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