ISSUE 350
armynews
te wero
co’s week in linton
10
AK 06-0064-81
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21 march 2006
afghan step
07
cmyk
02news
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Lithuanian president visits
Three services – one Force
THE WHITE AND BLUE
In an historic first, His Excellency Valdas Adamkas, President of the Republic of
Lithuania, visited New Zealand recently.
He was welcomed into New Zealand with a powhiri from the NZDF Maori Cultural
Group, and a Presidential 21-gun salute in the grounds of Government House.
President Adamkus also inspected a 100-person Defence Force Guard of Honour
and observed the parading of the Queen’s Colours of each service.
Later he attended a wreath-laying ceremony at the National War Memorial
in Wellington, which was attended by the Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal
Bruce Ferguson.
It was the first time a Lithuanian leader had visited New Zealand. Lithuania
gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1990. The republic has since joined
the World Trade Organisation, NATO, and the European Union.
WN 06-0012-15
On a hot, calm Auckland morning, No
6 Squadron RNZAF marched onto the
tarmac in front of their Whenuapai hangar
and before a crowd of VIPs, veterans, and
Defence Force colleagues. The ranks and
files of Air Force blue were broken by the
stark white of naval summer uniform – No 6
Squadron is a joint service unit combining
naval and Air Force personnel under the
command of LTCDR Keith Gilchrist, RNZN.
The 16 March parade marked the formal
re-formation of the squadron, which has
evolved from the Naval Support Flight,
formerly a sub-unit of No 3 Squadron. Air
Vice Marshal Hamilton, the Chief of Air
LT CDR Keith Gilchrist, Arthur Strother, Iain Hill and Norman Atkins
Force, said, “It is not often that we get the
pleasure of establishing squadrons, and
this occasion is important to both the Navy and the Air Force”.
Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Ledson, also spoke during the ceremony. He emphasised that the former Naval Support Flight,
now No 6 Sqn, has set the benchmark for “the joint effect”.
The last surviving pilot from the original No 6 Sqn, Dr Hitchcock, had the privilege of inspecting the flights on parade. He
trained on Catalinas with the US Navy, and in 1943 flew six delivery flights across the Pacific to bring Catalinas to the RNZAF. He
remains proud of No 6 Squadron’s record, which, he pointed out, includes rescuing 80 fliers by open-water landings.
In the crowd, a number of other maritime veterans watched with interest. Some had also flown in No 6 Squadron and in P-3
Orions; others had crewed ships’ flights in the Leander-class frigates. The veterans enjoyed mixing with today’s Air Force and
naval personnel over a cup of tea, sharing memories and learning about today’s Defence Force.
For most it was soon back to work. As the CAF said, “Seasprite tasks are among the most difficult of any of our units; the
environment for ship-borne flying is demanding and unforgiving. You [the new squadron] have the skill and the ability to carry
out these tasks”.
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New era for Defence
The HQ NZDF Executive Leadership Team (ELT),
essentially the NZDF’s “Board of Directors”, held its
inaugural meeting on 1 March marking the beginning of
a new era in strategic decision making for Defence.
Chief of Defence Force, Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson,
said, “This is a new team. It brings together the most
senior leadership in the NZDF to give advice to CDF”.
He said the meeting was an important event, a step
forward for Defence that will result in “streamlined, more
effective management”.
Feedback on the Organisational Structure Review
consultation headed the agenda, which also included
discussion on the Interim Strategic Plan.
L-R: Corporate Financial Officer Maurice Horner, Head of Planning
Establishment of the ELT follows a review of NZDF Graeme Clentworth, CA MAJ GEN Jerry Mateparae, CDF AIRMSHL Bruce
high-level governance as part of the Government’s Ferguson, VCDF AVM David Bamfield, CN RADM David Ledson and CAF
Defence Sustainability Initiative. Its structure is AVM John Hamilton. Absent Commander JFNZ MAJ GEN Lou Gardiner
based on standard business leadership processes.
It will be supported by relevant information through
The Team comprises CDF, CAF, CA, CN, VCDF, COMJFNZ,
consolidated reporting from the DSI-sourced Defence the Corporate Financial Officer and the General Manager
Performance Management.
Operational Support.
Contributed by Barry Allison
MAJ Rob Hoult, Mr Sean Waters, CAPT JJ Pihema, SGT Rob Gathergood
Running against injustice
Around New Zealand some 700 people, including a Army Adventurous Centre
team, are dusting off their walking boots and hitting the hills to prepare for the
100km walk that will help Oxfam New Zealand fight poverty and injustice.
The Oxfam Trailer walk is held in early April, in Taupo. While most teams of
four are walking the track over 36 hours, MAJ Rob Hoult, Mr Sean Waters, Mr
Mark Rayward and SGT Rob Gathergood plan to run the track in 12 hours.
“We have all competed in events over extended duration, individually and
in teams. These events are for the so-called enjoyment of punishing the body,
but this time it is for the benefit of others less fortunate. It will not be enjoyable
having to run 100kms, but for the sake of others less fortunate it is a small sacrifice”, said SGT Gathergood.
The team is hoping to raise $1,500 for Oxfam. The Christchurch Shoe Clinic
has provided clothing for the team, “so if you see us running around in our Shoe
Clinic shirts this is what we are training for”, said SGT Gathergood. “We have a
donation tin at AATC, so if anyone is keen to assist or sponsor us it would be
greatly appreciated.”
armynews
The Army News is published fortnightly for the Regular and Territorial Force and
civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.
Editor: Lorraine Brown, phone 04-496-0225 or DTelN 349-7225, fax 04-496- 0290,
email lorraine.brown@nzdf.mil.nz
www.anzac.govt.nz was launched at Anzac Day
last year, to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the
Gallipoli landings. This easy-on-the-eye site, created
by the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, includes a
virtual tour of the peninsula, maps, and interactive
panoramas, along with short histories and information.
It explodes common myths and misconceptions about
the war, and even contains Anzac biscuit recipes.
Asst Editor: Anna Norman, phone 04-496-0224 or DTelN 349-7224,
email anna.norman@nzdf.mil.nz
Website: www.army.mil.nz
Printing: Hawke’s Bay Newspapers, Hastings.
Layout and design: Steven Fright and Elisha Bunn, DPRU
Editorial contributions and letters are welcomed. They may be sent direct to the Army News and
do not need to be forwarded through normal command channels. Submit them to The Editor, Army
News, DPRU, HQ NZDF, Private Bag 39994, Wellington, or by email with a hard copy signed with the
writer’s name, rank and unit. Hard-copy submissions should be typed, double-spaced and printed
on one side of the paper only.
Nothing in the Army News should be taken as overriding any NZDF regulation. Readers should
refer to the relevant service publication before acting on any information given in this newspaper.
ISSN 1170-4411
www.anzacsite.gov.au is Australia’s website on
the significance of Anzac Day. It contains first-person
records of the Gallipoli campaign, including original
letters, diaries, photos and drawings, and reports
from war correspondents of the day. It also contains
the interactive panels on the Anzac Commemorative
site on the Gallipoli Peninsula, which tell the story of
Gallipoli in 1915.
Web watch
www.army.mil.nz
ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
news03
COLONEL DAVE GAWN
COMMANDER 3 LFG
A view from the south
MAINTAIN WELLNESS
MAINTAIN STRENGTH
MAINTAIN EFFECTIVENESS
By the end of February, there were 170 confirmed human
cases of Avian influenza, type H5N1. It has now spread
to Europe, the Indian sub-continent and Africa, involving
13 confirmed countries. The disease is not yet human-tohuman. A pandemic may be caused by avian flu or by any
other mutated virus.
New Zealand government agencies, businesses and local
bodies continue to prepare the country for a pandemic
outbreak of influenza. HQ NZDF are part of the Interagency
Pandemic Group (IPG).
NZDF are also part of many of the 14 sub-working groups
which include health, border control, legal, law and order,
external, and logistics.
“Tremendous progress has been made already and the
vast majority of government work should be completed by
mid this year. The planning process is ongoing”, said Hon
Pete Hodgson, Minister of Health.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is the lead agency for
planning. They prepare policy and guidance for health
professionals, and hold a national stockpile of Tamiflu. They
have just launched a public advertising campaign.
HQ NZDF are finalising CDF Directive/Plans for Pandemic.
Essentially, it is force maintenance to preserve force
strength, to assist Government with future outputs during a
pandemic.
Part of the NZDF Plan is to educate individuals, units and
families on how to prevent the spread of infectious disease
and maintain wellness. When personnel travel overseas,
they will be briefed before they leave.
Treatment regimes for the NZDF are being sourced, as are
infectious disease personal protective equipment.
NZDF outputs during a pandemic will be formulated at the
time, following governmental request.
For information on pandemics, influenza, and how to
prepare:
– www.moh.govt.nz/pandemicinfluenza
– 0800 AVN FLU (0800 286 358) – pre-recorded assistance
For enquiries, contact BRIG Anne Campbell
Asian aerospace
The mana of Ngati Tumatauenga
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Every two years one of the world’s premier air shows and
technology exhibitions is held in Singapore. In February,
DCA, Brigadier Barry Vryenhoek and a small delegation,
travelled to Singapore as guests of the Singaporean Army,
to attend the Asian Aerospace Exhibition and three warfareoriented conferences.
There was a vast array of the latest military gadgets on
display. Some are commercially available but many are still in
concept form. BRIG Vryenhoek’s primary interest was viewing
the different Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) on display,
and there was enough soldier modernisation equipment on
display to keep the whole delegation fascinated. Interestingly,
in the current information age the Mark One Eyeball is now
a steel ball that you throw into a room to radio back video
images and 40mm grenade launchers will now deploy cameras
on parachutes.
The Singaporeans, in particular, are developing a huge
range of highly technical equipment for their army. Some
of these items are likely to be seen in New Zealand in the
next few years when the Singaporeans visit New Zealand
on exercises.
When asked to contribute an editorial to the Army News I had to wonder at
what I might say that had not already been said by CA, SM of A, and others.
Having been away from New Zealand for the past 12 months, one could
observe that the more things change, the more they stay the same. The issues
today are not dissimilar to those of yesterday: recruiting and retention are still
our main effort; operations our main focus; people our most cherished resource;
and the DSI our opportunity. But a view from the south on these issues will not
be significantly different to a view from anywhere else, so, in pondering this
dilemma, I asked: What is 3 LFG? What is our raison d’etre? What defines us,
and are we different to the rest of the Army? ATG is our centre for knowledge and
training. Wellington is about policy and governance. 2 LFG is cavalry operations,
combined arms teams. Auckland is Special Forces... and 3 LFG?
Having asked several members of the Formation these questions, it became
evident that there was no common view as to what and who we are. Responses
invariably talked about training, meeting government outputs, supporting the
dependency, and sustainment for 2 LFG. Or they focussed on particular units
such as 2/1 RNZIR, and QA Squadron. Whilst all are correct I contend that 3 LFG
also has a single unifying idea: “light operations”. It is simple, it is self-evident,
but it is not to the fore of our consciousness. Whilst this focus may evolve as
the 3rd manoeuvre unit is brought on line, right now, we are the home of light
operations. What does that mean? Quite simply, everything we do should make
us lighter and more lethal. And just as the Navy ask themselves “does this make
the boat go faster?” we must ask, “does this make us lighter and more lethal?”.
