courage | commitment | comradeship | integrity

armynews
courage
|
CO m m i t m e n t
|
comradeship
w w w . a r m y. m i l . n z
Skills at Arms
|
integrity
I s s u e4 4 5 | a u g u s t 2 0 1 3
Pacific Partnership
Ex Alam El Halfa
Fight Night a winner
NZarmy
news
au g ust2 0 1 3
ISSUE 445
Contents
NEWS
Fight Night
QAMR win skills contest
5/7 Battalion celebrates
03
04
07
EXERCISES
Ex Alam El Halfa
08
Operations
Pacific Partnership
10
TRAINING
369 marches out
14
Korean Armistice 60th
anniversary
17
PEOPLE
SPORT
Army home run for Black
Sox
20
The Army News is published for the
Regular and Territorial Force and
civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.
Editor: Judith Martin
Phone: 04-496-0227 or
DTelN: 349-7227
Fax: 04-496-0290
email: [email protected]
Website: www.army.mil.nz
Printing: Bluestar, Petone.
design: Jennifer Watts,
DCG, NZDF
Editorial contributions and
letters are welcomed.
They may be sent directly to the Army News
and do not need to be forwarded through
normal command channels. Submit them to
The Editor, Army News, DCG, HQ NZDf,
Private Bag 39997, Wellington, or by email.
Deadline instructions: Army News is
published on the third Tuesday of each
month, except January. Please have all
contributions to the editor by
the first of the month.
Nothing in the Army News should be taken
as overriding any New Zealand Defence
Force regulation. Readers should refer to the
relevant service publication before acting
on any information given in this newspaper.
ISSN 1170-4411
All material is copyright, and permission to
reproduce must be sought from the editor.
Cover: Private Clarke Nankivell
and Lieutenant Matthew Blake
in the ring during Fight Night.
(See page 3)
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LCPL PRALII DURRER remembered
By Kathryn King, Fairfax NZ
Slain soldier Lance Corporal Pralli Durrer has been remembered by his
comrades at a memorial unveiling at Linton Army Camp.
Lance Corporal Durrer, 26, was killed a year ago tomorrow in a firefight at
Baghak, Afghanistan.
He was shot in the chest but saved by his protective vest. While getting
back up, he noticed his machine gun ammunition was on fire and, while
trying to put it out, he was shot again and died while being flown out.
His comrade, Lance Corporal Rory Malone, was also killed in the fight, and
six others were injured.
A year on from his death, Lance Corporal Durrer’s name was unveiled on a
memorial stone at Linton - where he first served - alongside others killed in
the line of duty.
Chief of Army Major General Dave Gawn presented Lance Corporal Durrer’s
grandfather, Jack Durrer, who had travelled from Christchurch, with a New
Zealand Memorial Cross.
His uncle, Joe Durrer, was given a memorial certificate signed by Prime
Minister John Key, in recognition of other important family members in Lance
Corporal Durrer’s life.
Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel
James Kaio said Lance Corporal Durrer joined the army in 2004, and was
based at Linton as a rifleman. He was sent to East Timor in 2007, and on
his return retrained as a crewman and was transferred to Burnham Military
Camp.
He was deployed to Afghanistan last year and on the day he died was
among those who responded to an urgent call for support from the Afghan
national police in the village of Baghak.
“We have all heard the circumstances that unfolded on that fateful day,
and to those here, who tried in vain to save Pralli, thank you for your
efforts,” Lieutenant Colonel Kaio said.
To Lance Corporal Durrer’s family, he said: “You can rest assured he will
never be forgotten and his deeds will always be remembered.”
Afghan interpreter Hossein Bagheri worked with Lance Corporal Durrer and
attended his service.
He called him a “funny” guy who was always joking around.
Mr Bagheri said he was often with Lance Corporal Durrer on missions, but
had been asked to work in camp on the day of the tragedy.
“I thought maybe I could’ve been useful if I was there, maybe I could help
him,” he said.
The memorial was a “really good day to remember him”, and he said they
were grateful and proud of all the soldiers who went to Afghanistan to fight
for his country.
HQ NZDF internships available
for Reserve Force graduates
Are you a serving Reservist about to complete your university studies?
Want to learn more about what the NZDF does in your area of study?
Looking for real-time work experience for your CV?
Twelve internships will soon be available for tertiary students who are
NZDF Reservists (Navy, Army or Air Force), have finished their studies by the
end of 2013 and are not in paid civilian employment.
The HQ NZDF Reserve Force Internship Scheme (RIS) will provide paid
internships for a total of 12 NZDF Reservists at HQ NZDF in the Wellington
region and the Defence Technical Agency in Devonport.
HQ NZDF branches are offering 12 selected Reservist graduates a
diverse range of real time tasks. Successful applicants will be able to add
employment experience to their CVs and have gained valuable insight into
the structure and function of HQ NZDF. Opportunities exist for law, HR,
science and commerce graduates but applicants from any discipline will be
considered.
The RIS internships will be up to 14 weeks, commencing 4 November 13.
Individual start and finish dates are able to be negotiated. Interns will be
paid their Reserve Force salary and travel expenses to and from their home
locations for Christmas (unpaid) leave. If required, accommodation will
be available at Trentham Camp for interns working in the Wellington area.
Interns will not be required to work weekends and will wear civilian clothes
during the internship.
There will be an interview process to select the interns, those applicants
from outside Wellington will be interviewed by phone. All interns must have
an NZDF security clearance and applicants without a security clearance
should note this in their application. Security clearances will be facilitated
for successful applicants if they do not have one at the time of application.
The internship is being managed by the Directorate of Reserve Forces and
Youth Development (DRFYD), HQNZDF. Please email DRFYD with any queries
you may have about the scheme, or if you dont have questions, simply to
advise of your intention to apply at: [email protected]
Applications for the scheme are open now and should be made through
your chain of command who will send the details to DRFYD. Applications
close 16 Sep 13. Your application should include the following information:
»» Your full name, service details and current security clearance.
»» Current tertiary qualifications and/or area of tertiary study.
»» Preferred work area if application is successful.
»» Current CV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to be able to apply?
No, any recognised tertiary qualification in any subject will be considered
Do I have to have a post-graduate degree?
No, holders of both undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications are
able to apply.
Wont you just pick the people with the highest qualifications?
No, the selection will be based on a range of criteria including the
applicants grade average, the applicability of the qualification held to the
jobs available and the suitability of the applicant.
What rank do I have to be?
NZDF pers of any rank can apply for this scheme, there are no rank, branch
or trade restrictions for applicants for the scheme.
Will I have to wear my uniform?
No, all intern work will be undertaken in civilian attire, there will be no
requirement for interns to wear uniform at any stage.
Where will interns live?
Mess accommodation and rationing will be made available for interns
(Trentham for those working at HQNZDF and Devonport for those at the
Defence Technology Agency) for the duration of the scheme.
Can I get more detailed information about the specific roles available?
If you have any detailed or specific questions, send an email to DRFYD at:
[email protected]
Can I apply for a specific role in the RIS with a specific branch of
HQNZDF?
No, applicants will be assessed on their merits for the scheme, then
matched with the roles that they are best qualified for.
armynews03
issue 445 | august 2013
Fight Night
commemorates
the fallen
By Sergeant Major of the Army, Warrant Officer
Class One Danny Broughton
Asia-Pacific heavyweight boxing titleholder Shane
Cameron (left) and Commander 1 Brigade Colonel Chris
Parsons present an award to LCPL Kelsey Taylor.
LT Ruth Tautari, with Shane Cameron and Col Parsons,
Cpl Mata Olgataches-Tagavaitau.
LT Matthew Blake receives his award.
