18 APRIL 2006
light and fast
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ISSUE 352
armynews
08
cmyk
from the minister
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Military presence in Afghanistan
Recruit Company TAD provided a Guard of Honour for BRIG GEN Taur Matan Ruak. He was accompanied by Comd ATG COL Kevin
Burnett and OC Recruit Company MAJ Terry O’Neill
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Thank you
my friends
BRIG GEN Taur Matan Ruak at his welcome in
the Army Marae
BRIG GEN Taur Matan Ruak meets with MAJ
GEN Lou Gardiner at the Army Marae
A warm welcome
Linton Military Camp hosted a visit by Dato’ Sri Subhan Jasmon, Secretary
General, Ministry of Defence for Malaysia in late March. He was met with a powhiri
outside 2 LFG and then inspected the 50-man guard from 2 Engineer Regiment.
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Dato’ Sri Subhan Jasmon, Secretary General for Malaysia, and SSGT Brent Pene
“I want to say thank you to my friends here in New Zealand”, said BRIG
GEN Taur Matan Ruak, Commander of the Timor Leste Defence Force, when
he was welcomed to ATG Waiouru early this month. “We are now adjusting
to being a peacetime army, and things were simpler when we were fighting
in the bush.”
BRIG GEN Taur Matan Ruak was greeted at the Army Museum with a guard
of honour from Recruit Company TAD, and then welcomed at the Army Marae
before being shown around the camp.
During his visit to Wellington he visited Defence House and Joint Force
Headquarters, and called on Defence Minister Phil Goff. He also visited
NZDF Command and Staff College at Trentham Camp, where he was
presented with a CSC plaque and he presented a gift to Director NZDF CSC
and Commandant Defence College.
BRIG GEN Taur Matan Ruak’s inaugural visit was a chance to catch up
with old friends and see first hand how the NZ Army trains in peacetime. It
will consolidate the strong connections that were established between New
Zealand Defence Force and Timor Leste Defence Force personnel.
NZDF’s peacekeeping operation in Timor Leste, 1999 to 2002, was its
largest deployment for 35 years, involving 5,500 personnel. Four personnel
remain based in the region, three helping in small arms training and a
fourth as a military liaison officer.
Reported by John Archer
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The Government’s decision to extend NZPRT in Afghanistan acknowledges the
on-going need to support international security and reconstruction efforts there,
Defence Minister Phil Goff said.
The Government announced, on 10 April, that the NZDF’s 120-strong PRT in
Bamian will be extended until September 2007.
The Government has also extended, until September 2007, the missions of two
NZDF personnel helping train the Afghan National Army; three personnel with the
International Security Assistance Force Headquarters; one with the Combined
Forces Command Afghanistan in Kabul, and one with the Coalition Joint Taskforce
in Bagram.
“New Zealand has made a strong commitment to Afghanistan. Since our PRT
became the third to be established there, in September 2003, literally hundreds of
NZDF personnel have served there and more than $130 million has been invested
in peacekeeping and development”, Mr Goff said.
“Much progress has been made. After 20 years of civil war the first elections
of a President and a Parliament have been successfully conducted and a new
constitution adopted.
“Some 60,000 combatants have been disarmed and the foundations laid for
Afghanistan to provide for its own future security. Around 35,000 National Army
and 55,000 Police have been trained to a basic level.
“However much also remains to be done before Afghanistan could be
considered able to maintain its own security. Violence from Taliban and al Qaeda
insurgents increased in 2005, and warlordism and a growing trade in opium
continue to destabilise Afghanistan and present major problems.
“For international forces and contributions to cease now would risk a return by
Afghanistan to being a failed state. That would have serious consequences for
regional and international security and for New Zealand’s own interests.
“Stability depends on the Afghan Government being able to make real
improvements in living standards and conditions, and that in turn relies on there
being a secure environment.
“New Zealanders can be proud of the contribution being made by the PRT
in Bamian. With New Zealand assistance, Bamian achieved one of the highest
turnouts by women voters in recent elections. The PRT has helped Bamian secure
relative peace and has taken important steps to assist long term development.
“The goodwill and support the Kiwis have won from local people is a tribute
to their effectiveness and their ability to work in partnership with the people
of Bamian.”
www.army.mil.nz
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
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
BRIG GEN Taur Matan Ruak presents a scarf to CAPT Rees,
Commandant, Defence Force College
LT COL Dave Strong, Director, NZDF Command and College,
presents a College plaque to BRIG GEN Taur Matan Ruak
ISSUE 352
18 APRIL 2006
news03
MAJ GEN JERRY MATEPARAE
CHIEF OF ARMY
Saluting our leaders
As my term as CA draws to a close I have taken time to reflect on my service
to date. The Army has undergone tremendous change in that time. The change
has not always been easy, but it has been necessary, to ensure that we remain
relevant and effective. One constant, however, has been our need for effective
leadership. Leadership, not just from the senior members of the Army, but from
all ranks.
An area that has been a cornerstone of the New Zealand Army for many years
has been leadership at the sub-unit or company level. It is here that our leaders
have learned their profession, through formal professional development and
experience. It is in this environment that our soldiers are trained and developed,
where our NCOs gain experience in leadership and pass their knowledge to their
soldiers, and where our officers develop their leadership and command ability. It
is in this context that many of us have experienced “firsts” in the Army.
Better, faster and smarter
The NZDF is in the process of adopting a shared services
delivery of non-core, non-deployable goods and services
to the Navy, Army and Air Force as well as deployed forces
overseas. The organisation that will deliver the business
to the NZDF is known as the Joint Logistics and Support
Organisation (JLSO).
The NZDF is looking to maximise the opportunities
that exist in our e-business environment. Products such
as clothing, consumables, fuel, and office supplies and
services such as reprographics, are electronically ordered
and paid for on a pan-NZDF basis, anywhere in New
Zealand or in the world. The NZDF is also looking to expand
and maximise the opportunities to standardise logistics
processes and systems using our SAP R3 ERP solution.
The JLSO will eliminate the duplication and replication
that currently exists in our regionally focused procurement
and support.
For our internal customers, such an approach will mean
better, faster and more effective access to goods and
services at a significantly reduced cost over time.
For our suppliers, the JLSO will mean a commonality of
approach and language across the three Services of the
NZDF, single points of contact within the NZDF for relationship management and problem resolution, and further
development of our centrally enabled contracts.
The JLSO will deliver the following services and functions
centrally to the NZDF:
• commercial support
• contract and relationship management
• non-catalogue procurement
• accounts payable
• accounts receivable
• credit card processing
• household removals
• travel support
• land and facilities management
• payroll
• administration
• codification and catalogue services
These functions have been consolidated into business
groups to take advantage of synergies in the way they can
and should be delivered.
The JLSO is designed on a “hub and spoke” model, with
a central hub soon to undertake all of the transactional
activities conducted on a regional basis. Regional camp
“spokes” will act as the JLSO “face at the base” to give
personal service to NZDF customers and to enhance accessibility and immediacy of response to requests for service.
Collectively, the hub and spokes will provide customer
focused centres of excellence for all aspects of non-core
and non-deployable logistics and support.
We want to do things better faster and smarter.
The key benefits the NZDF seeks from the initiative are:
• Creation of centres of expertise for business functions
• up-skilling and multi-skilling of staff
• creation of critical mass of trained staff to support
operations
• empowerment of staff to encourage process
improvement and innovation
• improved professionalism in procurement
• Standardisation of process across the NZDF
• improved quality and consistency in process
• reduced process risk
• improved responsibility, accountability and
transparency
• improved service levels and responsiveness
• Improved supplier relations and leveraged purchasing
• reduced costs of tendering
• elimination of maverick spending
• consolidation of product
• reduced risk to suppliers
• consolidation of spend and commensurate supplier
pricing through volume discounts
• improved, “win-win” strategic relationships
The JLSO will be implemented over the 2006/07 calendar
years. The “hub” will be located in the greater Wellington
region and each major camp and base will have a “spoke”.
The size and shape of each “spoke” will depend on each
camps requirements and relative numbers.
The JLSO will be implemented progressively over the
next two years, beginning with business functions that are
simple to transition into a shared services environment.
Where a business function is more complex, business
process re-engineering will occur prior to the function’s
transition. The transition must be done in a manner that
does not interfere with the NZDFs business as usual, or that
vital support to NZDF people deployed on operations.
For the vast majority of our suppliers, access to NZDF
personnel involved with the provision of your goods or
services will not change – apart from some contact details.
For suppliers of goods and services that have traditionally been provided on a regional basis or to a service, they
will retain their regional point of contact, who will remain
responsible for problem solving, and expediting. The key
change will be that all transactions involved with your
service provision will be conducted centrally – at the JLSO
hub. This means that NZDF purchase orders will be cut at
the hub, order matching and reconciliation and payment
will also be conducted at the hub and suppliers will be
provided a hub-based personal point of contact to deal
with, and to resolve any issues.
The hub will also oversee any NZDF approaches to the
market to ensure that standardised tender documents are
issued, the terms of any relationship are in accord with the
NZDF policies in place at the time, and evaluation of tender
documents continues to be done on a fair, ethical and standardised basis.