This is as much about 3 Log Bn, or 3 MP Pl as it is about 2/1 RNZIR. It is an
attitude, a state of mind, a philosophy, and it has at its core an understanding of
the term “light”.
Light forces choose to fight in complex terrain and are equally at home in the
jungle, mountains or cities. We are comfortable in population-based operations.
We are more strategically mobile and responsive than heavier forces, but we
are also more vulnerable. Ultimately, we rely on what we and our mates can
carry. Our fighting platform is ourselves and our edge is our guile. We must be
technologically enabled, but not reliant on technology. We must be adaptable,
and this means we must be comfortable outside of our comfort zone; we must be
agile, able to turn our mind to the problem at hand and able to quickly transition
organisationally within the “3-block war” construct; we must be audacious
without being fool-hardy in order to seize the opportunity when it presents itself;
and finally we must embrace austerity: “What ya got is what ya got” and it is never
going to seem like enough.
Of course these are not unique to 3 LFG but we need to champion them.
So there will be a greater emphasis on enhancing the capability of the basic
fighting platform, the soldier, be it through human performance initiatives such
as CQB (see page 13), nutrition, and physical conditioning, cultural empathy
and awareness training in order that we better understand population-based
operations, or junior leadership training to instil that quality of audacity. Yes, the
Army is changing but some things stay the same: adaptability, agility, audacity
and austerity. Self confident in who we are and what we do, 3 LFG is the home of
the “light operations”.
MAJ Lindsay Amner (MA to DCA) and CAPT Leroy Forrester
(Army Experimentation and Innovation Programme) check out
the latest Apache helicopter at Asian Aerospace
The visit was extremely valuable. It showed the delegation
the direction of future technology and will enable our Army
to plan its development utilising some of the spectacular
technology now available. The visit also further cemented
the relationship between the New Zealand and Singaporean
armies, which is becoming stronger year by year.
E nga Mana, E nga Reo, E nga Rau Rangatira o Ngati Tumatauenga tena koutou katoa.
To the Linton and Trentham Military Camps, thank you for your support shown
to Rangi, Norm and the family while I was at sea. I have an appreciation of the
Courage, Commitment, Comradery, along with the Integrity, that Ngati Tumatauenga
holds. The support was given without delay when a fellow soldier needed a tower
of strength when required, in every aspect.
To all the soldiers and whanau of the New Zealand Army, “thank you” are the
only words I can find to express my gratitude to you all.
Within my eyes and along with my Whanau, the mana of Ngati Tumatauenga
stands strong.
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts.
Huutia te rito o te harakeke
If you pluck out the flax shoot
Kei whea te koomako e ko
Where will the bellbird sing
Ka rere ki uta, ka rere ki tai.
It will fly seawards, it will fly inland
Ki mai koe ki au, he aha te mea nui o te Ao
If you ask me, what is the most important thing in the world?
Maku e ki atu
I will answer
He tangata , He tangata , He tangata
Dis people , Dis people , Dis People
Naku Noa Rob Hewitt
cmyk
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04deployment
L-R: UNMO FLTLT Neil McGarvey, UNMO MAJ Shayne Te Aika, and SNO LTCDR Joe Mills
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Reflecting on Sudan
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MAJ Te Aika during a meeting with a militia commander
MAJ Te Aika at a rebel commander meeting in Southern Sudan
Dusty plains of Sudan
Major Peter Hall has arrived in Khartoum to take up a United
Nations Military Observer (UNMO) position in Southern Sudan.
Along with Squadron Leader Hans Van Leeuwen, MAJ Hall will
replace MAJ Shayne Te Aika and FLTLT Neil McGarvey, who will return
to New Zealand, having been in Sudan since last September.
Military observers are located at various team sites throughout
Southern Sudan. The teams, which range from four to 50 personnel,
observe, monitor and verify the activities of the Sudanese Armed
Forces and the Sudanese People Liberation Movement/Army,
to ensure they adhere to the peace process set in the 2005
Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
Major Shayne Te Aika arrived in Sudan September 2005 and was
based in the Southern capital of Juba, on the Nile river. He led a
team of United Nations Military Observers (UNMOs) to establish a
UN presence in the town of Torit.
Southern Sudan is a contrast to the desert plains of Northern
Sudan. The landscape is much greener and the temperatures
cooler. Sadly, there is little evidence of the sort of animal life that
one imagines in an African country. Most have been killed for food,
or pushed into the neighbouring countries.
Juba is home to the Sector 1 UN Regional Headquarters. The
regional headquarters has military and civilian international staff.
Providing security to the UN staff is an infantry battalion from
Bangladesh. The regional headquarters’ main focus is supporting
UN staff deployed throughout the region, such as UNMOs, civil
police and other UN agencies. The UNMOs are the local eyes, ears
and voice of the UN. Observer teams, at various sites throughout
the region, comprise anywhere from four to 50 UNMOs.
There is little infrastructure to support the large population. UN
staff are accommodated in tented camps and fed by an international
contractor. In the south, most of the population are Christian, as
opposed to Muslim. As a result, they are more tolerant of western
culture such as clothing and alcohol, and more understanding of
western attitudes.
Soon after arriving in Juba, I was deployed 140km southeast to
the area of Torit, to establish a UN observer presence. During the
wet season, the only way to and from the area is by air. In the dry
season, the key routes to Juba (to the northwest) and Kenya (to the
south) are navigable by vehicle; however, the roads are in very poor
condition and most are only one vehicle width wide.
Although mines are prevalent on the key routes, they are more
so on tributaries. The mine threat poses significant risk to our team
and reduces our freedom of movement; however, the key routes are
slowly being cleared by de-mining organisations. As a team leader
here, I undertake risk-assessment activities to mitigate the real
threat of a mine strike to one of my patrols.
The observer team in Torit has a range of duties and
responsibilities. As the first permanent UN presence in the town,
we are paving the way for other UN agencies and non-governmental
organisations (NGO) to establish a presence and provide aid to
the region, including reconstructing and rebuilding infrastructure,
political office and administrative management functions.
A key function of the team is to observe, monitor and verify the
activities of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudanese People
Liberation Movement/Army. We ensure they adhere to the peace
process in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), negotiated in
2005. The team also deals with other armed groups, tribal affiliations
and general community relationship building matters. Much of
our work involves relationship building. A working day is spent
discussing aspects of the peace agreement through negotiation
and/or mediation. Our key goal is to promote the peace process (the
CPA), encourage the parties to resolve their differences by peaceful
negotiation, and to monitor and verify their actions.
Generally, the local population are supportive of the United
Nations’ presence. They want peace so they can rebuild their lives in
a safe and secure environment. Sickness, lack of medical assistance,
medical supplies and inadequate food sources tend to dominate
daily life. UN and other agency aid is yet to reach Torit and the locals
have high expectations of the UN. There is a degree of peace in the
Torit region, but it is always in danger of destabilising at any stage.
MAJ Te Aika was repositioned to Khartoum halfway through his
tour, to assist with training the military observers in their roles
as UNMOs.
The UNMO training cell has capacity to train 30 military observers
every fortnight. The course revises officers in GPS-assisted navigation,
UNMO patrol procedures and routines, communications procedures,
operational matters and mine/uxo awareness. In February 2006, the
cell trained its 600th observer.
I feel privileged to have been considered experienced enough to
have been included as part of a small and dedicated training team,
which has significant responsibility. Besides being a trainer and
facilitator, a fair proportion of diplomacy and tact is required. For
many, it is a whole new learning experience.
I leave the mission satisfied that I have utilised the many skills that
I have learned throughout my career as a soldier and as an officer.
The New Zealand work ethic and ethos, our interactive nature, and
our professionalism, gains us respect as credible contributors. Our
training standards in New Zealand, when preparing for operations,
are second to no other country.
Contributed by MAJ Shayne Te Aika
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deployment05
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ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
WN 06-0110-06
LT Jason Tinsley talks with local doctor
NZPRT medic CPL Timmy Reiber (2HSB Medic)
NZPRT and US Medical Team vaccinate local animals
Medics and Vets
of animals treated more than doubled
from the day before. Again, the District
Sub Governor and security force chiefs
attended the clinic to provide greetings and thanks to the MEDCAP, and to
interact with locals.
The final clinic was held at the village
of Cahar Dewali. This proved to be the
busiest with approximately 2,000 people
assessed and treated during the fivehour clinic. A total of over 7,000 people
and animals were seen.
Overall, the MEDCAP mission in
Yakawlang was a huge success. It helped
to strengthen the legitimacy of the provincial government of Bamian, and reinforced the positive relationship between
coalition forces and the local population.
The positive role played by the Afghan
Security Force commanders and their
staff, demonstrated to the local people
that they are capable representatives for
the people and a versatile instrument of
the local government.
Contributed by MAJ Jason Healee,
Kiwi 1 LNO
Patrol to Toopchi village
Brigade Headquarters of the 1st Brigade, 82 Airborne Division, is
located near the town of Khowst in southern Afghanistan (our camp
is known as Forward Operating Base, Salerno). We command eight
PRTs and a number of manoeuvre battalions throughout eastern
Afghanistan. The Kiwi PRT consists of 94 New Zealand Defence
personnel and is located on the western reaches of the Hindu Khush
Mountains of central Afghanistan, some 200km from the Brigade
Headquarters. The flight time to Bamian from Khowst, by helicopter,
is about one-and-a-half hours.
I am the liaison officer between the American Brigade Headquarters
and the Bamian PRT. I am the only non-American who lives and works
on Salerno Forward Operations Base.
When the Brigade Commander, Colonel Pat Donahue, goes to
Bamian I accompany him in a Blackhawk helicopter. We moved as a
“two-ship” flight, which means that we had an Apache helicopter as
our escort. Some experience in Blackhawks is required, as one must
select the right seat in order not to be blasted by sub-zero winds that
whistle through the machine gunner’s open portal.
We approach the landing zone outside the Bamian PRT, where
infantry soldiers deploy – as much for keeping any wandering stock
from interrupting our landing as for security. Group Captain Steve
Moore, the Kiwi senior national officer, and LT COL Morgan Proctor,
our second in command, meet us. We’re taken to the briefing room
where COL Donahue is updated on the situation in the Kiwi province.
After lunch we don our ballistic vests, “battle bowlers” and
A member of NZPRT helps a sick child, with the assistance of a US medic
WN 06-0110-02
After a night squeezed in at the
FPB – built for 15 – the 52 members
of the combined MEDCAP and NZPRT
conducted the first of three open clinics
at Nayak, the main centre of Yakawlang
district. The Kiwis and US personnel were
visited by the District Sub Governor, Nor
Mohammed; the District Chief of Police,
Mohammed Naeem Qazavee; and the
District Chief of NDS, Namet Allah.