Major Amy Brosnan and CPL Robyn Williams
PTE Elisha Taito, Shane Cameron and COL Parsons
SSGT Terry Simpson, with Shane Cameron and Col
Parsons, Cpl Mata Olgataches-Tagavaitau.
The charity Fight Night in Linton earlier this month raised
about $18,000 for the New Zealand Fallen Heroes Trust.
One of the event organisers, Corporal Leanne Corbett says
she is delighted with the result, and it was well worth the
effort she and Command Assistant Nic Peretini put into the
event.
A boxer herself, Army medic CPL Corbett wanted to organise
a Fight Night to commemorate the lives of the friends she
has lost in combat. Lance Corporal Jacinda Baker who was
killed in action in Afghanistan last year along with CPL Luke
Tamatea and Private Richard Harris, was a close mate of hers.
The pair also worked together in 2/1 Battalion Regimental Aid
Post.
“I thought a Fight Night was a good way for soldiers to pay
tribute to their fallen comrades and bring people together for
a good cause— the Fallen heroes Trust.”
About 550 people, including Chief of Army, Major General
PTE Awhina Hokianga with Shane Cameron and Col
Parsons
Dave Gawn, Vice Chief of Defence Force, Major General
Tim Keating, Commander Joint Forces New Zealand Air
Vice Marshal Kevin Short, and Sergeant Major of the Army,
Warrant Officer Class One Danny Broughton attended the
event held at Linton Camp.
A dinner was held prior to the bouts, with tables being presold to various units within Army.
“The dinner was nerve wracking as I just wanted to be with
Nic making sure the main event went OK. I was also the MC
at the dinner which was a first for me in front of so many
people. When the first fight went off without a hitch I was
relieved. Nic and I hugged and said ‘We did it!’ It was great to
see it was a sold-out event and everyone was there to enjoy
themselves and support the Fallen Heroes Trust,” says CPL
Corbett.
There were nine bouts, six for men and three for women.
“The fighters fought extremely well, and you could see each
CPL Duanne Old with Shane Cameron and Col Parsons
I often wonder if I have represented our people in a
manner and way that they would expect. Have I brought
to the table the concerns and issues affecting our
people, issues such as morale, retention and wellbeing.
When you do the sums or read the attitude surveys, I
probably haven’t. Maybe the realities are wider than
the total sum - What does that mean?
I’m not going to dress this duck up — things are tough
at the moment but we have been here before. Back in
the day I remember having a total of 15 blank rounds for
an entire 14 day offensive exercise. During the Carless
Day period we walked everywhere. We ate used- bydate ration packs in the Mess and we had wet weather
gear that was designed to let water in and soak you
quicker than if you had nothing on. But if you were rich
enough (a fortnight’s pay) to buy a green swanny, then
you were the “Man”.
I guess my point is, we will overcome this and
tomorrow there will be other challenges. Right now
though as we strive to find the balance in these fiscally
constrained times,which effect everyone in New
Zealand, I expect that the same resilience will emerge
from you all as it did back then.
I’m not a replacement for your Chain of Command
and this should not stop you from telling your story,
expressing your concerns or issues. On the contrary, it
is what gives me power and it is what gives you a voice.
What gives me power is the SMA Blog, my Face book
page and the thing I enjoy most, the conversations that
I have with you as I patrol our AOR. I am the guy to vent
to, the guy who talks to our Generals about a whole lot
of stuff. I don’t always get the results I’m after but you
can be assured that your voice is heard.
My recent blogs have been around areas that are
bleeping strongly on my Bat watch at the moment.
Areas I think that collectively, we can make a difference
in. But I need to hear your stories and encourage you
to share them so that I may sew a seed where needed,
influence where necessary but more importantly,
ensure that your voice is heard.
“I have learned now that while those who speak about
one’s miseries usually hurt, those that keep silent, hurt
more”
fighter had the same drive to win. They put everything they
had into the fight, and you could tell they were really there for
the cause, win or lose.”
CPL Corbett has spent the past year helping to train some
of the boxers. Although she was selected for the Oceania
trials last year and came runner-up, her sport of choice
recently has been golf, and she has just made the ManawatuWhanganui Ladies Team.
Cpl Mata Olgataches-Tagavaitau, with Shane Cameron
and Col Parsons.
04armynews
issue 445 | august 2013
Underwater remnants are investigated.
1 (New Zealand) Brigade Skill
at Arms Competition 2013
The opportunity to represent the NZ Army at the Cambrian
Patrol in the UK later this year provided an extra competitive
incentive for Units competing in the 1 (NZ) Bde Skill at Arms
Competition.
The competition was conducted in the Waiouru Military
Training Area earlier this month and focused on testing All
Arms skills, leadership, teamwork and espirit-de-corp within
the Brigade. The competition concept was based on an
eleven- stand military skills circuit, culminating in a Falling
Plate shoot.
Land Component Commander, Brigadier Mark Wheeler
spent an afternoon visiting the various stands and spoke with
soldiers from the competing teams and stand controllers.
BRIG Wheeler was impressed by the standard of both the
organisation and the level of competition and thanked all
involved. “This is developing into a great competition,” he
said.
A number of lessons learnt from Exercise Alam Halfa 13 were
incorporated into the stands to practise, revise and refine all
arms skills that soldiers would find themselves employing
in any overseas operational theatre. It is proposed that the
competition is further developed next year by including
additional all arms skills by night inclusive of live firing with
NVG.
1 (NZ) Bde Unit placings for 2013 are:
1st
QAMR
2nd
1 RNZIR
3rd
2/1 RNZIR
4th
1 (NZ) Sigs Regt
5th
2 CSSB and 3 CSSB
7th
2 Engr Regt
8th
1 (NZ) MP Coy
9th
16 Fd Regt
10th
2 HSB (NZ)
As winners of this years competition, QAMR are now
charged with maintaining the high competitive standing that
NZ Army teams have upheld in attending pervious Cambrian
Patrol exercises.
The Cambrian Patrol is the premier patrolling exercise
for the British Army with up to twelve international teams
attending. Teams come from as far away as North America,
Australasia, Scandinavia and Central Asia to participate.
The patrol exercise is set within a fully tactical scenario in
the hills and forests of Wales. The patrol is arduous and
concentrates on leadership, teamwork, physical fitness,
military skills and basic patrolling. This years Cambrian Patrol
will take place over 11-20 October 13.
armynews05
issue 445 | august 2013
06armyPEOPLE
issue 445 | august 2013
A Tropical
Deployment with
1 NZSAS Regt
A Squadron, 1 NZSAS Regiment, deployed to Papua New Guinea for a month long field training exercise recently. The aim of
the exercise was to rehearse the mobilisation and deployment of a NZSAS Squadron into South East Asia, practise Special
Operations tasks in support of the NZDF Joint Amphibious Task Force, and increase bilateral defence relations with the Papua
New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
The exercise was a resounding success and all objectives were achieved. The Squadron’s insertion, survival, amphibious
and extraction skills were put to the test in a tropical environment, as well as live field firing skills in the jungle. Elements
of the PNGDF conducted training for the Squadron, who in return provided training in a number of skills including shooting,
motorcycle riding, planning, and close quarter battle.
The Land Component Commander and his Regimental Sergeant Major visited the exercise and held meetings with local
officials, opened a local school, and spent time conversing with soldiers. The exercise was topped off with a rugby game
against the local team. The game ended in a draw after a late penalty kick was dubiously called over by the local linesmen,
much to the delight of the large crowd. The rugby was followed with a successful function, complete with food cooked using
traditional means (hangi and mu mu).
Overall, the deployment enhanced the jungle skills of A Squadron, strengthened the bond with the PNGDF and provided the
New Zealand with a positive effect in the South West Pacific.
