w w w. a r m y. m i l . n z i s s u e4 47 | O C T O B e r 2 0 1 3

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

aumangeamhOV laV anniVersary COrdiTe Cup

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

civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.

Editor: Judith MartinPhone: 04-496-0227 or

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

email: armynews@nzdf.mil.nz

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

design: 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

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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.

OCTOBer 2013issue 447

nzarmynewsCOnTenTs

newsNew legal boss 04

Movement specialists help at Pike River 03

peOpleTrain safe 08

Aumangea 13Mogadishu memories 17

CapaBiliTyMHOV moves closer 10

spOrTFootball 19

Cycling 20Mountaineering 24

White water rafting 26

Like us on Facebook/officialNZArmy

COVER:Officer Cadets during Exercise Takrouna

WO1 Grant Payton (3 CSS Bn)LT Sam Platt (2/1 RNZIR)

SSGT Phil Stanbridge (Burnham Gym)

Ms Cherie Mansell (Burnham CSO)CAPT Kalo Lalahi (2/1 RNZIR)WO2 Lance Ball (3 CSS Bn)

POINTS OF CONTACT

Visit our Facebook page @ OP HOKINGA

sand Bagging sOldiers saVe The daySoldiers from 5/7 Battalion and Linton-based 16 Field Regiment filled more

than 2500 sandbags when a state of emergency was declared as Whanganui flooded earlier this month.

As well as filling sand bags the soldiers set up cordons in flood-hit parts of the city.

The Battery Commander was Major Dan Sheridan, ably assisted by his Battalion Sergeant Major WO2 Aaron Taylor and the Liaison Officer Lt Matt Marinovich. Staff Sergeant Chuck MacKay was the primary 5/7 Bn representative.

The Army personnel received numerous positive comments, and were told by local authorities that without their efforts the stop banks would have been very likely to fail resulting in widespread flooding.

armynews03issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

By Deputy Chief of Army, Brigadier Peter Kelly

The mOre Things Change, The mOre They

sTay The sameLast month, I attended a BBQ with the soldiers,

officers and families of A Company, 1st Battalion. While there I had the opportunity to speak to the men and women of our Army and their partners and children over a quiet beer and a sausage and bacon sandwich. My wife Kate also attended; in fact she insisted that we take up the invitation because she wanted to see our son, who is one of the Platoon Commanders in the company.

Throughout the get together I got a sense of how much has changed since I was a Platoon Commander with a young family, and also how little has changed. We spoke about the things that are important to soldiers, such as training, equipment, leave and messes. These issues have always been keenly discussed and debated – even when I was a young officer.The discussions on equipment are, perhaps, where we have seen the most dramatic change over the years. There is no doubt from my own experience of soldiering both in peacetime and operations that our soldiers are well equipped, and that we as an Army have got it mostly right. Everyone liked the RBAV system, however there are improvements that can still be made to our load carrying system. Most were in agreement that the load carrying capability of the new pack had some limitations and even though it came with a hip band to distribute the weight, it’s not compatible with the MOLLE/webbing systems. So the weight is still predominantly carried on the shoulders and by bending the back, which is not ideal. This is something we need to work to address.

Everyone had an opinion on these issues and that’s just as it should be. We want our Army to be one which is eager to point out the successes – both individual and collective. We also want it to speak up when it thinks things could be done better or where we need a rev up.

Throughout the evening what struck me most was one very important aspect of our Army that hasn’t changed at all over the years. That was that the same keenness, commitment, and sense of purpose that I saw in the soldiers and officers of A Coy was the same as with the soldiers and officers that I served with in B Coy 2nd/1st Battalion in the late 80s. This goes to the heart of why most of us want to serve and continue to serve in our Army. It’s the values and ethos that we all bring that make us great as a whole and produces a world class Army with mana. Leading Kiwi soldiers is a privilege, whether that is as a Lance Corporal or as a Major General. We should never forget that. The times change, but our values remain constant.

I would like to personally thank the OC and CSM for inviting all the families of A Coy 1st Battalion to the BBQ. Both Kate and I really enjoyed our time with you all and were reminded of the importance of keeping in touch with both our immediate, and extended, Army family.

Onward

The new zealand army, peaCe suppOrT OperaTiOns 1950-2013

The Defence Communications Group has produced a booklet entitled “The New Zealand Army, Peace Support Operations 1950-2013.”The 90-page publication features deployments

ranging from Afghanistan, Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands, to Angola, Rhodesia, and Namibia, and everything in between. It is fully illustrated with an array of photographs from almost every mission.If you are interested in purchasing a copy of

this book for $20, with all profits going to the New Zealand Fallen Heroes Trust, please contact armynews@nzdf.mil.nz

Specialist Army movement operators are helping the Royal New Zealand Air Force remove nearly 30 tonnes of equipment from the ventilation shaft of the Pike River mine.

The combined Defence Force team consists of 21 Air Force personnel, as well as 11 Army personnel.

Lance Corporal Zeke Lytollis, 23, is a movement operator in the New Zealand Army and is currently deployed with the NZ Defence Force assisting Solid Energy with the Pike River mine re-entry project.

LCPL Lytollis is the second in charge of the rigging detachment at Pike River looking after everything the NH90 removes from the mine’s ventilation shaft.

“Rigging the loads requires more than just fancy knots. We’re looking at the complete method of flight and we have to make sure that what we put under the helicopter doesn’t move or put too much stress on the key elements,” he says.

“We look at each load and put it together in a way that is the safest and most practicable.”

No stranger to interoperability, LCPL Lytollis says that working with the Royal New Zealand Air Force is always a good experience.

“This is my second time working with the NH90, but working in the middle of nowhere on top of a hill, lifting unorthodox equipment, really puts our skills to the test.

“It’s so rewarding being a part of this operation. It’s really good to be able to use our skills to help out like this. There’s

such a strong sense of community down here and to be thanked for just doing my job is an amazing reward,” he says.

“Now seeing the NH90 in our Defence Force and its capabilities, it’s an exciting time to be in the Army,” he says.

Some of the loads the NH90 and crew are removing are up to three tonne in weight and well beyond the capability of any civilian helicopter available to Solid Energy.

Work on phase one of the re-entry project is expected to continue throughout the week until the task is complete.

As the person in charge at the drop zone, LCPL Proebstel says the work they’re doing is an amazing opportunity to put training into practice.

“It’s just me and one other person on the ground when the helicopter comes in, so it’s up to us to unhook each load from the NH90,” he explains.

“After release I bring in the rest of the crew to unrig the strops and then direct the heavy machinery where to move it to after release.”

LCPL Cole Proebstel says working with the NH90 has been an excellent training opportunity and different to anything he has previously done.

“Having worked a lot with the old Iroquois the biggest difference is the downwash, a heavier helicopter carrying more weight means more air coming down - you really have to cover up or get whipped by all the sand.”

piKe riVer

LCPL Cole Proebstel

LCPL Zeke Lytollis

04armynewsissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

new BOss FOr nz deFenCe legal serViCes

Colonel (COL) Justin Emerson has been promoted to the top job in the NZ Defence Force legal team, that of Director of Defence Legal Services and Director of Military Prosecutions.

He replaces Brigadier (BRIG) Kevin Riordan, who has been appointed Deputy Judge Advocate General

Born and raised in Wellington, COL Emerson, 47, attended Upper Hutt College before studying law at Victoria University.

“Back in the 1980s most students were only interested in Criminal Law, but then you get into the reality of it and Commercial Law pays a lot better.”

But it wasn’t long before COL Emerson realised he needed something more exciting, after coming to the realisation that commercial law was “as interesting as watching paint dry and horribly demoralising”.

“I used to have dinner on Friday nights with my brother who

was studying medicine at the time and I would ask ‘how was your week’ and he would reply about his frantic medical work at some terrible crash site involving traumatic amputations and rescue helicopters. When he asked about my week I would say ‘well I put in a couple of overseas investment applications and had two small businesses wound up’, and it dawned on me that I could be having the same conversation in 20 years time.”

So COL Emerson, whose father Bill (William) Emerson served in the Army during the 1950s, signed up for the Army in search of a more stimulating career.

“I actually had two recruitment interviews because they couldn’t work out why I would want to leave a successful career in a commercial law firm. I told them I wanted to do something more challenging, and that I would have worked

mau raKau wananga The aim of the wananga is to instil and teach the taiaha art style of Te Kore enabling the mana of Ngati Tumatauenga and the NZDF to be maintained during ceremonial occasions. It will be facilitated by Mr Rehua Kereama and Mr Heemi Te Peeti, both leading tutors in the field of Maori weaponry within New Zealand.Nomination forms are to be forwarded through your normal command chain for consent, and then forwarded to NZDF HR Service Centre for action onto ATLAS. All participants are to be male members of the NZDF (including civilian employees).

COuRsE InfORmAtIOnCse short title: A4015 14/01 Wainoms Close: 4 Dec 13When: 221000 Jan to 311530 Jan 14Where: Rongomaraeroa o nga Hau e Wha marae, Waiouru military Camp.

EnquIRIEs COntACtMarae Staff Officer: Capt Kevin Herewiniph: 0273302758

Marae Educator: Mr Steve Bethellph: 0276686419

Maori Cultural site: http://communities/mcg/default.aspx

22 Jan – 31 Jan 14te mauri o tu te Kawa o tangaroa

COL Justin Emerson (left) and Brigadier Kevin Riordan

for them for nothing just to achieve that,” he says.After graduating in 1991, COL Emerson soon found

himself as Infantry Platoon Commander 1 RNZIR under then Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Mateparae. He held a number of command positions within the First Battalion, and also completed a tour of duty with the Singaporean Armed Forces as part of 1 Commando Battalion.

He has served on several international missions including Sinai in 1995 and Afghanistan in 2005, but his operational highlight was a six month deployment to East Timor in 2000.

“The command team left that mission feeling that we could have taken our battalion anywhere in the world into any operational scenario and we would have excelled – it was a great feeling,” he said.

On his return from East Timor COL Emerson was posted to MARCOM (Maritime Command HQ) in 2001 before transferring to HQJFNZ in 2002.

“I enjoyed every single day at Joint Forces – it was quite a well kept secret that it was a brilliant posting for lawyers.”

COL Emerson was then moved to the Defence Legal Services team at HQNZDF.

BRIG Riordan says it gives him great satisfaction knowing he is handing over a wonderful group of officers and civilian staff to such a very capable and dedicated officer as COL Emerson.

“Justin is well-known in the international military law community from his participation in conferences and seminars and also from his deployed operational experience. He brings to the job a fine mix of intellectual ability, experience as both a legal advisor and an infantry officer, and a great deal of “real-world” knowledge,” BRIG Riordan says.