The NZDF wishes to consolidate its spend so that when
we go to the market we do so on a pan-NZDF basis and
apply maximum price/volume discounts.
Contributed by COL Charles Lott
I am reminded of a letter sent to me a couple of years ago from WO1 (Rtd) Don
McFarlane. In his letter, WO1 McFarlane outlines some points on leadership that
were passed to him by his former company commander, LT COL (Rtd) Norman
McLeod. LT COL McLeod is remembered as an outstanding leader in both a
training and operational environment. I leave these points from LT COL McLeod’s
letter, for you to consider:
“1. Never judge your soldiers. They are there because they want to be.
2. Treat those above you, and below you, with the same kindness and
courtesy, they are all New Zealanders.
3. Expect the best from the officers and soldiers, they won’t let you down, but
don’t push it and be content with what they can give.
4. Expect those below you to be loyal to each other, expect those above you
to be loyal to you and to each other.
5. Never explain, never complain.
6. Anger and fear are the same emotion. Anger is just directed at others, fear
is anger directed at yourself. So don’t be afraid but, more importantly don’t
show you are afraid.
7. Train hard, it will save your life.”
The advice from LT COL McLeod is relevant not only to our company level
leaders, but for leaders in the Army generally, and I thoroughly endorse it as an
example of how leadership should be practiced in the New Zealand Army.
In closing, I want to congratulate our new Chief of Army and Sergeant Major of
the Army, Major General Lou Gardiner and Warrant Officer Class One Bo Ngata
respectively. I trust that their compass, pace-counter and going-map will keep the
Army’s development on track as we face the many challenges and opportunities
into the future.
Accolades
SSGT Darryn Mitchell, captain of the 1 RNZIR shooting team, is congratulated
by LT COL John Boswell, CO of the winning 2/1 shooting team, and by CAPT Aidan
Shattock, Combat School, at the Freyberg Shield prizegiving ceremony. SSGT
Mitchell had just been advised that he had been awarded a CA’s Commendation,
for service to the Army Combat Shooting Team. For report see page 13.
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THE VICTORIA CROSS
Instructors removing the practice loads from their Unimog
I’ll put down left – you run right
2 Log Bn and RNZAF trained 13 Territorial, junior RF and West Australian
Reservists in helicopter marshalling and underslung skills during this year’s
Exercise Northern Kiwi. The young soldiers spent four hours underneath and
in front of the Iroquois helicopter while they moved loads around a dusty, halfformed new dairy farm.
Note the static probe that touches the hovering helicopter before the strop is
attached. The swirling blades build up a big charge of static electricity. This must
be discharged before loads of fuel or explosives are hooked up.
The trainees had to cope with noise, dust and the possibility of the four-tonne
helicopter’s engine failing. “If there is a problem”, the Air Force pilot briefed them
beforehand, “I’ll move to the left to put down on the ground. You run to the right.”
But there were no problems with the well-maintained machine. For the youngest
loggies, a ride on the midday refuelling trip back across the expansive pine forests
to Taupo Airport was a good reward for the intense training.
Reported by John Archer
INVITATION
TO MEMBERS OF SUB ROSA
What:
Where:
When:
Dress:
The Red Tie Dinner
Trentham Military Camp
29 April 2006
Assemble 1900 for 1930
Men: dark suit with red tie
Ladies: suitable equivalent with red accessory
Please notify Peter Jackson peter.jackson@nzdf.mil.nz
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MAJ GEN Mateparae with Miss Janet Grant, daughter of VC
winner SGT John Grant
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Douglas Elliott, son of SGT Keith Elliot VC, whose medals are now
on display at the Army Museum
Tatai Ngarimu, the nephew of 2nd Lieutenant Te-Moananui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu, and 2LT Ngarimu’s sisters, Mrs Keita
Williams (left) and Mrs Horowai Maniopoto (centre) inspect a
Peter McIntyre painting of the Victoria Cross winner.
Mrs Maniopoto said that although “Mo” looked young in
the McIntyre portrait, many younger boys “some only thirteen
or fourteen”, left the family farms and followed their older
brothers into the 28th Battalion. She said it wasn’t quite the
adventure they were expecting, “but it was better than milking
all the cows at home”.
Mr Ngarimu is the son of Henare Ngarimu, Te-Moana-nui’s
younger brother, and was wearing his late father’s 28th Maori
Battalion blazer.
Mrs Maniopoto said that Henare followed his older brother
into the 28th Battalion, “but when we looked up the army
records, we found that he had listed himself as being older
than Mo.”
Reported by John Archer
Spiritual
protection
1 RNZIR recently farewelled soldiers
from the Battalion deploying with the
eighth rotation to Afghanistan.
LT COL John Howard, MNZM,
Commanding Officer of 1 RNZIR, presented
the “Whaka Mauri” to Commander MAJ
Shaun Brookes on behalf of 1 RNZIR.
The mere will provide spiritual protection to the soldiers while on their sixmonth operational tour in Bamian.
The mere was originally presented to
the Battalion as a parting gift by the former
Commanding Officer, LT COL Darryl Tracy.
Contributed by CAPT Michael Van Welie
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PTE Janice Armstrong, assisted by static probe operator PTE Jayesh James, attaches
the load stop to the helicopter’s cargo hook
An exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of the
creation of the Victoria Cross was opened at the Army
Museum in Waiouru on 12 April. At the same time, a
new book was launched: In The Face of the Enemy: the
Complete History of the Victoria Cross and New Zealand,
by Glyn Harper and Colin Richardson.
Defence Minister Phil Goff, who headed the dignitaries
at the opening, said:
“In celebrating New Zealand’s Victoria Cross winners in
this, the Year of the Veteran, we need to remember that
they were only a fraction of those whose deeds merited
receiving the ultimate award for bravery”, Mr Goff said.
“Cyril Bassett, who won the VC at Gallipoli, was disappointed to be the only New Zealander to get one during
that campaign, ‘because hundreds of Victoria Crosses
should have been awarded there ... all my mates ever got
were wooden crosses’.”
The Army Museum’s new exhibition displays 18 VCs, the
largest-ever public exhibition of VCs in New Zealand. As
well as telling the story behind each of those awards, the
exhibition includes portraits on loan from Archives New
Zealand and objects from some of the campaigns. Set
in a special exhibition room in the heart of the Museum,
these are 18 New Zealand stories of men whose individual
courage helped to shape our world today. The exhibition
quickly makes the viewer both proud and humbled.
COL Richardson’s and (former) LT COL Glynn Harper’s
book breaks new ground in that, as well as telling the story
of each of the New Zealanders who have been awarded the
VC, it also looks at the actions of those who were recommended for it but missed out. Their book examines the
chain of decisions behind each award. “Awards for bravery
can be something of a lottery. This is because extreme
courage can go unrecognised, or not be fully recognised.
This is not a reflection on those who receive the awards; it
is a necessary acknowledgement that granting awards for
bravery is a complex and difficult process.”
The exhibition opening and book launch was an opportunity for the sons, daughters and other family members
of the VC winners to gather. Each has a fascinating story
to tell as they grew up with fathers who were (in the public
eye) heroes.
Douglas Elliott, son of SGT Keith Elliot VC, told how his
father was particularly upset when South Africa refused
to allow Maori players tour with the All Blacks in 1960. He
would not wear his VC after that. His father had won his VC
as a 26 year-old, who led a bayonet charge which captured
four German machine gun posts and an anti-tank gun on
15 July, 1942.
“Dad took off his medals at the Anzac Day service in
Featherston and gave them to the mayor. Subsequently
the mayor passed them on to the Feilding Agricultural
High School, Dad’s old school.” He said the school held
the medals in trust until his father’s death when they were
presented to the Army Museum with the family’s approval.
His father “would have been particularly proud to have his
medals on display at the Army Museum” Douglas said.
The exhibition and book tell fascinating stories; take
a break when next driving through Waiouru and see this
special display.
Reported by Richard Jackson
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– exhibition and book launch
LT COL Howard presents the Whaka Mauri to MAJ Brookes on behalf of 1 RNZIR
18 APRIL 2006
deployment05
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ISSUE 352
Medic SGT John Jessop, Nursing Officer CAPT Shaun Fitzell and two local
interpreters triage female patients in the remote village of Dagar in the west of
Bamian Province
My rewarding journey
Stepping off the RNZAF C130 Hercules, my first impression of Afghanistan was
of a picturesque landscape ravaged by war. Villages destroyed during the reign
of the Taliban cover the hills, and green flags flap in the wind, each signifying
the grave of an Afghan who died at the hands of the Taliban. And the people:
weather hardened faces more resilient to adversity than I will ever know. I felt
privileged to be in their country.
GPCPT Steve Moore (SNO) and CAPT Neville Mosley (Eng Off) lay a foundation stone for Bamian Boys High School
Laying foundations
Senior Officer of NZPRT, GPCAPT Steve Moore, and
Engineering Officer, CAPT Neville Mosley, recently attended
a ceremony to lay the first foundation stones for Bamian
Boys High School.