Nor Mohammed said that the MEDCAP
was very welcome to the district. The
coalition forces’ assistance providing
medical care to the people and livestock was a huge boost to the district’s
ongoing development. The NDS and ANP
commanders provided troops to assist
with crowd control and coordination.
Physicians and other local medical
practitioners assisted with all three
MEDCAPs. The MEDCAP served as an
excellent vehicle for the involvement of
the local practitioners and the cooperation between parties was very evident.
The second clinic, conducted at Dagar,
was very much a rural affair. The numbers
L-R: GPCAPT Steve Moore (SNO NZPRT 7), COL Pat Donahue (TF Devil Bde Comd),
and SGT Pat Allen (Bde Comd’s Comms Op) during a visit to Toopchi Village
WN 06-0110-01
In early March, the MEDCAP (Medical
Capability) team flew into Bamian
Province to carry out two three-day
missions. The team was escorted to
the KIWI Team 1 (KT1) Forward Patrol
Base (FPB) in the western district of
Yakalang, where the first mission was
conducted.
The function of the CJCMOTF
MEDCAP and VETCAP was to vaccinate, de-worm, and provide basic
medical care to the local nationals and
livestock. They also provide personal
hygiene, preventive medicine education, and staff training to local medical
practitioners. The MEDCAP also offer a
range of acute minor illness services
and nutritional supplements.
The 14-member KT1 Patrol was
commanded by MAJ Jason Healee. KT1
provided the reconnaissance, liaison,
force protection (FP) and sustainment
support to the MEDCAP, with extra
assistance provided by members
of the NZPRT, commanded by LT
Jason Tinsley.
webbing, grab our weapons, and are briefed on our trip to
Toopchi village.
The poverty of Toopchi village is immediately apparent. The
houses are made of mud brick and straw, with flat roofs. The
village is located on a slight slope and many of the houses are
built into the hillside, with UNESCO tents for entrances. The
people of Toopchi belong to the Hazara Tribe who are Shia
MAJ Tod: At the NZPRT in Bamian
Muslims and, as such, were subjugated by the Taliban. In
were more smiles around the room.
the late-1990s many Hazara fled to Iran and Pakistan. Many returned
COL Donahue and GPCAPT Moore were thanked for the support
to Bamian 18 months ago to find their houses destroyed and their land
being provided to Toopchi village. Stepping outside we were
occupied by strangers.
reminded of how cold it is at 8500ft in the Hindu Khush.
Village headman Sheik Muhammad and the Coalition Force leaders
Visiting Toopchi village was a sobering affair for staff officers who
engaged in much discussion. There are considerable health issues
were not accustomed to such abject poverty. They have no running
within the village, and Sheik Muhammad complained about untrained
water and the water they do have is filthy. There is no electricity, no
teachers in the school. GPCAPT Moore told him that he would discuss
sanitation, high rates of illiteracy and their child mortality rate is one
this matter with the Provincial Governor. CAPT Shaun Fitzell, Bamian
of the highest in the world. They have endured war for 25 years and
village PRT nurse, has been working with the village leaders to provide
survived the deprivations of refugee camps in Pakistan. In spite of
cash income for the village.
this, the people of Toopchi are a proud and dignified people, with the
CAPT Fitzell updated the assembly on the chicken farm that is being
ability to withstand great privations and the will to make the best of
developed for the village. He will provide coalition funding to build the
what they have.
chicken farm, providing the initial stock and a training programme to get
The Kiwis at Bamian PRT will make a difference in these
the project started. The villagers were impressed by the progress made.
people’s lives and the lives of many similar villages throughout
COL Donahue then discussed with Sheik Muhammad his carpet making
Bamian Province.
venture. At the end of this discussion, CAPT Fitzell was tasked to examine
Contributed by MAJ Graeme Tod
the issues involved in providing the village with their own looms. There
cmyk
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06deployment
LCPL Segal tackles the water obstacle
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Drivers winners in Sinai
CPL Britt-Foy recces the obstacle
CPL Britt-Foy and MAJ GEN Martinelli
WN 06-0112-01
The New Zealand driving team of CPL Marty Britt-Foy and LCPL Jason Segal claimed the top prize at the
Multinational Force and Observers Driving Skills Competition, in Sinai.
The competition, held biannually over three days, saw participants competing in a number of stands
including cross country driving, technical skills, fault finding and driving theory.
A second New Zealand team of LCPL Po Pomare and PTE Ross Wakefield also took part in the competition,
along with 18 other teams from 10 nations.
CPL Britt-Foy, a TF driver from 2 Cant NMWC Bn Gp and the New Zealand driving team section commander,
was placed first in the cross country circuit. He scored second highest individual overall and second in the
skilled driving section.
The teams were managed by WO Tash Mana (RNZAF) and CPL Jackie Tuala.
WO Mana attributed the win to the dedication and teamwork of the drivers. “We prepared by studying
together as a group in the evenings after missions and the drivers gave up their days off to fine tune their
practical skills. The other drivers in the section supported the competitors by volunteering to drive the
longer missions into Israel and the COLBATT AO, so that they could have more practice time. The win is a
credit to all the drivers.”
The competition was organised by the four driving instructors in the New Zealand Training and Advisory
Team who are responsible for driver licensing, standards and training within the MFO.
Senior driving Instructor WO2 Paul Connor was pleased with the way the competition was conducted.
“Overall, the standard of skill across all contingents was very high, with many participants having competed
in the previous event. It was particularly pleasing to see the Kiwis doing so well and further enhanced our
reputation as being the centre of excellence in driving matters for the force.”
Each contingent provided judges to ensure impartiality across the competition.
New Zealand contributes an eight-driver section, drawn from all three services and attached to a
Uruguayan transport company. Kiwi drivers regularly win MFO driving awards, for tens of thousands of
kilometres of accident-free driving accumulated during their six-month tour.
Contributed by CAPT Tony Sumner
NZCMFO Sinai, Egypt
WO Mana, CPL Britt-Foy, LCPL Segal, LCPL Poe and PTE Wakefield
ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
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deployment07
In a dusty, sun-baked field seven Afghani men are deep in
conversation with a group of New Zealand soldiers, awaiting
the delivery of a pile of blankets to help them survive the
coming winter freeze.
Suddenly there are raised voices and a fight breaks
out. The soldiers move quickly and efficiently to quell the
fracas, moving the perpetrator to one side and negotiating a
resolution to the issue at the centre of the dispute.
The argument, and the threat of a riot that ensues, is a
training scenario that is preparing the latest contingent of
Provincial Reconstruction Team personnel for what they are
likely to encounter in Afghanistan during their forthcoming
six-month deployment.
The scene is being played out at Tekapo Military Camp
which, with a backdrop of the Southern Alps, bears remarkable
similarities to the central highlands of Afghanistan where
the NZPRT team is based.
scenario
AFGHAN STEP
Navy takes the lead
Captain Ross Smith, RNZN, has spent more of his career on ships than on land, but
that has not put him off becoming commanding officer of the land-based Provincial
Reconstruction Team.
“There are different challenges involved in a land-based operation, but overall
management is very similar. I am honoured to be selected for this role”, he says.
CAPT Smith commanded the frigate HMNZS Te Kaha during a fisheries patrol of the
Antarctic Ocean in severe storm conditions in 1999. He went on to become part of the
planning team for Project Protector, which is the acquisition of seven new ships for the
Navy, and in recent years has been based at Joint Force Headquarters.
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Troops relaxing between briefings. SGT DeJong (centre)
©THE PRESS
The pre-deployment training for the next rotation of NZDF personnel bound for Afghanistan
ended last week.
The contingent took part in Exercise Afghan Step, a scenario-based exercise to which the
media, and a number of senior Defence personnel, were invited.
The media came along to see the type of situations the NZPRT faces, or could face, in
Afghanistan. The officers, including Commander Joint Forces, and Chief of Army-designate,
Major General Lou Gardiner, Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Ledson, Maritime Component
Commander Commodore David Anson, Colonel Phil Gibbons, Commander Lance Cook and
Squadron Leader Dai Williams (all from Joint Forces New Zealand) attended the exercise to
see the type of training the latest contingent undertook.
The pre-deployment training began with a series of lectures about what the PRT members
will find when they reach Afghanistan; the cultural and political situations they will
encounter; and the types of operations they will undertake.
It also included weapons familiarisation and training, both individually and collectively,
and Rules of Engagement training and awareness. The contingent practised dealing with a
road ambush – a worst-case scenario – explained Senior National Officer (Navy) Captain
Ross Smith. “We are not going to war, but there are risks. I aim to bring everyone home
safely”, he said.
While much of the pre-deployment training is similar to that undertaken by previous
rotations, the experience and expertise of those who have already served in Afghanistan
is being used.
LT COL Greg Allnutt, who was deputy commander of a previous Afghanistan taskforce
group, helped design and run Exercise Afghan Step.
Warrant Officer Chris Wilson, who put the training package together, said scenariotype training was ideal for allowing people to learn experientially; members of 3 Signals
Squadron were enlisted to grow beards and don Afghani head gear, and take on the roles of
Afghani locals, similar to those the PRT will probably encounter.
Aid distribution is one of the PRT roles, as is encouraging peace and stability in
Bamian Province.
WO Wilson, previously RSM for 2 Log Battalion but now the training warrant officer for
2 LFG, said he had no problems enthusing the latest rotation. “They are keen and eager
to learn, and they’re looking forward to deploying. I think we have prepared them for
everything they are likely to encounter. It has been invaluable having former PRT members
working alongside us.”
As well as delivering aid and promoting peace and stability, the PRT will be conducting
quality assurance on projects that are already underway, and looking at developing longerterm projects for local communities to complete.
©THE PRESS
Off-road driving training – driving through rivers and rough terrain
Urban patrolling training
Vehicle incident training, taking notes
cmyk
08news
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who is where?
overseas training Programme
nz personnel overseas
NAME
COURSE
LOCATION
LT DARROCH BALL
Logistics Officer Basic
Bandiana, Australia
2LT STUART TYLEE
ROBC (GBAD)
Pukapunyal, Australia
LCPL ROSS HOOD
Electronic Engineer
Advanced Diploma
Royal Melbourne Institute of
Technology, Australia
Mutual Assistance Programme
overseas army personnel in NZ
NAME
MAJ ESSO
COUNTRY
Papua New Guinea
COURSE
Grade 2 Staff and Tactics
MAJ FOO CHAI KWANG Singapore
Grade 2 Staff and Tactics
CAPT KOLINISAU
Fiji
Combat Intermediate
CAPT BUNUK
Papua New Guinea
Combat Intermediate
SGT VILLALBA
Philippines
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
SGT NACANI
Fiji
Senior Non-Commissioned Officer
PTE DIVOVERATA
Fiji
Junior Non-Commissioned Officer
(Burnham)
PTE RASOTALE
Fiji
Junior Non-Commissioned Officer
(Burnham)
PTE PHILIP CHRISTIE
Vanuatu
Junior Non-Commissioned Officer
(Linton)
PTE ANDREW NAKALO
Vanuatu
Junior Non-Commissioned Officer
(Linton)
PTE HAVILI
Tonga
Ammunition Handler
Soldiers take a break to relax and admire the view during a six-hour tramp
Junior Leadership training is often hard work but
enjoyable – a week out of the office challenging mind,
body and spirit. In late-February, Whiskey Company from
1 RNZIR stationed themselves at Awahou Marae in Rotorua
completing physical and mental team-building challenges.