COL Emerson says his command philosophy for the future of Defence Legal Services is to develop an internationally recognised reputation for excellence in operational and international law, supporting a high level of NZDF legal compliance in its conduct of operations.

“Therefore we must provide expert advice in the personnel and resource fields and support the promotion of an efficient, timely and just military disciplinary system that remains abreast of advances in the law.

“This is the ultimate culmination of all the skill sets I’ve gained through my time as an infantry officer, and almost 16 years as a legal officer, and it sees me well placed to take a very capable legal directorate into the next phase of its operation.”

armynews05issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

Brigadier Tim Gall is the Army’s newly appointed Land Component Commander He enlisted into the New Zealand Army in December 1978 and undertook initial officer training in Australia at the Royal Military College. In December 1982, he graduated into the Royal New Zealand Corps of Transport in the rank of Lieutenant.

A number of regimental and staff appointments followed. These included secondment to Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica in 1984, appointment as Aide-de-Camp to New Zealand’s Governor-General in 1986, a tour with the Multinational Force and Observers Sinai in 1987, and service with United Nations Iran Iraq Military Observer Group in 1990.

In December 1995 Brigadier Gall was posted to the appointment as the foundation Commanding Officer of 3 Logistic Battalion. During this appointment he deployed with the New Zealand Force Truce Monitoring Group to Bougainville, initially as Fly Away Team leader, then as Team Commander in Buin, in November 1997, and again in July 1999 as the Senior National Officer. During these six years Brigadier Gall also held the appointment as Acting Commander 3rd Land Force Group for over 18 months.

In January 2002, on promotion to Colonel, Brigadier Gall assumed the appointment as the Commander Army Training Group. In January 2004 he commenced studying at the Australian College of Defence and Strategic Studies. Brigadier Gall underwent language studies in Seoul in January 2005 and assumed the appointment as Defence Attache Korea in

June 2005. On his return to NZ in 2007, Brigadier Gall was Military Advisor for the 2010 Defence White Paper team. He was subsequently promoted and assumed the role of Head of Capability in late 2009.

liFe’s lessOns learned in almOsT FOur deCades OF army liFe

Brig gall new lCC

By Judith martinBrigadier Mark Wheeler’s parents gave him a gentle shove

towards the Army when he was a fresh-faced Invercargill kid about to leave school in 1974.

“Mum had been a Defence Civilian and Dad was a Korean War vet who became a policeman. They were worried about what I was going to do for a living in Southland so they encouraged me to join the Army.”

Their encouragement led to a 38-year long career, which only recently ended when Brigadier Wheeler was appointed to head New Zealand’s Aviation Security Service. As Brigadier Wheeler leaves he still has four classmates from Basic 122 serving; Major Paul Napier, WO1 Hemi Brown, Possum Stephens and Wayne Paul-Andrews and one classmate from the Officer Cadet Class of 1980, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Harvey.

Mark Wheeler joined the Army as a Trooper in the Armoured Corps-he didn’t commission until five years later- and has been a tankie for his whole career. He has served with every Armoured Corps Unit. He was first posted to Ferret Troop, drove the last Centurion on his M41 Course and has crewed M113, the Scorpion and a range of Mani Battle Tanks.

As much as he loved the cavalry it was not necessarily the kit that appealed. Looking back, he says that it wasn’t the equipment, but the quality of the people he worked with that really mattered. “New Armoured vehicles, equipment and uniforms come and go but it’s the people in the end who really matter. It’s why you stay in a job like the Army, it’s for the people.”

And while he decided he would rather be an officer than a soldier. He was helped in his decision by his Squadron Leader Doug McGregor and Troop Officer Lieutenant Sean Trengrove. Doug, he says, was probably the most respected commander he ever worked for. His time in the ranks was where, he says, he learned some of his most valuable life lessons.

He had mentors over the years as a young soldier but, as is often the case, it was not always the appointed mentor he learnt the most from. One such influence was George Pearson, formerly Warrant Officer Class One Pearson, who is now an Army civilian working in Defence Headquarters.

“When I was a young soldier Mr Pearson was at the School of Armour running the communication wing. He did things which seemed small at the time but which made a huge difference. For example, you had to have a spelling book, and you’d get your written assignments back with all the spelling corrected, and you’d be tested. He did things that took you from being run of the mill, to knowing you could do things properly.”

Mr Pearson, BRIG Wheeler says, taught him to think outside the box.

“When I was a Lance Corporal Mr Pearson saw two gunner officers with their hands in their pockets standing near a park. He told me, ‘CPL Wheeler, go over there and put your hands in your pockets and stand by those two officers.’ Across 250 metres he ripped me to pieces for having my hands in my pockets. I learnt then there is always more than one way to skin a cat. George Pearson taught a whole cohort of Armoured Corp people how to communicate.”

Another mentor remains Mr Eru Brown who has taught generations including Brigadier Wheeler about team work, values, the culture of Ngati Tumatauenga and humility. “Eru has been an inspiration in the development of our physical, spiritual and moral code. I always enjoy going back to our Marae and seeing Eru and Dave Ahuriri.”

Brigadier Wheeler’s previous postings have included command of the Army’s Second Brigade and he has served as Commanding Officer Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles. During the latter he deployed on Operation Farina, in East Timor, as the Chief of Staff Dili Command and Headquarters Sector West. He has studied at Massey University, the Australian Defence College, Canberra, and Deakin University. He has also attended a number of professional development courses including courses at Harvard Business School.

Brigadier Wheeler has been awarded UNIIMOG Medal for operational service in Iran - Iraq, the INTERFET Medal, NZET Medal and UNTAET Medal for operational service in East Timor. He has also been awarded the NZ Operational Service

Medal, and the 1990 Commemorative Medal for Service. He was appointed an Officer on the New Zealand Order of Merit in January 2007 and in December 2007 awarded the US Legion of Merit (Degree of Officer) for Service for services to US CENTCOM and the Coalition.

He says he employed four simple philosophies during his Army command roles. “Is it good for soldiers and soldiering? Is it good for the organisation? Is it fiscally responsible? Is it the right thing to do? “In the end you know if something is the right thing to do. Applying those philosophies has stood me in good stead.”

His job in the military, he says, has taken him and his family all over the world. One certainty about soldiering, he says, is that at some point you need to have a second career. My family and I were about to go back overseas and we thought it timely for us to finally establish ourselves in a community.

“I have loved being in the Army, and defence has set me up very well for my new role.”

“new trucks and guns come and go but it’s the people in the end who really matter. It’s why you stay in a job like the Army, it’s for the people.”

Army News is planning a bumper issue to mark the end of 2013. This issue will cover both November and December, and will be available to readers on 4 December.

Please ensure any contributions are with the editor no later than 18 November. Any enquiries to armynews@nzdf.mil.nz

Brigadier Mark Wheeler

Order of Merit: BRIG Wheeler at Government House in 2007 with his wife Katie, daughters Amelia and Olivia, and his mother, Mrs Valda Wheeler.

06armypeOpleissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

A young couple dressed formally as they might for a wartime dance, waltzed to the music of In an 18th Century Drawing Room in the Maori Anglican Fellowship Church in Sydney recently to a very special gathering of New Zealand World War II veterans and those of Korea and Vietnam.

Two of their number, NZ1221 T/S Sgt Frank Harlow and NZ4261 Major (Rtd) Bob Wood, turned 100 and 99 respectively the day before and after the event. Apart from the waltz and some fine waiata, both were also honoured with the bestowing of a korowai (feathered Maori cloak) and each cut a finely decorated birthday cake. A korowai had also been presented to Frank's mother in 1922 in Taneatua by NZC recipient Ben Biddle who was given it for his role in the New Zealand Wars at Ngatapa Pa.

This was the first and also the only NZ WWII Veteran Reunion held in Sydney to recognise and acknowledge the contribution our veterans have made to the ANZAC legacy, said Greg Makutu, QSM, who established the NZ Veterans in Australia group, and organised the event.

He said he had noticed a strong connection and camaraderie within the NZ Vietnam Veterans in NSW, but the lack of a wider connection with other veteran groups, such as NZ WWII and post-Vietnam veterans and also those who did not serve overseas, but were New Zealand Defence Force personnel nonetheless. He wanted to form a more cohesive group to mark the special occasions.

New Zealand WWII veterans now lead the Anzac Day march in Sydney, and Bob Wood, a former Wellingtonian, headed the contingent for many years as president of the New Zealand Sub-Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales). Bob spent most of his working life in managerial roles in AMP in New Zealand and Australia and now lives in Sawtell on the North Coast.

Formerly with the 19th Wellington Battalion, Bob Wood served in the Middle East and was captured at Ruweisat Ridge in July 1942. He was a POW for a time in Campo 47, Modena, Italy, from which he escaped with a friend, Hugh Flower, joining the 22nd Battalion in the last few bitter fighting months of WWII.

Frank Harlow, former dairyman and member of the voluntary Territorials during the Great Depression, also served with the NZ Expeditionary Force in North Africa. He also fought in Greece and Crete. He was on Crete when the Germans dropped 6000 paratroopers on the Allied positions. After returning to New Zealand to train tank crews, he later

became a cheesemaker in the war effort and remained in the food industry.

Other veterans celebrated included Maurice Borland, 95, who served in Italy; Capt (Rtd) Bruce Harris 92 NZEF; Jim Smith 90 NZEF, Ken Frank 99, a veteran of Japan/Korea; Vincent Moroney 89, a veteran of the Solomons/Bougainville, John Rayner 88 a veteran of Japan; Rewi Richard Roach 88 NZEF and Lorna Blackwood 88, who served in Japan.

Speakers included Major General (Rtd) Martyn Dunne, NZ High Commissioner to Australia; Air Vice-Marshal Mel Hupfeld, DSC, Air Commander Australia; Mr John Brogden, CE Financial Services Council and Rosanne Robertson whose father was a fellow POW with Bob Wood in Modena.

The reunion also marked the 75th anniversary of the New Zealand Sub-Branch of the Returned and Services League of Australia (New South Wales).

paTChes and Badge BOOK planned

wOrThy reuniOn CeleBraTiOn FOr new zealand wOrld war ii VeTerans in sydney

John Lynch of Wellington is writing a book on patches and badges used within the New Zealand Defence Force, and asks current, and ex-service personnel to check their cupboards and wardrobes for any old armbands, patches and badges they have from past operations, and send me the digital image to my email address lynchjal@xtra.co.nz.

Also, send a picture of your Service Dress uniform 1B,1C, 2 and 3. You may have a proficiency badge that is worn by very few service personnel.

Any pictures that are accepted, the author will give the sender the credit, and place their name against the picture.