The project is funded though NZAID, and represents a
big step forward for Bamian. The current boys school has to
accommodate classes from Year 1 through to Year 12 and is
bursting at the seams. Bamian Boys High School will have
16 classrooms and will accommodate 300 boys of high
school age.
NZPRT 6 negotiated to purchase land for the school,
and NZPRT 7 has contracted a local firm to build
the school.
The school should be completed by November 2006.
During my five-month tour of Afghanistan, my primary responsibility has been
the health and physical status of the sailors, soldiers and airmen and women of
Kiwi Base; providing nursing intervention to the men and women where needed;
and infection control measures where required.
In addition to my primary role, I have been fortunate enough to be assigned
the task of planning and executing a Medical and Veterinary Civil Action
Programme (MED/VET CAP). MED/VET CAPs are done in rural areas where there
are limited or no medical facilities and the general health of the population
is poor, which is the majority of Afghanistan. The programmes don’t only see
coalition personnel to treat the local population; wherever possible, local
health care workers are encouraged to come and participate in the clinics,
and there is a lot of sharing of knowledge between military personnel and
Afghan people.
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The veterinary clinic provided drenching and vaccinations for the local
animals, along with minor procedures. These animals are essential to the
survival of subsistence farmers, so the opportunity to treat their animals was
embraced by all those in the local area.
The majority of complaints from the people were general health issues that
would normally present to a GP in New Zealand. Eyes, ears, gastric and skin
complaints were common, but there were the anomalies too. For example, a
32-year-old female presented with a compound fracture of the radius and ulna
broken three months previously. She couldn’t afford any treatment and was still
working the fields to feed her family.
Five years ago, when I joined the New Zealand Army, I couldn’t have imagined
the rewarding journey that my career would take me on. Serving in East Timor,
the Solomon Islands, Sumatra and now Afghanistan has been a life changing
experience. As I entered the nursing profession, organising and participating
in a medical and veterinary Civil Action Programme in a war-torn country would
never have entered my mind, but now I’m here I know there isn’t much a nurse
can’t do. There are boundaries in our profession, but I’m just one nurse trying to
extend those boundaries.
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Contributed by CAPT Shaun Fitzell, RNZNC
Some of the graduates of the first Bamian Community Midwifery Programme
Helping mother and baby
The NZPRT has been involved in the
construction of a 20-bed maternity
ward within Bamian Hospital. The
maternity ward was funded through
NZAID, and constructed under a cooperative arrangement between the
NZPRT and the Aga Khan Foundation.
In opening the ward on 19 March, the
Minister of Health, Dr Fatimi, and Bamian
Governor Dr Sarabi conveyed how
much they appreciate the commitment
and efforts of the NZPRT personnel
in Bamian.
Afghanistan
has
the
second
highest infant mortality rate in
the world. One in five mothers in
Bamian die of childbirth-related
illnesses. These appalling statistics
prompted the NZPRT and aid
agencies based in the region to
do something.
CAPT Shaun Fitzell and a local interpreter triage male patients at a MEDCAP clinic
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06our people
L-R: Recruits John O’Neil, Heather Roy, Vanessa Judd, Michael Kelly, Fabian Cook and
Richard Webby
Member of
Parliament
joins the ranks
MP practice take-down techniques which lead into handcuffing techniques
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Firm hand of the law
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Why would a five-foot-five inch 42-year-old married mother of five, who also
happens to be a Member of Parliament, choose to join the Territorial Force? For
a personal challenge of course. Heather Roy, list MP for the ACT party, decided
to take up the challenge earlier this year. “I’ve been thinking about becoming
a member of the TF for quite a while and this year offered me the first chance
to seriously consider the opportunity,” Recruit Roy said. The biggest hurdle for
a mother of five is the six-week basic training all TF members must complete.
“With my youngest child now ten, a very supportive husband and supportive
and encouraging parliamentary colleagues, now’s my chance, and at 42 it’s now
or never.”
As well as the personal challenge aspects the TF offers, Recruit Roy is also
very clear about fulfilling some other goals. “I hope that other women like me –
those a bit older and who have families and full time jobs too – will consider the
concept of serving one’s country as a volunteer. Selfless service to the country is
at the heart of the national fabric and I’m proud to be able to do my bit.” Could
that mean an overseas deployment? “You can’t join up without considering an
overseas deployment as a possibility in the future. That’s part of serving the
country.”
Recruit Roy, who has completed her Recruit Initial Training (module one), is
about to depart for her final six weeks’ training in Waiouru. The short introduction she’s had has already given her a taste of what’s to come. Two days and
nights spent learning the basics of military clothing and equipment, military
discipline as well as how to march, was a good chance to see if the TF was right
for her. “I’m happy to say it was my cup of tea too. The discipline was what I
expected, and I really enjoyed the drill. It was so rewarding to see a bunch of
people of all ages and from all different walks of life come together as a team. It
was enormously satisfying. I’m looking forward to my next six weeks with equal
amounts of eager anticipation and trepidation”.
Perhaps the biggest challenge Recruit Roy has encountered so far is trying
to explain what her job is to her TF colleagues. “I just want to be known as
Private Roy, I don’t want special treatment, to be singled out or to scare people! I
decided I’d explain my job as ‘Civil Servant’, but lots of people who weren’t from
Wellington didn’t really understand that, so I settled on ‘I work at Parliament’”.
Rumours were rife of course, with people eventually saying to each other
“where’s the politician?” and “which one’s the MP?”
It’s inevitable people will question Recruit Roy’s motives, given she’s the
ACT party spokesperson for national security, which encompasses defence.
Her answer is simple: “I’ve thought long and hard about my decision and even
discussed it with the Minister of Defence. It is hard to separate all the things
you do in life, and I imagine that most members of the TF face the challenge of
being in the military as well as being a nurse, a factory worker, or a CEO in their
everyday lives. I’m very clear that I’ll wear two hats, one as an MP and one as a
soldier. Sure, there could be conflicts if I wasn’t aware they could arise. To me
it’s simple: when I’m in my uniform, I’m Private Roy.” Being involved in the New
Zealand Defence Force will also provide an opportunity many politicians don’t
get – first-hand insight.
The NZDF has clear rules governing political activities. All those things New
Zealand citizens do, so too can Defence Force members – like vote, join political parties, and hold political views. However, in the same way as members
of the public service, members of the NZDF must accept some constraints on
their political activities to maintain neutrality. Non-regular service personnel
(members of the TF) are not to assume a public role in support of a political party
when they are on duty and/or wearing uniform. The rules are explained in the
Chief of Defence Force’s DFO 4 Chapter 26. CDF can amend his rules if and when
there is a requirement. It is not unusual for MPs to be members of the military,
with examples in both Canada and the UK.
One of the attractions the TF holds for many people is getting paid to undertake training. Recruit Roy is already holding discussions with the RSA to ascertain which of their charities she’ll donate her TF wages towards. “Joining the
TF has offered me so many positive outcomes – fulfilling a personal challenge;
making a voluntary contribution to the country and the community; gaining a
unique insight into one of my portfolio areas; setting an example for women,
and I get to contribute to an RSA charity which feels appropriate as this is the
Year of the Veteran.
Still undecided, Recruit Roy will either continue her TF career as a medic or
as a field engineer. “I’m focusing on the next six weeks first,” she says. “I feel
confident that I’ll be marching out with my colleagues on 3 June in Waiouru. I’m
hoping my previous experience in the outdoors as a keen tramper will work in my
favour. I know how to get by on limited rations when there are more important
things to put in your pack!”
CPL Victoria Coster takes an imprint of a tool mark, using
epoxy resin
CPL Rob Burt joins punters for a fruit juice at the Junior Ranks
bar while conducting a routine Friday night check
Spending time with the Military Police, based at
Linton Military Camp, was a good opportunity to see the
professionalism and strong sense of camaraderie within the
unit. There are many different aspects to their job but their
main priority is to help keep soldiers out of harm’s way.
Some people have the perception MP can get in the way
of a good time, but the general feeling is quite the opposite.
The manner in which they approach people is far from
intimidating, unless there is justification for it. Everyone
wants to do what they are trained for, and MP are trained to
keep law and order within the military. So if you get a gruff
face and a shunt in a direction you hadn’t planned on going,
then you are most likely doing something you shouldn’t.
MP have to be proactive. Their goal is to prevent crime, so
they must be seen. They do this with vehicle checkpoints,
identification checks, car and foot patrols, and by being on
call 24/7.
Most of their work is investigation. They endeavour to
prevent offences occurring by checking busy locations
around camp every hour or so. Later, they patrol the streets
of Palmerston North checking on the welfare of Lintonbased personnel.
A break-in investigation begins with securing the scene,
and ascertaining entry and exit points. Any exhibits
(photographs, fingerprints, documentary evidence)
are displayed and evidence written up. Witnesses are
interviewed and they can even call on the NZ Police specialist
trades for assistance. These include the fingerprint section,
ESR (forensics), and the document section where they
decipher handwriting. “Except for the finger print software
on CSI, we have everything else at our fingertips”, says CPL
James Fowler.
