forces the Ready Reserve annual allocation has been increased from 20 to 24 days per Ready Reservist.

Does this mean I will get fewer training opportunities?It depends on which category of Reserve you choose. If you

are a Ready Reservist, you will still attend regular training. Standby reservists should not expect to attend training, but if they are members of the Standby Reserve because of specialist skills or expertise they can offer the Army, then those skills or that expertise may be utilised from time to time as appropriate.

Even though a Standby Reservist is not undertaking regular training, it is hoped that they remain in regular touch with their unit and vice versa.

CAN i MovE BEtwEEN stANDBy AND READy REsERvE?Yes, if your personal circumstances dictate, training

opportunities are available and you can make the extra commitment to attend regular training.

10arMypeopleiSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

By CAPtAiN gEoFF suttoN, NZsAs PsyChologistAs humans, we are fundamentally programmed to avoid

things that hurt us, are boring, or have the potential to cause us pain. So why is it that more than 50 candidates turn up twice a year to 'have a crack' at SAS Selection? Well, people have many different reasons to want to be associated with the NZSAS or the NZ Commandos, but what is clear is that those who don't pass do so for very similar (and predictable)

reasons. This article is the second of a two part series looking at what the psychological components involved in passing selection are and how you can train your mind to avoid the pitfalls that unsuccessful candidates can fall into.

I must reiterate that just like any practical skill, psychological skills require practice and training. There's no way that just being aware of how to shoot a basketball is going to make you any better at it. Same with psych skills; you have to practise

them for them to be of any use. So making sure you practise these things before selection becomes really important.

FAiluRE: PooR PERFoRMANCE DuE to stREss, PERFoRMANCE ANxiEty AND NERvEs

Humans are predictive creatures and we like to know what's going on in our environment. When we don't know what's going on, we start to get nervous, anxious, and stressed. This

StreSS aND SaS SeleCtioN

arMypeople11iSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

1NzSaS SeleCtioN CourSePRE-sElECtioN: 19 – 20 January 2013sElECtioN: 21 – 29 January 2013oFFiCER tEstiNg: 30 January – 1 February 2013

Act now if you have an interest in joining the NZ Defence Force’s premier combat unit. If you haven’t already, you need to:Submit your AFNZ 3 (locate at - http://org/nzsof/LP/NZSOF-Recruiting.aspx) »Commence the Selection Course Training Program »Pass the NZ Army RFL (within 3 months of course start date) »Complete a MED Board (within 3 months of course start date) »Send your UPF to the 1NZSAS Recruiting Cell NLT 14 Dec 12 »Be mentally focused and have the desire to win »

Any queries contact the 1NZsAs Recruiting Cell: [email protected] or 021 743096

is a fact. While experiencing stress and anxiety is natural, it is well known that left unmanaged, increases in stress and anxiety simply reduces our performance. No doubt you would have heard cases of people 'choking' during an important part of a performance. These are prime examples of anxiety and stress at work.

Choking is only one of the ways in which we fail under pressure, and given enough pressure, we will all make mistakes under stress in other ways as well. The number of people who were performing well on selection – were on time, looking and feeling good – but made a navigation mistake and failed due to a wrong turn, is phenomenal. If you think you're different, sorry, you’re not. We all succumb to this fundamental law of human nature at some point in our life. However, what makes us all different is how we bounce back from mistakes and what we learn from them. Top performers understand that worrying about what will happen (or has happened) simply increases self-imposed pressure, and have developed ways to combat such thoughts.

sKill: uNDERstANDiNg AND REFRAMiNg stREssThe first thing I'll say about nerves prior to a high pressure

situation is that despite all the negative things many people have heard (or encountered), it is quite normal to experience anxiety and feel stressed. In fact, most high performance athletes say they don't feel right if they don't feel nervous before an event and that it helps them know they're ready to ‘get it on’. So they reframe the stress and anxiety they are feeling to be a normal thing, rather than an abnormal thing. This helps them cope with anxiety of competition and adapt more positively to any challenge. For example, some people succumb to the feeling of nerves before their RFL (or selection) and watch as their G1 (or progression on to the next activity) slips through their fingers. Alternatively, they could reframe the nerves as something that is natural and expected, and means their body is getting ready to do what it does best – compete!

Secondly, learning a relaxation technique and applying it before and after your activity can reduce how much stress and anxiety affects your performance. Top athletes know they will get nervous before a competition and engage in relaxation techniques and rituals to gain control over their anxiety. And it doesn't have to be anything involving incense, candles and your favourite vinyl of Barry White! A military example is tactical breathing which is a recognised way of reducing stress quickly before you have to do a high risk task (e.g. taking

out a target, breaching, etc). All tactical breathing involves is slowing your breathing down so that you inhale as deeply as you can over 8-10 seconds, hold your breath at the top for four seconds, and control your breath as you exhale over 12 seconds. Doing this several times reduces your heart rate and allows you to focus easier on a task at hand. To find out more about relaxation techniques go to the 1 (NZ) Brigade Psychologist website.

sKill: CouNtERiNg NEgAtivE sElF-tAlKNegative self-talk happens to absolutely everyone when we

go through things that have the potential to make life painful for us. It is often just a short impulse initiated by the part of the brain associated with avoiding pain and threats. Often this impulse is short lived, so once you push through the impulse (e.g. "I'm hungry as!") you can focus on other things better. This is associated with obsessing over what has happened or what will happen, increasing anxiety and decreasing performance. Think of the last time you sprinted during an RFL – you probably heard a little voice saying "hey, you've done enough", or "don't hurt yourself, you don't need to go that fast!" That's negative self-talk and it’s the way our brain limits the pain our body can endure. Ever felt like you could have run further/faster after an RFL/race? That's your brain holding your body back.