The training gives junior leaders the opportunity to
practice leadership skills and techniques, in turn giving
them confidence. The soldiers are required to meet timings,
give orders prior to each activity and carry out specific tasks,
such as navigation and identifying landing zones (LZ).
The company was split into three groups, each spending
a day tramping the Western Okataina track from Lake Rotoiti
to Lake Okareka, white-water rafting on the Kaituna River,
and mountain biking in Whakarewarewa Forest. Although
some found the activities physically demanding, there was
a great sense of satisfaction afterwards, said SGT Robert
Kelly, SNCO IC of one of the groups.
The Officer Commanding Whiskey Company, MAJ James
Kaio, organised activities every evening. “We had a trivia
night, impromptu speeches and a general quiz night. They
were really enjoyable but definitely competitive!” said LCPL
Jacob Lewis.
“There have been a lot of new people posted into the
company this year. It gave everyone the opportunity to get
to know each other, creating a good team environment.
And it’s good to have some enjoyable training away from
the Army environment before cracking into another busy
year”, said CAPT Kevin Williams, 2IC Whiskey Company.
Soldiers were also given the opportunity to go on a
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Training our future leaders
Soldiers white-water rafting on the Kaituna river
five-day scuba diving course in Palmerston North. Eight
people took up the opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed the
experience. The open water dives were conducted at Island
Bay in Wellington, although no-one got the chance to dive on
HMNZS Wellington.
Soldier going home
Lending a hand in tragedy
In early February, two light planes from the Massey University School of
Aviation collided over Opiki and crashed, killing two young trainee pilots.
Soldiers from 2 Engineer Regiment at Linton Military Camp, WO2 Mike Tait and
SGT Manga Nathan-Patuawa, assisted Police and the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA) by providing a large fork-lift to move the wreckage of both aircraft.
The fire engine from Linton also attended and assisted, as there was a danger
of fire from leaking fuel.
“Their assistance was greatly appreciated and was of great help in respect of
that tragic incident”, said Detective (and TF Warrant Officer Class One) Dennis
O’Rourke, from OCU in Palmerston North.
The soldiers worked with the Police, the Fire Service, an undertaker and CAA
officials to complete the task. “Everyone had their job to do, and they were very
professional with the way they handled themselves”, WO2 Tait said.
A fallen WWII soldier was returned home over 60 years
after leaving his homeland, the US, with help from New
Zealand members of the Regional Assistance Mission in
the Solomon Islands.
In January 2006, a Solomon Islander from Barana
Village, on Guadalcanal, was fossicking in the jungle
at a former battle site known as Sea Horse, when he
discovered a set of “dog tags”. After the authorities
were advised, a team of New Zealand Police officers,
part of the assistance team in the Solomon Islands,
went to the site. They recovered the remains of Private
Martin Odenthal, an American soldier killed in the battle
against the Japanese on 10 January, 1943.
PTE Odenthal of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 35th
Infantry Regiment of the 25th Division of the US Army,
was one of three brothers serving in the US Armed Forces
in WWII. His brother Albert was also killed while fighting
for the Solomons. Another brother, Ralph, was serving
in the US Navy and was sent home when his brothers
were killed. Ralph is still living in the US.
PTE Odenthal was buried by his comrades, where he
fell. When his remains were located, the New Zealand
officers offered a karakia. PTE Odenthal was returned via JPAC
(Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command) in Hawaii, for eventual
repatriation to his family in the United States.
A contingent from the Solomon Islands Police, New Zealand
Police and the NZ Army paid their respects as the remains were
flown from Henderson Field, Honiara.
JOHN INNES
WO2 Tait and SGT Nathan-Patuawa move the wreckage
PTE Odenthal’s remains are farewelled at Henderson Field,
Guadalcanal by MAJ Greg Moyle 3 Auck North, currently serving
as 2 I/C CTF – Combined Task Force, Solomon Islands
ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
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COL Hayward in the Riverdance production
COL Hayward participates in the annual Arohanui Hospice fundrasing challenge
My two left feet
Reported by Caroline Williams
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Better
all the time
drilled”. In fact, COL Hayward felt more pressure on
Thursday night’s practice run than on performance night.
The performers were able to invite friends and family to
watch them on Thursday evening.
“The crowd on Thursday really got into it and the
performance was a lot of fun”, he said. On Friday night,
guests wore black tie and ball gowns, not sure what to
expect. Receiving a great ovation from the audience, “they
must have liked it”, he said.
The dance took about 10 minutes and COL Hayward had
two-and-a-half minutes of fame on stage. “On the night
we were told to smile but I couldn’t count and smile at the
same time”, he laughed.
With not many dancers over two metres tall, COL
Hayward’s shoes had to be tailor made. But even size 14
shoes were not big enough and had to be stretched. The
tap shoes other performers wore were authentic, made
from the original Riverdance Irish dancer’s shoes.
The dance raised over $25,000. More is expected through
the ball and charity auction held in conjunction with it.
Wing Commander Johanne Bosch, Base Commander at
RNZAF Base Ohakea, also performed in the B-Team. His
“God Awful Thingy-ma-jigs” performance was a hit with
the crowds.
Murray Davies, from the RNZAF, volunteered his time to
do the lighting and sound for the event.
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COL Hayward ready to take centre stage
Kicking up his heels at a live performance to the Riverdance
was not what Colonel Lofty Hayward, Commanding Officer
2 LFG, Linton Army Camp, envisaged himself doing five months
ago. However, he performed in front of over 300 spectators
at the Te Arohanui Hospice Charity Ball in Palmerston
North recently.
COL Hayward is always up for a challenge, so when
Liz McGuiness, the organiser of the Te Arohanui Hospice
fundraiser approached him five months ago, he couldn’t
resist. He joined other business people from Palmerston
North, including Palmerston North MP Steve Maharey,
Barrista Restaurant’s Jane Jorgenson, and Centrepoint
Theatre’s Carl Perigo. The fundraising dance was held at
Speirs Centre before the Arohanui Hospice Charity Ball at the
Carlton Hotel.
Each person from the group of 15, known as the A-Team,
had to raise $1,000 for the hospice. COL Hayward managed
to raise about $3,000 – giving full credit to his executive
assistant, Linda Jarvis. “Linda was my campaign manager
and she was great!” said COL Hayward.
The five-month lead up was intense. “Back then I really
didn’t appreciate the commitment which was going to be
involved in the practices”, he said. “We had classes every
Wednesday night, and Sundays for three hours, with the final
week being very intense”.
“Having two left feet made it a real challenge too and, sure
as eggs, the males all struggled prior to Christmas.”
On the night he was feeling pretty confident and “well
The Youth Life Skills (YLS) programme grew this year to include
two new colleges, the Opihi Services Academy, from Temuka, and
the James Cook Services Academy, from Auckland. They joined
the other three service academies: Linwood, from Christchurch,
Logan Park, from Dunedin, and Mawhera, from Greymouth.
During their course, students participate in drill, barrack
routines (military housekeeping), physical training/sport, and
adventurous/outdoor activities. They also learn goal setting,
communication skills, personal presentation, teamwork,
leadership, awareness of drugs/alcohol, anger management, and
health and hygiene.
During their training, students compete for three trophies: the
Sports trophy, which was won by the Mawhera; the Drill Cane,
won by Linwood; and the Longest Day competition, won by the
James Cook Services.
The James Cook Services Academy march past the podium
Brigadier Rhys Jones, assistant chief of development, reviewed the
march-out parade. As a keen supporter of YLS, he was pleased to see
the programme had grown to include two new academies. He said
“the skills learnt on this important programme will last a lifetime.
The Longest Day competition trophy was awarded to the James Cook
Services Academy, Auckland. Mr Laula is accepts the trophy on behalf
of his academy, presented by BRIG Rhys Jones
Students leave this course knowing they can be an example to
others around them.”
Reported by Alison Comrie
cmyk
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10news
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Sir John Mace formally welcomed after the challenge
Sir John Mace presents COL Hayward with his 25-year bayonet
attitude and
enthusiasm
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This year’s second Commanding Officer’s
(CO’s) Week was held in early March for personnel
at 1 RNZIR, Linton Military Camp. The CO’s Week
allows soldiers to focus on the things which
make the Army enjoyable and different from any
other job, said 1 RNZIR’s Commanding Officer,
Lieutenant Colonel John Howard.
The battalion parade kicked off the week,
formally welcoming the new Honorary Colonel,
Lieutenant General (Retired) Sir John Mace,
KBE, CB, OBE. Sir John Mace commended the
appearance of those on parade, and noted
the Maori challenge was the best he had seen.
Later, he was presented his Operational Service
Medal (OSM) for service in Malaya, Borneo, and
South Vietnam.
Another surprise presentation was given.
Colonel “Lofty” Hayward, ONZM, Commander
2 LFG, looked completely surprised when
presented with his 25-year Bayonet. The 25-year
Bayonet is awarded to soldiers and officers who
complete 25 years’ service within the Royal New
Zealand Infantry Regiment.
Other presentations included the NZ General
Service Medal Afghanistan, the NZ Operational
Service Medal, and three 20-year certificates.
The companies came head to head on
Wednesday at the Inter-Sub Unit 10-a-side Rugby
tournament (see page 17). Victor Company made
a great effort in the final but was defeated by the
School of Military Engineering team.
The highlight of the week had to be the “CO’s
Activity”. Whiskey and Victor companies were
given separate tasks with specific requirements
to meet within a specified time.
Victor Company had to move to the Engineer
Pond on Linton Camp, after a five-kilometre walk
with pack and mortar kit, and crossing the pond
with all their gear (A-F). Crossing in ice-cold water,
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Reported by Caroline Williams
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with explosions going off everywhere, made for
an intense mission. “The soldiers worked well,
crossing the pond with all their equipment and
establishing a mortar-firing position once they
reached the other side, within the times given”,
said LT COL Howard.
In another part of camp, a re-supply convoy
had been ambushed (G-K). Whiskey Company
was confronted with a mass casualty situation.
The scene was set with mighty explosions, cars
and debris lighting the area, gory looking injuries
and screams of agony to match. Adding to the
confusion were “local” police, who were drunk,
spoke little English, and liked stealing. One
soldier managed to rescue a Unimog a local
policeman was about to drive away with.
Just as the soldiers thought they had the
situation under control, a sniper started plucking
them off one by one. Although the task was
intense, the company brought order to the situation
and evacuated casualties with assistance from
the medics.