The investigation ends when they solve the incident and
prove the innocence or guilt of an individual.
They have Defensive Tactics (DT) training, which is used
to secure a situation where an individual or group might get
out of hand. “We haven’t had to use our DT training but it is
an excellent skill to maintain – you don’t know when it may
be needed”, says CPL Rob Burt.
This skill is also utilised in training for Close Protection
(CP). MP are required to protect VIPs and other highranking officials. CPL Angel Ngapera is currently serving in
Afghanistan as the CP Commander. She liaises between
New Zealand and allied forces when VIPs visit Afghanistan,
and she was recently involved with the visit from the
President of Afghanistan.
If required, part of MP’s deployed role is to conduct
investigations overseas where soldiers are serving, and to
escort home any offenders from operations.
Those who have been involved in a trade change were
asked what attracted them to become an MP. It was the
professionalism of the trade that appealed most, and
keeping law and order. These people are looking out for you
and have your best interests in mind.
So, you heard it in Army News?
THEN YOU’LL WANT TO KNOW HOW TO FIND IT AGAIN
Each issue of Army News, from May 2005 onwards, is now available for download from Army’s intranet site.
A database of articles published since May 2005 is also there.
To find your article, just enter a key word and you should find what you’re looking for.
On the site, is also the opportunity to offer feedback.
Let us know what you really think about Army News – all feedback is welcomed.
How easy is that!!
http://awi-teams/Army_News/
18 APRIL 2006
Farewelling our Chief
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It’s goodbye from Burnham
The Commanding Officer of the Cant Bn Gp, LT COL Russell Keetley, presents MAJ
GEN Mateparae with farewell gifts during his visit
MAJ GEN Jerry Mateparae made his last visit to Burnham Military Camp as
Chief of Army, before he becomes Chief of Defence Force. The retiring NZ Army
Territorial Force Adviser (TFA), BRIG Ken Foote, also visited.
A number of events, including a dinner in the Officers Mess, were held in MAJ
GEN Mateparae’s honour. At the dinner a number of speeches were made, and
MAJ GEN Mateparae was presented with gifts.
MAJ GEN Mateparae addressed 3 LFG officers and warrant officers in the BMC
Cinema the following day. He also visited the headquarters of the Canterbury Nelson
Marlborough West Coast Battalion Group, for morning tea with the group’s staff and
family members.
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… and from 4 O South
Chief of Army MAJ GEN Mateparae at 4 O South, addressing media
MAJ GEN Jerry Mateparae paid a visit to the 4th Otago Southland Battalion Group
late last month as part of a farewell tour of Army units.
Having worked with Otago Southland personnel from Timor to Iraq, he told a
luncheon in Dunedin that after four years leading an expanding New Zealand Army
he is encouraged by the increased recruitment and widespread involvement parttime soldiers now have in Army operations, both here and overseas.
MAJ GEN Mateparae told members of 4 O South he was honoured to be
appointed CDF at a time when all three services are going through a round of
modernisation programmes.
our people07
Your world class chaplain
After eight years as an Army chaplain, including 18
months in Burnham, six years in Linton and deployments
to East Timor and Banda Aceh, CHAPCL2 Don Parker knows
how demanding being a padre can be. “But for all of the
demands, people who become Army chaplains find it very
rewarding”, he says. “The Army has asked a lot of me at
times but it has also given me a lot; I have had some great
experiences. It has treated me very well and it’s time I gave
some of that back to other chaplains.”
CHAPCL2 Parker has been principal chaplain since
December 2005. He says his role is to coordinate,
encourage and help train all chaplains in the Regular
and Territorial Forces. The number of RF chaplains will
increase from an average of six or seven in recent years
to about 11, and he expects his biggest challenge will be
recruiting the right people for the job. “[When recruiting] I
look for someone with a solid body of parish experience,
someone who understands the nature of serving others,
and someone who is professional yet humble enough to
get his or her hands dirty. It’s a difficult mixture to get.”
Chaplains must also be able to cope with the demands
of deployment. “The cycle of deployment is much more
rapid for chaplains than it used to be, so chaplains must
understand they will be separated from their family for
months at a time (just like any other solider) and that even
though they might be a bit low, they have to serve others,
they are not there to serve themselves.
“Deployment as a chaplain is notable for its intensity.
You don’t have an opportunity to switch it off at night and
relax, it’s 100 per cent ‘on’ the whole time you are away. I
think we are seen to be as human as others through the
test of deployment, but we have to be better than that – we
still have to serve others despite the fact that we get as
tired as the rest of them.”
CHAPCL2 Parker deployed to Banda Aceh in February
2006 with the Light Medical Team (LMT “B”). He also
deployed to East Timor in October 1999 with Victor
Company, the first company to deploy to the region. East
Timor was challenging, particularly for a chaplain new to
the job, he says. “East Timor was the great unknown. It was
the beginning of a fairly significant phase in the history of
the Army, anyway, and I think we were feeling a bit awed
by the prospect of what lay before us. For someone new to
the Army it was doubly so.”
In 1998, after almost 13 years in parish ministry,
CHAPCL2 Parker was “ready for something different” when
the then principal chaplain suggested he become an Army
chaplain. CHAPCL2 Parker was working as an Anglican vicar
in Oxford, North Canterbury, and accepted the position
once Army offered him a posting in Burnham, allowing
his wife to finish her midwifery degree in Christchurch.
He then moved to Linton. “Linton is a good place to cut
one’s teeth and learn about the Army; everything seems to
happen there at a faster pace and a lot of what goes on in
the Army happens at Linton first.”
In his new role CHAPCL2 Parker will remain based at
Linton, but he now spends most of his time visiting other
chaplains and prospective chaplains around New Zealand.
He says that after a settling in period, he is beginning to
understand what he can do to be effective.
“The strategic vision that was given to me from MAJ
GEN Mateparae, was: ‘I want a chaplaincy that is world
class’. I consider the prospects of that to be exciting. There
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ISSUE 352
are things that we can do that will make us world class,
which revolve around looking at things such as ongoing
professional supervision. By virtue of our numerical size,
my feeling is that we can achieve things, as a group of
chaplains, where perhaps other chaplaincies struggle.”
He is also working with a theologian who is an expert in
international terrorism, to develop an up-to-date theology
of “what it means to be a chaplain in a post-9/11 army”.
“The whole face of the world has changed since 9/11, and
we need to have theology as the basis for what we do in
the modern army, and keep it in context.”
He says he brings a very flat, transparent style to the
principal chaplain position. “I am not interested in bossing
anyone around or withholding information, if I can possibly
be transparent about it. Working with my colleagues, I hope
I have a flat and transparent style; working in the Army, I
hope I have an approachable and efficient style.”
Why does the Army employ people in a religious
capacity, while other employers don’t? “The Army
asks much more of us than normal jobs”, responds
CHAPCL2 Parker. “Therefore it has to provide the support
mechanisms to do those jobs, and we are just part of those
support mechanisms.”
The Army is a very good cross-section of New Zealand
society, he says, and two-thirds of his time as an Army
chaplain was spent on relationship issues. “I think most
soldiers are aware that we can be a soldier’s friend in a
significant way. We see ourselves as independent helpers;
we can be a sympathetic ear and we don’t have to disclose
what we’ve heard.
“We always make that very clear that anyone, is
able to have the assistance of a chaplain – we don’t
discriminate; we will help anyone who walks through
the door, or approaches us in the field, or talks to us on
the streets.”
Reported by Anna Norman
1,600 years of the military “cappellani”
Chaplains have a long established link with the military, stretching
back 1,600 years to the days of the Emperor Constantine.
In the 4th century a young Roman soldier named Martin of Tours
was returning to the battlefield when he discovered a cold, shivering
beggar on the side of the road. He divided his thick military cloak
(then called a cappa) into two, and gave one half to the beggar for
warmth. That night he had a vision the beggar was actually Jesus
Christ, so he renounced his military oath and declared he was now
a soldier of Christ.
Martin then devoted himself to the Church. After he died, he
became a patron saint of France. His devotees preserved his half of
the cappa, and carried it into battle as a relic of St Martin. The priest
who cared for the cloak was called the Cappellanus, and eventually all priests who served in the military were called cappellani. The
French translation was chapelains, which is where the English word
comes from.
“I’ve always said – taking that particular legend and translating it
into what we do – that chaplains tend the sacred in the midst of warfare
and that’s an important role to play”, says CHAPCL2 Don Parker.
In modern-day armies, chaplains bring the presence of God into the
midst of challenging and difficult times. They wear a variety of hats,
including priest, counsellor, friend – and even community worker.
“During my time in East Timor I was more involved with liaison
with priests in the East Timorese community than I was with our own
soldiers, on the basis that I had established a good rapport with the
soldiers and it was okay to move beyond the perimeters of the camp
and go into the community”, says CHAPCL2 Don Parker.
In the New Zealand Army, chaplains were, and are traditionally,
referred to and addressed as padres. The term chaplain is now more
frequently used to include both men and women in this ministry.
cmyk
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08our people
Bad weather, long days, exhaustion, teamwork under stress,
and living in harsh conditions – Intermediate Mountaineering
2006 had everything a good Army course should.