The thing with negative self-talk is that it can be too protective sometimes, and leads to lower performance if we have nothing in place to inhibit these irrational, emotional pleas for the pain to stop. Successful performers are aware of this and engage specific tools to counter negative self-talk. These include acknowledging that self-talk happens to you and that it is just a process the brain goes through when it feels threatened, and being rational about the 'concerns' raised by the negative self-talk. This can be something like "will I really keel over if that blister bursts?", or "will I really feel better if I quit?" Lastly, use positive self-talk to counteract the brake your brain has on your body and tell yourself that you are fit enough, tough enough, hungry enough to push through the impulse to quit. Using this along with positive reinforcement for achieving small goals allows you to keep optimistic and focused on the task at hand, rather than worrying about what may happen.

sKill: REFlECtioNThe last skill I want to talk about that helps us cope with

the stress is reflection. Many studies have shown that great performers reflect on their past performances as a way of

routine – they learn from what they did well as well as not so well. By doing this, they can adapt faster and better to the changing environment; in essence performing better. This is fundamentally what makes them different from average or poor performers. For example, high performing individuals tend to avoid saying things like "I have failed because I didn't win/succeed" because they know that failure is not absolute or always black and white. Instead they are more likely to phrase their experiences positively and perhaps think that "I may not have achieved what I wanted to out of today, but I now know what I need to improve on if I am to achieve my goal in the future." High performers look at their past performance and ask themselves questions like "where did I lose focus? when did the negative self-talk come in for me? when did I start to feel a bit anxious?" and more importantly "how can I do it better next time?" They focus on what they can control (e.g. stress levels, self-talk, focus) and make themselves less concerned with things they can't control (e.g. weather, other people's performance, timings) in order to take back control. They concentrate on what is in their sphere of control and can influence positively, in order to inhibit their focus wandering onto things they can't control.

Poor performers on the other hand tend to focus on their failures, and blame others for what has gone wrong. They are often negative, and find themselves in a spiral of negative self-talk and anxiety or stress. These people end up angry and frustrated with their poor performance and are typically unable to consistently achieve goals. They don't acknowledge areas they need to improve on, worry about how their performance is compared to their opponents, and aren't open to accept criticism or feedback. These people tend to make tough team members to get along with because they believe they can never do anything wrong, get easily agitated and pass this negative perspective onto others.

Tip: Reflect on your day's performance and pick out three things you did well and three things you could do better next time. Concentrate on doing them better the next day. Simple.

These techniques probably seem commonsense, and you might even be practising them right now. It's not rocket science, but I guarantee that when you're out there in the heat/cold/wet and thinking about the pain in your leg/arm/back, you will have difficulty thinking about the positives of the day, and be at risk of succumbing to the negative gremlin on your shoulder telling you to quit. That's why it’s important to practise these techniques so that they become an automatic response when needed.

12arMypeopleiSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

In the first article in a planned series, Army News looks at personnel who have changed trades, and what life is like for them now.

Corporal Jason Wharewera is the grandson of a 28 Maori Battalion veteran, and is from a family with a long history of Army service. But as a youngster he wanted to join the Navy.

“Dad gave me one of those weird looks though, and after a bit of a chat I joined the Army. I have never regretted it.”CPL Wharewera was originally a chef within the Army. He served with Batt 5 in Timor-Leste, and after that was posted to

Burnham. In about 2009 he decided he had had enough of being a chef and would like to try his hand at becoming a Military Policeman.

He has now found his niche, he says. “You receive a lot of training as a Military Policeman, and get to use that training every day. As an MP you get an insight into what everyone else does in the Army, and you’re always dealing with people, which really suits me.”

“The job offers a lot of satisfaction, and it’s so diverse. You can be doing mobile or foot patrols one day, investigations on another, and then some close protection work. You never really know what the next week will hold.”

Lance Corporal Katherine Bourke is another soldier who trade-changed to join the Military Police. Originally a medic, she got part way through her training and decided she liked the idea of becoming a Military Policewoman. The transition, she says, was straight forward and simple. “I had an interview with an MP Platoon Commander who talked to me about my ambitions and where I saw myself in the years to come. I spent a week attached to an MP unit to see if it was really what I was after, and then joined an Joint Service Police Basic course.”

She, too, enjoys the diversity of the role. “We learn policing and investigative skills, and police quite a wide range of offences. You learn from the people you work with, and there is always someone to advise you. We do what we are trained for every day and are always busy.”

Change can be invigorating, and can give you a whole new perspective on your career.

ChaNgiNg traDe

Anyone who is already in the Army can apply to join the Military Police trade.

stEPs:An individual who is already serving and has been

the NZ Army for approximately two years, depending on performance, maturity and aptitude, can apply.

A candidate interview is conducted at the local Military Police Unit and an applicant file is created.

Candidates complete and submit an MD1248 Trade Change Application and submit this through their chain of command.

Once recommended by their unit the candidate will complete at least 30 hours of work with a Military Police unit where they will experience a range of policing and law enforcement related activities, including late shifts, incident response and investigation work. A senior Military Police NCO will report on the candidate during this training. During this time referees listed on the applicant’s recruiting form will be interviewed in person or by phone as well as other background checks completed.

If the candidate meets the criteria they will be assessed by their local Psychologist and a report will be sent to HQ 1 (NZ) MP COY. If successful approval will be given to attend the Joint Service Police Basic Course which runs from January to March every year.

– taking a new look at Army life

LCPL Katherine Bourke

CPL Jason Wharewera


ChaNgiNg traDe

In August 2012 CA implemented the Army Personnel Recovery Plan to address the personnel shortages that exist throughout the organisation. The initial priority was given to The Army Schools, The Army Depot, and Army Command School in preparation for an increase in recruit numbers over the next three financial years.

What’s happened so far:Recruitment: All Arms Recruit Courses 367 (marches

in February 13) and 368 (marches in March 13) are on track to attest 140 recruits each. Defence Recruiting in conjunction with Army has been working on variety of initiatives to improve the standard of fitness of new recruits, and to streamline the medical clearance process.

Combat Surge: Defence Recruiting is on track to recruit an additional 80 RNZIR recruits to complete a stand alone All Arms Recruit Course commencing in April 13.

Civilians in Military Para-lines (Civ2Mil): this initiative is well underway and the first of the 63 positions approved by CA have already been filled with the remainder commencing work in early next year. Chefs and cooks have been contracted into the messes in Linton and Burnham under Civ2Mil and vehicle mechanics are being contracted into the QAMR Workshop. This initiative will be reviewed in February 2013.

Lateral Recruitment - Reenlistments. Since it was stood up in 2 April 13 The Army Reenlistment Cell has reenlisted 52 RF personnel and 12 TF personnel and streamlined the reenlistment process to the point where on average it can now be completed in between four and six weeks (subject to successfully obtaining a medical and security clearance).

The NZ Army’s Military Police are based in, Waiouru, Linton, Trentham and Burnham Military Camps. The Headquarters, Training Wing and Military Police Intelligence Cell are located at Trentham Military Camp.

1 (NZ) Military Police Company mission is to provide operationally capable and credible Military Police Force Elements, domestically and deployed, in

order to protect NZ Land Forces.