LCPL G - Workshops
“I savoured the opportunity to deploy on exercise as a Special Operations Force (SOF) Enabler (support personnel). In
addition to performing my workshops role, I had the opportunity to be trained in jungle survival and live field firing, and
gained excellent insights into how a Special Forces troop operates. I was also given the opportunity to train the PNGDF in
motorcycle handling and maintenance.
Anyone posted to Support Squadron, 1 NZSAS Regt, has the opportunity to be exposed to a variety of unique soldiering skills
in order to be considered an effective SOF Enabler. The SOF Enabler Course trains soldiers to operate in a SOF environment
by enhancing basic soldiering skills such as close country and urban patrolling and shooting, as well as teaching new skills
such as survival, resistance, and escape and evasion techniques. Receiving instruction from one of the shooting coaches
helped me significantly improve my shooting accuracy and consistency. The training has given me sharper drills and a solid
psychological boost when doing live firing exercises.
If I’m called upon to deploy with 1 NZSAS Regt, I feel prepared. The challenge now is to keep my new skills current. Luckily,
there are plenty of opportunities to do this with 1 NZSAS Regiment.”
Sergeant T - Medic
“I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges presented by being deployed on exercise as medic with A Squadron. Papua New
Guinea presents a high environmental health threat relative to other deployments. Endemic arbo-viral illnesses, dengue fever
and Japanese encephalitis pose the biggest threats as prophylactic medications do not provide protection. As well as this,
medication resistant malaria and tuberculosis are very common in the region where we were based.
The exercise began with a three-day survival package in which the SOF Enablers (supporting personnel) took part. The
PNGDF taught us jungle survival skills, including fire-making, building shelters, food identification and preparation, traps and
snares, as well as other useful skills. A couple of sleepless nights ensued for those sleeping on the ground in the jungle - with
various animals and insects keeping some personnel on edge!
A lack of casualty evacuation resourcing accompanied with a poor standard of medical infrastructure within the country
highlighted the need for self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Due to the lack of local medical facilities, medical support was
based around shorter response times and more detailed CASEVAC planning for individual tasks. Overall the contingent had a
relatively low level of illness and injury due to individual compliance with personal protective measures and prophylaxis.
During periods of low activity, the environmental health technician and I provided assistance to the local PNGDF Regimental
Aid Post (RAP), seeing patients and providing environmental health advice to the Medical Officer. The RAP also consists of a
Family Aid Post catering for not only families of soldiers, but also the local community.
Overall the deployment was a success in terms of force health and disease/injury prevention. Excellent relationships were
forged and all soldiers returned safe and well.”
armyPEOPLE07
issue 445 | august 2013
By Alexandra Grace
The men and women of 5/7 Wellington and Hawkes Bay
Battalion marched in honour of the Battalion’s 150th Birthday
on Saturday 10 August. Wellington put on a stunning day
for the celebrations which provided a worthy backdrop for
occasion.
The birthday celebrations were an opportunity to remember
the proud history of the 5/7 Battalion. It was a time to reflect
on what has happened before and how the Battalion will
shape the future.
The 5/7 Battalion has a particularly proud history of service
to New Zealand thanks to the thousands of men and women
who have served in its ranks. The day was a tribute to those
who have given their lives in service, and the families who
supported them.
At the medal ceremony following the public celebrations
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown said, “Today is a proud day for
Wellington. It is an opportunity for this stunning Capital to
recognise the men and women of the 5/7 Battalion, their
dedication and their service. I am particularly pleased to see
families, children, and even a family dog here to celebrate
alongside the 5/7 Battalion.
“It is an honour and a pleasure to take part in the 150th
birthday celebrations of the 5/7 Battalion especially as it is
also the 150th anniversary of the formation of Wellington
Council. It is heartening to look back on the struggles and
triumphs of the council and the 5/7 Battalion and know that
we are in such good company on our birthday.”
Looking into history August has been a time for pride
and sadness within the 5/7 Battalion. In Gallipoli 8 August
1915, 750 men from the Wellington Regiment attacked and
captured Chunuk Bair in Gallipoli. This was a significant
moment in the Gallipoli campaign as it was the first and
only time Allied troops could see their original objective, the
Dardanelles.
After hours of fighting, the Battalion suffered appalling
losses. Of the 760 men who took Chunuk Bair, only 70
escaped being killed or wounded. Lieutenant Colonel William
George Malone, commander of the Wellington Battalion,
was killed by a friendly-fire shell explosion on the summit of
Chunuk Bair. This was a hard loss for the Battalion as Malone
was a dynamic leader who personally led his men into battle.
The 150th birthday Celebrations of Saturday 10 August
proudly honoured those men who lost lives in that campaign.
The celebrations also honoured the hard work and
determination that the 5/7 Battalion shows in its everyday
service to Wellington.
The Mayor of Wellington, Celia Wade-Brown
inspects the guard.
The battalion is addressed in the Civic Square.
The Colours are borne through the streets of
Wellington
5/7 Battalion celebrates
150 years of service
08armyEXERCISE
issue 445 | august 2013
Officer
cadets
extend
training
armyEXERCISE09
issue 445 | august 2013
Officer cadets training in Waiouru are receiving a further taste of life in the field during Exercise Alam El Halfa.
Conducted in the Waiouru Training Area the exercise involves 25 cadets and includes, among other things, training
in establishing a defensive position, and patrolling.
10armynews
issue 445 | august 2013
PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
armynews11
issue 445 | august 2013
Pacific Partnership 2013 Engineers Work
Alongside Local Engineering Students
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tim D.
Godbee
Pacific Partnership 2013 Engineers from the New Zealand
Army workmen with students at the Tabaka Rural Training
Centre to remodel a student accommodation building on the
training center’s campus.
Tabaka Rural Training Centre trains Solomon Islanders on
their choice of agriculture, carpentry, electrician work, and
mechanics. The remodeled building will be used to house the
training center’s staff and students during their training.
“It was pretty much a shell on poles that was about to fall
over when we arrived,” said New Zealand Army CPL. Justin
Roys, one of the site supervisors. “We’ve basically given
the building back its integrity. We’ve taken out all the rotten
timbers, relined it, reroofed it, added new windows and fixed
up the stairs. It’s pretty much taking what’s left of the old
bones and making something entirely new.”
The Pacific Partnership team took advantage of the
opportunity to trade skills with carpentry students from the
training center while remodeling the building.
Wilson Agiri , principal of the training center, said that his
carpentry students had learned valuable lessons from the
visiting engineers, some about carpentry and some about
things much more important.
“The team here passed on so much knowledge and skills
about building,” said Agiri. “But the most important thing
they learned was how much a group of people who’ve
never met can accomplish in a short amount of time with
teamwork.”
Roys said the passing of skills is important because it
provided the people of the Solomon Islands the ability to
build and maintain their own infrastructure.
“When we arrived we weren’t expecting all of the support
from the locals,” said Roys. “It’s actually turned out to be
really good. Some are more skilled than others, but everyone
is learning and we definitely wouldn’t be nearly as far along in
this project as we were without the local support.”
Conducted annually since 2006, Pacific Partnership is the
largest disaster response-preparedness mission in the IndoAsia-Pacific region. Working at the invitation of each host
nation, Pacific Partnership was joined by partner nations that
include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia
Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand.
New Zealand Army Lt. Mike Tatana
and Capt. Matt McGrath mark the
locations of ships participating in
Pacific Partnership 2013 on a map in
the Joint Operations Room aboard
the Royal New Zealand ship HMNZS
Canterbury (LSL 421).