Army nursing officer Major Wendy McEwan recently graduated as Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management (ACHSM). The fellowship examination is conducted during the College’s annual conference. This year it was held in Canberra on Monday 26 August 2013 and consisted of a one hour oral exam in front of a panel of five. MAJ McEwan said she felt a sense of deja vu back to Officer Evaluation Board (OEB) days citing a long period of preparation of building up the requisite subject knowledge coupled with the ability to answer questions succinctly and confidently.

The fellowship programme involves undergoing a six month mentorship programme with two selected senior health managers. As MAJ McEwan was the only New Zealand candidate her mentors were chosen from the New Zealand Institute of Health Management (NZIHM). She was required to meet fortnightly with a mentor and conduct research into and provide health concepts and examples relating to the NZ Health Care system. Jenni Coles, Director of Hospital Services, Middlemore Hospital who was both MAJ McEwan’s mentor and assessor on the panel says she was impressed with her performance, saying she thought she was one of the best Fellowship candidates for 2013.

nursing OFFiCer’s sKills reCOgnised aCrOss The Tasman

armypeOple07issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

dial 0800nzFOrCesNew yellow or charcoal bumper stickers will soon be on all NZDF vehicles. This is a new initiative for Air Force and Navy; Army previously had 0800NZARMY stickers.Safe driving is an NZDF priority. The defence force runs regular driver training courses and personnel have a good driving record. For the number of driver movements happening everyday,

there are very few incidents.Brad Riach, Transport Operations Advisor, initiated the new phone number on the back of the success with 0800NZARMY.“0800NZFORCES gives us visibility beyond our camp and bases. It’s important that we have a way for people to give us feedback. Driver safety is something we place a lot of emphasis on

and it’s a responsibility taken seriously across NZDF.“Any call to 0800NZFORCES is answered by a call centre and not all calls are to report bad driving. About 14 calls a month are received. These are a mix of positive and negative feedback and

helpful comments such as advising that one of our trucks is on the side of the road with a flat tyre. Negative feedback is usually speed-related, although when we have convoys we’ll get calls – often to say we’re driving too slowly, or not letting other cars pass.

“Any bad driving reports initially come to me and I pass them onto the unit commanders concerned to investigate. If the driving behaviour is particularly risky and we can prove it then the driver may receive a warning, or disciplinary action, a letter of censure or further training and assessment.

“The good thing about 0800NZFORCES means people can call this number instead of the Police on *555. We also use reported bad driving examples in our driver training courses – it’s all about continuously improving our skills”, says Brad.

prOmOTiOnsFormer 2/1 Battalion Commanding Officer Colonel Hugh

McAslan has been promoted and appointed Director of Strategic Engagements at Headquarters New Zealand Defence Force.

Colonel McAslan is a graduate of the United States Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He holds a Masters of Military Art and Science (Strategy) degree from the US Command and General Staff College, and a Masters of Strategic Studies degree from the US Army War College.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Decoration for his service in Afghanistan in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours List, and was also awarded a Chief of Army’s Commendation in April 2008 for his role as Deputy Director Land Capability.

The Regular and Territorial Force All Corps Warrant Officer (WO) Course was held recently over eight weeks at Woodbourne, St Arnaud and Waiouru. The course represents the pinnacle of Non-Commissioned Officer professional development in the New Zealand Army, with a curriculum designed to aid in the development and transition from leading personnel at the section and platoon levels to that of

a company and higher. Topics covered included leadership and personal leadership development, regimental and ceremonial matters, welfare, safety in training, planning, tactics and a little bit of physical and endurance.

ssGt P HOuIA, RNZIR was presented with the SSGT Andy Warren Peers Award which is dedicated to memory of SSGT Andy Warren RNZIR. It is awarded to the course member who is assessed by their peers as being the student who consistently displayed the core values of courage, commitment, comradeship and integrity to their fellow students throughout the course.

ssGt s BREARs, RNZA was presented the Silver Drill Cane which is awarded to the student who gained the highest aggregate marks during the Drill and Ceremonial Modules and consistently displayed the highest regimental standards throughout the course.

ssGt D BEKER, RNZIR was presented the CO TAD, Leadership Trophy which is awarded to the student who has consistently demonstrated the strongest leadership by; coaching peers, maintaining the highest professional

standards, setting a good example to others and displaying moral courage. SSGT Beker also received the Sergeant Major of the Army Trophy recognizing him as the top student of the course.

ssGt J JEssOP, RNZAMC was presented the Management Trophy. It is awarded to the student who gained the highest individual aggregate marks for the academic modules of the course, which includes leadership, military discipline, plan and conduct training and operational concepts.

A/WO2 COLE, RNZIR was presented the Territorial Force Top Student Award for displaying and exemplifying the ethos and values of a TF Warrant Officer of the NZ Army.

Our TOp sOldiersCOL McAslan receives his new rank slides from his wife, Mel, and the Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn.

08armypeOpleissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

Train saFetrain safe Case study 5 train safe Case study 6

DFO (A) Volume 2 Book 1 Safety in Training, is supported by a number of policies and procedures including, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ranges and training areas, pamphlets for each piece of equipment that include risk assessment and the

controls that are required, DFO (A) Vol 2 Book 2 Army Health and Safety, and a number of recording and reporting systems such as hazard registers, and incident and accident

reporting systems. These all ensure that our training is as safe as can possibly be.

No training activity can be guaranteed completely safe. Comprehensive briefings do much to reduce the possibility of accidents. Prudent safety measures for training

activities are necessary to prevent casualties, there are no short cuts. Safety briefs are a tool to ensure that all training is conducted as safely as possible in order to mitigate

against unsafe practices.

the Incident x A group of service personnel were participating in a TRI Service Ordnance Disposal

Operators Course in the Waiouru Military Training Area (WMTA). x An aerial inspection of contracted work in the training area was also an approved

activity.

the Incident x A group of soldiers were participating in a live firing Annual Weapons Qualification

(AWQ) Pistol shoot on a gazetted range. x The live firing activity was approved and met all planning and safety requirements. x The Range Conducting Officer (RCO) conducted a safety brief to ensure the safe

conduct of the shoot. x The RCO briefed all firers that the commands ‘Up’ would be given to indicate the

start of the serials and firers could then engage their targets, and ‘Down’ to indicate the end of the serials and to stop firing.

x Certain serials of the Pistol AWQ require the pistols to be in the action state, de-cocked, and holstered.

x A firer was injured.

facts x The live firing activity was approved

and met all planning and safety requirements for Live Field Firing.

x A civilian helicopter was used for an aerial inspection of the training area.

x The civilian helicopter flew into the live firing zone without authority.

x Range Wardens were not clearly briefed by JLSO that a helicopter was being used for the activity.

findings x The RCO immediately stopped the

activity and informed WMTA Range Control.

x The RCO waited for clearance from WMTA Range Control before continuing with the activity.

x The group in the helicopter were not aware of any incursion.

x On sighting personnel on the ground, the helicopter pilot turned the aircraft back in the direction he had travelled from.

facts x The activity met all safety

requirements. x A full safety brief was given by the

RCO. x Clears orders were given by the RCO

to the firers for the serial to be fired and pistols were to be in the action state, de-cocked, and holstered.

x The firer did not de-cock his pistol contrary to the RCO’s serial brief.

findings x The soldier admitted he had

deliberately not de-cocked the pistol with his purpose being to speed up his response and accuracy of the first shot.

x The firer deliberately holstered the pistol in an unsafe condition.

x A webbing pouch was utilised as a holster.

Conclusion – fault Checking and Individual Responsibility x Range staff conducting the activity acted decisively and in accordance with Range

and WMTA Standing Orders. x WTMA Standing Orders do contain a comprehensive set of rules and procedures for

all fixed and rotary wing aircraft that are authorised to enter the WMTA. x Comprehensive planning and safety briefs conducted in accordance with our

doctrine and policy do mitigate against accidents and incidents. x Our Safety in Training rules and regulations are amongst the best when compared

to our ABCA partners.

Conclusion - Individual and Collective Responsibility x Any person who sees that an accident is about to happen is responsible for taking

action to prevent it. x The range practice was conducted in a well supervised and safe manner. x The use of a webbing pouch as a ‘holster’ might have made it difficult to draw the

weapon in a safe manner. x Concealing your actions that you know to be unsafe is not only just ‘dumb’, but

places everyone else at risk.

‘never let your sense of morals prevent you from doing what is right.’

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

‘Change the changeable, accept the unchangeable, and remove yourself from the unacceptable’.

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

armypeOple09issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

inFanTry reTurn TO wellingTOn

nZDf ARmy sALEs OutLEt sALEs DAy

WIn ImAGEs Of WAR

WELLInGtOn COmPAny 5/7 BAttALIOn RnZIR AnD Its nEW HOmE At tHE OLD mOunt COOK BARRACKs

By Lieutenant Ross fisherAfter being based at a range of locations over the past decade, including Petone, Dante Rd Trentham, and finally Trentham

Camp, Wellington Company 5/7 RNZIR has returned to its original home in downtown Wellington. In fact the Company is now just 30 metres from the Battalion’s original drill hall in Wellington. Since earlier this year

Wellington Company has been operating out of new lines at the historic former Mount Cook Barracks, co-located with the Royal New Zealand Navy at HMNZS Olphert. Wellington Company is enjoying both an inner-city location and the opportunity to retain the Battalion’s traditional linkages.

The Mt Cook Defence Area has a long history and lineage as a New Zealand Army facility. The first use of Mount Cook Barracks can be traced back to 1843, and it is thought that the first building on site was the “Permanent Artillery Barracks”, which first appeared on maps in 1882. Since then, Mount Cook Barracks has witnessed a number of historic developments in New Zealand’s defence and general history. These include catering for Territorial Force expansions under Lord Kitchener’s reorganisation of New Zealand’s military structure in the early 1900s, acting as a backdrop to domestic unrest during the 1913 strike (during which the Army commander of the day displayed a machine-gun in the street outside the Barracks in a show-of-force act in support of the Government), and providing the headquarters for the expansion of New Zealand’s military forces leading up to World War Two. The 1960s Mount Cook barracks has survived numerous roading plans which have threatened its demolition.

Now, the former Mount Cook Barracks location fulfils a central role in the training and administration activities of Wellington Company, 5/7 RNZIR. The barracks provide a central location for the bulk of Wellington Company’s soldiers to conduct week-night training and other activities, while providing a staging point for the conduct of weekend exercises. Offices house Regular Force cadre NCOs, with separate office spaces, training facilities, and storage to accommodate reserve personnel in the future.

Wellington Company is looking forward to a number of on-site improvements which will cement the location as the new and permanent home of Wellington City’s New Zealand Army Reserve sub-unit. Plans are currently underway to establish a fully-functional armoury at the barracks, and additional upgraded storage for other stores and equipment. Development of office infrastructure is currently underway to provide both Cadre and Reserve staff who use the premises as a work space the ability to network efficiently with the rest of the NZDF. These and other developments herald an exciting future for a shared defence facility that recognises the proud histories of both New Zealand’s Navy and Army in the area.