HOW DO WE DO THIS? Overarching Methodology: Police the Force, Police

Support to the Force. Military Police support to the NZ Army by reducing the incidence and effects of crime, the detection and apprehension of offenders, maintenance of law, order and military discipline, and through enhancing safety within the NZ Army and military community

Operationally: Achieve DLOC raise, train and maintain Military Police individuals and groups at a directed level of readiness for current and future operations. Military Police complete the same tasks and outputs on operations that they domestically. Every Military Police NCO is an investigator first and foremost.

OUTPUTS INCLUDE: General Duties Policing Activities (Patrols, Liaison, a. Briefs, and Security Surveys).Close Protection.b. Special Investigations Branch (SIB). c. Tactical Site Exploitation, and, d. Disaster Victim Identification e.

DOMESTIC POLICING OUTPUTS INCLUDE; Initial police response to an incident through Duty a. Military Police and Duty Investigators on 30min and 2hr NTM in each camp. Law Enforcement and Crime Reduction Support b. and Advice to Command Teams and Camp Security Personnel. Physical Security Tasks (MoD, NZDF, NZ Army c. Conferences/Events) The investigation of offences involving military d. personnel / property.

CLOSE PROTECTION: Close Protection is defined as the preventative and reactive measures taken by trained personnel to protect a person who is specifically or generally under threat of assassination, kidnap or other

illegal acts. Military Police in all ABCA nations complete Close Protection. RNZMP personnel are currently deployed to Afghanistan, Sinai and Timor Leste. 1 (NZ) Military Police Company has a High Preparedness Group (HPG) of four Military Police personnel @ 72 hrs notice.

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS BRANCH (SIB): Modelled closely on the NZ Police CIB and our ABCA Military Police partners.

Trained using NZ Police CIB Modules. •Investigators are seconded to NZ Police CIB during •for career progression. Jurisdiction extends to wherever the NZDF is •deployed. Investigative training is phased into all Military •Police career development; courses and training are complete at each major rank bracket through the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Joint Service Police Courses. In addition specialist courses in crime and crash reduction are also offered to suitable soldiers.

DISASTER VICTIM IDENTIFICATION (DVI): Military Police are trained and qualify on the NZ Police DVI Course and this enables them to be employed during Disaster Relief, Mass Casualty Incidents and during the repatriation of our NZDF personnel.

TACTICAL SITE EXPLOITATION (TSE): TSE is a crime scene examination in a high risk/threat, time sensitive environment such as those experienced on deployed operations. It is conducted by Military Police in conjunction with Military Intelligence and EOD elements. TSE involves:

The collection of biometric data (DNA, Fingerprints, •Latex Prints, Iris Scans) and physical evidence for the identification and prosecution of Adversary or Criminal Elements. It is an essential evidential and information •gathering process. Must be conducted in accordance with national and •Host Nation evidence handling and chain of custody requirements.

OTHER: The Military Police provide assistance to other non-government agencies such as the NZ Red Cross through the provision of Hostage Training.

ForMer or ServiNg territorial ForCe or regular ForCe perSoNNel

we are looking for individuals interested in joining 1 (NZ) Brigade Commander’s Reserve on a short-term

Regular Force engagement.

If you are interested please contact WO 2 Andrew Johnson, email [email protected] / Mobile: 021 227 2398

Period of employment: 3 – 12 months (Potential to be extended)

where: Linton Military CampRoles: Ceremonial guards

Range tasksVIP activitiesSecurity and support tasksOPFOR for Brigade and unit training


LTCOL Blythen departs the parade in style, in an RL Wrecker, courtesy of the Army Museum.

COMD 1 (NZ) Bde shares a light hearted moment with medal recipient CPL Aaron Cunningham of 5 Mov Coy.

Members of the 2nd Combat Service Support Battalion marked the change of command from the current Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Blythen to incoming Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rose King recently.

2 CSSB held a battalion parade to signify the momentous day in the career of both LTCOLs Blythen and King. Medals and awards to 2CSSB personnel for operational service were also presented at the parade. In attendance were COMD 1 (NZ) Bde, Colonel Chris Parsons, MNZM, DSD and the Regimental Colonel, Colonel Mike Shapland as well as the friends and family members of the various medal recipients.

Practices were held over the days preceding the parade under the watchful eye of the Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Wayne Small and Company CSMs. The shake out and rehearsal period had the members of 2 CSSB responding quickly and effectively to the words of command on the day of the parade. Possibly the most welcome guest over the parade and preceding days was the rare October sun and the absence of wind.

Once all was in readiness, the Battalion Sub-units, ably led by 21 Supply Company (the current 2 CSSB Right-Of-Line holders) and Company Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class Two Tim Kareko, formed up and marched onto the 2 CSSB

landship outside 5th Movements Company. Soon after, the Officers of 2CSSB joined the parade and displayed the individuality that has come to be expected in their drill.

Following an inspection of the troops, COMD 1(NZ) Bde presented campaign medals to the medal recipients. They were from across the range of subunits and included service from many of the current operational theatres. On completion of the medals presentation, a short and befitting command handover ceremony was conducted.

In 2004, then-Lieutenant Colonel Jon Broadley presented Manaias to the then 2nd Logistics Battalion command team to signify the mana attached to the position of CO and RSM. As the Regimental Colonel, Colonel Shapland was responsible for conducting the hand over of Manaia, and in effect, the spirit of 2CSSB and that of the CO between outgoing and incoming COs. Colonel Parsons then affected the command handover as Lieutenant Colonel Blythen passed his sword to the COMD who relayed it on to the new CO of 2CSSB, LTCOL Rose King. On completion of the handover, the members of 2 CSSB performed a Haka. The challenge had been laid down to the CO for her tenure with 2 CSSB and the farewell given to the former CO. The intensity and fire of the Haka was such that there were hoarse throats across the battalion in the days following the parade. This was plainly an indicator of the high esteem held

for the previous CO. Lieutenant Colonel Blythen was then driven from the Parade

in a Bedford RL Wrecker on loan from the Army Museum. After the departure of the Guests of Honour, the parade

marched off to a well deserved break under the shade. The guests, medal recipients and their families retired to 2 CSSB HQ for lunch and a chance to talk with the new CO and reminisce with LTCOL Blythen.

He served as the CO of 2 CSSB (initially named 2nd Logistics Battalion) between July 10-Nov 12. He and his family are moving to Tampa, Florida where he will take up the position, as Colonel, of Senior National Officer attached to the US Central Command.