On 14 March six excited NZDF personnel (five Army and one
Navy) packed their kit and left the Army Adventurous Training
Centre for the Fox Glacier township.
We were due to fly up the glacier the following morning, but the
flight was delayed because of uncooperative weather. Finally, at
4.30pm, we got the nod and raced down to the chopper pad. By
5.30pm we were deposited on pristine snow and the beginnings
of a bomber sunset on the Fox neve (head of the glacier) beside
Pioneer Hut. That night, as a result of his snoring, the group
voted for PTE “Bird” Lynton to sleep on the deck overlooking the
25m-cliff.
The next day we went through the basics, including moving on
snow, self-arresting (stopping a fall), and modes of glacier travel.
We also acclimatised and prepared for the next day: the summit
of Mt Lendenfeld.
We were up at 4.30am and roped up by 5.30am. After a twohour walk across the glacier and another hour to Marcel Col, we
began pitch climbing up the North ridge. We gained the summit
ridge after five pitches and did a steep traverse up the Northwest
face to the summit (3,194m: the fifth highest in New Zealand)
at 11.45am. We returned to the hut by 4.00pm – making it an
11-hour day.
During the next three days we ice climbed, covered crevasse
rescue in atrocious conditions and participated in team
development sessions. During one session, LCPL Josh Geddes
unsuccessfully tried to destroy the stovetop coffee pot by not
using any water, but instructor SSGT Andy Cole’s wizardry
salvaged it.
Our climb of Mt Hadinger was binned due to weather, but our
attempt of Triad (2,885m) was successful – apart from getting
slammed by the weather.
The next day we spent over four hours walking out to
Chancellor Hut. After being uplifted back to Fox township, the
group dealt with conflicts from the first phase with discussion
and mediation, and decided on strategies for better teamwork.
After two days waiting for a weather window into Welcome
Pass for a crack at Mt Sefton, we got in on the third morning and
were dropped on Lucy Walker Pass. We walked to Welcome Pass
(2,300m) and made a bivy in amongst the rocks on a ridgeline.
Following the theme of light and fast, we decided not to take tents. The
group split, and half did a recce on the alternate escape route while the
others scouted a path through a very cut up glacier.
The next morning was an alpine start: 6.00am. LCPL “Nelly” Nelson
made PTE Andrew Kingdon do the cooking with the thin excuse, “I don’t
have a down jacket mate, could you sort this lot out?”
The plan was to make the foot of the West Ridge by 9.00am; but, after
heaps of pitching and traversing, we got to the ridge by 1.00pm. Making
the summit (3,151m) at 3.30pm meant a night decent was on the cards.
We were back at the base of the ridge by 7.00pm, descending through
the glacier and ice cliffs not long after.
Everyone stumbled back into the bivy at 10.30pm, after an epic 16
hours on the move. We spent another hour or so making dinner and
melting snow for the next day’s water.
We awoke to the soft patter of drizzle on our bivy bags. At 6.ooam, we
were told it was time to bug out because the weather was about to make
life uncomfortable. By 6.30am, a group of buggered mountaineers
were traversing the Te Kano glacier to Scott Creek and onto welcome
Flat Hut.
The trip down was long, including down climbing, rock hopping and a
50m repel down a cliff. All involved more decision making under fatigue
– a wrong step would have ended in a blown knee, ankle, or worse.
Ten hours and 2,000m lower, we arrived at the hut. We all got a
good amount of scoff and cowboy coffee down then ventured out to
the natural hot pools. By this time we were fairly fragrant and got a
few looks.
The next day was 17.6km of a fun run, which Bird did in a stunning
time of 3hr 30min. He was followed by Nelly, Josh and Andrew who came
in at the four-hour mark. Some time later the instructors came out.
Wednesday consisted of team activities, a debrief session, and a
long drive back to Burnham. Thursday was course validations and out
into the Port hills for some alpine-style rock climbing, capped off with
a quiet bevvie and three plates of wedges for Bird, which brought the
three weeks to a satisfying end.
The course was extremely beneficial for all, as it covered a wide range
of transferable team and interpersonal skills. We would like to thank
AATC, as there are no courses in New Zealand that rival it. We would like
to thank the instructors for their time and expertise in the mountains
and out. Without the coaching and guidance we received this trip would
not have been the success that it was.
Contributed by LCPL Nelson
Photos by LCPL Nelson and PTE Kingdon
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pitching and
traversing
A
D
18 APRIL 2006
our people09
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ISSUE 352
C
A. The group walking out to Chancellor Hut
D. Pioneer Hut
F. Rappelling down the North Face of Mt Lendenfeld
B. Drop off on Lucy Walker pass
E. Instructor LT Brendan Lynch just short of Mt Sefton summit,
with MAJ Brown and LT Symmons in background
G. Sunset over the Tasman sea
C. LCPL Nelly Nelson ice climbing
COVER: Rappelling down Scott Creek
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B
F
G
cmyk
10news
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Well done! 2LT Emma Pittman presents CPL Piripi
Matthews with certificate for winning
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Troops on route march: where to from here?
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Winning team L-R: OCDT James Osten, CPL Piripi Mathews, PTE Shaune Potts, PTE Daniel Dunne and PTE Evan Munks
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There was no stopping the men and women of the 4th Otago
Southland Battalion group last month when they contested their
annual Skill At Arms competition.
The competition kicked off at the top of Leith Valley Road with a
six-kilometre route march, complete with one jerry can per team.
The march was followed by a day of round-robin activities at the
unit’s Waitati rifle range. The team was put through their paces
to demonstrate their soldier skills under stress and, as the day
progressed, under falling energy levels.
Stands included med stand, fire control orders, observation
and navigation. After dark the teams headed for the hills above
Dunedin, climbing several hundred metres to Swampy Summit
for another round of activities, including identifying night sounds
and pushing a military vehicle. A further patrol across the hills to
Flagstaff completed day one.
At Kensington Army Hall on the final day, there was small-bore
rifle shooting and another test of navigation and fitness levels.
At the prize-giving LT Andrew Thomas, 2 IC of Combat Company,
said it was heartening to see not only the high standard achieved,
but also the high morale. This was demonstrated by the number of
smiles, despite the sometimes gruelling 36 hours!
The winner was Section 3, led by CPL Piripi Mathews. CPL
Mathews says he was proud of his section’s performance and looks
forward to returning next year to defend the trophy.
There were also prizes for those who provided a few lighter
moments, including the young soldier who was convinced the
phonetic spelling of CONE was Charlie “Otago” “Nigel” Echo. Well,
he was half right.
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UNSTOPPABLE
Navigation – an important part of getting around the stands in the right order
SSGT Ngaire Nukunuku welcomes Mr Hollis to Waiouru
Half century of wisdom
The US Army’s senior scientist visited
ATG Waiouru during his four-day visit to
New Zealand.
Mr Walter Hollis, US Army Under Secretary
for Operational Research, arrived at Waiouru by
RNZAF helicopter in late March, accompanied by
the DCA, BRIG Barry Vryenhoek. He was welcomed
onto the Army Marae, visited the Combat School
and Tactics School, and had lunch with ATG’s
senior officers.
The purpose of his visit was to discuss operational research within the NZ Army, and the
Army’s transformation,
Mr Hollis has worked as a scientist for the
US Army for more than 50 years, starting his
career in 1951 at Frankford Arsenal. He worked
on the design of optical fire controls and eventually became chief of its Combat Vehicle and
Instruments division.
In the 1970s he completed a Masters degree
in International Affairs and became a scientific
advisor to the US Army. In 1980 he was appointed
to his current role. For the past 25 years, Mr Hollis,
now 79 years old, has been in charge of developing the US Army’s weapon systems.
Reported by John Archer
Ammunition
Technician
Reunion
A reunion for all current and former ammunition technical officers, ammunition
technicians and personnel who served in the Waiouru Ammunition Area will be
held in Waiouru over Queen’s Birthday weekend, 3–5 June 2006.
The reunion will be held in conjunction with the official opening of the new
Igloo ammunition storage facility.
The registration fee will cover accommodation, meals and functions and
will include memorabilia. Costs will be advised once registrations of interest
are received.
To register your interest please contact WO2 Andrew True
andrew.true@nzdf.mil.nz or 06-387 5599, Ext 7881
We will endeavour to contact those involved with the Waiouru Ammunition
Area over the last 60 years, but some might be hard to find. Please pass this on
to other ammunition personnel you are in contact with.
18 APRIL 2006
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news11
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ISSUE 352
PTE Phillip Logan, Bravo Company, chases down PTE William King, Support Company, on the “forced” march
PTE Leon Limbrick from Bravo Company prepares for a wet landing after releasing on the “flying fox”
PTE Robert Wati from Delta Company moves through the jungle lane
under the supervision of the Stand Controller
Battle-ready
Soldiers at Linton and Burnham grasped the
skills they need to survive in the Close Quarter
Battle (CQB) environment when the 15 Basic CQB
Courses were held at the two military camps in
early March.