New Zealand Army Engineers and students at the
Tabaka Rural Training Centre renovate a building at the
center during a Pacific Partnership 2013 engineering
project. Working at the invitation of each host nation,
U.S. Navy forces are joined by non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and regional partners that include
Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia,
Singapore, South Korea, and New Zealand to improve
maritime security, conduct humanitarian assistance and
strengthen disaster-response preparedness.
A student at the Tabaka Rural Training Centre hammers
a nail into a building at the center during a Pacific
Partnership 2013 engineering project.
12armynews
issue 445 | august 2013
PACIFIC PARTNERSHIP
Pacific Partnership Doctor Holds SMEE
with Local Healthcare Provider
By Mass Communication Specialist
2nd Class Tim D. Godbee
A New Zealand Army doctor who worked with Pacific
Partnership 2013 held a subject matter expert exchange with
the leading healthcare provider at Moli Rural Health Centre
earlier this month.
Major Robert Duncan discussed treatment options for
health issues that often affect Solomon Islanders with
Naolyn Vatuduaua, the acting nurse of the health clinic. The
issues covered included malaria, optometry, arthritis, gout,
gynecological matters, pregnancy and cancer treatment.
“The nurse there is doing a good job with the resources and
training that she has, but she has little backup and support,”
said MAJ Duncan. “I think it’s important that we reassure
them that they’re doing a good job, try to support them in
what they’re doing and give them a little bit more medical
education.”
He added that it’s important to teach skills rather than
provide them, because it prepares populations to handle
problems themselves when they arrive.
“Sometimes in primary healthcare it’s not always viable to
treat patients because we can give them medication today but
they’ll need more in a couple of weeks time, so we can’t leave
a lasting legacy,” said MAJ Duncan. “If we can just give a little
bit of education to the healthcare staff out there it leaves a far
more long lasting legacy.”
Ms Vatuduaua said that she learned a lot during the
exchange and some of the knowledge gained will immediately
go to helping patients on Moli.
“I had a few cases that caught my interest over the past few
weeks and didn’t quite know what they were or how to treat
them,” she said. “I tried treating them with a few different
kind of medicines without much results, but now with the
doctor’s help I know exactly how to treat them and similar
cases in the future.”
MAJ Duncan also took the time to examine and diagnose
six patients, including Ms Vatuduaua’s 1-year-old grandson.
He said he used each diagnoses as a teaching point for Ms
Vatuduaua.
“Rather than treat all of them myself I tried to get her to think
about how she would treat them and what signs to look for,”
said MAJ Duncan. “It was more educational than anything
else.”
Even the most seasoned healthcare providers have much to
learn and often need refreshers, he added. The experience
was about learning from each other and learning how to better
serve patients.
Conducted annually since 2006, Pacific Partnership is the
largest disaster response-preparedness mission in the IndoAsia-Pacific region. Working at the invitation of each host
nation, Pacific Partnership is joined by partner nations that
include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia
Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand.
KEEPING
THINGS MOVING
IN SOLOMON
ISLANDS
Sergeant Darryn Williams helped the NZ Defence Force keep
their supplies moving throughout Solomon Islands during
multinational mission Pacific Partnership.
SGT Williams worked in logistics, and was deployed as
part of the NZ Army contingent for Pacific Partnership 2013,
a multinational mission involving military forces and civilian
volunteers from partner nations including New Zealand,
Australia, France, and the United States, working alongside
host nations.
As a Movement Operator, he had a key role in the movement
of resources and supplies to engineering sites in four remote
locations in the North-West province, Solomon Islands.
“My role on PP13 was to provide movement control and
terminal functions which include underslung loads and
amphibious beach team tasks,” he explains. “I provided task
elements with material and stores so they can complete their
tasks on site.”
Pacific Partnership focused on developing capacity and
strengthening community infrastructure through a variety
of engineering, medical, humanitarian assistance, and
community relations projects. It was in the final phase
for 2013, completing a range of medical, engineering and
community infrastructure development projects in Solomon
Islands from 29 July – 12 August.
“I’m pleased to be able to help out other countries in need;
and in addition, it’s good training for my soldiers and for me,”
said SGT Williams.
Pacific Partnership is the largest disaster preparedness
mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. It is a multinational
operation designed to provide real world help to local people,
whilst partner nations learn to work more effectively together.
armyTRAINING13
issue 445 | august 2013
Train Safe
Train Safe Case Study 1
Train Safe Case Study 2
Training for war must be as realistic as possible so that we
are prepared for the sights, sounds, and dangers of warfare.
Safety measures for training activities both in peacetime and
on operations are necessary to prevent casualties.
Safety in Training means, ‘no shortcuts’, in all cases.
The Safety in Training Policy written in plain English
incorporates additional information, such as that required
by the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 and
is constantly reviewed by Subject Matter Experts (SME)
and signed by the Chief of Army (CA). It outlines the
responsibilities, procedures, and general rules that
commanders, trainers, supervisors, and participants follow to
ensure that safe practices are adhered to.
It is a risk management tool.
The Incident
xx A group of soldiers were participating in a M72 sub cal range shoot.
xx The range shoot continued throughout the day with no apparent incidents. However
at its conclusion it was found that a soldier had suffered a loss of hearing.
The Incident
xx A group of soldiers were participating in Live Field Firing Training Tests on the IW
Steyr.
xx On arrival at the range, their weapons and equipment were inspected prior to,
during, and after the conduct of the range practice.
xx The range safety clearance, brief and the aim of the activity were completed, and
prior to this, the group of soldiers were reminded to remove their Blank Firing
Attachments (BFA’s).
xx On arrival at the firing point, individuals received their magazines loaded with live
and blank rounds in accordance with the IW Steyr live firing training tests.
xx On arrival at the next activity, a soldier was informed by another soldier that their
BFA was attached to the rifle.
xx The soldier reported this and it was identified that the BFA and weapon flash
suppressor were damaged.
Facts
xx Range staff were relatively
inexperienced.
xx DFO (A) Vol 2 and RSO’s not
consulted with regard to hearing
protection to be worn when firing
M72 Sub Cal.
xx Improper hearing protection worn
by the firer when firing the M72 sub
cal.
Findings
xx Firer was not checked to ensure
correct hearing protection was
being worn.
xx Range staff were not briefed
appropriately, and did not
continuously fault check.
xx Lack of adherence to range safety
requirements.
xx If someone identified the fact that
the soldier was not wearing the
correct hearing protection, they
didn’t speak up, or yell out ‘stop’, or
‘stand fast’, the soldier did make a
gesture to the safety supervisor.
Facts
xx The group was reminded to remove
BFA’s.
xx The BFA was attached to the rifle
before, during, and after the live
firing range practice.
xx Range clearance and safety
inspections were conducted before,
during, and after the range practice.
xx Weapons were not prepared for
firing.
xx Live rounds were fired through the
BFA.
xx Another soldier identified that the
BFA was attached to the rifle after
the practice.
xx No injuries occurred.
Findings
xx Weapon safety precautions (‘For
inspection – Parallel arms’) failed
to identify that a BFA was attached
to a rifle before, during, and on
completion of the range practice.
xx If the weapon had been cleaned
before firing the BFA would have
been sighted.
xx If someone identified that a BFA
was attached to a rifle prior to or
during the range practice, they
didn’t speak up, or yell out ‘stop’,
or ‘stand fast’, or report their
observation to range staff.
xx Range staff did not continuously
fault check.