More than anything, the location represents New Zealand Army’s enduring connection with the past, present and future of Wellington and its region. Like the image here from 1913, future generations of New Zealand Army soldiers will be seen and heard in inner-city Wellington as they train to realise Army capabilities and requirements into the 21st century. Their presence, and the history they represent, will ensure the New Zealand Army retains its community footprint in and around our the capital in years to come.

Wellington Company is one of the biggest reserve Sub Units in the New Zealand Army with an active strength of 140 Officers and soldiers, with an average parade strength of 80 personnel.

The Company takes pride in conducting realistic training with a focus on section and platoon light infantry skills. Reserve and Regular company personnel have devoted considerable effort to developing the culture and morale within the company, and this is important when you consider the diverse backgrounds and civilian occupations represented - doctors, accountants, students, police officers, government officials, carpenters, farmers, school teachers, customs officers, to name but a few occupational groups.

LAst sALEs DAy fOR 2013

WHEn: Thurs 5 Dec 2013

WHERE: Disposals Section, Building 74 Gaba Tepe Way, Trentham Camp

OPEnInG tImEs:

1030 - 1400NZDF Employees

1200 - 1400LMGI, AFCC, Spotless and other Govt Dept Employees

PAymEnt OPtIOnsCash, Cheque or EftposNO CREDITNO CASH WITHDRAWALS

PLEAsE nOtENo Pre-Sales Day purchases or viewing

tO AVOID Any unnECEssARy

EmBARRAssmEntEntry to the Sales Day is restricted to NZDF, LMGI, Spotless, AFCC and other Government Dept employees ONLY.• Please have your employment ID cards

with you• Spouses, Partners, Families or Friends

who are not employed by• any of the above Orgs/Depts will be

DENIED ACCESS• For Health & Safety reasons, children

will also be denied access Thank you for your understanding

Army News has a copy of the stunning book produced by Glyn Harper and the National Army Museum, Images of War: New Zealand and the First World War in Photographs, to give away.

In 1914, during the greatest military conflict the world has seen, Kiwi soldiers captured images of war with forbidden cameras hidden in their kitbags. Most of the photographs have never been published. Historian Glyn Harper collected these images which form the basis of Images of War. The book represents three years of work, and is a large format, hard back book. It retails for $99.99

If you would like to win this book please send an email to armynews@nzdf.mil.nz, or an envelope with your details on the back to Army News, Private Bag 39997, Wellington 6011.

The winner of Storming the Eagle’s Nest was LT Sam Johnstone.

The winners of the Army Band CDs were Alan Tunnicliffe, Edward Law, Janet White and Brian Harris.

10armyCapaBiliTyissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

mhOV mOVes ClOser

armyCapaBiliTy11issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

The winner of the August book draw for Passchendaele, the Anatomy of a Tragedy, is Mr Graeme Tod of Trentham. This month’s book is Storming the Eagle’s Nest: Hitler’s War in the Alps by Jim Ring. If you would like to be in the draw please email armynews@nzdf.mil.nz, or send an envelope with your contact details on the back to: Army News, Private Bag 39997, Wellington 6011.

The milestones for the MHOV project are rolling in, with the arrival of the training vehicles and the commencement of the instructor training courses. There has been great feedback from the Instructor course, with those involved impressed with the performance of the new vehicles.

The Maintainers’ Instructor Training has been completed, with the TiST staff now incorporating this training materiel into our own conversion training packages, ready for delivery early next year. The conversion training will cover all the major mechanical components of the engine and ancillary equipment, such as the winch, HIAB crane and EPLS, with a particular emphasis on fault diagnosis. The on-board diagnostic systems are state of the art, greatly improving the speed at which faults can be detected. On-line assistance and manuals can be obtained through the diagnostic tools for dealing with more problematic faults.

The Operator Instructor Training is being conducted, with initial instruction on the EPLS, crane and winch operation already complete.

The MAN military vehicles have already proven their metal on active service with UK forces in Afghanistan, where despite 39 MAN Support Vehicles being hit by IEDs to date, they have had no crew fatalities.

The NZDF’s acquisition of 194 of these vehicles will see its Medium/Heavy land transport capability become world class. The MAN truck is a military off- the- shelf (MOTS) vehicle, and, unlike the existing fleet, this vehicle is designed specifically for military operations. This new capability will give our vehicle operators and crew greater protection with appliqué armour, which can be fitted to the cab as the threat dictates.

The engine performance is significantly improved, with the HX60 variants having 330hp, compared to the 170hp available from the Unimog 1700. The HX58 and HX77 variants have even more power, with a 440hp engine, a vast improvement on the 280hp available in the Mercedes 2228 series of vehicles.

The carrying capacity is also dramatically enhanced. No longer are we limited to 4 and 8 tonne vehicles. NZDF has purchased 115 of the HX60 which can carry 6 tonnes and 58 of the HX58 with a carrying capacity of 9 tonnes. The HX77 variants can carry 15 tonnes, of which NZDF have purchased 16 vehicles as well as 5 equipment transporters based on the HX77, capable of carrying up to 30 tonnes.

The configuration of new vehicles will see a reduction in the demand for Mechanical Handling Equipment (MHE) on the battlefield as a quarter of the vehicles will be fitted with an integral HIAB crane. The cranes are designed to off-load or cross-load a NATO pallet weighing up to 1600kgs or 1880kg (depending on variant). All of the HX77s have an Enhanced Palletised Load System and a Container Handling Unit capable of loading and unloading flat racks and 20ft containers in minutes with the push of a few buttons. A reduction in the demand for MHE also reduces the need for

vehicles to transport MHE resulting in fewer support vehicles to maintain on operations. Gone are the days of slow noisy fork lifts throughout the area of operations, and late nights cross-loading by hand.

A further advantage of the MAN fleet is the enhanced mobility, the variants are 4 x 4, 6x6 or 8x8, and these vehicles will go further over all types of terrain than any vehicle in our existing support vehicle fleet. The new MAN vehcile’s mobility will allow it to keep pace with NZLAV, and enable support to be provided in areas that have not previously been accessible.

For the NZDF to train within New Zealand with this world class military land transport capability, planning staff will need to be aware of the vehicle management requirements, relevant Land Transport legislation and detailed route planning requirements of their relevant fleet variants. The vehicles will come with some exemptions to allow them to operate in NZ, given their size and weight, however permits may be needed for specific load configurations on specific routes.

How and when are we getting this new capability you may ask? Good question.

The Transition into Service Team (TiST), led by Major Craig Dalgleish, has established its training team at Hokowhitu and its Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) component in Trentham. The TiST will run operator and maintainer conversion courses over the next 24 months from facilities at Linton Camp. The TiSTs training objective is to convert 300 currently qualified Mercedes Unimog drivers, and Mercedes 2228 operators, and 100 maintainers to the new fleet in order to meet the needs of the deployable force. Additionally, in conjunction with NZDC, they will be developing the training models for steady state training to be incorporated into the NZDF training plan. The ILS team will be busy in Trentham receiving all of the vehicles and ancillary equipment, kitting the vehicles out with CES and fitting minor modifications all in preparation of delivery.

Key Points to Remember:• Initial Operators courses will be on HX60 and HX58, with

attendees qualifying in the higher licensed vehicle. HX77 EPLS and HX77 tractor unit training is plotted for mid to late 2014.

• Operators will need the following licences to operate the MHOV variants:• HX60 (6 tonne 4X4) vehicles:

x A full Class 2 Drivers Licence; and x An NZDF Driving Permit for Unimog.

• HX58 (9 tonne 6X6) vehicles: x A full Class 4 Drivers Licence; and x An NZDF Driving Permit for Unimog (You do not

need to be 2228 qualified).• HX77 (15 tonne 8X8) vehicles:

x A full Class 4 Drivers Licence; and

x An NZDF Driving Permit for HX58.• HX77 tractor unit:

x A full class 5 Drivers Licence; and x An NZDF Driving Permit for HX77.

• Given the size of the vehicle there is also a requirement for all vehicle operators to be Bridge Engineering Self Supervision (BESS) qualified. This is a half day training period conducted on day one of the conversion course. BESS requires a police check on all applicants (regardless of existing police checks). The check will be submitted by the TiST on behalf of all nominees. Unfortunately this will result in a long lead time on the course nominations.

• The 194 MAN trucks only replace the ‘Operational’ role in the Medium and Heavy task vehicle spectrum. A Garrison and Training Support (GATS) fleet will be maintained for all ‘Non-Operational’ activities and training. This is the same way in which Commercial Line (CL) 4-wheel drive vehicles like the Mitsubishi Triton support our daily activities, where as the LOV is used to meet operational outputs.

• This is not a ‘one for one’ swap of the existing fleet; these vehicles will be distributed based on Operational Outputs. Not all existing operators will be required to operate the new vehicle.

• Due to a great opportunity, this project was brought forward three years. Get involved, and provide constructive feedback to the team as you do become involved. Get your questions answered, or provide feedback on-line through http://orgs/imx/cap/LP/LTCPHome.aspx

Key planning dates:• TiST Instructor training completed 18 October 2013.• First of the 194 vehicles arrive in NZ (will require 3 month

IIS with TiST): Nov 2013.• First Maintainer Conversion course plotted for Feb 2014,

Noms open 1 Nov 2013.• First Operator Conversion course also plotted for Feb

2014, Noms open 1 to 30 Nov 2013.• MHOV Integration into a 250 LtTG: Ex Southern Katipo

Nov 2015• MHOV Integration into a 560 CATG: Ex Southern Katipo

Nov 2017• What you can do:• Keep your eye out for course dates• Keep an eye on the website and check out the frequently

asked questions• http://orgs/imx/cap/LP/LTCPHome.aspx• Contact the Project Team or TiST if you have queries

12armyCapaBiliTyissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

nz lighT armOured VehiCleIt has been ten years since the NZ Light Armoured Vehicle

(NZ LAV) was formally accepted into service. The official ceremony was held in Waiouru on 23 October 2003.

The contract procured 105 vehicles in total, with 102 being Infantry Mobility Vehicles (IMV) and three as Recovery Vehicles. Of those 102 IMV seven are fitted with light obstacle blades. One of the significant features of the NZLAV fleet is that all vehicles are equipped with the two man 25mm turret. This feature gives every vehicle the ability to provide direct fire support to the ground troops at increased ranges and the ability to defeat light armoured vehicles and hard targets.

The level of preparation required to bring the fleet into service was significant because of the complex technology involved. Crewmen and tradesmen alike were faced with a much steeper learning curve than had ever been seen before. The number of electronic systems on board the vehicle and in the classrooms, hangars and workshops was quite daunting, and particularly so for some of the more senior soldiers. Whole trade structures had to be reviewed and revamped to cater for the complexity and capability being rolled out. Major

infrastructure had to be built to accommodate the NZLAV in both Linton and Burnham.