The CO’s Activity could not have gone ahead
without the assistance of the engineers, military
police, medics, fire section and the various
soldiers who acted as patients.
“Both activities brought out a number of
lessons and provided a good step off for the
commencement of Company Training”, said
LT COL Howard. “I am really pleased with the
attitude and enthusiasm the battalion has shown
this week. The tasks were not easy but they
gave them more confidence dealing with intense
situations”, he said.
The week finished off with CO inspections on
Friday morning, followed by the final CO activity
for the week: an early knock off!
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cmyk
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12news
Former members of the Dunedin-based 2 Troop, 3rd Field Squadron in their specially
made shirts bearing the nine-flamed engineer grenade. L-R: Val Hubner, a former
cadre NCO for the troop, Paul Fricker, Johnny Nesbitt, Don Bates, Gill Laing, Edgar
Black and Chris Aimes. The Troop existed from 1960 to 1998 and was based at the
Kensington Army Hall in Dunedin South
‘I wonder’ and ‘Guess
what’ are not questions*
All soldiers will be taught to communicate effectively in a new course adopted
by the Military Studies Institute. The course helps soldiers improve their writing
and speaking skills.
The verbal and written communication skills of Junior Non-Commissioned
Officers are often overlooked. But as these skills play an important part in their
Army career, it is important to enhance them.
Throughout the Communicate Effectively course, students are introduced
to correct grammar and punctuation, and how to correctly write a paragraph
using linking, topic and supporting sentences. These basic skills give
JNCOs the confidence to correctly write a minute, and talk to any NZDF rank
level, confidently.
Verbal communication is a crucial leadership quality for a JNCO. This course
encourages soldiers to be confident and unafraid of talking to a large group
of people. There was a great deal of positive feedback from the soldiers on
the course.
When asked if the Communicate Effectively course taught him anything new,
LCPL Mark Tayles, SME, responded, “it helped me revise prior knowledge”. For
him, the written communication section of the course helped put the minute
writing into perspective and helped him to write to a much higher standard.
Because of positive feedback from students on the course, MSI expects to add
more advanced communication courses in the future.
Contributed by LCPL Shelly Lilley
Interesting reading:
* Lapsing into a Comma A Curmudgeon’s Guide to the Many Things That Can Go
Wrong in Print – and how to avoid them – Bill Walsh
Eats Shoots and Leaves The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation –
Lynne Truss
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Contributed by Barry Allison
A
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Ubique (everywhere) is the motto of the Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers,
so it was no surprise that almost 200 retired sappers came from many places,
including Australia, to attend the Sappers’ Association of New Zealand, 2006
reunion in Palmerston North in early March.
Today’s sappers, from the Linton-based 2nd Engineer Regiment, supported
the reunion.
2 Engr Regt Commanding Officer, LT COL Phil Morrison, addressed the
Association’s AGM, giving members an up-to-date overview of NZDF, Army
and RNZE developments and activities. 2 Engr Regt Executive Officer MAJ Mike
Pettersen, a member of the Reunion Organising Committee, organised the retired
sappers’ visit to Ohakea air base where they saw NZLAV and Pinzgauer LOV
demonstrations, getting a good look at both vehicles. The Ohakea staff presented
a two-hour display including the 3 Squadron helicopter fleet, the Air Training Fleet,
the Historic Flight (including a Harvard and Tiger Moth), the Avionics Flight and
Flight Security.
2 Engr Regt RSM WO1 Marty Leach organised a Sunday morning church parade
and wreath laying at the Palmerston North War Memorial. 2 LFG Chaplain Ra Koia
conducted the service and CPL Peter Carrington, of the Ohakea Base Band, played
the Last Post and Reveille.
Membership of the association is open to serving or retired sappers from the
New Zealand, Commonwealth or allied armies, regular or territorial. MAJ Pettersen
said, “The Sappers’ Association is unique in that serving, retired, or affiliated
members keep in touch via the association newsletter or website, reinforcing the
‘family’ motto ‘Once a sapper, always a sapper’.”
Breaking through an anti-tank ditch
is not normally a task asked of engineers from the NZ Light Armoured
Vehicle Troop of 2 Field Squadron.
But 10 students and instructors from
the Basic Plant Operators course challenged two crews to break through
the anti-tank ditch they built during
training. The challenge took place in
the quarry area by the Manawatu River,
at Linton Military Camp.
“This is the first time the troop
have had the opportunity to try this”,
said Lieutenant Eamonn Lowe, troop
commander NZLAV Troop, 2 Fd Sqn.
“Hopefully we will be able to do something similar with our troop training in
the future.”
The Light Obstacle Blade (LOB) on
the NZLAV is designed to push cars,
roadblocks and debris out of the way,
not move this amount of soil, said SGT
Garth Boyd, Engineer LAV Troop. There
are several limitations on the blade,
including the relatively small height
and drop.
“The aim is to try and push the dirt
into the hole, filling an area and making
a bridge for the NZLAV to drive on. Then
we chip away at the soil until the NZLAV
can climb over it”, said SGT Boyd.
An anti-tank ditch is 1.5–2m deep
and 3–3.5m wide. The large mound
of soil is always on the “friendly”
side. “The manual says we can build
a 100m anti-tank ditch in one hour for
experienced operators”, said SSGT
John Flintoft, senior instructor at the
Plant Operating Training Cell, School
of Military Engineering. “Two students
built this one in an hour-and-a-half,
using one heavy and one medium bulldozer. That’s the time we would expect
by operators under training.”
The first part of the challenge was
a test of how long the NZLAV took to
complete the task, and if it was even
capable of doing so. However, crew
commander LCPL Steve Walker, driver
SPR Brad Meikle and gunner SPR Cory
Bronwich, surprised on-lookers when
they completed the task in 16 minutes.
“I think it surprised quite a few
people as they didn’t think the NZLAV
would be able to get over”, said
LT Lowe.
WN 06-0012-24
Once a sapper, Anti-tank ditch tests NZLAV
always a sapper
Reported by Caroline Williams
A. The bulldozer and NZLAV in close competition
B. The NZLAV begins the challenge pushing dirt into
the ditch to create a ‘bridge’ to the other side
C. SGT Garth Boyd and driver SPR Adrian Bennett
begin the climb
D. Crew commander LCPL Steve Walker, driver SPR
Brad Meikle and gunner SPR Cory Bronwich conquer
the wall in just 16 minutes
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ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
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From June, soldiers will be equipped with the
skills to fight and win when face to face with an
opponent. A civilian company, The Todd Group,
will provide Close Quarter Battle (CQB) training
to the NZ Army for a pilot period, which runs
until June this year. After the pilot period,
until June 2009, NZ Army instructors will train
80 per cent of Army personnel in basic CQB.
“The course is very positive and proactive”,
says Geoff Todd, the chief instructor. “It’s based
on soldiers being confident and competent
– able to prevent a situation or combat it.”
Soldiers and officers will be taught the
correct force to apply, depending on the
threat level and the situation. From defensive
techniques such as how to prevent or escape
being held, through to offensive techniques
such as how to use improvised weapons, like
their entrenching tool or a stick, and fire with
limited visibility. “It has aspects that can be
used in a peacekeeping situation, if attacked,
or in a battlefield situation, where unarmed
combat is a last resort if everything else fails”,
Geoff Todd performing a defensive close quarter
said Mr Todd.
technique
Although a wide range of skills are being
taught, Mr Todd says that because most of the Army will be trained in CQB, the skills taught will be very
“user-friendly”. He uses methods of European descent, rather than those derived from Asian or Eastern
martial arts, so the skills taught are simple. “They’re not based on any sport or traditional practises, so
you don’t need to be a fantastic athlete – it wouldn’t win you a gold medal at the Olympics but it would
certainly save you in a self-defence or unarmed combat situation.”
He says that rather than teaching specific techniques they teach principles, which can be altered or
changed to suit the threat. “Rather than having 20 ways to combat a similar situation, a soldier will
have one method to combat a whole range of similar threats. From learning how to kick, fire a weapon,
use a knife, apply a hold – they’ve all got commonality, so you don’t have to change to a new stance
or a new practise.
“In a high-stress situation, like in combat, peacekeeping, or prisoner handling, your stress level
rises and your reaction time drops. So teaching skills that are very simple and share commonality
means there is less chance of a soldier freezing and failing to retain or remember them.”
Instructors will instil the “correct mental approach to CQB training”, teaching the soldiers to control
their adrenalin so that they don’t freeze and are ready to defend themselves.
The five-day course will be taught by instructors who must “embody the values and ethos of the
CQB ‘art’”. Candidates to become NZ Army CQB instructors are carefully selected. They must provide
a recommendation from an Army Field psychologist, as well as a CO recommendation and an A-grade
pass from the Basic CQB course. They must also hold a SNCO rank.
Reported by Anna Norman
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Face to face –
fight and win
Two “casualties” prepared by CAPT Andrew Brooks and his team
Watch out Weta Workshop
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For those readers whose eyes popped when
they saw an eye that appeared to have popped
out of its socket during Exercise Starlight Avenger
(page 11, and Army News, #348, page 13), Captain
Andrew Brooks says the use of latex for casualty
simulation adds more than just shock value.
“Using more realistic simulation instead of
strap-on wounds makes the training a lot more
realistic and [therefore] a lot more effective”,
he says. Like professional special effects
technicians, personnel build layers of latex and
cut into them to create the wounds, then paint
onto the latex.
The medic team has been using latex for
casualty simulation for several years. Depending
on how many personnel are available to make
up the casualties, making up eight casualties
takes about an hour. Spending the extra time
to create more realistic wounds is worth it, says
CAPT Brooks.
“Our medics are very used to seeing strap-on
wounds. When they see a wound that is strapped
onto the chest they automatically know – hey, it
is a sucking chest wound, and it’s only got an
entry wound on one side – whereas, if we use
latex to make a casualty up we can make it a lot
more realistic. There will be an entry wound and
an exit wound and it’ll be a lot more difficult to
find or diagnose and they will have to go through
a full survey of the casualty.”
correction
WN 06-0011-78
A stab wound through the shoulder, created
using latex
In Army News #348, page 12-13 (“Northern
Kiwi”), Army News incorrectly stated: “The
‘moulage’ injuries were prepared with
assistance from Weta Workshop”. In fact,
all the “injuries” were created by Captain
Andrew Brooks and his team at 2 HSB (NZ).
Over 200 surplus Army tents are winging their
way to earthquake-ravaged Pakistan, where they
will help residents repair their homes. A further
300 will make their way to Fiji to be stockpiled in
case of disaster.
Because the Army downsized during the
1990s, it was left with several hundred surplusto-requirements tents. Robert and Adrienne
Scott wrote to Chief of Army, requesting the tents
for a privately funded trip to Kashmir, where
they will help rebuild homes flattened by the
earthquake.
The earthquake, centred on Kashmir, Pakistan,
hit on 8 October last year. Measuring 7.6 on the
Richter scale, it killed over 84,000 people in
Pakistan and left about 3.3 million homeless.