Conclusion – Fault Checking and Individual Responsibility
xx All personnel are trained and briefed in the use of hearing protection and the
hazards they could be exposed to. The soldier concerned for whatever reason, was
wearing improper hearing protection, however did make a gesture to the safety
supervisor, and no query was made as to what was wrong.
xx RCO’s have a responsibility to ensure Safety Supervisors are briefed and trained
appropriately.
xx RCO’s and Range Staff must continuously remind individuals to place their hearing
protection on before any commencement of firing.
xx Private soldiers are taught to ‘Lead Self’ on Basic Training which informs them
about individual responsibility for their own actions.
xx NCO’s are taught to ‘Lead Teams’ which informs them about their responsibility for
the team’s actions.
xx Every person involved has a responsibility, not only for their own actions but also
the actions of others, in other words, ‘look out for your mates and be accountable
for your own safety’.
Conclusion - Individual and Collective Responsibility
xx We all have a responsibility for safety to ourselves, each other, and our team no
matter what the environment we are operating in.
xx We must all conduct self checks and checks on each other.
xx All personnel should be aware of their surroundings it is called ‘situational
awareness’.
xx Don’t be afraid to speak up, if you think something is not quite right, say something.
‘Everyone has a responsibility for fault
checking and safety’.
‘The standard you walk past is the
standard you accept’.
This case study is based on real events.
Some details have been omitted to protect privacy.
This case study is based on real events.
Some details have been omitted to protect privacy.
14armyTRAINING
issue 445 | august 2013
New soldiers parade and demonstrate to family and friends skills they have learned.
AARC 369
marches out
The Army's latest group of soldiers has marched out at Waiouru, and are about to begin their new careers.
Top Recruit AARC 369 was PTE Dakota Turner, RNZIR. Top recruits each platoon were, Andrew VC Platoon PTE Callum Scully, RNZIR; Grant VC Platoon PTE Turner, RNZIR;
Sergeant Major of the Army Award winner was PTE Rua Ellis-Nicholson, RNZIR. The Morehu Gedye Memorial Trophy went to PTE Michael Roach, while RNZIR Top Shot was
PTE Rawiri McLeod, RNZIR.
armynews15
issue 445 | august 2013
PTE Dakota Turner, Top Recruit Grant VC Platoon.
Award Winners, PTE Turner, PTE R McLeod, PTE R Ellis-Nicholson, PTE M Roach, PTE C Scully.
PTE M Roach, winner of the Morehu “MOOT” Maurice
Gedye Memorial Trophy for top individual Skills at Arms.
PTE C Scully, Top Recruit Andrew CV Platoon.
PTE R McLeod, Top Shot All Arms Recruit Course 369.
The soldiers are reviewed
PTE R Ellis-Nicholson, winner Sergeant Major of the
Army Award.
16armynews
issue 445 | august 2013
South Island’s
Heavy Hauler
working with
the NH90
By 2LT David Pos, 35 Platoon Commander, 3 Transport Company
The Mercedes-Benz 3248L Actros is a 480 horsepower, Euro 5 compliant tractor unit, with full blackout lighting, advanced incab features and an adjustable fifth wheel. It is more commonly known as the Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) and remains
the primary heavy vehicle back-loading capability for the New Zealand Defence Force in the South Island.
It is capable of transporting vehicles of up to 23-tons, which includes the likes of the up-armoured NZLAV and NZLAV-R, as
well as the Mercedes-Benz 22/28 and the soon-to-be introduced MHOV. The trailer has an extendable deck, able to expand
from the standard 2.5m width all the way out to 3.1m for oversize loads and has a Brevini 9-ton winch capable of pulling
casualty vehicles up on to the deck. It can also mount a Swing-Thru to load and carry 20’ ISO containers if required.
Common tasks for the HET within the South Island include the movement of damaged and broken down vehicles for repair,
general transport taskings, as well as providing Class 5 driver training for soldiers posted to Heavy Platoon, 3 Transport
Company.
The HET recently took part in the back-load for repair of an M1089 wrecker truck belonging to 3 Workshop Company that had
broken down on a recent familiarisation course. Although the M1089 is a capable recovery vehicle they are unable to tow a
vehicle of their own size for long distances, therefore the size and power of the HET was required to bring this vehicle back to
Burnham.
With the introduction into service of nearly 200 MHOV as well as the continued use of 200+ garrison vehicles, and coverage
of 4971 km of State Highways and thousands of kilometres of secondary roads in the South Island, it appears likely the HET
will continue to be the workhorse of 3 Transport Company’s Heavy Platoon well into the future.
Army Table of Organisation
and Equipment Entitlement
(TOEE)
What is TOEE ?
TOEE is the New Zealand Army Table of Organisation and Equipment Entitlement.
The TOEE Project Team Office was established in 2012 to create and manage an Army equipment authorisation table and
keep it current and accurate.
The table is constructed within approved business rules and populated with Directed Level of Capability (DLOC) and
Authorised Level of Equipment (ALOE) authorisation, based on 2020 establishments.
The purpose of a TOEE is to define all the equipment required for assigned personnel to meet their agreed outputs. It limits
the Army having excess equipment.
The Project Charter was approved by the Army Management Board (AMB) on 27 July 2012 and replaces the previous Army
Transformation Project Equipment Table (ATP-ET) Project.
The Army TOEE Office is now a permanent establishment within the Office of Strategy Management, Army General Staff.
Validation Process
The Army’s Head of Strategy Management is to establish a forum to review and validate Version 6.0 of the Army TOEE against
Army Outputs and Strategic Goals. This will then be presented to CA for approval later this year, and released as the Approved
TOEE via a CA Directive.
TOEE Updates
The TOEE is an enduring document, updated versions will be published on the TOEE Website on a regular basis, SAP BI data
will be updated in conjunction with TOEE amendments.
The TOEE enables the Army to determine force element size and composition for a given output, and accurately establish
the equipment bill required for individual capability bricks. It also aligns Army to the NZDF concept of managing equipment
entitlements to hold, to use, and to manage and maintain.
The data will provide Commanders and Units a planning tool for equipment distribution and management.
The TOEE will be a key enabler for other NZDF initiatives including the Consolidated Logistics Programme , Managed Fleet
Utilisation, the Land Transport Capability Programme , and the Medium Heavy Operational Vehicle Project. The Army TOEE
Office will work collaboratively with these programmes, to ensure overall synchronisation and operational efficiencies.
Questions?
More information can be found on the Army TOEE Webpage: http://org/l-ags/pages/TOEE/TOEE-Home.aspx, or from the
Army TOEE Project Manager, Mr David Johnson, [email protected]
The NH90 is an advanced medium utility helicopter
(MUH), capable of undertaking a wide variety of roles.
The RNZAF will introduce eight NH90 helicopters to
replace the Iroquois fleet. As part of the Operational
Test and Evaluation Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles
recently completed a three week trial with the Helicopter
Transition Unit (HTU).
The intent for this trial task was to test and adjust
SOPs to suit the NH90 and Army output requirements.
By trialing as many practical tasks, with different
configurations and resources, the RNZAF wants to prove
that they can accommodate Army’s requirements.
2 Troop, NZ Scots Sqn, conducted the trial with HTU
and tasks included emplaning and deplaning in various
forms of dress and equipment by day and night utilising
tactical and non-tactical scenarios. All this was done in
Linton, Ohakea, the Manawatu coast and Waiouru. The
troop thoroughly enjoyed working with the NH90, and
look forward to operating with it in the future. Of note, the
individual seats are very similar to the Up Armored NZLAV
(UA NZLAV) and the soldiers found the helo to be very
spacious. It can easily fit 12 personnel with FSMO and it
can cruise at 120-140knots with the doors shut - transit
time from Linton to Waiouru took only 17 minutes. It was
only when the doors slammed open and the ‘2 minute!’
call was shouted, after such a short flying time from
Linton that we realised the capability of the NH90 and
how it can contribute to the rapid movement of troops
around the modern battlespace.