The change from M113 to NZLAV was managed by the formation of the Transition Training Team in Waiouru. The TTT as it was known delivered the new operator courses for drivers, gunners and crew commanders as well as providing the crews to the acceptance team that put each and every vehicle through an acceptance testing regime to identify any faults. Trade Training School had a major part to play as they had the task of delivering the NZLAV technical training for all of the trades while maintaining the delivery of routine trade training. The period from 2003 onwards saw a huge effort from all parts of the Army to ensure the success of the project.

NZLAV has been used extensively throughout New Zealand and on exercise in Australia. It has graced the pages of newspapers throughout the country for all manner of reasons including being pulled over for speeding (being driven by a contractor), being parked outside the ‘Golden Arches’, delivering toys to children in hospital and on a

serious note assisting the NZ Police during the Napier siege. NZLAV performed admirably on operations in Afghanistan in conditions that were a severe test for the systems. The picture of the NZLAV-R towing an unserviceable Apache helicopter received wide international exposure.

Other nations using LAV have indicated their intent to operate these vehicles for many years more than was originally planned and the New Zealand Army is also anticipating doing the same. Planning is underway for a ‘NZLAV Refresh Project’ which will update those vehicle systems that are nearing obsolescence or not optimised for current operations. It is too early to indicate exactly what systems will be upgraded but expect improvements in a number of areas.

NZLAV continues to be a cornerstone platform in the NZ Army and everyone involved with using and supporting it through its first ten years of service can be proud of their efforts. The New Zealand Army can look forward to the next ten years and anticipate making the NZLAV even more capable.

10 yEARs In sERVICE

armypeOple013issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

aumangea

miliTary Career

managemenTFOr yOu

Visit the mCm Branch Intranet Pages for information about:

• Postings• Promotions

• Promotion Boards• Performance Reporting

• Trade Changes• Release

• RF to TF transfer• All Corps Post Vacancies

• Employment Profiles• Pay Progression Models

• Recent Promotionsand more ...

find us here:• NZDF ILP homepage

• The Command Post (Army)• Army General Staff

• Military Career Management

Aumangea is a Maori word that describes the qualities of bravery, determination and resilience .It describes someone who is a campaigner and pathfinder.

The philosophy of Aumangea is very simple. It provides an environment that enables people to push themselves beyond anything that they may have experienced before. To hit the wall, climb over it and continue on. To extend their imagination, innovativeness and resourcefulness by forcing

them to achieve what they thought were insurmountable goals, and to survive.

Aumangea is about self development and enduring the hardships of boredom, sleep and food deprivation, physical and mental exhaustion. It is about learning to thrive and to be comfortable in austere environments and with uncertainty. It is about stretching one’s physical and mental being so that as a soldier you are more aware of your own strengths and

weaknesses. It is not an SAS selection course but a place where mentoring and guidance are the preferred tenets to encourage learning. A place where mistakes are expected and accepted, but so is accountability. A place where the Army’s values are tested. A place that once you sign up for, you cannot leave. See you in March 2014.

Lance Corporal Andre Kocis only lost nine kgs on the recent 33-day long Aumangea course. Held in rugged country on the banks of the Whanganui River he and course participants survived for four days on food they hunted and cooked, and river water.

Prior to the four-day survival stage the soldiers had on one day completed four Required Fitness Levels (physical training tests) back to back. The first couple of days were spent in a classroom where they learned skills to be able to deal with some of the course’s challenges. They studied the Army’s values, and the morals and ethics it promotes. They

had hauled full jerry cans through close country bush, and pack marched for hours in full battle order over Rangitiki hills.

They had learned combat breathing, completed swim tests, close quarter battle shooting, and close quarter battle. They discovered just how far they could push themselves. Of the 27 who started, 17 finished, and 14 were tabbed. Three soldiers were deemed to be, for a variety of reasons, not ready to pass.

The course, says LCPL Kocis, was useful in many ways. “The physical side of things taught me exactly where I need

to be to get to where I want in the Army. The mental side of things taught me what I can endure.”

He says he found some aspects of the course difficult, but they were not the ones he expected. “It was hard going back to being treated like a recruit again.”

During the survival stage the men hunted for food. “We had a vegetarian in our group. There wasn’t much food out there for him. He lost 14kgs.”

Would he recommend it? “Yes definitely. You get to learn so much about yourself.”

14armyTrainingissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

exer

Cise

TaKr

Ouna

armyTraining15issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

Officer Cadets and RNZIR Infantry Corps Trainees from Victor Company 1 RNZIR recently took part in Exercise Takrouna in Waiouru.

Exercise Takrouna is the terminal phase for the Officer Cadets as they had to apply what they have been taught throughout the NZCC year. For the RNZIR Corp trainees it was their first exercise in an open country setting. The exercise was broken down in to three phases, which were the AO clearance, defence and withdrawal.

During the clearance phase Officer Cadets were tested with commanding platoons and employing open country techniques, tactics and procedures (TTP). This included tasks such as clearance patrols, quick attacks and harbouring procedures. The terrain during this phase was challenging as much of it was dismounted patrolling up the training areas higher features such as the Three Kings. To further the challenge for the Officer Cadets and Corp trainees were the wet and cold conditions. These conditions not only tested the physical and mental aspect of each individual, but it also tested the Officer Cadets leadership ability by having to lead soldiers and NCOs’ under these challenging conditions. For the soldiers it solidified their skills in operating in a platoon in an open country environment. For both the Officer Cadets and Corps trainees the AO clearance phase ended with a 9km forced march to the company position where they reconstituted for the occupation of a company defensive position.

The defence was the most mentally challenging phase for both soldiers and cadets. Victor Company, having secured a feature, was tasked with digging in to stage two with overhead protection. The challenge of this phase was that no one was to rest until the task was complete. During this phase it was the first time cadets had been exposed to engineer support, provided by 2 Field Squadron. Whilst the Officer Cadets and Corps Trainees dug in their individual positions the engineers had provided support with the high mobility engineer excavator (HMEE). The HMEE dug in a number of command and support weapon positions greatly reducing the total dig in time. Through out the defensive phase, engineer detachments were attached to platoons. They assisted with tasks such as tactical site exploitation, IED clearance, breaching of obstacles and providing their secondary role as infantryman. A highlight during this phase was when the engineers breached a wire obstacle with the Bangalore Torpedo allowing the platoons to assault and secure an enemy position.

The final phase was the withdrawal, and was one of the many high points of the exercise. Battle Simulation placed within the defensive position simulated prolonged enemy indirect fire and the start of a company defensive battle. This started early at 0500 and did not cease until 0730 on the last day of the exercise. As the battle simulation was exploding soldiers and cadets a live fire defensive battle as platoons sequentially withdrew off the company position. Once the defensive position was abandoned the weather had turned cold and heavy rain began to fell. This carried on during the 8km force march back into Waiouru Camp.

The scenarios Cadets encountered during Exercise Takrouna required them to make quick decisions as there were constant situational changes. With no directing staff to gain guidance from the cadets had to rely on their own experiences through out the year and the experience of section commanders and platoon sergeants from Victor Company.

16armypeOpleissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

$10 quEEnstOWn

CHALLEnGE 2013

2 - 5 OCt 13

teams of two Passed through Waiouru…

After receiving “Orders”

the teams took to the Army Museum and the Gymnasium

Sports-field areas tasked with “Stay Alert,

Observation is Everything”.

Upon completing a PTI perfected concourse, in

awkward costumes, a final Challenge Quiz weighed up

our winning team:Fuzzy Buzzy Bees

linTOn spOrTs COmplex a sTep ClOserThe Linton Sports Complex design is now well advanced,

and is based around an expansion of the existing Linton Sports Club building.

It will see the bar area extended, with a new function room and café.

“We’re aiming for a complex that can become the focal point for sports and recreation in Linton. By developing the site in the vicinity of the Camp gym and pool, it’ll be well placed to provide a good level of service to our soldiers, their families and visiting sports teams,” says Defence Property Group Project Manager CAPT Rob Mowat.

The project has engaged Shadbolt Architects as the design consultants. The company designed the recently completed Combat Support Centre in Linton, which is an excellent modern addition to the base. Shadbolt Architects have provided a concept for the Sports Complex that aligns the functional spaces to maximise sun exposure and solar gain. Outdoor areas will allow families and soldiers to relax, especially during summer.

“One of the key features asked for in the design brief was to allow for the three main functional areas (bar, function room and café) to operate independently of each other, but also be able to be opened up so the whole facility could be used for one activity if needed,” says CAPT Mowat.

Funding for the project is being mainly sourced through the Army Central Welfare Fund which has received a special distribution from the Armed Forces Canteen Council. The project will represent a major investment of central and local welfare funds in a much needed facility for the benefit of the whole Linton community. The wider Army together with the remainder of the NZDF and the community at large will have the opportunity to use the facilities when visiting the Camp for sporting and other activities.

Lieutenant Colonel Glenn King, the Brigade representative on the project steering committee, said sport had always

been a key ingredient in life in Linton. “Organised sport to me is about having a winning attitude, preparation, teamwork and camaraderie. All of these elements resonate within our Defence culture, therefore sports directly supports our ability to generate “combat power”, through our community and teams.”

2 Engineer Regiment will build the facility. Construction is planned to begin early 2014 with the likely opening of the new complex occurring late 2014. The facility will also cater for the Linton Golf Club, the Camp Barber and provide DIXS outlets.

armypeOple17issue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

mOgadishu memOries 20 years OnBy Doon GrovesTwenty years ago Task Force Ranger elements were locked

in a complex battle with Somali gunmen in the city of Mogadishu.

The battle, known as ‘the Battle of Mogadishu’ lasted 18 hours and when the dust settled; 16 Rangers and 2 Malaysian QRF were dead, with a further three Rangers missing in action.

Earlier this month, 20 years after the Battle of Mogadishu, 90 New Zealand Army and Air Force veterans of Somalia converged on Trentham Camp to mark their service in Somalia on the Horn of Africa. One veteran travelled from Scotland, another from Liberia and a handful made it from across the Tasman including one former Australian Defence Force Air Traffic Controller.

Remembering our time in Somalia was the theme for the weekend. This is our story…

In November 1992, a five- man NZ Supply Detachment Advance Party arrived in Nairobi, Kenya to await American instructions to move into Mogadishu, Somalia. After a couple of weeks of delays due to the increasing hostilities in the Somali capital, a few members deployed forward. After a further few weeks all advance party members were in theatre and began making preparations for the main New Zealand group to arrive.