Like many other towns and villages in the
region, the village where the tents are going
was completely flattened by the quake. The
tents, 200 two-person and three 20ft x 40ft, will
be used to provide temporary shelter for the
villagers while their homes are repaired. They
will arrive there in mid-April.
Tents were also offered to several nongovernment organisations, including the
Salvation Army. The Salvation Army chose to
take up the offer, and expects to transport the
tents to Fiji. “Fiji and Tonga have had some
WN 06-0012-23
Living in our shelters
A knife wound through the neck, created by CAPT Andrew Brooks and his team using latex
A SPECIAL THANK YOU
TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF NEW ZEALAND
DEFENCE FORCE – PAST AND PRESENT
Mr Robert Scott packing a surplus Army tents for
their journey to Kashmir
rather severe disruption to weather and housing,
and last time we had great difficulty housing the
number of people that became homeless because
of flooding”, says MAJ Ian Spargo, the national coordinator of emergency services.
Reported by Anna Norman
Taranaki Searchlight Tattoo Trust wishes to express their gratitude to all Navy, Army and
Air Force personnel for their support of our tattoos in New Plymouth over the past 14 years.
The attitude – co-operation and public relations of all personnel – was of a standard that
most of the Trust, as ex-Service people, were proud to be part of.
You will be pleased to know that through your efforts, the trust has been able to make
substantial donations to the three services museums and some major charities etc.
Unfortunately, due to an over abundance of events in New Plymouth, and no major funding
from the Council, the Trust had to reassess its future. We have been approached by other
cities to take the Tattoo there. All that we can say is, watch this space.
Thank you all for your involvement. Many of you walked the extra mile; you were a credit to
New Zealand and we are sure you all helped by creating a great interest to the young people
to look to New Zealand Defence Force as a way to serve their country.
Brian Inns, Chairman/Tattoo Director
COL (Rtd) Jack Shaw, Vice Chairman
SQNLDR Stephen Bone, VIP Co-ordinator
cmyk
14Entertainment
seeing
stars CROSSWORD
AQUARIUS
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
LIBRA
Jan 21 to Feb 19
That’s the problem with taking
part in drugs trials. You wake up
two days later with your clothes in
shreds and a pounding headache,
trying to piece together what has
happened. It’s either Sunday
morning, or you are now the
Incredible Hulk, depending on
what was in the bottle.
Don’t get worked up over nothing,
nobody respects that. Get worked
up over something really big like
global warming. Even while you’re
still being a bit annoying and
grumpy, people will respect you
for your breadth of vision.
Having been robbed of an hour a
day by the trickery that is daylight
saving, it is time to demand the
right to work a 23-hour day. Don’t
tell anyone you have already
implemented it. If challenged, tell
them it’s a mental health issue
and you shouldn’t be judged.
Ever.
CANCER
June 22 to July 23
PISCES
Feb 20 to Mar 20
You may want to ponder things
but it is in fact time to take action.
Pondering has always been overrated for a person of action such
as yourself. On the other hand,
tadpoles think it’s a hoot.
Don’t get upset by someone’s
unkind comments, you are a
bigger person than that. Though
a secret dose of laxatives in their
drink before a public engagement
would be kind of funny.
LEO
July 24 to Aug 23
ARIES
Mar 21 to April 20
Work on something you feel
passionate about and you will
discover inner strength you never
knew you had. Possibly around
the pancreas or spleen area.
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Stay busy by working on as many
projects as you can. Constant
activity will stop any degree of
doubt from creeping in and total
certainty is what will see all these
jobs done on time and under
budget, no matter how useless
they are.
Don’t jump to any conclusions or
rash decisions. Unless it is how to
deal with a fungal infection.
VIRGO
Avoid getting in the way of anyone
who could make your life difficult
today. This includes grumpy NCOs,
public speakers with worried
frowns, and short-sighted people
driving large vehicles.
HUBBARD
CARTOON
★★
Sept 24 to Oct 23
SCORPIO
Oct 24 to Nov 22
You can learn a lot from elite
athletes at something like the
Commonwealth Games as they
push themselves through the
pain barriers to set personal
best times and world records. Or
you can perve at sprinters in tiny
lycra outfits. Sport caters for most
viewing tastes.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 23 to Dec 20
Aug 24 to Sept 23
The more gracious you are towards
others, the more popular you will
be. Why salute when you can
perform an extravagant sweeping
bow? They definitely won’t think
you are extracting the urine.
CAPRICORN
Dec 21 to Jan 20
★
BY MIKE DUNCAN
The greatest gift one person
can give another is a deep
and abiding friendship with no
strings attached and the trust
it will always remain so. Or an
Xbox Titanium package. Either
is good.
ACROSS:
1 and 5 down Chief of NZ Defence
Force Jerry Mateparae’s new rank
(10,7)
7 By ------s, performed step by step
8 National emblem of Great Britain
9 Lubricate
10 Conflict between two parties
12 Injure
14 Overhead cover
15 Humour
16 Fasten, secure
17 Consolidated, merged
19 Plunder and destroy a place
21 A morse element
22 Trick
23 Begin an action with an enemy
25 Maj Gen to be the new Chief of
Army (3,8)
THE
DOWN:
1 Rows of buildings in a military camp
2 Electronic security measures (abbr)
3 Sign up
4 Transport troops in planes
5 See 1 down
6 Endorsement in a passport
11 Out of condition
13 Sudden feeling of terror
14 Circular identifying mark on
military aircraft
15 Padding used in cannons
18 Drive
19 Guide
20 Unclouded
24 Woman’s name
SMOKO QUIZ
#015
QUIZMASTER: BARRY ALLISON
1.
What is the name of the Maori God of War for whom our
Army “tribe” is named?
2.
What Maori chief has been called “The Napoleon of the
South Seas”?
3.
What is credited with halting the so-called “musket wars”
in New Zealand?
4.
What Maori weapon forms part of the NZ Army Badge?
5.
What is special about the NZ Army haka?
6.
Which 28 (Maori) Bn soldier won the Victoria Cross
in WWII?
7.
MA NGA HUA TU-TANGATA is the RNZALR motto, what is
the official English translation?
8.
What is Toa in English?
9.
Maj Gen Jerry Mateparae is one of two Maori officers to
have become CGS/CA. Who was the other?
10.
What Maori name was given the Maori Pioneer Battalion
of WWI?
ANSWERS
1. Tumatuaenga 2. Te Rauparaha 3. The Maori embracement of Christianity 4. The taiaha
5. It is a haka taparahi (performed without weapons) and can be performed by all ranks
regardless of race or gender, in any form of dress, anytime, anywhere, for any occasion.
6. 2Lt Moana-Nui–a-Kiwa Ngarimu 7. By our actions we are known 8. Warrior 9. Maj Gen
Brian Poananga 10. Te Hokowhitu-a-Tu
★
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ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
news15
MOVIE REVIEW
Winter Soldier (R15)
World Cinema Showcase
Wellington at The Paramount, 6-19 April
Auckland at Academy Cinemas 20 April-10 May
Reviewed by Jules Lovelock
TPR Wright and TPR Tempelton show prospective recruits the finer points of the NZLAV
Speedway outing
An NZLAV crew from Whiskey Company, 1 RNZIR, stole the spotlight at the Palmerston North
International Speedway recently.
Giving punters a run for their money, the crew put the NZLAV through its paces – displaying
manoeuvrability, agility, and lapping quicker than some of the classes of cars racing at the speedway.
That’s not bad, considering most classes weigh in at around 1,000kg, compared to the 15,000kg NZLAV.
Visitors were also treated to a static display that was combined with Central Region recruiters. The
kids didn’t miss out on the action either, with camouflage face painting available.
Reported by Caroline Williams
The disturbing thing about this documentary
film is perhaps not so much the truth in the
stories being told by the veterans, truth
that we now know is truth because this was
filmed in 1971 and there has been a myriad of
corroboration since then. No, the disturbing
thing is the sense of deja vu you get listening
to the stories and realising that you might have heard this
before. Or in my case, read it. And that was in The Dominion Post last weekend.
The parallels between former British SAS soldier Ben Griffin’s stories from his recent experiences
in Iraq and those of numerous American Vietnam War veterans are so easily drawn, you can’t help
but think that despite the 35-year time gap perhaps the war didn’t really end. It’s just playing out in
a different location.
In Iraq, “the American’s had this catch-all approach to lifting suspects”..... “One of them was
a disabled man who had a leg missing, but the Americans still ordered us to load them on the
helicopters and bring them back to base.” In Vietnam, when reporting in the required post-action
body count “How do you know they’re VC? Well they’re dead.”
The 95-minute, sometimes grainy, black and white film is the product of six months editing of over
a 100 hours of film taken during the February 1971 “Winter Soldier Investigation” hearings. They were
held in Detroit, Michigan, USA and conducted by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW). Over
125 veterans representing nearly every major American combat unit that saw action in Vietnam, tell of
the atrocities they witnessed and more often than not, took part in, believing the “government lies”
that they were doing the right thing in the service of their country.
Held against the background of the ongoing Vietnam war and very public trial of Lieutenant William
Calley, accused of letting American soldiers massacre innocent villagers in My Lai, Vietnam, the VVAW
used the “investigation” to highlight that My Lai wasn’t the only place where once patriotic soldiers
and officers were committing atrocities against innocent Vietnamese, and becoming effectively
war criminals.
This film is about the underbelly of the Vietnam War, the real story as told by some of those who
were part of it. But don’t be surprised if in a couple of years you think you’re watching a remake when
similar stories come to light from Iraq.
MAJ Spike Milliken, GS02 Log Systems; MAJ Terry Read, senior inventory manager; Mr Geoffrey Lee,
project manager; LT COL Steve Odell, director of fleet management
Optimising inventory
The first in a series of articles to keep you informed about a DSI initiative that optimises the number of
spare parts and equipment supplies carried by Army.
For Army personnel, optimisation means having the right kit when you need it. For the project, it
means balancing the benefits of having equipment and supplies available for use against the cost of
buying and holding inventory.
The project, based in Log Exec, Trentham, is under the day-to-day direction of LT COL Steve Odell. On
the project team are MAJ Terry Reid, senior inventory manager, MAJ Spike Milliken, GS02 Log Systems,
and Geoffrey Lee, inventory and supply chain consultant.
Following planning in January, the team are now identifying issues and opportunities for improvement in the way inventory is managed. This has involved workshops with Log Exec fleet managers and
their staff, MRP controllers, purchasers, SPEL, Army Disposals, and the Log Systems team. Trade Training
School staff, students, and personnel at 2 LFG have also been involved.
Enquiries, and suggestions on how to improve the way inventory is managed, are welcomed. Address
them to Geoffrey Lee, 527 5605 or geoffrey lee@NZDF.mil.nz
Contributed by Geoffrey Lee
OCS PORTSEA DINNER
Saturday 1 July 2006
Officer’s Mess
WAIOURU
Please note: Cheques should be made out to OCS NZ
reminiscing
Excerpt from the Army Journal Vol 1,
No 6, August 1955
Mbo-Jbo
It was originally with the laudable intention of saving
time that the General Staff started gutting or truncating
the words most likely to be used in messages upon the
field of battle.