You can see a video clip of our adventures on YouTube
(NZDF:NH90 meet Waiouru).
Win a book
Army News has a copy of a new book which sheds light on New Zealand’s worst-ever military disaster to give away.
Passchendaele, the anatomy of a tragedy, by Andrew McDonald is the story behind New Zealand’s part in the bloody
and muddy Third Ypres offensive of 1917.
UK-based New Zealand historian and author Christ Pugsley describes the book as “A very important book that will
become a benchmark for future battle studies.”
If you would like to enter the draw to win this book email [email protected] with “Passchendaele” in the
subject line, or send an envelope with your contact details on the back to Army News, Private Bag 39997, Wellington.
»» The winner of “Men of Valour” by Ron Palenski was Corporal Nick Moyes.
armynews17
issue 445 | august 2013
Nursing Officer Sarah Robson assists veteran Mr John Bridgewater in Korea.
Korean Armistice 60th
anniversary— our former
gunners remember
By Emma Horsley
Twenty-nine veterans of the Korean War were treated like
heroes when they returned to Korea for the 60th anniversary
of the Korean War Armistice.
Korean dignitaries and locals took every opportunity to
thank the visiting Kayforce men who represented every
person who took part in the war between 1950 and 1953.
The Korean War was broken into two individual phases or
‘wars’, the first from June to September 1950, and the second
from October 1950 to July 1953. The first phase or ‘war’ of
the Korean War began on 25 June 1950, when troops from
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)
invaded the Republic of Korea (South Korea), moving over
the 38th Parallel, the demarcation line which divided the two
countries. Within days of
moving over the 38th Parallel the North Korean Army had
captured the South Korean capital Seoul. The UN Security
Council demanded a cessation to hostilities and when
this was not achieved the United States called for member
nations of the Security Council to support.
New Zealand maintained a significant presence in Korea
until 1957.
Prime Minister the Right Honourable John Key summed it up
at the memorial service in Busan when he said,
‘Freedom cannot be taken for granted and sometimes must
be fought for.”
The veterans attended several ceremonies including a New
Zealand and Australian commemorative service in blistering
heat in Kapyong which remembered the fallen from both
countries.
Wreaths were laid by Pat Hickey, Joe Lusty, Charles Purcell
The salute.
and Jack Allen and New Zealand Korean War Veterans
Association scholarships were presented to local school
children.
The second poignant service was at the United Nations
Memorial Cemetery in Busan on July 28, where 34 New
Zealanders are buried.
Approximately 4700 personnel served in Kayforce, and a
further 1300 served on RNZN frigates. Forty-five men lost
their lives and 79 were wounded. One member of Kayforce
was taken prisoner and held in North Korea for 18 months.
The veterans also got to visit the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ)
at Panmunjom and get a glimpse of North Korea over the
shoulders of South Korean soldiers standing in readiness
stances.
The veterans were guests of honour at the New Zealand
Prime Minister’s reception and at a thank you banquet hosted
by the Korean government.
“We have been treated like royalty everywhere,” said
Pat Hickey who served in 16FD Regiment 163 BTY as a
bombardier.
Mr Hickey ,from Devonport, told stories of bathing in dirty
water in paddy fields during his time in Korea and friendly
rivalry between the New Zealand and Australian troops.
“My time in Korea is something I will never forget. Fresh
water was hard to get for drinking. We got five gallons to
share between three men per day, so we had to go down to
the fields to have a bath and wash our clothing.
“My job was to maintain the guns and keep them in good
repair at all times. The job took lots of work and cooperation
with the gun crews night and day. I would take the guns
out of action one at a time at 5am each morning, and we
The tri-Service guard.
would finish round 12 noon. In the winter it was so cold that
everything froze - even the oil in the guns.
Minister of Veterans Affairs the Hon Michael Woodhouse
travelled with the veterans for several days and said he was
extremely proud to have been part of the contingent.
The delegation travelled to the Republic of Korea by Royal
New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Boeing 757. All international
travel, accommodation, on-ground transport, and medical
costs for veterans were funded by Veterans’ Affairs New
Zealand.
18armynews
issue 445 | august 2013
2013 ARMY LEAVE CENTRE NEWS
By Shirley Hudepohl, Army Leave Centre manager
Maintenance issues identified in the 2012 Leave Centre
annual inspections are being addressed and several larger
projects are underway to improve the facilities and booking
services.
Leave Centre achievements to date include:
xx The Wanaka Leave Centre’s bathroom renovations were
completed late last year, and the units reopened for
business on schedule on Friday 23 November. This was
despite a few unwanted “surprises” that threatened the
works when the old bathrooms were gutted, as often
happens with older building renovations. The units now
have bright, modern, functional bathroom facilities and
the feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly
positive.
xx Systematic nationwide installation of Freeview was
completed in all Leave Centres by the end of February
2013.
xx In March 2013, external ventilation systems were
installed for the clothes dryers at the Rotorua Leave
Centre units. This has significantly reduced moisture
build up and heat loss in the units, especially
noticeable over the colder winter months.
xx May 2013 saw a complete new bathroom installed in
Napier Unit 3’s retro house, and new carpet throughout.
While Unit 3 was closed for these renovations, we also
took the opportunity to have some painting done in
all three Napier units to freshen them up. Improved
heating options are being installed August 2013.
xx New floor vinyl is being installed in the kitchen,
bathroom, and toilet areas of all three Hanmer Springs
units this month. At the same time, the carpet is being
uplifted to fix the squeaky floorboards, and will be
re-laid after these repairs are done. New Autex safety
matting will also be installed on the deck stairs.
xx Plans are underway to remove the glass partitions
at the end of the Akaroa Leave Centre decks. The
partitions are being redesigned with timber battens
on the timber framework, and the doorway opening
will be widened to allow easier access for customers.
We continue to experience significant delays in getting
tradesmen to undertake work at both Hanmer Springs
and Akaroa due to a serious shortage of builders,
electricians, and plumbers in the Canterbury region as
they are all busy with the Christchurch rebuild.
xx After a visit to the Akaroa Leave Centre earlier this year
with Burnham staff (an architect and engineer), plans
are now being drawn up to redesign the Akaroa Leave
Centre ground floor of the units. Plans include installing
a downstairs bathroom/toilet, internal staircase
to access the top floor, and extending the current
downstairs bedroom area. Plans will be submitted to
the ACWF for consideration later this year.
The weather has offered a few challenges for Leave Centres
with torrential rain causing flooding at Mt Maunganui and
Akaroa. Heavy snow also managed to strand a few customers
in Wanaka and Hanmer Springs Leave Centres, and prevented
others getting to central north island Leave Centres as well as
the southern alpine regions.
Earlier this year, a Leave Centres Survey was sent out to all
Army Units (and posted on the Defence intranet) to gauge our
Napier Unit 3 Deck Area
Wanaka Unit 2 bathroom
Wanaka Unit 1 Bathroom
Wanaka Unit 2 bathroom
services and performance, and also to gather feedback that
will be used to improve amenities for the benefit of all Leave
Centre users. This was an opportunity for personnel to have
their say and the results will assist Army Central Welfare with
planning ongoing improvements and location preferences for
Army Leave Centres in the future. The survey confirmed that
overall, the attitude and appreciation of Army Leave Centres
among NZ Army personnel is high, and the service is clearly
valued. Many personnel were not aware that the Army Leave
Centres are operated on a not for profit basis and tariffs are
set to recover operating/maintenance costs and depreciation
only, ensuring tariffs can be maintained as low as possible.
The Army Leave Centres Survey 2013 is now available for
viewing on the Army Central Welfare Home Page. Click on the
ALC SURVEY menu link (left hand side of your screen) to view
the results.