LTCOL King is posted into the Commanding Officer appointment having returned from a period of parental leave. Prior to taking parental leave, LTCOL King was appointed to the position of Land Logistics Transformation Project Officer, Army 2015, Army General Staff. She is married to LTCOL Glenn King (Commanding Officer, 1 RNZIR) who was present at the parade, along with children Logan,3, and Kaia ,1. This is believed to be the first time a husband and wife have been serving concurrently as Commanding Officers in the New Zealand Army.

After the departure of the Guests of Honour, the parade marched off to a well deserved break under the shade. The guests, medal recipients and their families retired to 2 CSSB HQ for lunch and a chance to talk with the new CO and reminisce with LTCOL Blythen. He served as the CO of 2 CSSB (initially named 2nd Logistics Battalion) between July 10-Nov 12. He and his family are moving to Tampa, Florida where he will take up the position, as Colonel, of Senior National Officer attached to the US Central Command.LTCOL King is posted into the Commanding Officer appointment having returned from a period of parental leave. Prior to taking parental leave, LTCOL King was appointed to the position of Land Logistics Transformation Project Officer, Army 2015, Army General Staff. She is married to LTCOL Glenn King (Commanding Officer, 1 RNZIR) who was present at the parade, along with children Logan,3, and Kaia ,1. This is believed to be the first time a husband and wife have been serving concurrently as Commanding Officers in the New Zealand Army.

The Regimental Colonel, Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment, Colonel Mike Shapland conducts the formal exchange of the Command Team Manaia.

At the conclusion of the parade, Lt Col Blythen presented the unit with a “Long Tom” as the VIPOND TROPHY which will be awarded for shooting excellence within 2 CSSB.

2 CCSB ChaNgeS at the top

COMD 1 (NZ) Bde completes the Command Handover ceremony by formally handing the Commanding Officers Sword to incoming Commanding Officer 2 CSSB, Lt Col Rose King.

Members of 2 CSSB perform a haka to honour the departure of LTCOL Mark Blythen and challenge the arrival of LTCOL Rose King.







The Regimental Colonel, Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment, Colonel Mike Shapland conducts the formal exchange of the Command Team Manaia.


At the conclusion of the parade, Lt Col Blythen presented the unit with a “Long Tom” as the VIPOND TROPHY which will be awarded for shooting excellence within 2 CSSB.



2 CCSB ChaNgeS at the top

iNFaNtry eNgageMeNtS the Battle to Be woNColonel Peter Wood says he never really envisaged spending

almost every spare minute of the last six years studying. Now Commander of the New Zealand Defence College, Col Wood was presented with his doctorate at Massey University on Friday 30 November.

The formal title of his thesis is A Battle to Win: An analysis of Combat Effectiveness through the Second World War experience of the 21st (Auckland) Battalion. It examines eight battles fought by the battalion in Greece, North Africa, and Italy between April 1941 and Dec 1943, to derive a model of combat effectiveness for conventional land combat at unit level.

COL Wood says that he completed the second half of his Masters degree as a thesis. His study towards a doctorate was really an “extension”, he says, for had found the business of research and writing stimulating.

“Professor Glyn Harper encouraged me to attempt a PhD, and it helped that I was on an unaccompanied posting for almost six years as I could devote my spare time in the evenings to reading, writing, researching and developing the [combat effectiveness] model based on 21 Ban’s battles” He considers himself privileged to have been able to interview some of the unit’s veterans as part of his research.

He says his wife, Deborah and two daughters Hannah and Rebecca “cut me a lot of slack” over those years. “I owe them a huge debt of gratitude and now I’m starting to pay them back for all the support they gave me.”

He was fortunate, he says, that the NZDF provided him with

financial support through the study assistance programme, and that when he worked in Personnel and Capability Branches in Wellington he had easy access to the National Archives, the Alexander Turnbull Library and to the NZDF Library as well. “The librarians from the HQ NZDF library— Carolyn, Joan, Mary and Katrina— were just wonderful. They were always assisting me with library inter-loans, finding obscure books and journal articles, and with friendly reminders about my over-dues.” COL Wood also made extensive use of the unpublished campaign narratives held at the Kippenberger Military Archive and Research Library in Waiouru.

An infantry officer who has served in Angola, and twice in Timor-Leste, he chose his thesis subject because of its relevancy to his career, and because he hoped it could be used as a model of combat effectiveness that would be applicable in a modern day infantry combat setting.

“I was intrigued why certain units did or did not do well in combat, and wondered if knowledge gained in the past could be applied today. Much of what happened then could, especially in a land environment.” He selected the 21st (Auckland) Battalion, one of ten infantry battalions raised specifically for service in the Second World War, as his “guinea pig” because of his Auckland upbringing, he had been Adjutant of 3 Auck North and he knew that 21 Battalion had had some significant reverses during its initiation to combat in Greece and its early battles in North Africa.

His research into the unit’s makeup in order to determine

if primarily urban or rural, revealed that 21 Battalion was made up largely of “townsmen” who supposedly do not make such good soldiers- factory men with a union mentality, truck drivers, city labourers, a city recruited battalion, trained by its own officers (some with previous Territorial experience) and non-commissioned officers, some who had only had a two month head start from the main body they were expected to train for war.

The unit was ineffective in the earlier battles examined, but as it gained in experience its combat effectiveness improved, despite changes in personnel due to casualties and, eventually, the replacement of furlough drafts with untried novices. No two battles were alike. Members of 21 Bn eventually became masters and excelled in the natural environment of the soldier and especially in the conduct of night attacks.

Leadership, thorough and realistic training and the will to fight, along with tactics employed all impacted significantly on the outcome of the battles analysed. The willingness of NZ infantry to take over, rather than take cover, once their leaders had become casualties, was also a significant contributor to combat effectiveness. “One constant will remain— all future infantry engagements will be battles to win.”

COL Wood says he loved doing the research and writing his thesis. “But like anything you go through crises of confidence and commitment and wonder why you started and if you want to continue. But like most things you just keep going. It’s worth it in the end.”`

SiNai jourNal: 30 yearS oF kiwiS ServiNg with the MultiNatioNal ForCe aND oBServerS

2012 marks the 30th year of NZ’s contribution to the Multinational Force and Observer (MFO) peace keeping mission in Sinai, set up to monitor the Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel. Working with 11 other countries to preserve a cold peace between two once warring nations, NZDF personnel have distinguished themselves at the MFO with their sense of humour and can-do attitude. Sinai Journal documents the adventures of around eighty personnel who have served at the MFO since 1982, through personal anecdotes, essays and photos. Please join us to celebrate this milestone.