Back in the early 1990s, the New Zealand Defence Force had limited experience with overseas deployments. For example, the perceived threat level in Somalia was assessed to be low, so the advance party went into Mogadishu without weapons. Upon arrival however, things were far from calm, with mortar attacks on the airfield and sniper fire and clan gun battles flaring up in the city. A quick trip to one of the safer markets with a locally employed driver got the advance party the local weapon of choice (the AK47) to protect themselves.

By the time the main body arrived (with Steyrs) the advance party had already established a rations warehouse and had unloaded by hand a ship with tonnes of dry and frozen food. The urgency to get the rations warehouse functioning was critical as a large number of UN contingents in-theatre

were running low on food. Some of the containers on one of the first ships had broken down on route to Mogadishu, so when the unsuspecting Kiwis opened the container doors, they were hit with the smell of rotting meat, which had them keeling over and losing their lunch into the sea.

The Kiwi camp was located inside the Mogadishu Airport. The area was stacked with military equipment and thousands of troops. The movement in and out of the airport was constant as the Americans and other nations ramped up the United Nations effort. The New Zealanders secured themselves a piece of sand dune on the edge of the airport, which is where they set up their canvas 14 x 14 tents. Toileting was in half sized 44 gallon drums which needed daily burning off with a mixture of fuel – not one of the pleasant duties. The Kiwis were initially fed by the Norwegians who preferred a lot of fish in their diet, so for the large Kiwi native blokes, the lack of meat was akin to a Tyrannosaurus Rex being forced to eat plants.

After a few weeks the New Zealand camp was named Taniwha Hill and became the Kiwi footprint for the next 18 months. The camp and hospitality was such that many guests turned up to Taniwha Hill for some Kiwi culture like the popular haka. Taniwha Hill also overlooked the Indian Ocean which was a break from the civil war- damaged city and infrastructure.

The New Zealand Supply contingent’s mission was to provide rations and general stores to the UN- contributing countries including India, Australia, Italy, Pakistan, Belgium, Denmark, and Sweden. The task seemed simple, but the small group of New Zealanders were initially supporting 6,000 UN troops, and that quickly increased and peaked in late 1993 to 22,000 troops.

In January 1993, an RNZAF contingent from 42 Sqn arrived in Mogadishu and established a large tented camp on the airfield. The Air Force mandate was to move humanitarian aid, UN troops and various other tasks using three Andovers. The Air Force also had cooks and a well set up kitchen, which attracted periodic visits by the Army Supply members especially around dinner time. With a series of pay issues, the Air Force also gave the Army contingent a small amount

of money so they could afford to take leave in Kenya. Camaraderie came to the fore continuously.

Kiwi ingenuity was demonstrated in Mogadishu with the manufacture of the drum hangi. Plus, with NZ running the food warehouse, fresh meat and all of the ingredients you could wish for were at our finger tips. The troops ate very well from then on in.

In August 1993, a 120 mm mortar bomb landed 10 metres outside the wire at Taniwha Hill. Luckily the fuse was not set and the bomb did not detonate by the tent lines. Had the bomb landed 30 metres closer to the recreation tent, New Zealand would have had a mass casualty incident. Luck was certainly on our side that day, but also during the many attacks on the airfield and Embassy compound.

On 3 October 1993, the US Ranger battle could be clearly seen by the Kiwis on Taniwha Hill, as the hill overlooked the airport and out towards the city. The battle was about two kilometres away.

The last supply contingent was faced with the withdrawal of the US Forces mid-way through their tour and the probability security within the airport and surrounding area would drastically decline. The contingent spend a considerable amount of time improving the defences on Taniwha Hill with crawl trenches, depth positions, a sangar tower, reserve ammunition pre-positioned in the bunkers and the acquisition of American HUMVEEs.

A small team of New Zealand intelligence operators, media representatives, clerks and the SNO worked at the Embassy in the city. Initially, they slept in their offices at work, but the Australians came to the rescue and put them up in the re-named Anzac House. This trans-Tasman hospitality was reciprocated with an ADF Air Traffic Control team living at Taniwha Hill at the Airport.

The last Kiwis to leave Mogadishu were WO2 Jackson, Capt McDonald and Lt Col Lilley in November 1994.

In those days, we were issued fragmentation vests and drove around in soft skinned vehicles, neither being effective against 7.62 mm bullets and RPG-7’s, a far cry from today’s soldier’s excellent personal protection equipment.

18armypeOpleissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013

• Pre-selection: 16 – 19 Jan 14• selection: 20 – 28 Jan 14• Officer testing: 29 – 31 Jan 14

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 06 Dec 13• Be mentally focused and have the desire to win

Any queries contact the 1nZsAs Recruiting Cell: sAsRec@nzdf.mil.nz or 021 743096

1nzsas seleCTiOn COurse

pasOls examines sOuTh paCiFiC hadr OpsThe 42nd annual Pacific Area Senior Logistics Seminar

(PASOLS) was held in Vanuatu from 15-20 September with the focus on providing logistics support to humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

COMLOG BRIG Lott, CoS COL Craig Stewart, SO1 IE Mr Colin Wooller from DLC, and COL Peter Hanrahan, J4 were the NZDF delegation who attended along with over 100 other military representatives from 27 nations.

“PASOLS provides NZDF with the opportunity to discuss common logistics problems with other militaries and develop solutions that benefit the whole group.

“It’s important that we continue to build our international relationships and form a ‘community of action from a community of interest’ with other senior logistics personnel because we will likely operate in coalition environments on international deployments”, says BRIG Lott.

Presentations from nations such as Sri Lanka, Singapore,

China, Brunei and France outlined their first-hand experience on recent HADR operations. Knowledge sharing is invaluable when looking at how logistics support can be best provided for HADR as often time is the critical factor, especially in disaster situations. As the deputy Prime minister of Vanuatu remarked during his opening address, “HADR is only useful to those who have survived”.

Notable outcomes from the forum included: knowledge sharing on strategic transportation, regional medical capacity-building and operational energy concepts; a chapter on operational contracting support added to the PASOLS Mutual Logistics Support Handbook; and an invitation to the ASEAN Secretariat to enable PASOLS nations to further engage with ASEAN as a whole.

Following the 2004 tsunami NZDF provided support to Banda Aceh, Indonesia, as part of a coalition with other PASOLS nations drawing on relationships formed at PASOLS

to collaboratively help the survivors. BRIG Lott emphasises the importance of continuing to

promote international engagements like PASOLS, not only for the networking opportunities but because it allows us to develop and strengthen our logistics relationships.

“Any deployment undertaken in the Pacific or South East Asia by NZDF will be done in conjunction with one or some of our PASOLS partners. It’s great that we have an excellent relationship with them to the point where we can pick up the phone and have discussions – this really is testament to the strength of the forum.

“As a delegation, we noted that many PASOLS member nations do real HADR regularly and when they talk affected people, they talk thousands – there was and is much we can learn from our PASOLS partners”.

COL Sheau Kai LAM from Singapore presenting a Singaporean book on the SAF deployment to Afghanistan to COMLOG.

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army FOOTBall 2013By Captain Gene fenton, football code chairman

July was a big month for NZ Army Football spanning the length of the North Island over the period 8 – 19 Jul with the Inter-Regional competition in Wellington and then the Inter-Service tournament hosted by Navy in Auckland.

Regional tournamentWRSC, Trentham, hosted the Inter-Regional tournament in

July. Player numbers for regionals were high again this year

with over 70 players competing for 42 positions over the three Army teams, Men’s, Women’s and Over Thirty Fives. A Presidents team was made up of the players not initially selected for their regional squad, this ensuring a four team tournament for the Men’s grade.

Results from the tournament

men Women men

Day One Nthn (3) vs Pres (0)

Cent (3) vs Sthn (0)

Central (14) vs Sthn (2)

Day two Cent (3) vs Pres (0)

Sthn (1) vs Nthn (1)

Sthn (6) vs Nthn (1)

Day three Sthn (3) vs Pres (1)

Nthn (3) vs Cent (0)

Cent (4) vs Nthn (0)

trophies men Women

tournament Winners

Central Northern

Player of the tournament

TPR Jay Margison (Cent) PTE Jaz Lovell (Nthn)

Golden Boot PTE Matty Goddard (Sthn) SSGT Stacey Lock (Nthn)

Inter-service tournamentAs part of their two day training camp, the Army Men and

Women played teams from Upper Hutt Football Club. The games were an opportunity to get a game under the belt and for coaches to trial combinations prior to taking on the other two services.

Post training camp saw the teams take the long road trip to Auckland with a few directed activities and photo ops on the way to break the monotony of the trip, although a long journey it doubled as a forced opportunity for players to get to know each other a bit better and further develop team culture.

Day OneAs the sun rose so did the fitness of the Army side and they

prevailed 1 – 0 over a spirited Navy side on their home turf.The Women’s team was the only other Army team in action

on day one and came out on the good side of a seven goal thriller against a much improved Air Force team.. The final score 4-3 to the Army and their first step towards winning the title for the 3rd consecutive year.

Day twoDue to seedings day two saw the Army OTs and Women’s

team with a rest day and the Men on show for the first time and keen take the title back. The men’s squad boasted 10 new caps who were new to the passion and intensity of Inter-

Service sport but were about to find out against a spirited Navy side who having beaten the current champions, Air Force, 3-1 on day one were keen to wrap the tourney up with a win against Army.

The teams were evenly matched throughout the game which was reflected in the 1-1 score at Full Time. This meant 30min extra time had to be played to try and separate the sides, more fast and physical football but this time no goals scored so after 120mins it remained 1-1, which led into the dreaded penalty shoot out.

The Army players stepped forward and put themselves into trophy contention with an 8-7 penalty shootout win.

Day threeThe final day saw all three Army teams playing to win their

respective grades and inter-Service trophies.First up were the Wrinkly Warriors, the OT’s, against an Air

Force team that had dispatched Navy 3-0 the previous day. Unfortunately Army couldn’t do the same in the short amount of time remaining and went down 3-2.

The second final of the day was Army vs Navy women, with Army Women hoping to take the win and complete three tournament wins in a row.

Another very closely fought, physical game with some great skill and service pride on display. Army opened the account to lead 1-0 early in the first half only to concede two goals from corners and go behind 2-1. Army dug deep and took the battle back to Navy and managed to level the scores at 2-2 before full time and force an extra 30mins of play. Navy soaked up the pressure and against a tiring Army side turned defence into attack and scored the match winner with a couple of minutes left on the clock, a disappointed Army side going down 3-2.

The last game of the day was Army men against Air Force. Due to competition points and goal differences all three services were still in with a chance of taking the title based on the result of this game. Army just had to win, simple as that! Air Force had to win by five goals or more to take the title or win by four or less to hand it to Navy. Needless to say the Navy dominated grandstand was definitely cheering for an Air Force win.