We have just appointed Mrs Philippa Chinn as Custodian for
the Wellington Leave Centre apartments. Philippa lives in the
Hutt Valley, and is the daughter of a serviceman, as well as
having a brother currently serving.
We continue to have an excellent working relationship
with the CQ Hotel staff, and the appointment of Philippa will
enhance this arrangement.
As an Army Leave Centres initiative, a submission was
made to CIS in May 2013 to migrate the Tri Service Leave
Napier Unit 3 Bathroom
Centre Online Booking Systems from DIXS to the internet.
This progression will enhance the current online booking
system functionality by allowing 24 hour internet access
via any device including smartphones, ability to pay online,
automatic overdue payment reminders and cancellation after
a period of non payment, improved registration processes,
and annual re-authentication of eligibility for external Leave
Centre customers.
As with any major initiatives of this nature, it won’t happen
overnight.
Unfortunately, of concern is the increasing number of
incidences of misuse and negligence on the part of service
personnel and other customers who use our Army Leave
Centres. We have also had several near miss episodes
reported where children are inadequately supervised.
A separate article addressing these, and other issues of
concern will be published at a later date.
It can be a constant juggle at times trying to find a balance
between keeping expenditure cost effective within financial
operating constraints, and advancing improvements while
still offering quality, affordable accommodation for our
customers. We have experienced significant increases in
insurance, rates, and power costs over the last two years and
a review of the tariffs and categories will be undertaken later
this year.
Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association
The Wellington Returned and Services Association (WRSA) and all other RSAs want you
to join them so the support and advice currently provided continues in years ahead.
The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA) was established and
exists for the benefit of service people and their families.
It was mainly fellowship in previous years but nowadays the focus is on welfare, support and
advice. In some areas fellowship is still available through local club rooms.
For more information contact the WRSA on 04 3851191 or your local RSA.
armynews19
issue 445 | august 2013
SAS AD
20armynews
issue 445 | august 2013
From left, Doon Groves, WO1 Wayne Small, and CAPT Grant McCarroll.
ARMY HOME RUN FOR BLACK SOX
Three well-known stalwarts of softball in the New Zealand
Army are taking up top management positions with Softball
New Zealand teams.
NZ Army Captain (CAPT) Grant McCarroll has been
appointed manager of the New Zealand Black Sox through to
the 2015 World Championship in Saskatoon, Canada. Warrant
Officer Class One (WO1) Wayne Small will be manager of the
New Zealand Junior Black Sox until completion of the Junior
World Series in Whitehorse, Canada, in July 2014, and the
Assistant Manager will be Dean (Doon) Groves, who is a
manager at Army’s Mobility Systems Group at Trentham.
Congratulating the three on their appointments, Chief
of Army Major-General (MAJGEN) Dave Gawn said the
importance of sport to the Army could not be overemphasised.
“Sport helps us create a ‘winning culture’ in the Army.
“All three men have been involved with Army and NZ
Defence Force (NZDF) softball for many years. Their
achievements at this level are outstanding, and in part
reflect the very strong link between military life and sports
activities,” he said.
CAPT McCarroll has been a member of the Army’s men’s
team since 1986 and has been part of many Army and NZDF
champion teams over the years. He was previously Black Sox
manager from 1998-2006, during which period they won the
World Championship twice.
CAPT McCarroll said the appointment is an honour and a
privilege.
“I am very proud, and I am very grateful for the support the
Army and NZDF hierarchy have given me over my extended
years of involvement in the game at many different levels,”
he said.
WO1 Small also has a long record of involvement in Army
and NZDF softball as player, coach and manager, and took
over from CAPT McCarroll as Black Sox manager in 2006. He
served in the role until 2010.
“This is an exciting challenge,” he said. “The road ahead is
tough – there is a lot of work to do to produce a winning team
by July next year.
“Without the support of the NZDF it would not be possible
to manage a team at this level, and it is the NZDF who have
given me the tools for the job. The ability to plan and conduct
training, and to provide specialist logistic assistance to the
team and Softball New Zealand are by-products of my 29
years in the military,” he said.
Softball New Zealand softball manager Glen Roff is in no
doubt of the abilities of their new managers and the NZDF
contribution to the sport.
“Softball is very fortunate to possess managers of the
quality of Grant, Wayne and Doon. Each of them has the
skillset we need to manage these teams’ programmes. Grant
and Wayne are proven on the international stage over a
number of campaigns, while Doon is getting his first taste of
management experience through the Junior’s programme.
“The NZDF has provided softball with outstanding people
over the years, both on and off the diamond, for which
we as a sport are truly grateful. National management
positions require well-rounded men and women with good
communication, leadership and innovative skills, and we
have been very lucky to secure those skills in Grant, Wayne
and Doon,” he said.
Somalia Veterans Reunion 2013
Calling all veterans who deployed to Somalia between 1992 and 1994 as part of New Zealand’s contribution
to the United Nations Humanitarian efforts on the Horn of Africa.
A reunion committee has been established and is well underway planning a two day reunion for our veterans.
Why not take this rare opportunity to get together again and look back on our experiences in a hostile
environment.
The reunion is open to all Air Force, Army and New Zealand civilians who deployed to Mogadishu, Somalia
in the early 1990s. We also extend an invite to personnel who worked with New Zealanders in Somalia at the
time.
To register your attendance at the reunion, please visit www.army.mil.nz to complete our online Registration
Form. The last day for submission is 9 September 2013.
armynews21
A short stint in Syria
issue 445 | august 2013
By Major Brad Gallop
As good NZDF operators, I am sure you are keeping up to
date with the current events in Syria and its neighbours. This
month is the anniversary of the closing of the United Nations
Supervisory Mission In Syria (UNSMIS), to which NZ sent six
military observers.
What is not well known is the mission, tasks and what
actually happened on the ground. NZ observers deployed
as part of a 300-member multinational observer team with
supporting UN civilian staff to observe and enforce the
UN Mandate, UN Special Envoy Kofi Annan’s Six Point Plan
and promote a ceasefire amongst the Syrian people. The
mission’s mandate was to ‘Monitor a cessation of armed
violence in all forms by all parties and monitor and support
the full implementation of the Envoy’s six point plan’,
deployed in late April and early May 2012 to Damascus led by
Norwegian General Robert Mood.
After a short notice mobilisation and pre-deployment
training, the New Zealand contingent of six led by Colonel
Angela Fitzsimons arrived in Damascus to join the UNSMIS
team. After a short induction, the NZ contingent members
were split into three areas, Headquarters UNSMIS in
Damascus, Team Site DEIR A ZOR and Team Site HAMA. So
what actually happened?
Upon initial deployments to Damascus, Aleppo, Homs,
Hama, Deir A Zor, and Dara, team sites, Military Observers
(UNMO) conducted short range patrols to gain situational
awareness, build rapport with both sides, and promote
both a ceasefire and compliance with the Annan ‘Six Point
Plan’. Meanwhile HQ UNSMIS continued to grow and support
operations, build rapport with the Syrian Government and
provide reports and analysis on the situation in Syria to
UNHQ. As team sites grew to around 30 personnel, both
observers and civilians e.g. UN human rights staff increased
patrolling in an attempt to promote further cessation of
violence in support of the ‘Six Point Plan’.
By early July, General Mood ordered a suspension of
operations after an attack on a patrol in the province of
Latakia. This was one of a number of increasingly direct
threats against UNSMIS, restricting the ability of UNMOS to
support the UN Mandate safely. This suspension resulted in
the UN changing the status of the hostilities in Syria to being
an official ‘civil war’ and directly affecting UNSMIS’ ability
to both maintain situational awareness and promote the Six
Point Plan. As a result, the UN Department of Peacekeeping
approved General Mood’s plan to halve the numbers of UN
observers in Syria. Three NZ observers were withdrawn from
theatre as part of the downsizing.