Edited by Sarah Chandler & Charlie O’Hara-Smith

There are two options for people wanting to purchase a copy of Sinai Journal: 30 years of Kiwis serving with the Multinational Force and Observers.

HOT SHOTSBooks will be available from Hot Shots cafe at all Camps and Bases in the next week for $25

POSTAL ORDERSSTEP 1. Deposit $25 in the MFO Journal account BNZ 02-0536-0136424-002 and ensure your full name is included in the deposit reference.STEP 2. E-mail Charlie O'Hara-Smith (Charles.o’[email protected]) with your postal address. Books will be sent within 7 days. P&P included.

COL Wood with his wife Deborah and daughters Hannah and Rebecca.

COL Wood is congratulated by Massey University Chancellor Dr Russ Ballard.

16arMyDeployMeNtiSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

A Theatre Extraction Team (TET) has deployed to Timor Leste to begin the draw down of New Zealand personnel and equipment.

Work is well underway on getting TG GYRO 13 personnel and equipment home to New Zealand by a diverse joint team of specialists undertaking an immediate Force Extraction Process (FEP). Both Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) and NZ Custom’s personnel as well as NZDF Field Psychologists joined the main body of the TET to undertake the required work.

As part of the FEP individual equipment was cleaned and inspected at the ‘inspection area’ staffed by NZ Customs, MPI and NZDF Movement Operators. If it wasn’t clean enough the individual was sent away again to re-clean their own kit. The occasional assisting hand was given by MPI and Customs staff to remove the dreaded weed seeds in the Velcro to prevent any unwanted foreign matter finding its way into New Zealand.

This truly was a ‘joint’ TEP, with not only NZDF personnel going through the inspection process, but NZ Police returning to New Zealand from their own UNMIT deployment also went through the inspection line.

While all of this cleaning and packing was happening the deployed psychologists were debriefing personnel in preparation for RTNZ. Personnel from the Protected Mobility Vehicle Troop (PMV Tp) cleaned and re-cleaned vehicles in preparation for stowage into containers for the shipment back to New Zealand. Baggage was loaded onto pallets in preparation for transportation and the deployed LOV were stowed into containers.

Once the FEP was complete with TG GYRO 13 personnel and their immediate equipment ‘winging’ their way back home, the next task of undertaking the TEP began.

Equipment was documented either for RTNZ or for gifting, sale or destruction and planning for the movement of stores and equipment involved both military and civilian agencies.

The initial effort went into the identification of equipment for RTNZ; once that had been ‘stuffed’ (an official movement operator term for loading freight into a steel box) into a container the focus shifted to that equipment that could not be RTNZ for a variety of reasons.

The NZ Embassy Dili was approached for advice on what

non- profit organisations were in need of assistance, and TG KAIHANGA was also approached to ascertain the need for equipment. Those items that were damaged, could not be cleaned to a sufficient standard, were beyond economical life expectancy or had been withdrawn from service in the ensuing six year period were either sold or destroyed to prevent subsequent inappropriate use.

Flexibility remained the key planning tool with a variety of changes or unforeseen circumstances, most being at the last minute. Vehicles were repaired for gifting to the F-FDTL.

Signallers worked hard to prepare communications equipment for draw down and then RTNZ. The intended end result is an empty hangar where the CSST once thrived, 17 fully loaded containers on board a ship bound for Wellington via Singapore, and any other equipment packed up for air freighting home using both RAAF and RNZAF assets with 20 happy Kiwis on board bound for home, all before Christmas. All going well it will happen.

theatre extraCtioN – BriNgiNg everythiNg BaCk hoMe

NZ Custom inspectors assisting with Bio Security.

Baggage waits to be loaded for the journey home

SGT ‘Patch’ Palatchie working on a U1700L preparing it for gifting to the F-FDTL

Removing the dreaded foreign weed seeds

SGT Carl Williams, RNZAF, left, and A/CAPT Matt Blake, RNZSigs working on dismantling communications equipment


theatre extraCtioN – BriNgiNg everythiNg BaCk hoMe

By MAJoR ERiK FRAsER, sENioR ARMy PsyChologist

Christmas is supposed to be a time when you are happy and jolly, right? I don’t want to rain on anyone’s Santa parade but Christmas can be an unhappy and stressful time for some people. It’s not uncommon for people returning to work after their Christmas break to say they feel like they need a holiday from their holiday!

Unrealistic expectations Pressure to spend Excessive traffic / road rage

Trying to be the perfect host Family dramas Busy malls and crowds

Expensive food and alcohol Not enough time Trying to have the perfect Christmas

Pressure to entertain others Trying to do too much Pressure to buy expensive gifts

tiPs FoR A hAPPy ChRistMAs Check your eyesight! what’s your Christmas vision?Figure out what you want for you or your family on Christmas day and in the holidays. e.g. time

at the bach, quite time at home with a few friends, travelling to see relatives, a big feast with all the trimmings, a simple BBQ etc. Also, have a look in the rear view mirror - what did you like / dislike about last year’s Christmas? Make sure to include what your enjoyed and cut out what you didn’t.

Plan Once you have decided - create a simple plan (simple ones are the best). The plan should

cover off everything you need to do to make it happen. What will you do, when, what will you need, who needs to do what, assign tasks to people – make a list and start sooner rather than later.

Stay flexible -• be prepared to modify your plan if things go pear shaped – Army folk are often good at dealing with the unexpected.

Learn to say no – you don’t have to do everything or please everyone when planning for Christmas. Remember it’s your Christmas as well.spend money on experiences not stuffResearch shows that people are often happier when they spend money on experiences

rather than things. Buying things tends to provide very short term happiness but this fades because we get used to having the new toy etc very quickly and it just becomes part of our life.

Experiences provide longer lasting happiness during the experience and afterwards as people tend to replay the fond memories of the event. Finally, experiences are more likely to be shared with other people and doing things with and for others has been shown to be one of the greatest sources of happiness.

help others instead of yourselfResearchers have found that people who spend more money on pro-social acts such as

spending money on others or giving to charities were happier than those who spent money on themselves. We are social creatures and so doing things for others provides us with a great source of satisfaction.