Army were under the pump from the start with two key players having to pass a fitness test before kick-off and another pulling out injured during the warm-up forcing changes to the starting line up. While Army adjusted to the changes Air Force came on strong and scored fairly early in the game and were dominating the majority of the play. Army then settled and started to take control of the game drawing level around the half time break. The play continued to see-saw with both teams dominating at different stages of the game but failing to take the chances they created. A great long range strike from the mid field saw the Army take the lead 2-1 with around 10min left to play in normal time. After a nerve wracking 10mins for the coaches the referee called full time with the Army up 2-1, job done, trophy back in the cabinet!

Results

Ot’s Women men

Day One Army (3) vs Navy(1)

Army (3) vs Air Force (2)

Air Force (1) vs Navy (3)

Day two Navy (3) vs Air Force (0)

Navy (3) vs Air Force (0)

Army (8) vs Navy(7) (Extra Time &Penalties)

Day three Army (2) vs Air Force (3)

Army (2) vs Navy (3) (Extra time)

Army (2) vs Air Force (1)

trophiesThe following trophies were won by Army teams and players.Mens Tournament Winners – Anne Waldie BowlWomens MVP – PTE Nix VunipolaWomens Best and Fairest player – SSGT Stacey LockWomen’s Golden Boot – PTE Anastasia WilsonMost Social – NZ Army Women

nZDf football teamsThe following Army personnel were selected for NZDF teams

which are touring to Sydney in Nov 13 to take part in the Australian Defence Force Football tournament.

POsItIOn nZDf mEn nZDf WOmEn nZDf Ot’s

COACH Mr Daryl Burton (Log Ops Sch)

Mrs Lorraine Bowring (NZEODSQN)

Asst COACH SSGT Steve Parry (HQJFNZ)

CAPT Gene Fenton (2CSSB)

mAnAGER Mr Dave Pilgrim LT Steve Lodge

PLAyERs 2LT Tom Kelly SSGTt Stacey Lock (NRR)

CAPT Gene Fenton (2CSSB)

CPL Dan Martin SSGT Kirsty Meynell

MAJ Mackenzie-Everitt (HQTRADOC)

LCPL Jason Loader (2CSSB)

SGT Chantelle Lock

SGT Nick Vairaktaris (2HSB)

LCPL Chris Beckwith (3 MP PL)

LCPL Alana Stephens

SSGTt Jason Marshall (2CSSB)

TPR Jay Margison (QAMR)

PTE Nicky Vunipola (1RNZIR)

SPR Brad Robb (2 Engr Regt)

PTE Jasmine Lovell (2HSB)

SSGT Phil Lynch (2 Engr Regt)

GNR Shelton Lucas (16 Fd Regt)

PTE Zoe Green (1HSC)

SSGT Paul Jones (16 Fd Regt)

PTE Alec Wardle (1RNZIR)

SSGT Steve Parry (HQJFNZ)

CAPT Jeremy Holloway (1RNZIR)

SSGT Ed Dore-Wright (1RNZIR)

stRAPPER MAJ J Rousseau SGT Doreen Drylie

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army’s summer CyCling prOgramme

The inter Services Criterium will be held on the Lake front at Taupo on 28 November. Watch Navy, Air and Army battle it out in front of a capacity crowd on Friday evening. Last year Army were too strong - who is it going to be this year? Congratulations to the following riders who have been selected to represent Army in this unofficial inter services challenge:

1 Rob Te Moana MAJ Wellington

2 Tom Hirst Mr Wellington

3 Aaron Tregoweth (Trigger) SSGT Wellington

4 Nigel Elder CAPT Wellington

5 Elliot O’Brien 2LT Linton

6 Dominic Furkert 2LT Linton

7 Glenn Kirk MAJ (RES) Palmerston North

8 Brett Grieve MAJ Burnham

9 AJ Simpson SPR Linton

• Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge. Join in this fantastic recreational event on Saturday, 29 November. There are many options, 160km solo, 80km teams, and 40km teams along with mountain bike challenges so this event is suitable for all levels. Enter online at www.cyclechallenge.com and contact one of our Army cycling reps to join the Army team for this unique event. The Army marquee will be at the domain and our reps have travel and accommodation options available.

x South Island: Maj Brett Grieve DTELN: 367 7332 or brett.grieve@nzdf.mil.nz x Wellington: SSGT Aaron Tregoweth DTELN: 347 7061 or aaron.tregoweth@nzdf.mil.nz x Linton: 2LT Elliot O’Brien DTELN: 369 7455 or elliott.obrien@nzdf.mil.nz

• Thurs 16 – Tues 21 Jan 2014 – Inter Regional Cycling Competition based in Linton. We have a great programme of road and MTB events run in conjunction with the Ashurst MASSIVE MULTISPORT festival (www.sportsground.co.nz/tasc - click on the MASSIVE tab). There will be three grades: competitive, sport/recreational and entry level. Entry level events will be manageable for all, with the emphasis on learning and fun. Block out your calendars now, and get ready for a great bit of riding. Train a little or train a lot, and watch out for more info. Choose a sport that will leave you fitter, healthier, and injury free. Turn your daily commute into a training opportunity to look forward to!

Ride Hard/ Ride safe.

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2/1 The ViCTOrs in lOne pine Clash2/1 Battalion took the honours when the Lone Pine trophy

was hotly contested by the Army’s two infantry battalions recently.

Personnel from the participating teams shares their stories here.

RugbyThe 2/1 RNZIR 2013 rugby team fielded a good mix of

young up and coming as well as senior players to take up the challenge of facing our 1RNZIR brothers in arms. 1 RNZIR also fielded a young team with few senior player due to the reshuffle in their unit.

From the kick off both teams went on the assault with no team giving an inch without a fight. 1RNZIR scored first with a penalty to LCPL Ratana. 2/1 RNZIR set a good platform up front in the forward giving the backs good ball to spread wide and score with the forwards showing good execution in their set piece to drive over for another try. Half time score 21- 3 to 2/1RNZIR.

The second half was similar to the first with exchanges of attack from both sides for the first 10 minutes. With the forwards setting the launch pad for backs in the last 30 minutes the latter were able to show some slick move crossing for the last three tries with Barney Te Kani converting all tries, making the final score 45- 3 to 2/1 RNZIR.

Player of the day for 1 RNZIR was PTE Siosaia Filimoemaka blind side flanker and for 2/1 RNZIR it was CPL Vernon Rudolph open side flanker.

soccerIt was that time of year again, Lone Pine was upon us.

This year we had something to prove, and after having the coveted Pine taken from us last year we wanted it back. 2/1 was already winning when we took to the field but losing (in soccer) would mean we were the only team to have lost on Lone Pine. This meant we weren’t taking it lightly; we didn’t want to be the team that let our brothers down. The game

started with both teams looking confident, but within a short period of time 2/1 had changed that with a cracker half volley from the boot of Chris McDonald ending up in the back of the net. Shortly after a free kick taken by Roberts incredibly found its way into the top right hand corner, two-nil 2/1.

Credit to the 1 R boys they didn’t drop lip and shortly before half time scored from a corner to make it two-one.

The second half was just as eventful as the first with many chances coming and going. One of note was a penalty awarded to 1 R. The penalty taker took his shot and it was saved by the cool headed 2/1 keeper Tom Evans. Alas the shooter hadn’t waited for the whistle. Retake. This time the shot made it past the keeper but for the second time he hadn’t waited for the whistle, penalty disallowed.

The game ground on and the 2/1 team ran themselves into the ground, with cramp becoming an issue as the lads were playing their hearts out. The final whistle blew and after ten minutes extra time the 2/1 fitness showed us to be the better team. It still wasn’t decided and it was time for the thing that every footballer dreaded—penalties. Both teams chose their five shooters and the keepers took there place.

The fourth attempt by 1R was guided softly away from its intended gap by the sure hands of the keeper.

What was to be 2/1’s last penalty was to be the money shot and was taken by a calm Paul Dirou (Man of the Match for 2/1).

VolleyballThe Lone Pine competition saw the 2/1-Bn volleyball team

finally upset 1 Bn. Volleyball has usually been a walk in the park for our opponents as they have continued to dominate in this particular code for many years.

Both sides had young and talented team with some volleyball Rep players having been put together for the confrontation. Although we won fair and square, 1 RNZIR never made it easy for us and it was very competitive

throughout. The threat of some very strong and talented individuals from our opposition was countered by our focus to stick to the game plan by utilising our 12-man line-up. A close fought battle was decided by our team taking its scoring opportunities at the crucial times.

A proud moment for our team as not only was it a win in our sport but it secured the Lone Pine trophy. The boys were deserved winners as they trained well and played hard for each other.

Final Score: 2/1 RNZIR - 3 sets to 1 set -over 1 RNZIR

Cross countryTraining for the team started six weeks prior to the Lone

Pine week. The run was a tough 12.6 kilometres of gruelling sweat

and pain and to add to the pain a NW breeze was blowing at approx 16 KPH. Great for the Kerr’s Road section but a pain to start with. Everyone from 2/1 had a personal best (PB) time. PTE Dirou not only completed in the Brigade Skill at Arms, and the Cross Country but played football and was awarded player of the day, well done.

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The Cordite Cup was contested between 16 Fd Regt and QAMR recently, marking the re- establishment of QAMR as a Regiment. The origins of the competition seem to be lost in the mists of time; the current trophy was first played for in 1990. The competition was last held in 2002 where a draw ensued-allowing 16 Fd Regt to retain the cup as previous winners.

This year the tournament consisted of five sports (see sporting summary below). All matches were fiercely competitive with both units displaying strong esprit de corps.

Sports scores and summaries:10 x 1 mile relay. This event was competed by a 300 team

(total age of participants must equal 300) and an open team. In the first event QAMR won the 300 race by 26 seconds with an impressive mix of youthful and experienced runners. The open race was tightly contested with the lead changing several times, 16 Fd Regt pulled away on the 7th runner, ultimately winning by 34 seconds (and therefore gaining an overall victory by eight seconds across the two events)

Volleyball. The volleyball was tightly competed with sets being scored 25 -12, 27-25, 25-20, all to 16 Fd Regt. Both sides displayed a high skill level with some moments of brilliance and long, tense rallies.

Basketball. Basketball saw a strong and experienced 16 Fd Regt team prevailing with a final score of 85-34. QAMR fought gamely, clearly missing some of their star players;

however the Gunner’s six Army representatives could not be contained.

Soccer. Soccer was one of the more entertaining fixtures, played in very windy conditions. After 90 minutes of enthusiastic competition the ball had not seen the back of the net. The resulting penalty shootout was a tense affair with LBdr Voice’s heroics as Goalie allowing 16 Fd Regt to claim a victory 5-4.