Each five-day course teaches physical defensive
and offensive CQB techniques in the morning, and
reaction shooting at the range in the afternoon.
CQB is a form of self-defence, and is a set of
simple and repetitive manoeuvres, techniques
D
B
and skills. Implicit with these skills are a range of
personal attributes, such as discipline, restraint,
judgement, moral standards and moral courage.
All soldiers are taught CQB to give them the skills
and confidence to effectively operate, survive and
achieve mission success in a close environment.
The training includes general self-defence and
various weapon disarming skills.
All soldiers are assessed on their performance
during the course. Those that achieve certain
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A
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The competition showed that all soldiers of 2/1 Bn have an excellent
base level of skill, and it was PTE Rajesh Patel (Delta Company) who
took the highest honour: Top Soldier 2006. He was closely followed
by PTE AN Jobling (Bravo Company) and PTE Mark Pederson (Support
Company), who came second equal. In third place was PTE (now LCPL)
TN Tohill (Bravo Company). It was pleasing to see a wide spread of
place-getters in the top 10; positions were occupied by soldiers from
all companies within the battalion.
At the Battalion Medals Parade, the Commanding Officer, LT COL John
Boswell, and the Commander of 3 LFG, COL Dave Gawn, congratulated
the participants on their involvement.
This year’s Top Soldier Competition was one of the most successful
the Battalion has seen in recent times, and sets a solid example for the
2007 event.
Contributed by PTEs Luke Dixon and Lance Harris
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PTE Christopher Rhodes from Delta Company scales the 12ft wall at the assault course
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The annual 2/1 RNZIR Top Soldier Competition aims to find the
best light infanteer the New Zealand Army has to offer. The winner
must be fit and strong mentally and physically, and able to carry all
that they need to fight and win with, wherever they go.
Held in late March, this year’s competition challenged
soldiers mentally and physically. Throughout the competition
soldiers completed various stands testing general battlecraft,
weapon TOETs, marksmanship, navigation, medical skills and
physical endurance.
Each soldier was graded on how well they completed each
activity. They are provided feedback on their strengths and
weaknesses, which gives commanders an understanding of how
to improve individual and group training. Top Soldier provided
an excellent finish to the 2/1 Bns individual training period, the
foundation of the training year.
The first day began with an RFL test, where PTE Phillip Logan
(Bravo Company) achieved “100’s Club”. Following was a BET
where PTE (now LCPL) Simon Ralph (Bravo Company) came in
first. Activities progressed to the parade ground, where soldiers
took part in a firefighter’s carry and equipment carry, followed by
a swim test.
On the second and third days soldiers were spilt into two
groups. The first conducted stands around Burnham Camp and the
rest completed shooting and battlecraft activities at West Melton
Range. The stands tested the soldiers’ abilities to treat a patient;
establish communications; compile a range card; navigate,
arm and disarm the M49A1 tripflare; engage targets; and react
to effective enemy fire. To get between stands, soldiers had to
“force” march about 12km. The day finished with a trip over the
assault course.
At West Melton Range soldiers demonstrated their skill on Rifle
Section weapons. After returning to Burnham they were tested with
another pack march, and a 6km “ammunition re-supply” task.
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Top Dog
C
criteria may be considered for further training as
either NZ Army CQB or lead assistant instructors.
Training the first course in Linton was Mr Edward
Yee, Master CQB Instructor from The Todd Group.
“I’m really pleased with the progress. Students
seem to be enjoying the training and finding it
challenging. The weapon disarming seemed to be
a highlight during the morning lessons”, he said.
CAPT Bevan Guy of HQ 3LFG said, “The aim for
Burnham is to have 180 persons trained by the end
of June”.
Reported by Caroline Williams
E
A. Instructor Mr Yee demonstrating weapon
disarming
B. Students practice their CQB moves
C. LCPLs Rob Gribble and Kurt Nissen defend and
attack each other with great intent
D. CPLs Gribble and Nissen, in the
detainee hold
E. PTE Priscilla Searancke holds down PTE Haiden
Adaminski, both of Burnham Admin Centre
cmyk
12news
OH 06-0159-13
Three services – one Force
Dane Tunley tries the Sea Sprite Helicopter cockpit out for size. WOHCM Dave Morgan (Navy) on the right
OHAKEA OPEN DAY
Heavy rain did not dampen the enthusiasm of nearly
6,000 visitors to the RNZAF Base Ohakea Open Day on
Saturday, 8 April.
The wind and rain disrupted some events, but aircraft
enthusiasts were still treated to Air Force ground and static
aircraft displays, and hundreds of young children enjoyed
indoor events such as jungle gyms (armoured vehicles) and
bouncy castles (life rafts).
OH 06-0164-18
NAVY AND AIR TAKE TOP HONOURS AT NZDF SPORTS AWARDS
Navy and Air Force took the top
trophies at the 2006 NZDF Sports Awards,
which were held at Westpac Stadium on
10 April.
CPL Kim Bevins, RNZAF, beat NZ Army
nominee PTE Lloyd Carter to be named
the Individual winner. LT Angela Barker,
RNZN, took best Sports Official title,
above NZ Army nominee W01 Wayne
Small. The Outstanding award for sports
excellence went to LT Kerry Cameron,
who beat NZ Army nominee PTE Carter.
The top NZDF sports team was the NZDF
Women’s Soccer team.
The awards acknowledge NZDF
sporting achievements during 1 October
2004 to 30 September 2005.
FROM THE
MESS TIN
ORDERS!
Some years ago, Waiouru was honoured by the presence of a special guest
– none other than President Jimmy Carter. It was a private visit but when one is an
ex-President of the United States of America, no visit can be “private”. President
Carter wanted to visit the Army Museum, the prime purpose of the visit. But he
also needed lunch and so the Army Training Group was directed to lay on a spread
“fit for an ex-President”.
The Museum visit went well. Not sure if he and his entourage were charged an
entrance fee or if he put his hand in his pocket and gave a hefty donation to the
Museum coffers, but those details are immaterial. With the Museum visit over the
party were whisked into Waiouru Camp for a sumptuous luncheon.
The luncheon was set up in the Brooke Room, an Ante Room located in what
was then the Officers Mess. In walks President Carter accompanied by the
Commander of ATG. President Carter is immediately gob-smacked – seems
incredible for a politician – but there before him, as a centerpiece, was a magnificently butter-carved American bull eagle. President Carter couldn’t get over this
masterpiece and there were lots of ooo’s and arrr’s and lots of film taken of this
lump of kiwi butter and the ex-peanut farmer. “Who constructed this magnificent
bird of prey”? asked Carter. These VIPs who ask such stupid questions, probably
mused the Commander. There was no quick answer available from a quick shuffle
through the visit programme that may have given the Commander the necessary
response. And so the search began. Who constructed this centerpiece?
By now Jimmy Carter was most probably munching on a piece of Kaimaniwa
steak having been marinated in the juice of pinus contorta when in marches
CPL Snodgrass (not his real name). Snodgrass marches directly up to President
Carter and salutes him. There was Snodgrass dressed in “well-used” cook whites,
covered in the slops of the day’s food preparation and the grime from the diesel
burners that cooked the food. At least he had taken his “roll-ya-own” fag from his
mouth before entering the Ante Room. And he did have his chef’s hat on and that
made him correctly dressed to be able to salute the President.
Jimmy Carter was somewhat taken back by the appearance of this new character
in his midst. “Ya wanted to see me Sir”, asked Snodgrass. Carter looks at a loss
as to what he should say. The Commander comes to the rescue and introduces
President Carter to CPL Snodgrass, indicating that Snodgrass is the sculptor of
this butter-piece. Carter has now regained his composure and is gushing all over
Snodgrass. “What a fantastic piece”; “how much butter”? “how long did it take”?
and then after numerous other questions came the final – “Why did you carve this
eagle”? Snodgrass, being one of those black and white characters was quick to
respond to this last question. “Because I was ordered to, Sir!”
Carter got his answer, Snodgrass got to meet President Carter, and Commander
ATG gave a nervous cough, which really meant get this cook out of my sight.
Orders are orders.
dear editor
New Zealand Royal Honours
CPL Bevins, CPL Mikaere, LT Barker and LT Cameron
The key is MRP
The third 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.
In the previous article, (Army News #351 pg 17), 2 LFG highlighted the need to “Increase equipment and spares levels
to meet deployment, operational and training needs”.
Materials Requirement Planners is the key to this need,
and Army has a team of 10 MRP working out of LogExec and
HQ JFNZ to balance the demand for parts and equipment
with availability from stock, suppliers and the money to pay
for it.
They are the all-important link between supply and
demand, and play a vital role in optimising Army inventory.
After a series of workshops to see what needed to be
improved, the MRP team met to firm up ideas for change,
including how to harness the capability of SAP.
2 LFG staff stressed that Army should evaluate the need
before disposing of spare parts that may be needed later.
The project team has come up with a set of rules to guide
disposal decisions.
I am a retired Warrant Officer of the New Zealand Army, and am currently
employed in the UK. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of the Army News
#347, an excellent paper I might add.