Limited operations recommenced by mid July with patrols to
hospitals and schools to assess the effects the conflict was
having on local populations. Unfortunately, these operations
had limited effect on decreasing the violence and created
a level of mistrust in UNSMIS’s ability to affect change or
decrease the cycle of violence. As the physical threat on
UNSMIS increased and the fighting continued the chances
of the renewal of the UNSMIS mandate faded. On 14 August
2012, UNSMIS was given a mandate extension to withdraw
from Syria. UNSMIS operations formally ceased two days
later with the remaining NZ observers withdrawing from
Syria via Beirut on 21 Aug as part of the Mission’s rear party.
Having lived through this interesting and challenging mission,
what did the contingent members think?
There were challenges in establishing a functional HQ at a
short-notice start up mission. Structure, function, roles and
supporting infrastructure are still being established while the
mission mandate requires immediate implementation and
support. Establishing effective and reliable communications
and IT across Syria was problematic, with logistics
frustrations being put in place by the host nation. This was
very different from my experience in the long established
UNTSO mission; even though it operates in the same country.
The Syrian landscape had changed dramatically over the
previous 18 months.
Meeting the demands from UNHQ for accurate and verifiable
information on what was happening on the ground kept us
busy; particularly with the volume of live media coverage
being streamed by the BBC, CNN and Al Jazeera. Coupled
with the small number of UNMOs (relative to the size and
population of Syria), and, the restrictions of movement
frequently encountered it was difficult to be anything but
reactive most of the time.
The Deputy Joint Reporting and Analysis Cell(JRAC) was
responsible for the military information output. The team
in the analysis part of the JRAC comprised one lone civilian
and six or seven UNMOS. We produced the daily information
summary, various information reports and the daily brief for
the senior management team and the HQ UNMOS. Having
Arabic speakers in the team was a real advantage as they
provided additional situational awareness and provided
very responsive information flows. The interaction with the
different civilian components of the Headquarters, such as
Mine Awareness, Human Rights and Civil Affairs made this
job very interesting as people were motivated to share their
experience and interact with the military. Interpersonal skills
were very important to gaining and maintaining support.
Team site HAMA operated out of a Police- protected hotel
in Hama. We operated in small patrols to observe and report
the province’s acceptance of Kofi Annan’s Six Point Plan and
operated in both Government and opposition controlled
areas. The reality on the ground throughout remained
complicated and unpredictable.
Being an unarmed UNMO in a country full of armoured
vehicles, artillery and firearms constantly keeps you alert
and conscious of sticking to the task at hand. Planning
and remembering your training are especially important
in this Theatre. During my time there I saw mechanised
battalion attacks, artillery bombardments and many forms
of asymmetric attack. For those of you who have completed
a Tac School course, Syria is like watching a live Musorian
training exercise from the ‘butts’ of a range. At times, Dash,
Down, Crawl, Observe, Sight and then Report has been used.
As with all UNMO missions, there were a great diversity of
countries (personnel from 44 countries) and cultures teamed
together. Firm friends are made and a greater understanding
of others’ cultures and thinking is gained..
What lessons can be taken away from a short but
operationally intense mission? Firstly, the NZ contingent was
well prepared and well equipped for the rigors of being an
observer in a high intensity conflict. The NZ training regime
and Musorian training median allowed us to integrate and
operate along side our multinational cousins and put us in
good stead to assume key operational and leadership roles.
Language and cultural training prior to deployment and
learning on the job are important factors in understanding
and empathy when dealing with all sides of the conflict.
As you are conducting training in your unit or with our
coalition partners, think about how this could relate to New
Zealand possible next operational deployment. Any of us
who went to Syria would be more than happy to relate our
experiences.
»» The New Zealand contingent included Colonel Angela
Fitzsimons, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Beale, Major Brad
Gallop, Squadron Leader Brett Goodall, Major Johnny Fiu
and Major Liam Jones.
22armynews
issue 445 | august 2013
YOUR HEALTH
YOUR FUTURE
beyond compliance
http://awi-teams_AHS/
WEAR THE RIGHT
SAFETY GEAR
ARMY HEALTH & SAFETY
beyond compliance
http://awi-teams_AHS/
armynews23
issue 445 | august 2013
EMPLOYER VISIT STRENGTHENS TIES
WITH DEFENCE FORCE
A group of New Zealand employers was recently able to see
the valuable work done by Reserve Forces employees in the
Pacific.
Exercise Boss Lift involved a three day visit the joint NZ/US
Exercise Pacific Partnership in Kiribati which aimed to show
participants the challenges, opportunities and benefits of
Reserve service in NZ and overseas.
This year’s participants included representatives of the
Territorial Forces Employer Support Council, trade training
providers, employers and the construction industry.
Fulton Hogan National Development Manager, Michael
Fulton said, “The excursion to Kiribati gave us (the
employers) an insight into the fantastic work that the Defence
Force is completing in our “backyard”.
“It gave us the insight into the benefits of aligning with both
the Territorial and Regular Forces. The opportunity to hone
skills in a challenging but rewarding environment, where
there are real logistical and planning challenges in every task
is a great benefit of having staff in the Territorial Force.
“Fulton Hogan look forward to collaborating with the NZ
Defence force to enable staff to serve as Territorials and
also enable the Engineering Core to gain experience in New
Zealand situations. Having Territorial solders in the workforce
is a win-win.”
This year Pacific Partnership is conducting construction
and medical tasks in a number of Pacific nations including
Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. NZDF Reservists including
tradesmen and a physiotherapist deployed as part of the
NZDF contingent work with the US and representatives from
Canada and Australia.
In Kiribati all participants were exposed to the transferable
skills of NZDF Reservists and gained a greater understanding
of the important role of Reservists in NZDF. Scarce,
specialised skills such as tradespeople, doctors and
physiotherapists are vital to the NZDF but difficult to sustain
and this makes the contribution of skilled Reservists a key
to success in deployments such as Pacific Partnership or
operational deployments like Afghanistan.
Director Reserve Forces and Youth Development,
Colonel Paul Curry said, “Just as important is the role of
the employers who release and support their Reservists.
Exercise Boss Lift was an opportunity to determine how
sector specialists and the Defence Force can work together
while developing Reservist/Employees who have a range of
professional, leadership and other skills which benefit all
parties.”
UCOL hosts hot competition
The sparks flew in the UCOL Trades Training workshops
earlier this week, as five NZ Army welders competed for
bragging rights and competition points.
“UCOL is ideal for this event as it has several identical
welding bays,” says event organiser Sergeant Andre Palmer
from the Trade Training School. “All the competitors have
exactly the same equipment and plant to work with.”
“UCOL was really pleased to host the welding competition,”
says UCOL’s Programme Leader for Engineering, Peter
Whitburn. “We have a good relationship with the NZ Army
and regularly have the Armourers and Maintenance Fitters
here doing their pre-trade training courses in the UCOL
Engineering workshops.”
The welders have all completed their senior qualifications
and represented Linton Army Camp and Burnham Army
Camp.
They didn’t find out what the welding challenge was until
the morning of the competition. “They were presented with a
flat pack of pre-cut steel and required to assemble and weld
a pressure vessel,” says Andre. They were given five hours to
complete the task.
The victorious metal-workers will earn points for the
Farrier’s Cup, an inter Army Camp competition that includes
teams specialising in the automotive, electrical, electronic
and engineering trades.
Lance Corporal Luke Bailey from Linton’s 2 Engineer
Regiment was the winner on the day.
24armynews
issue 445 | august 2013