Rugby. Rugby was competed for in the 10 aside format in 30 minute halves. As to be expected it was seen as the highlight and finale of the competition. QAMR played a structured game, dominating the rucks and were steered around the field very ably by Tpr Oliver. 16 Fd Regt countered with a powerful running game and strong one on one defence. The score changed hands throughout the game with the Gunner’s strong bench ultimately being the deciding factor, 16 Fd Regt winning 40-31.

Overall 16 Fd Regt won the tournament 5-0 but the final result belies the close competition in most sports. Perhaps the most noteworthy and pleasing aspect of the tournament was the high standard of sportsmanship displayed by all ranks and competitors. Both regiments would like to thank those who supported the tournament, most notably the referees and umpires. The Cordite Cup has made a welcome return to the calendar and the gunners look forward to defending the cup in 2014.

WO1 James Dawson (RSM QAMR), Lt Col James Kaio (CO QAMR), Lt Col Matt Weston (CO 16 Fd Regt), WO1 Wayne McAsey (RSM 16 Fd Regt)

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gunners ViCTOriOus in COrdiTe Cup 2013

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COnquering The maTTerhOrnAfter six months of careful planning, training and a bit of luck electronics technician Corporal Andy Leslie set out to climb one of the world’s most iconic peaks, the matterhorn. Climbing this mountain, he says, was something has had wanted to do for many years.

“At the start of September I arrived in the French town of Chamonix for a week of acclimatization and training climbs. I met my guide, a friendly Dutchman named Roeland in the hotel and less than 24 hours after arriving we were traversing the Arete des Papillons, a technical rock climb in the French Alps. We then hit the mountains and spent the night at 3600 meters before summiting Mont Blanc du Tacul at 4200 meters.

Everything was going well and my guide was happy with my fitness and skill, after 24 hours rest we drove to Switzerland and begun the walk up to the famous Hornli hut built at the base of the Matterhorn over 100 years ago and the accommodation of thousands of hopeful climbers since. After a good nights sleep I was awoken at 4am when the first headlamps started turning on. After a quick breakfast of bread and tea we roped up and made our way to the queue forming at the first fixed ropes. “Don’t try and climb the rocks, it wastes too much time. Just grab the rope and pull yourself up,” Roeland tells me.

I do as he says and find it surprisingly easy; all those rope climbs at PT are paying off. We climb up at a solid pace for the

next 2 hours before reaching Solvey shelter, just as the first rays of morning sun are cutting through the icy air at 4000 meters. After a quick break and a bite of chocolate we are off again, tackling a trickier section, with Roeland lead climbing and setting up a belay. The second half of the mountain is a lot steeper and breathing the thin air is starting to take its toll, I find myself gasping for breath and starting to slow the pace. As I strap my crampons on and pull out my ice axe we hear other climbers talk about giving up, but after all the hard hours spent training and traveling around the world packing it in now is not an option.

We ascend more fixed ropes and tackle some lower grade rock climbs before hitting the snow and ice just below the peak. It is now very steep and I am cautious that each step is perfect; a small slip here with no ropes and you would fall for over a vertical kilometre. I expend a bit more energy smashing my ice axe into the mountain than I need to, but it is worth the confidence it brings in knowing I am safely attached to the ice. We finally hit the summit at 4478 metres and congratulate some other climbers with a friendly “Salut”. After a few photos and a bite to eat we set off again down the mountain. This time I lead the way as I very carefully start

descending the crisp snow, being conscious to keep my feet wide to avoid catching my crampons on anything that would cause a potential fall.

After countless abseils we rappel back down to Solvey shelter. We walk along some very narrow ledges and encounter a group of climbers who look beaten by the mountain. They didn’t make the summit and are now making a very dangerous abseil from a dodgy anchor. We tell them to change their setup and carefully push past. I am reminded of the 600 plus mountaineers who have lost their lives attempting to climb this giant mountain, most of them ill-equipped and under- prepared for the endurance required and the long day of exposed climbing where often a single misplaced step doesn’t bear thinking about. We continue down-climbing and only abseil the steepest sections, finally rappelling past the first fixed ropes I had been so eager to climb some 10 hours earlier.

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whiTe waTer nOrway

norway is a land of fjords and mountains, lakes and rivers, waterfalls and glaciers. Like new Zealand it has a natural playground for adventure sports- rock climbing, paragliding and base-jumping to name only a few, and hence the birth of the ‘Ektremesport Veko’ or Extreme sports Week.

This week long festival gathers the world’s best extreme athletes across many disciplines into a perfect outdoor playground (Voss) and throws in an international music festival into the mix. Army medic Corporal Andy Kennedy was in for the ride

“With my chosen passion as white water kayaking I had saved both leave and funds to head across to join in the festivities, mix with the athletes and chase the joy of water, rock and gravity. I had registered to compete along with a number of other Kiwi kayakers this year including three time world champ Sam Sutton, who would ultimately beat the world again to take the podium at the prestigious ‘Brandseth Downhill’ River Race.

I arrived in Norway a week before the festival and explored some of the glacial areas, both on foot and by kayak before heading to the festival meeting with many international kayak friends. This was going to be an exciting week. However, after only two days of kayaking a minor unloading incident resulted in a blow to my hand, and with function severely impaired I doubted my chances of racing. However after an X-ray and the discovery that my hand could be effectively numbed

by holding it under the snow melt water before paddling I decided to race both individually and in the teams race.

Things would not go so simply though and before my start time another competitor had come to grief on the beautiful but steep river. They had pinned under the current in their kayak and in an escape attempt had ripped their shins and knees backwards from the weight of water pouring over them. Rescue crews were quick to the scene however a friend soon asked me across the river to help carry the injured victim on a 500 metre bush bash to a waiting ambulance. Not the first time I have reverted to my trade as a medic whilst on the river!

With this episode completed I was given a new start time and with hand sufficiently numbed I found myself sliding into the foaming river with the finish line about 400m downstream. To get there one must navigate a number of slides, waterfalls and tight complex rapids, the crux being a 5m waterfall creating a difficult move to resurface quickly in the fast currents of the river. My line was good and making it through the next drops unscathed I launched the last waterfall with all the power my hand could find. But it was

barely enough. I landed in the towback and paddled and paddled trying to get over the recirculating whitewash. I made it but with seconds of lost time and came in predictably down the field, around 15 seconds slower than the final winner of the event (Kiwi Sam). However this was faster than some Australian comrades who had bet beers to whoever was fastest, and with beer prices upwards of $15 each in Norway I put this down as a win!

Two days later I was back, geared up again with my swollen hand for the ‘boater cross’ race, a head to head race down a grade three section of river where 4-5 kayakers fight for position down a 200+m long rapid. However to make it even more interesting all paddlers must catch a violent eddy (backflow of current) and pass around a hanging pole. This caused many rugby style rucks in the middle of the river and I ended up helping to rescue two swimmers from the first two heats.

When my turn came for the initial sprint out of the start gates I couldn’t hold pace with the other three paddlers. Coming to the eddy pole I had time to line up nicely but as I cut in a maul of kayaks was blocking the route in front of

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me. Some quick manoeuvring and some unintentional help from another racer and wham, a gap opened up and I was way ahead by 20 meters or more. Unfamiliar with what to do whilst winning I eased off the pace to make the final move across the river to the finish line. The way the current was crossing my kayak I had only to keep my kayak left but my strength was gone and my hand would not respond. A rock loomed in front and as if in slow motion I clumsily crashed into it, stalling my efforts in the last five metres. I slowly recovered and with only a metre or so to go the two fastest paddlers cut in either side in front of me and advanced to the semi-finals. Whoops.

This mistake would result in many laughs at the final party, however I was also relieved not to put my injured hand through another race. Ultimately the festival is not about competing with each other, but about pushing the limits of oneself and each chosen sport. Many of the ‘crazy’ YouTube videos of wing suit and other stunts come from this week. Search ‘Ekstremesport Veko’ to see some highlights.

`I am thankful to the Army for supporting for me, through the Singapore Fund, to chase my passion and I fully encourage others keen on adventure to get out there and set goals. The personal development potential in adventure is enormous and the Army can benefit from this as a whole. The ELDA wing of the Army Leadership Centre is also a good source of ideas and skills.

Finally, I will leave you with some photos of Norway paddling, and the apt quote “If you’re not on the edge then you’re taking up too much space!”.

28armyspOrTissue 447 | OCTOBeR 2013immediaTe aCTiOn drill in The eVenT OF a VehiCle rOll-OVer pinzgauer

DRIVER:In the event of a vehicle roll-over the first course of action by the

driver, if not prevented by injury is to turn off the vehicle ignition and master switchesOCCuPAnts:Are to attend to their personal safety and wellbeing and, if

possible, extract themselves from the vehicle to an area of safety where assistance can be called or immediate first aid can be administered. • Roll-over less than 30 degrees: Where the wheels have left the

ground on one or both sides and the vehicle has tipped to an angle of less than 30 degrees from the ground plane;

• Put the vehicle back onto its wheels and tow to a flat area.• Allow the vehicle to stand for 10 minutes.• Where possible, turn the engine over with the starter motor in

shorts bursts, not allowing the engine to start.• If the engine turns over and there are no evidence of damage,

restart the engine.• If there is any doubt as to possible damage to the engine, do

not attempt to restart it.Roll-over more than 30 degrees: Where the wheels have left the

ground on one or both sides and the vehicle has tipped to an angle more than 30 degrees from the ground plane;• Do not attempt to turn over or restart the engine.• The vehicle is to be recovered to a workshop for the appropriate

remedial action prior to any attempt to restart the engine.

• Never attempt to exit an overturning vehicle.• Wait until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.• Death or injury can occur from premature removal or disconnection of seat belts or safety

harnesses.• Time and tactical situation are contributing factors when determining the evacuation

procedures for any casualty. All possible attempts are to be made to ensure that no further injury will occur to the casualty during the extraction process.

EVACuAtIOn PROCEDuRE:• Driver shuts down and turns off master switches.• All personnel remain seated until vehicle comes to a complete stop.• All non-injured personnel are to release seat belts (be aware of your position in relation to others in the vehicle).• Driver and co driver grab their weapons and exit through the unobstructed door/s.• Non-injured personnel grab their weapons and exit from the vehicle through the nearest unobstructed door/s.• All personnel are to assemble in a safe area for accountability/security• Injured personnel requiring assistance and where possible one non-injured person is to remain inside the vehicle to offer further

assistance.• Any non-injured personnel are to move to a position outside of the vehicle to assist with the extraction of those injured from inside

and outside of the vehicle. Casualties should be passed from person to person with arms crossed across the chest.Note: If the engine is still running, all reasonable effort is to be made by personnel to carry out the driver’s actions.Due to the nature of armoured variants and the nature of the roll-over, assistance will be required to open doors. A preferred option

will be by exiting through the gunner’s hatch and assisting from the outside of the vehicle.