I was surprised to note on pages 6 and 7 the number of commissioned officers in the New Years Honours list. I don’t know whether or not that was all of
the awards, but of the 13 awards, only one was to a soldier, LCPL Matautia. I
have no doubt that these awards were well earned, but with a ratio of 12 to one
officers to soldiers recognised by an award, when the ratio of ORs to officers is
about 12 to one, strikes me as being unfair to say the least.
Would you please write to me at the above address and put my mind to rest.
I am quite happy for this matter to be answered in the Army News.
Yeoman Warder P Nolan
HM Tower of London
Tower Hill
London EC3N 4AD
Assistant Director HQNZDF Personnel Branch responsible for staffing Royal
Honour nominations for the NZDF responds:
Adam Evans, Log Systems, Tim McMahon, SPEL, and Trevor
Vickers, SPEL check the data download data that will be
used in a pilot study to identify slow moving or surplus
stock for disposal
The IPO project team in working with Army’s supply chain
partner Serco Project Engineering Limited and LogExec Fleet
Managers, to identify surplus stock in Base Depot Trentham
(2B00).
Enquiries and suggestions are welcomed. Geoffrey Lee,
527 5605 or geoffrey lee@NZDF.mil.nz
Contributed by Geoffrey Lee
Awards to NZDF personnel in the New Zealand Royal Honours are made on
merit, regardless of rank or ratios between officers and other ranks. Likewise
the level of award recognises the significance of the achievement and is not
rank based. Both these criteria differ from the period prior to 1995 when New
Zealand still used the British Royal Honours. In those military lists, a number
of awards were rank-based and were used to recognise service, not necessarily
achievement.
The New Zealand Royal Honours are only one means of recognising achievements within the NZDF. A good representation across all ranks in all three
Services is being achieved if NZ awards for gallantry and bravery are also added
to those who have been recognised in the general lists. The principal aim for
such lists however, remains to ensure that significant achievements on overseas missions, on operational deployments and among those who “keep the
home fires burning” are appropriately recognised.
David Jenkinson
Assistant Director Personnel Coordination
18 APRIL 2006
news13
WN 06-0013-55
ISSUE 352
PTE Paenga checks her sighting-in rounds during the rifle match
Otago endurance
PTE Asha Paenga and her 4th Otago Southland Battalion Group team-mates
represented up-and-coming young TF soldiers at the Freyberg Shield competition
in Waiouru.
The 4 O South Bn Gp were less experienced than many other TF competitors;
PTE Paenga is a physical education student at Otago University and is still
completing her RIT 4 Army training.
The 4 O South team didn’t get a podium placing, but along with the winning
1 RNZIR team, they had the endurance to complete the 2.5km battle run, all
together. 4 O South came fourth in the competition.
Many local army rifle ranges in the Otago and Southland regions have closed,
so most 4 O South shooters travel to West Melton (near Burnham) or Waiouru, or
do not train at all.
The 4 O South shooting team started training in early March, travelling
from Dunedin to West Melton and back, to achieve their Advanced Weapons
Qualification.
Before the competition, the team spent two days training at West Melton on
their way north, and four days on the ranges in Waiouru.
WN 06-0013-53
Early bird takes the trophy
2/1 RNZIR with their trophies
The 2/1 Battalion, 1 RNZIR, retained the Freyberg
Trophy after several days’ practice and two days’
competition at Waiouru in early April.
2/1 Bn won the Section Match, the Light Support
Weapon Match and the Falling Plate Match, while
1 Battalion won the Rifle Match and CPL Carl Harris,
1 RNZIR, won the Steyr Trophy for Top Shot, with a
possible 70/70.
The TF teams who arrived in Waiouru several
days early for extra practice were also rewarded
with good scores. 2 Cant NMWC and 4 O South
came 3rd and 4th in the competition.
The 1 Bn team had the biggest group of
supporters, including six 1 RNZIR NZLAV crews who
turned up to cheer them on during the Section
Match.
The Falling Plate Match was much more exciting
this year, thanks to WO2 Paul Mumm’s efforts to
replace the old soft iron plates with ballistic steel
ones. The plates now all fall when struck, instead
of absorbing the hit.
Within the other teams, scores in the 60s were
obtained in the Rifle Match by SSGT Muschamp
(67/70) SSGT Churchouse and LCPL Gray of 5 WWCT,
and by SPR Mould, CPL Railey and SGT Te Paa of
3 Auck North.
Reported by John Archer
Reported by John Archer
WN 06-0013-56
WN 06-0013-54
A concentration of marksmen
LCPL Gray, SIG Blackwell and SPR Harris
cmyk
14Entertainment
seeing
stars CROSSWORD
AQUARIUS
GEMINI
May 22 to June 21
LIBRA
Jan 21 to Feb 19
Everyone will look to you for
answers. Quote them something
from the back of a breakfast
cereal box. Let’s face it; they’re
idiots for asking you in the first
place so they get what they
deserve.
Don’t expect things to run
according to plan. They never
have and they never will. Ever,
ever, ever.
You may feel it is necessary to
take drastic measures. Nobody
else thinks so, but what do they
know? Go ahead and do it your
way. That way lies glory.
CANCER
June 22 to July 23
Do not succumb to someone
else’s unpredictable behaviour.
Match it with your own.
It is time you spoke up and let
everyone know what you are
thinking. They have a few ideas,
but it’s probably better they got
some more information to start
drawing up contingency plans.
ARIES
LEO
Mar 21 to April 20
July 24 to Aug 23
Get involved in groups that
can teach you about different
cultures. Preferably cultures
that want to get to know you in
a non-judgemental, non-hittingyou-with-a-stick kind of a way.
Someone will be out to get you,
one way or another. Borrow a
Taurean’s surveillance gear to get
the drop on this ne’er do well.
PISCES
Feb 20 to Mar 20
VIRGO
Sept 24 to Oct 23
SCORPIO
Oct 24 to Nov 22
It’s time to start thinking about
your future and where you see
yourself in a year from now. If
any part of the answer involves a
spaceship, then you have to start
all over again.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov 23 to Dec 20
Anger or criticism will get you
nowhere. It will, of course, make
you feel much better. It’s weighing
up the consequences of shortterm benefits to you psyche, and
the long-term betterment of your
career.
Aug 24 to Sept 23
TAURUS
April 21 to May 21
Someone you live with or you are
close to, will not be totally honest
with you. Luckily you have been
filming them covertly for ages.
Money can be made if you are
smart with your investments.
These may seem blindingly
obvious, but the past evidence
would indicate it’s obviously not
obvious enough.
★★
HUBBARD
CARTOON
★
BY MIKE DUNCAN
CAPRICORN
Dec 21 to Jan 20
Don’t be fooled by someone who
pretends to have all the answers.
Everyone knows that’s your job.
ACROSS:
1 Soldiers of old infiltrating an
enemy position ahead of the
main attack
7 Collision
8 Tribal division (Maori)
9 Slippery fish
10 Den
12 Trainees
14 Islamic military commander
15 Radio codeword signalling
end of conversation
16 At a distance
17 Sam ------, Leather belt with
cross straps worn by officers
19 Explosive designed to
destroy or damage vehicles or
personnel
21 Anti-Aircraft Artillery
22 Flows like the tide
23 Set tracking system continuously on target (4,2)
25 Ngati -------, Army tribe
DOWN:
1 Web cord to enable a weapon
to be carried
2 Information exchange
programme
THE
3 Bury
4 Grumman WWII US fighter plane
used in the Pacific
5 Process troops in transit
6 High-speed long-range warship
11 Long slender weapon
13 Pulled
14 Badges
15 Central and southern Pacific area
18 Satellite’s path
19 Mediterranean republic
20 Group of military officers holding
power in a country
24 Family
SMOKO QUIZ
#017
QUIZMASTER: BARRY ALLISON
1.
What was the strategic aim of the Gallipoli campaign?
2.
How many allied troops fought at Gallipoli?
3.
Bernard Freyberg commanded 2 NZ Div in WWII. With
which British unit did he serve at Gallipoli?
4.
How many New Zealand troops landed on 25 April, 1915.
2000, 3000 or 5000?
5.
Who commanded the British forces, including the
ANZACs, on Gallipoli?
6.
How long did the campaign last?
7.
Soldiers from which countries fought at Gallipoli?
8.
How many New Zealanders were serving at Gallipoli?
9.
What were New Zealand’s casualties?
10.
In terms of troop losses, which country suffered the
most at Gallipoli?
ANSWERS
1.The elimination of Turkey from the war as a German ally 2.Approximately 480,000
3. The Hood Battalion of the Royal Naval Division 4.3000 5. General Sir Ian Hamilton
until 15 October, 1915, then Sir Charles Monro 6. Near enough to eight months: 25 April
– 20 December, 1915, although the last British troops left Helles on 9 January, 1916 7.