Kick the guilt habit Studies show that kids who don’t receive expensive gifts are just as happy as those that do.

Bottom line is that you are not a bad parent if you can’t or chose not to buy expensive gifts for your kids.

Studies also show that wealthy people are not much happier than those who have less so feeling disappointed or guilty for not having much money to spend at Christmas wont really affect how happy you or your loved ones feel and it won’t make you feel good - so bin the guilt.

oN ChRistMAs DAy hit the reset button on your expectationsWe’re supposed to feel something special right? I mean this is what we have all been thinking

about for the last few months and building towards - where’s the payoff? It’s time to get real with yourself – creating high expectations generally doesn’t pan out well. It may sound a bit pessimistic but if you have lower expectations and take the day as it comes you are more likely to enjoy yourself and not be disappointed. How many times have you or your mates gone along to something with low to no expectations only to find that you were pleasantly surprised and had a really good time. Adopt the same attitude here.

Manage the kids Explain the Christmas plan to them and set their expectations early to avoid complaining later on. Where possible set a routine and explain how each day is expected to run. Give them jobs and plan for evening wind down activities so the adults can relax.

task people You don’t have to do everything yourself— make sure to share the load. take control of your feelingsDon’t let others dictate how you should be feeling – this can happen in some family situations

or when relatives visit. Be aware of others’ expectations and set some ground rules if need be. Don’t take things personally and don’t let others upset you.

Roll with the punchesRecognise what you can and can’t control – if the weather is rubbish, if the food is a bit burnt,

if someone is late etc it’s not the end of the world especially if you built this into your plan. If it isn’t, roll with it.

it’s not an exam! Don’t cram – some people try to cram as much into their precious few weeks off. If you •are with like- minded people then this isn’t such an issue. Chances are you won’t be so trying to do too much will make others miserable and tired which is the opposite of what a break is meant to do. You can’t fail – it’s your experience and the only one who will tell you you have failed is •yourself and this is often because of unrealistic expectations. You can’t fail.

watch out for self medication – it’s often better to shrug off or have a laugh about unexpected hiccups or disappointments than drinking to cope - take it easy on the beers or vino.

unplug!Remember when you grew up without the internet, Xbox, iPhones, laptops, Facebook or

tweeting! Life was simpler but you still managed to have fun with very little but your mates and your imagination. Kids and adults don’t need technology to have fun. Break out the boogie board or cricket bat for some backyard or beach cricket or just do something active outside with your mates or your family.

Merry ChriStMaS?

Don’t let others dictate how you should be feeling – this can happen in some family situations or when relatives visit. Be aware of others’ expectations and set some ground rules if need be. Don’t take things personally and don’t let others upset you.


arMy NoN-puBliC FuNDS aND arMy CeNtral welFare FuND SuMMary oF 2011/12 aNNual reportSARMy NoN-PuBliC FuNDs

Army Non-Public Funds provides a collective banking service for the variety of Army non-public fund organisations and these funds are invested in fixed interest investments and in loans to qualifying Army employees. Monthly interest is paid to all Army NPF organisations plus a year end bonus payment. The total return to members was 6.00% for 2011/12 (5.75% 2010/11) – another acceptable return during what has become an extended period of low interest rates due to ongoing uncertainty with global economics.

NPF Personal Loan Scheme. Army personnel are able to borrow at concessionary rates of interest from the Army NPF using a streamlined application process. Repayment calculators and application forms are available on Army Central Welfare’s Intranet site. During 2011/12 128 loan applications were received and the average loan advanced was $6,435. 55% of borrowers used their loans to refinance credit card or other high interest rate debts with another 30% purchasing or repairing their motor vehicles. The number of refinance applications confirms the importance of ongoing advice on personal financial matters and to assist individuals a booklet containing a series of “Money Coach” articles can be found on the Army Central Welfare Intranet site. This, along with the Welfare Resource book is a useful tool for both commanders and employees. During 2011/12 the overall loan portfolio reduced when impacted personnel, and others that elected to release early, repaid their loans. ARMy CENtRAl wElFARE FuND

During 2011/12 the Army Central Welfare Fund (ACWF) continued to provide real value for its members, all Regular Force and permanent civilian employees of the NZ Army. Members are able to take advantage of a range of services and benefits that include the ACWF network of holiday homes, welfare grants and loans, sponsored life and health insurance group schemes and a banking and home loan package.

ARMED FORCES CANTEEN COUNCIL DIVIDENDS*While a number of factors, including ongoing Christchurch’s earthquakes and fierce market

place competition, reduced sales through AFCC’s Hot Shot stores and cafes, the total in-camp trading to Army people remained profitable for the AFCC. The ACWF received AFCC dividends totalling $237k (down from $451k in the previous year) and again these were passed on to the Regions in acknowledgement of where the profits came from and to allow Camps choices when planning their own local welfare initiatives and community activities.ARMy lEAvE CENtREs

Occupancy. While the Mount Maunganui rebuild that started in February 2012 meant that the new four three bedroom two storey town houses (pictured above) were not ready for occupancy

until September, it was still possible to provide 7,377 nights of accommodation in 2011/12 (7,461 in 2010/11 excl Nelson and Wanganui). Wanaka was occupied 83% of the time, Hanmer 81%, Napier 77%, Rotorua 77%, Wellington 75%, Acacia Bay 71%, Waikanae 69%, Akaroa 59% and Turangi 47%. After years of low occupancy the Nelson Leave Centre was sold in 2011 and the Whanganui Leave Centre was gifted to the 5WWCT Battalion.

Ongoing Leave Centre upgrades, refurbishments and acquisitions. Following the Rotorua rebuild in 2010 and the 2011 upgrade of Napier units 1 and 2 bathrooms, the next big project that was achieved during 2011, was the purchase of two Wellington City apartments to establish Army’s first major city leave centre. The two apartments in Upper Cuba Street have already proved very popular and recently another apartment was purchased to help meet the demand from both visiting and local Army personnel who enjoy being handy to what is going on in the Capital. The next project is upgrading bathroom options for the two Wanaka Leave Centre units and then linking the units up to the town water supply/sewerage services that are now being laid further along Mount Aspiring Road. gRouP BENEFits

Available to all members are the ACWF sponsored Army Group Life Insurance Plan, the NZDF Health Insurance Plan and the NZDF Banking and Home Loan Package. These special arrangements assist Army employees and their families to better manage their life insurance risk with Sovereign, their health insurance risks with Southern Cross and also obtain concessionary home loan interest rates and other banking facilities from the ANZ/ National Bank. Positive feedback and membership support indicates just how popular and beneficial these group schemes are in meeting the needs of service and civilian people in the NZDF. FutuRE DiRECtioNs

In addition to the ongoing leave centre refurbishment and acquisition programme Army Central Welfare will concentrate on supporting worthwhile camp projects benefiting as many local Army people as possible. Other main focuses will be increasing the visibility of Army Central Welfare benefits and promoting the Army NPF Personal Loan Scheme with its interest rate concessions as a worthwhile borrowing option for Army personnel.