Methods of intercommunication have, however,
improved a good deal since abbreviations first came
into vogue. In practice, almost all communication
on urgent matters in or anywhere near the front line
is nowadays by radio-telephone or by telephone
(rather than written then transmitted by semaphore
or by heligraph).
Like other forms of jargon, however, military abbreviations have
survived and multiplied. They have become part of the mumbo-jumbo with which
staff officers like to surround themselves. To write “mob col of approx bn gp str reported conc 2m
SE f DZ last lt 3 Apr” is professional; it shows you have been properly trained. It is true that the
mumbo-jumbo grows less potent as more and more people become, through familiarity, able to
construe your abbreviations almost as quickly as if you had written the words out in full; but then
you can periodically make minor changes in the vocabulary and, besides, there are always new
words coming along to be rendered down.
cmyk
16sport
Total immersion
It’s what Kiwis take for granted – go into a bar, there’s rugby on the
big screen. Flick on the TV, you can watch rugby 24/7 (if you pay for
it). And there’s bound to be a Super 14 match on this weekend somewhere around the country. Some might curse rugby’s stronghold on
New Zealand’s sporting culture, but for an American rugby team, it’s
refreshing to visit a country where rugby takes centre field.
“We decided to come to New Zealand for a rugby immersion
experience, getting the boys out of their element a bit, coming and
playing some ball in the environment of probably the world’s best
rugby playing nation”, says the West Point rugby team’s head coach,
Rich Pohlidal. The team arrived in mid-March, for a week in New
Zealand. Westpoint played two matches while in New Zealand: one
against NZ Army Academy XV, losing 29-10, and a match four days
later against the RNZN Colts, in Devonport, when they won, 30-7.
Assistant coach, LT COL Brian Mennes, says coming from the
States, where American football, basketball and baseball dominate American sporting culture, it was great to walk into a bar in
Wellington and find three rugby games on the big screen.
Seeing a live Super 14 game was to be a highlight of the week. “I
think it’s going to be an eye-opening experience for the boys”, says
Mr Pohlidal. “We get it all on our TV in our country, but to be there
live, and see it up close …”
The team have come a long way – a 21-hour flight – for their “rugby
immersion experience”. The players live at West Point Academy, in New
York State. Founded in 1802, the school was the United States’ first military academy. It is one of the top academic institutions in the US, and
one of the most competitive to enter. Cadets must be aged between
17 and 23, not be married or have children, and be nominated by their
senator. After four years’ training, they graduate with a commission in
the US Army and a Bachelor of Science degree in one of 19 majors.
“The school is primarily concerned with developing leaders of character for the nation, initially to serve in the Army, but in the future to go
wherever they want”, says LT COL Mennes. “Rugby, we think, is a great
part of that, and our bosses do as well – so they charge us with helping
develop these guys, through rugby.”
This is the first time the “Brotherhood” (as they call themselves), has
visited New Zealand. But they are hoping to make more trips to this
corner of the world, to help them become more “southern hemisphere”
in the way they play the game.
Speaking just before their first game against NZ Army Academy XV,
the American coaches were expecting a tough, strong and physical
battle against the Kiwis. “At the end of the day, they have been playing
ball a long time, and a lot of our guys have just picked up the game
– but we are going to try and match up well defensively with them and
be just as physical, and see how far that gets us”, says Mr Pohlidal,
whose comments were pretty spot on with how the game played out.
“Physical” is one way to describe the game. “I think everyone’s
idea was that the Americans were going to come over here and we
were going to thrash them”, admits Army Academy coach Flight
Sergeant Daz Horsely. “But it wasn’t a one-sided competition, that’s
for sure. The Americans were definitely a lot bigger than the Kiwi
boys; they were pretty well packed and they all had American football backgrounds, as you would expect from [cadets in] an American
college – they were pretty physical right from the beginning.”
He said 29–10 was a good result; however, the Academy could
have improved the score by keeping their hands on the ball. “[West
Point] had a huge amount of ball in the second half, so it showed
good defence from the Army Academy boys to keep them out for 25
minutes, and also good skills when we turned them over and scored
three tries in the last 10 minutes.”
This was the very first game for the newly formed Academy side.
Following last year’s Colts tour, the organisers discussed a way to
bridge the gap between the under-21 side and senior-age rugby. “A
lot of guys take a while to mature into senior-age rugby, but there was
nothing there to keep them involved. So we created an under-20 side
that covered the new recruits, dropped the under-21s and formed
the academy.”
Reported by Anna Norman
ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
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sport17
SME forwards win the quick ruck ball for halfback SPR “Quinnie” McQuinn
Fierce competition
few injuries throughout the day. Unexpectedly, MAJ
Jones was called upon to dig out his boots, throw on
a jersey and take on the opposition, which was a bit
of a surprise!
He played for his unit, the School of Military
Engineering, which took the final 24-0 against Victor
Company, 1 RNZIR.
Competition was at an all-time high between the
three women’s teams. But women from 2 Logistics
Company proved too strong for the other teams,
winning the women’s round-robin series.
Although the club is mainly military personnel,
civilians are encouraged to join and some managed
to take time off work to join in the fun, said Mr
Homes. He encourages anyone interested in joining
the club to contact him at the Accounts Section,
Linton Administration Centre.
The women’s team competing at lineout
WN 06-0012-37
Reported by Caroline Williams
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WN 06-0012-39
The Linton Army Rugby Club, in conjunction
with the PT Section, hosted the Inter-Sub Unit
10-a-side rugby tournament recently. Held at the
Linton rugby fields, the tournament was fiercely
competitive and a lot of fun, said Mr Troy Homes,
Linton Army Rugby Club manager.
“We began planning for the tournament in
January and it turned out to be a great day”, said
Mr Homes. “It was also the Commander’s Sports
Day, so everyone was encouraged to participate.
We had a few first-time players, and full support
from all the units, making up 10 men’s and three
women’s teams.”
MAJ Don Jones, president of the Linton Army
Rugby Club, said he was pleased with the way
the event ran and the amount of unit support
they received, particularly as it was an inaugural
tournament. However, because of keen competition and the hard ground, there were quite a
LT COL Evan Williams, Chief of Staff, 2 LFG, presents the trophy to LCPL
“Jezza” Evans, captain of the SME team
To commemorate the Year of the Veteran,
Auckland Museum presents:
Veterans’ Club – the comradeship and memories of
Auckland’s 21st Battalion
Official Opening
Friday 24 March 10.30am
Pictorial Gallery, 2nd floor
Take a seat at the bar and soak up the veterans’
photographs and stories from WWII and the following
50 years.
Those soldiers who returned from war faced many
difficulties adjusting to life back in New Zealand. Veterans’
associations provided a place for sharing memories of
campaigns fought, and for remembering and honouring
mates lost.
Veterans’ Club will feature photographs and recorded
histories telling soldiers’ stories of World War II campaigns:
hardships and happy moments; returns and reunions; and
the ongoing support of the association for its members and
for all New Zealanders.
This collection was gifted to the Auckland War Memorial
Museum in 2005.
This is the first time the surviving members of the 21st
Battalion will have the opportunity to see their exhibition.
MAJ Don Jones attempts to run down the player with the ball
Put yourself
in the picture
Fierce competition, V Coy players tackle MAJ Don Jones (with ball)
Do you consider yourself a good shot,
competitive, determined ... ?
Then take action now. Be in Waiouru for selection and training, to
earn a place in the New Zealand Army Combat Shooting Team to attend
the British Army’s CENTSAM tournament during June and July this year.
Matches to be contested are rifle, pistol machine gun and sniper rifle. The
event will be held in the historic Bisley range complex, in the UK.
The NZACST has earned an enviable international reputation in
recent years. Selection is from a comparatively small number of firers
who have repeatedly proven competitive against the best international
combat shooters.
Those selected will receive the Army Pocket “Shooting”.
If you are interested in trialling for one of the 12-firer appointments,
speak with your immediate commander without delay.
Key dates:
• Names through Platoon and Company channels by the last week in
March 2006. Nominations are required at HQ JFNZ by 30 March 2006.
• Selection starts in Waiouru, 18 April and concludes 23 April with the
team and two reserves announced. Those not selected will be
released but all pers will be released for ANZAC Day with
units if required.
• Team training from 26 April to approximately mid-June, with two
leave breaks planned.
• Team deploys to UK by civilian air mid-June for CENTSAM 23 June to
9 July.
• Return to NZ approx 12-13 July, after two days sightseeing in London.
Queries to: WO2 Mumm
NZACST Coach
Spt Coy 1 RNZIR or Mob 025 274 6314
cmyk
Golden Touch, Back: Richard Causer, Greg Mildon, Matiu Kena, Paul Hawkins, Digs
Webb, Pete Saunders, Garner Gulliver, Gus Herniman, Jase and Hunter Keno, Terry
Miratana. Kneeling: Scott Cottier, Paul Kelly, Topi Taru, Lips Lipsham, Malcolm Alker,
Craig Searle.
For the first time since 1996, the
New Zealand Defence Force entered
a team into the NZ National Touch
Tournament Masters grade. This year
the tournament was held at Fraser
Park, Lower Hutt.
There were four teams in the grade:
Wellington, Waikato, Canterbury and
NZDF. The draw was a double round
robin, and then play-offs to earn the
right to play in the final. NZDF had a
limited preparation for the tournament
– the team met only on the eve of the
tournament. NZ Army players in the
team were: SSGT Greg Mildon, SSGT
Jason Keno, SSGT Scott Cottier, SSGT
Paul Hawkins, SGT Gus Herniman, SGT
Terry Miratana (coach) and CPL Kelly.
On the first day, NZDF lost to
Waikato and Canterbury, but drew
with Wellington. The team’s first win
came on the second day, against
Waikato, in a very close game. However,
their win was followed by an unlucky
draw against Wellington and an 8–5 loss
to Canterbury.
On finals day, NZDF met Waikato for
the 3rd place, sudden-death play off
– the winner goes through, the loser gets
an early finish. Once regulation time was
completed, the score was all tied up and
so a drop off occurred (a player from each
team leaves the field every two minutes
until three players from each team
are left).
After defending for the majority of the
drop-off, NZDF finally got into Waikato’s
half and scored. The win allowed NZDF to
play Wellington for the right to compete
in the final. Once again, the scores were
WN 06-0011-83
CPL Alex Pirikahu won the Junior, Best Net, and the Stableford Cup
WN 06-0011-85
There were a few sorry faces around after the Army
Championship was played at Trentham Golf Course in late
February.
The hard, broken-up ground at Trentham came as a
shock to players that had travelled up from Burnham or
down from Linton and Papakura. And things weren’t helped
by the weather conditions, with Wellington turning on its
infamous wind.