Turkey, Germany, NZ, Australia, France, Great Britain and India. 8. 8556 9. 7473; 2721
died and 4752 were wounded but many men returned again and again after recovering
from wounds or disease 10. Turkey, with an estimated 250,000 casualties
★
ISSUE 352
18 APRIL 2006
sport15
WN 06-0013-40
I entered course four of the Kaweka Challenge
mountain race, held in the Kaweka range in late
February – a 30km route up and over Mount
Kuripapango, an overnight stop at MacIntosh and
a 2100m climb.
WN 06-0013-50
No, I’m an accountant
I arrive at 6.00pm on the Friday night at
Kuripapango, on the Napier-Taihape Road. I
confuse the young girl at the gear check, as my
rat packs aren’t labelled with their energy count.
Competitors must carry significant kilojoules as
race food, plus 6000kj of reserve food, survival
bag, compass, map and wet weather gear. As the
sun sets, I look up at the steep track up Mount
Kuripapango, which towers 1,300m.
The next morning I am surrounded by frantic
activity. I eat two steaks for the iron and scull a ‘V’.
I am ready. A voice behind me says “Johnston, do
you think you are completely committed to this
event?”. I look around and discover it is just the
voice in my head, so I tell it to get lost.
I line up at the final check with about 50 others.
Some are completing the course in pairs, others
solo. Expensive gear abounds but I am kitted
with issue gear: a hoochie, two waterbottles, a rat
pack, foam mat and a DPM raincoat, all of which
is crammed into a patrol pack. I am wearing Code
Fives and cammed puttees from the AGI.
A bloke next to me, covered in Macpac, asks,
“Are you in the Army, mate?” “No”, I reply, baring
my teeth, “I am an accountant”.
The whistle blows. I tell myself it is me versus
the course but find myself running the first 500m
to the start of the climb.
Twenty-six minutes later and 250m higher, I
feel like I have completed back-to-back RFLs. My
heart rate is 280bpm. My left arm is numb. There
is a long line of struggling, sweating, lycra-clad
people in front and behind me. A bloke in front
accidentally stabs me in the chest with his Leki
pole. I accidentally stab him back with my Gerber.
One-and-a-half hours later I drag my 500lb pack
onto the top and begin the run along an undulating
spur, as the sun beats down and reflects off
the broken rock. The bushline is now 200m
below me.
A Sika deer shadows me for a few hundred
yards, giving me the curious “peep” that sounds
like a child blowing a cheap whistle.
Cramp bites me in the hamstring. Great. Now I
am exhausted and in pain. The cramp doesn’t go
away; it alternates between legs for the next hour.
I stagger into the Kiwi Saddle checkpoint, pouring
sweat. A young lady smiles and tells me, “You are
12 minutes behind the leaders”. Like I care. I pick
up the pace.
Cramp stays with me over the next 4kms,
forcing me to a halt a number of times. Then it
suddenly goes away and doesn’t return. Now I am
only exhausted.
I see a number of differing race tactics. A young
couple run past me at full noise and then collapse
further on for a rest so I pass them. They pass me
again a few minutes later, him yelling, “let’s go,
let’s go!” Me, I’m doing the infantry plod – left foot
closely followed by right foot, then repeat.
I come across two young blokes down on their
knees trying to orientate a map with a cheap
compass. Dozens of footprints lead along the
spur in front of us. The “Map Boys” figure it out
and race past me.
The AATC team after finishing the 100-km race in 13:36 L-R: SGT Robert Gathergood, MAJ Robin Hoult,
Sean Waters and Mark Rayward
CAPT Steve Johnston takes on the Kaweka Challenge
I reach the turn off down MacIntosh Spur. It
is steep, dropping 600m in 2kms. Again, I tell
myself that it is me versus the course, but find
myself running and jumping down the track as the
Map Boys are only 100m ahead.
I reach the overnight halt, the Map Boys already
there. They saw me coming and took off like cut
cats. I check in, skull a rat pack salt sachet, and
put up my hoochie.
The Map Boys come over and we talk “army”
for a while. They are shearers from Napier and,
like most young men, have a romantic view of
the Army – even though it’s being represented
by a 42-year-old, knackered bald guy. They drift
away when two young ladies begin pitching a tent
near us.
I read a few chapters of Max Hastings’ Off To The
Wars and listen to the sounds of the bush around
me. I do 30 press-ups and 130 curls before going
to bed. (Feel free to self-edit the more obvious
lies.) I crash at 9.00pm, sleeping through to
6.00am when I am woken by another Sika peeping
at me from about 50m into the bush.
We head away at 8.30am. The Map Boys sprint,
I plod. We reach the first gorge and sidle around
through some native. Another gorge. A rock rolls
under my foot and I fall, the fastest five metres I
have travelled in two days.
I am now fully exposed to the 30-degree sun.
Sweat breaks out all over me, running down
behind my TAD-issued sunglasses. I start to stink
like I’ve been in the bush for a week. Two fantails
gag at my approach. I plod, drink and suck salt. I
pass people and people pass me.
Two and a half hours pass and I check my map
– I have only 1500m to go. It is gently downhill,
through pristine native bush. My spirits soar, then
I hit “the wall”, so aptly named. It is 60 vertical
metres, covered in fern and scrub. Hidden in the
bracken are mature thistles a metre high.
At the top I discover the downside to “the wall”.
An equal drop on the other side, complete with
ropes. It leads down to a creek where I re-water
for the final, five-minute push.
I round a corner and there is the finish. I suck in
my gut, puff out my chest and run down the chute.
My name is called out. I am third in my grade.
The next day at work I can’t walk straight. The
boss laughs …
Contributed by CAPT Steve Johnston
Trailblazers
The NZ Army blazed the trail in the 100-kilometre Oxfam Trailwalker. The Burnham-based
team came first in New Zealand and third
overall, ahead of around 720 competitors and
185 teams.
The Army Adventurous Training Centre team, of
SGT Robert Gathergood, Sean Waters, MAJ Robin
Hoult and Mark Rayward, completed the Taupo
trail in 13 hours, 36 minutes. Only 12 minutes
ahead were the second-place getters, the UKbased Ghurkha Signals Regiment. The Sunhing
Cosmo Boys from Hong Kong came first.
The 8–9 April race was the first time the New
Zealand branch of Oxfam has run a Trailwalker
fundraiser. Teams of four are sponsored to
walk or run the track in less than 36 hours. The
funds raised help Oxfam New Zealand respond
to humanitarian emergencies like last year’s
tsunami, deliver long-term development and
campaign for human rights.
Their successful placing exceeded the team’s
expectations, says SGT Gathergood. “It was the
first time any of us have run that sort of distance,
so we’re really stoked with how it went. Everything
went to plan and we finished better than what
we thought we would. We didn’t expect to come
in third, especially as the first New Zealand team,
and to come 40 minutes ahead of the next team
that came in – so yes, we are definitely happy.”
He said the team had suspected their bodies
might let them down but despite the track being
hillier than expected, they all felt good after
crossing the finish line. “We thought we’d be a lot
more crippled at the end, but we all came out on
the other side feeling really good.”
The Oxfam Trailwalker began as a military
training exercise for the Nepali Gurkhas 25 years
ago, and is a major fundraising event for Oxfam in
Britain, Australia and China.
Reported by Anna Norman
ISSUE 352
cmyk
www.army.mil.nz
sport
WN 06-0013-23
18 APRIL 2006
Crossing the Mangaio Stream at the start of the Moawhango Challenge
From the lake, riders began the slow and muddy grind up the Te
Rotete Track to Argo Rd. Most were glad to see the end of the sticky
mud, and clean – or at least try to clean – their bike gears at the
drink station.
The riders then took off on some fast downhill, to Westlawn Hut
and then to the bottom of the Argo Valley. The last climb put riders
to the test before their cruise down Home Valley Road to the finish
at Waiouru gymnasium.
Ross Weston came first in 3hrs 1min 59secs, and CAPT Kirstine
Collins was the first female to finish. The winning two-person team
Climbing the Te Rotete Track
was MAJ Matt Crow and CAPT Trent Corbett. The winning threeperson team was LET Martin Broederlow, LWT Mark Geor and
AMT1(P) Allan Driscoll.
Although the competitors found the course challenging, they
enjoyed it and are keen to compete again in the future. Planning
for the 2007 race is underway: keep an eye out for flyers about
Moawhango Challenge II – The Moawhango Strikes Back!
The assistance from members of 25 Engineer Support Squadron,
2nd Health Services Battalion, the Waiouru gymnasium and other
volunteers was greatly appreciated.
Contributed by MAJ Anthony Blythen
WN 06-0013-24
WN 06-0013-25
Linton Multi-Sports members took part in the inaugural
Moawhango Challenge Mountain Bike Race in Waiouru recently.
About 40 contestants took part as solo riders, or as two- or threeperson relay teams. The race was originally 74km but after three to
four days of rain – turning some areas into wheel-clinging mud – it
was shortened to 52km.
The race began next to State Highway 1, as riders crossed the
Mangaio Stream at the entrance to Paradise Valley. It wound along
the valley, up Edinburgh Castle and down Arthur’s Pass Road to the
intake at Lake Moawhango.
Crossing the Kaimaikuku Stream
Mud bath