Army Central Welfare is very keen for members to use the available facilities and products as this support leads to further enhancements to the existing range of benefits and the development of new facilities. Comment, suggestions and enquiries regarding the activities and services of Army Central Welfare are always welcome and even if we do not have precisely what members are looking for, we can usually provide some helpful advice.

ARMy NPF FiNANCiAl suMMARy 2012 2011

Operating Revenue $k $k

Term and Call Interest 582 632

Personal Loan Interest 85 91

Other Income 5 5

672 728

Operating Expenses

Interest Paid to Members 561 532

Bonus Interest Paid to Members 113 112

Bank Charges 27 24

Bad Debts & Provisions (5) 18

Other Expenses 13 19

709 705

Operating Surplus (37) 23

ARMy NPF FiNANCiAl PositioN

Assets

Net Cash at Bank 6 109

Term Investments 9,896 10,646

On Call Funds 575 625

Army NPF Personal Loans 723 950

Accruals & Debtors 144 160

11,344 12,490

Liabilities

Creditors Accruals & Provisions 19 43

ACWF NPF Account 5,169 6,131

Leave Centre Account 47 38

Other Members Accounts 5,298 5,429

10,533 11,641

Army NPF Members' Equity 811 849

Risk averse the Army NPF invests with main trading banks, bank owned finance companies and local authorities rated A+ or better.

ARMy CENtRAl wElFARE FuND

ACWF Financial Summary 2012 2011

Income $k $k

ACWF Interest Income 356 351

AFCC Dividends* 237 451

Leave Centre Tariff Income 347 330

Leave Centre Interest Income 3 2

UPF Reimbursements & Other Revenue 0 27

943 1,161

Expenditure

Death Grants 46 93

Grants to UPFs from AFCC Dividends* 237 451

Regional, Sports & Other Grants 122 39

Leave Centre Operating Expenses 268 250

Property Maintenance & Refurbish Costs 259 81

Leave Centre Depreciation 122 146

Other Expenses 27 20

1,081 1,080

oPERAtiNg suRPlus (138) 81

ACwF FiNANCiAl PositioN

Assets

Benevolent Loans 2 20

Leave Centre Fixed Assets 9,704 9,276

ACWF Cash at Army NPF 5,169 6,131

Leave Centre Cash at Army NPF 47 39

Prepayments and accruals 198 10

15,120 15,476

liABilitiEs

Creditors and accruals 81 101

Net Equity 15,039 15,375

ACWF has sufficient financial resources not to levy members.


arMy NoN-puBliC FuNDS aND arMy CeNtral welFare FuND SuMMary oF 2011/12 aNNual reportS

hQ DeFeNCe DeNtal MoveS up iN the worlDHQ Defence Dental and their patients will be treated to a

state-of-the-art surgery when they move from Freyberg Building to the Terrace this month.

The dental team’s new premises are about 15 minutes walk from Defence House at one of the newest dental surgeries in Wellington, fitted out with the latest technology and modern décor.

Co-locating with SMILE Design Dental Group in a purpose-built environment, the surgery features iPads and iPad docks in the waiting area and adjoining surgery SMILE is fitted out with ceiling screens to play TV and DVDs.

Lieutenant Colonel Rob Giller says of his recent visit to

the new surgery a few weeks ago: “My son almost enjoyed accompanying me to the dentist! The iPads kept him busy through the wait and the equipment in the surgery is second to none.”

New address from 15 November:Defence Dental ServiceSMILE Design Dental GroupRadio NZ HouseGround Floor 155 The TerraceWellingtonFrom 15 November, all NZDF dental patients will get

their dental treatment at the new location. As patients appointments are scheduled, they will be receive a map of the new Defence Dental location.

Short-term parking is available outside the building and there are a number of parking buildings in the area. The new telephone number for the Defence Dental service is

(04) 974 5890, facsimile (04) 974 5891 and email [email protected]

Defence Dental’s Dr Kate Boddy, Jo Jennings and hygienist SSgt Adele Leadley are looking forward to continuing to provide Wellington-based patients a world class oral health service.

Step up to the plate arMy

Inter-Regional Tournament 11 to 15 Feb 13 hosted by Burnham CampArmy Training Camp, 1 to 3 March 13 at PapakuraInter-Services Tournament 4 to 8 March 13 hosted by RNZAF Base whenuapaiNZDF vs ADF Test matches 9 and 10 March 13 in North harbour

KEY SOFTBALL OUTPUTS FOR 2012/13

The sport is open to Regular, Reserve and NZDF civilian employees. Please forward completed and approved Sports Nominations to the following representatives: Auckland: CHAPCL3 Ra Koia 396 5705linton: SGT Andrew Chambers 369 7059 waiouru and wellington: Mr Ian Preisig 347 7446south island: SGT Vinny Flynn 337 7388

20arMySportiSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

CleaN Sweep For Nz arMy touCh Army won all games an unprecedented clean sweep in the

recent NZDF Inter-Services Touch tournament in Auckland, securing the Service Trophy for the seventh consecutive year.

After a smaller than usual Regional Touch Tournament, three NZ Army Touch teams were selected to attend the tournament in Whenuapai. With a number of Army players coming off a recent successful NZDF Australian tour, expectations were high.

Throughout round play all three sides— men’s, women’s and over-30 men’s— played with a style of touch that the other services found difficult to match. Even with some close games on day one of the tournament against fired up opposition, NZ Army traditional improvement came through on day two against fading opposition. By the end of the second round, all three Army teams had easily advanced into their respective finals as unbeaten top seeds.

PTE Krystal Murray stepping her way to another try

PTE Keelan Poi happy at work?

CPL Chantelle Locke(l) and PTE Indy KerrThe winning teams

arMySport21iSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

On finals day and in challenging conditions for all three grades, the NZ Army teams were never matched. In the over 30 Men’s grade, a tight game early on eventually turned to the NZ Army with a convincing 8-2 win over arch rivals RNZAF. The women’s game proved much closer, but a sound defensive system and dynamic attack saw the NZ Army Women proving too strong for Navy winning 3-1.