But while the Senior winner, SSGT Noel Kahui, is based
at Trade Training School and could be said to have a slight
advantage over the uninitiated, Junior winner CPL Alex
Pirikau had travelled up from Burnham and this was his
first time playing at the course.
CPL Pirikau travelled north as the manager of the Southern
team, which played in the inter-regional competition from
Tuesday to Thursday. “Just as long as I justified my trip up
here”, laughed Alex, his hands full with three trophies: the
Junior Cup, the Burnham Plate – Best 36 Holes Net, and Alf
Creed Trophy for Best 36-Hole Stableford.
After a play off on Monday evening between PTE
John Kareko and MAJ Ian Bateman for the Intermediate
winner, PTE Kareko from Linton was awarded the
Intermediate Cup.
In the inter-regional competition, Central won the Jack
Crawford Trophy and Wellington the LR Reeves Trophy. The
overall winner was Southern.
Reported by Anna Norman
WN 06-0011-82
Hard, broken ground
Survivors at start of day two
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Golden touch
tied at the end of the game. However,
NZDF were better prepared this time
and managed to score before being
reduced to three players.
The final was the first time that a
NZDF team had made an A-grade final at
the NZ Nationals Touch tournament. In
the past, the combined services teams
had made B-grade finals in the mixed,
over 30s grades, and open mixed.
NZDF scored first and applied
pressure on Canterbury; however,
the experience and calibre of the
Canterbury side shone through and
they went to the half time break ahead
5–2. A few defensive lapses by NZDF
allowed Canterbury to put the game
beyond the reach of NZDF but the
players never gave in and finished the
game 11–5. Considering the build-up
and inexperience of the NZDF players,
it was a truly great result and will bode
well for future NZDF teams.
The most pleasing aspect of the
NZDF team was that they played as a
team and were able to beat the other
provincial teams who had been training
for two to three months.
SSGT Greg Mildon was selected into
the New Zealand over 35’s men’s squad
for the 2007 World Cup of Touch, held in
South Africa next January – a just reward
for his efforts during the tournament.
SGT Gulliver (Air Force) was the Player
of the Tournament for NZDF and SSGT
Cottier the most improved.
Contributed by SSGT Jason Keno
WN 06-0012-22
18sport
CAPT Jay Roberts and CAPT George Tweedy at the start line, day one
Over the mountain
The Marmot Kaweka Challenge is regarded as New Zealand’s top mountain
race. It runs over the Kaweka range between Taihape and Napier, better known
as the Gentle Annies.
This year, CAPT Jay Roberts and CAPT George Tweedy, from the 2nd Logistic
Battalion, Linton Military Camp, participated, and started training in earnest
prior to Christmas.
They decided on the two-day pairs course, and being of mature age they
entered as veterans. With a camp in-between, they had to carry all their kit,
including a tent, cooker, food, spare clothing and survival equipment for two
days. The packs topped out at around 12kgs each.
Day One had most of the climb, and the pair gained just over 2,100m in
height over 22km of very rugged terrain. In bright sunshine and a nice cool
breeze, they passed over the Kaweka at 1,724m, then descended to finish for
Day One at the Makahu Saddle Hut. Taking six hours, 25 minutes, they were
pleasantly surprised to discover they were the second team home, and the
only veteran team to make the end of Day One.
Day Two was to prove just as tough. There were fewer ascents, but they had
to descend into two massive valleys and climb up the other side. At one point
this involved using fixed ropes, indicating how steep the slopes were.
This day also included two river crossings, which was a bit of a surprise.
Eventually, after another 21kms, the pair reached the finish completely shattered, after five hours and 36 minutes. With the only aim in mind to complete
the course, after a kit check, CAPTs Roberts and Tweedy were surprised to learn
that they had won their class.
Over the two days the pair had covered over 43kms, climbed over 3km and
moved at an average pace of 3.5kms an hour over some of the toughest terrain
in the North Island.
“Suffice to say, the Kaweka is a great mountain race. Although still recovering from it a week later, we are planning the next one now. To all NZDF
members, I recommend it as a challenging test of navigation, fitness and sheer
bloody determination”, said CAPT Tweedy.
Contributed by CAPT George Tweedy
DO YOU have news?
The Army News is YOUR news!
Tell us what’s happening near you. We can either send a correspondent to help
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us the news, then we’ll write it for you!
PTE Kareko in the play off for the Intermediate Cup
SSGT Noel Kahui was the winner of the Senior grade
How easy is THAT!!
Contact details page 2.
ISSUE 350 21 MARCH 2006
sport19
OH 06-0012-13
WN 06-0012-29
Hear them roar
WN 06-0012-30
Sean Waters (left) and Dr Jo Kippax in a very cold unplanned bivy
Dr Jo Kippax at the summit of Birutaso
At the top
AATC instructor Sean Waters made mountaineering history in November last
year, when, with a good helping of persistence – or (as he describes it) “bloody
mindedness” – he overcame a raft of obstacles to conquer an unclimbed
Tibetan summit.
He is certainly “walking the talk” that he teaches at the Army Adventurous
Training Centre, in Burnham. “We ask people to push themselves pretty hard
and keep going when they’re uncomfortable, so I think it’s good if the staff
also get outside their comfort zones.”
When asked what he likes about mountaineering, Sean Waters is momentarily stumped. “Well, when you’re doing it it’s awful, generally …” says Sean,
not exactly selling the sport. “I like the fact that there’s a bunch of stuff you
can’t control”, he says – still far from selling it. “Normally in life you have a
reasonable amount of control over everything, but [when mountaineering]
you immerse yourself in an environment where all of sudden you don’t
have control.”
Sean felt that lack of control when he tackled an unclimbed, holy Tibetan
peak last year in conditions that couldn’t have become any worse. It snowed
almost every day, so he and fellow climber Dr Jo Kippax battled through kneeto thigh-high snowdrifts to ascend Birutaso, a 6551m mountain summit in the
unexplored Nyainqentaglha-East range. As an unexplored region, they couldn’t
conduct research to prepare for the climb; there was no way to prepare for
conditions or pre-plan the best route up the mountain.
Although climbing the mountain was hard, finding a route to the base of
the mountain (in “lots and lots of snow”) was the biggest challenge. It was
frustrating, he says, “because you cover all this ground and then it turns out
to be no good”.
After days of heartache, through knee- to thigh-deep snow, Sean wrote, in
a report from the mountain: “We’re starting to feel that getting to somewhere
where we can see the mountain will be an achievement. The climb seems like
a remote possibility at this stage.”
However, remarkably, four days later they reached the summit. “We really
didn’t think we were going to get there,” he says. “We had pretty much written
it off but it all came together alright at the end; we got lucky with the weather
and we managed to find a route through that was going to work.”
He writes after reaching the top: “Well, a little bloody mindedness goes a
long way … What a gob-smacking place. We were surrounded by razor-sharp,
fluted peaks that seemed to touch the sky while down the valley we looked out
over endless mountains, glaciers and icefalls – all never visited or even seen
before. It was almost unbelievable to be so close to it after so long. Birutaso,
the protector deity of the surrounding area, looked fantastic.”
As the peak is their protector deity, the Tibetans do not venture above the
snowline. They were happy to see the pair return safely, and to learn that
Birutaso had let them stand on its top.
The climb earned them New Zealand’s top mountaineering award, the
Macpac Mountaineer of Year, which they were presented in December.
Reported by Anna Norman
The NZ Army dragon boat team paddling out of the lagoon
According to legend dragon boating
originated in 400BC, when Chinese
Statesman and poet Ch’y Yuan
drowned himself in the Mi Lo river
to protest the corrupt regime of the
Ch’u Dynasty. Local fishermen raced
out in their boats to save him, but
were too late. To prevent his body
being eaten by fish, they beat their
paddles furiously on the water and
threw rice as a sacrifice to his spirit.
Dragon boat festivals around the
world commemorate his death.
2006 NZ Army dragon boat team:
Mrs Maree Atkinson
Mrs Carol Calder
LWTR Lisa Chui
LCPL Josh Comerford
LCPL Te Whaea Edwards
LAC Victoria Fulton (drummer)
WO1 Edward Haehae
Miss Tamara Hamiora
CPL Paul Harmer
ACSS Hellmuth Hartung
LCPL Richard Hokianga
PTE Mark Johnstone
Mrs Sharon Manley
SGT Mac McKenzie
SSGT Donald Mohr (coach)
SSGT David O’Carroll
SSGT Alayna Pereira
SGT Stace Plumridge
PTE Jaxon Samoa
PTE Gareth Williams
CPL Christina Wilson
The NZ Army dragon boat team showed some 40,000 spectators they had
what it takes when they competed in the National Dragon Boating Festival in
Wellington Harbour recently. In a spectacular improvement on last year’s
performance, the team bet teams from all around the country to take home a
silver medal in the corporate championship division.
“Everyone is just over the moon. We are focusing on 2007 now, how we can
improve and hopefully step up to the next level, for gold”, says coach SSGT
Don Mohr.
In the corporate division, dragon boat teams have a maximum of 12 hours to
prepare for the 300-metre course. This was the second year team “NZ Army”,
comprising 16 NZ Army, two Navy, four NZDF civilians, and one Air Force, had
competed together. Last year, when Auckland hosted the nationals, the team
came fourth in the social grade of the Wellington Dragon Boating Festival. But
this year the team entered the competitive grade, and had already shown their
potential three weeks earlier when they won bronze in the open category of the
Wairarapa regatta.
The team again proved they were one to watch early in the day, when they
paddled through calm waters to easily take the Government Department
Challenge in 1.20.51 – leaving Air Force behind at 1.24.36.
As a north-easterly came through later in the day, picking up the wind and
turning on increasingly choppy waves for the competitors, the Air Force boat
caught a wave and capsized as they headed out of the lagoon. Luckily, their
sinking occurred before the race started, and both NZDF teams proved they had
the strength and the concentration to weather the tumultuous waves. The teams
made it through the quarterfinals, meeting each other again in the semis. Once
again, despite constant dipping and diving the Wellington-based NZ Army team
showed they weren’t going to let a little wind put them off. Their time (1.21.50)
was good enough to take them into the finals. Air Force came fourth in the semifinals with 1.22.97.
“We were quite lucky that most of our training was in those sorts of conditions
anyway. A few teams, like the ones from Christchurch and Auckland, are used to
paddling on ‘glass water’ – but the Wellington teams had it sussed.”
The black boat sailed through the rocky waters in the finals to come in second
with a time of 1.22.45, less than half a second behind winners, WCC (Wellington
City Council) Conquerors. However, spectators’ eyes weren’t watching the battle
between NZ Army and WCC Conquerors. Environment Waikato was doing well
when they were knocked off course – and out of a podium placing – by team
Dragon our Touche, which came careering out of its lane and smack into the side
of Environment Waikato. Environment Waikato finished fourth.
Reported by Anna Norman
ISSUE 350
cmyk
sport
www.army.mil.nz
OH 06-0012-14
have you
got what
it takes?
WN 06-0012-48
OH 06-0012-41
21 MARCH 2006