The men’s game saw the experience and leadership of key players supported by a much disciplined team dominating in every facet of play. The Army men demonstrated a brand of touch that has seen them at the top of their grade for the last six years. A 7-0 rout over Navy finished off the most dominant performance from NZ Army in recent memory.

As expected, NZ Army Players scooped the tournament awards- o30 Men’s Most valuable Player — SSGT Neil Warner,

2HSB(NZ)women’s Most valuable Player — PTE Krystal Murray, 2CSSBMen’s Most valuable Player — CPL Eug Hepi, 2HSB(NZ)tournament Most Promising Player — PTE Krystal Murray, 2CSSB

Additionally 22 NZ Army players were selected in NZDF tournament sides, and future representation against ADF in 2013

NZ Army Touch would like to acknowledge the recent selection of CPL Eug Hepi for the New Zealand open Men’s Touch team (Touch Blacks) His selection to the elite NZ Men’s team is well deserved and continues the rich vein of provincial and national representation that NZ Army has had over recent years. NZ Army Touch would also like to acknowledge the outstanding support from Mr Dave Pilgrim (SO Army Sport).

PTE Keelan Poi happy at work?

SSGT Neil Warner (M30’s MVP)

PTE Indy Kerr

PTE Eparaima Paratene2LT Jasmine Dwyer in full stretch defence.

SSGT Manuel Dalton (l) and LCPL Tim Mackenzie

22arMySportiSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

By JAMiE MoRRisThe Army’s cycling team won the NZDF Criterium

Trophy and the NZDF InterServices Cycling Trophy when they competed against the Navy and Air Force at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge recently.

Seven cyclists from each Service battled it out against each other on a 2.6km circuit through Taupo’s central streets, the criterium race attracting a lot of attention from the public. The final lap of the race saw four Army, three Air Force and three Navy cyclists sprinting to the finish line with PTE Wiremu Kaihau crossing first to lead the NZ Army home.

The NZDF Inter Services cycling race was held on Saturday 24 November in conjunction with the Taupo Challenge. The conditions were perfect and Mount Tongariro managed to keep its cool after its earlier eruption.

Almost 60 NZDF cyclists participated in the ride and after 160km in the saddle, everyone was pleased to cross the finish line; PTE Gerard Bell recorded the fastest NZDF time of 4:12: 47. With his win, the NZ Army secured the NZDF InterServices Trophy back from the RNZAF.

The New Zealand Army Band performed in Taupo on both Friday and Saturday, entertaining the crowds of supporters gathered to cheer on the racers. Several people danced along to the band’s music, and the band made the biggest fan’s day when they granted his wish for “one more song!”

For more information about Army cycling take a look at the Army intranet cycling page

arMy, the wiNNer iN taupo iNter ServiCeS CyCle CoMpetitioN

CAPT Nigel Elder cycling in the NZDF criterium race

The Army Band performed to crowds of supporters on the Friday evening before the criterium race and also on Saturday on the main stage

COL Craig Stewart presents the NZDF InterServices Cycling Trophy to MAJ Brett Grieve

COL Craig Stewart awards the NZDF Criterium Trophy SIG Wiremu Kaihau after he won the last sprint.

The NZ Army Cycling team gather at the Army leave centre before heading off for the criterium race.

arMySport23iSSue 438 | DeCeMBer 2012

After a less than perfect winter with several health/bronchial problems and a very average build up Territorial Force Staff Sergeant Ron Skelton lined up for his third start in the 8 lap 1280KM Extreme Enduro in Taupo. It was, he says, a great ride, but very much a team effort.

The weather was perfect with only a light breeze and the three day forecast was for more of the same. At midday I set off with my support crew of WO2 Cato and Lance Corporals Coad and Preece following in the van. Lake Taupo was about to become NZ's largest velodrome for the next 3 days.

With only five riders starting this year lap one was at a sedate pace chatting to other riders and ending with the other NZ Army cyclist riding the last 10 KM with me to the timing station.

This was a special lap as it made my 25th lap completed in an enduro making me eligible for Diamond/Waitahanui status in the Cadance Club awards. But no time for partying yet. It was straight into lap two and night riding for the first of three nights.

Thursday, and lap four saw the 3CI values of NZ Army to the fore as my crew had to return to Hamilton for the evening and several of the riders in the Army team jumped in the follow van and supported me till my crew returned.

Midnight Thursday I took my first sleep break after 36 hours of riding. Ninety minutes later I was back on the bike heading into Taupo to complete lap five. By now two riders had abandoned the Enduro and I was holding a steady pace at the front. Friday morning saw the four lap Enduro underway and a bit more company, albeit brief, on the course.

Around midnight Friday I set off on the last lap and with the two lap Enduro starting at 0130 I was soon sharing the road with around 100 riders from different categories. It was the coldest morning of the ride and saw me take several halts to layer up clothing, but sunrise at Turangi and only 50KM to go saw body and soul warm up, and I upped the pace to the finish.

As I came into Taupo through Three Mile Bay it was a strange situation as the race was still starting only the elite and fast groups had gotten underway and thousands of cyclists were lining up to start. The van and I negotiated the masses and made our way to the time station to finish the Enduro in a manner so typical of this style of cycling. I have the best job being on the bike and turning the cranks but it is thanks to so many others that I am at this point. The many who have contributed include LTCOL Kayo, CO QAMR for allowing my use of the unit vehicle, WO2 Cato, and LCPLS Coad and Price my loyal support crew. Major Rob Te Moana for his enormous contributions to NZ Army cycling, NZ Army cycling for all who helped out crewing, Department of Cycling (my civi club), Jeff Webb of Avanti Plus Waitakere for the technical support, Reliance Transport Ltd my civilian employer for allowing me so much leave during the busy season, and finally all the organisers and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen.

iroNMaN roN riDeS agaiN

SGT Suzanne Landers sets out on the 160km lap of Lake Taupo. She completed the race in a time of 5:03:01

Navy cyclist LT CDR Matthew Tinnelly leads a pack during the NZDF Criterium race with SSGT Jess Jessop in hot pursuit.

SSGT Jess Jessop and CAPT Shannon Stallard acknowledge the crowd after the NZ Army won the NZDF InterServices Criterium Trophy:

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