Army News Issue 400 - the New Zealand Army

armynews
courage
|
CO m m i t m e n t
|
comradeship
|
integrity
www.army.mil.nz
21 july 2009
ISSUE 400
pg 03
Soldiering
in the snow
pg 08
pg 23
www.army.mil.nz
NZarmy NZ ARMY OFFICER FIRST KIWI
21 july 2009
ISSUE 400
Contents
WN 09-0026-41
news TO RECEIVE NATO MEDAL
News
Operation capture 02
winner
Kiwi star performer 03
Win a book 03
PEOPLE
Pippa’s War
New carvings for
marae
Commendations
2 Cants celebrates
06
08
Exercise Brimstone
Exercise Benghazi
Stakes
Offensive Support
battle Lab
Plumbing the
Depths
Exercise Jaffa
12
13
10
11
TRAINING
14
16
17
HISTORY
Bougainville 18
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: APN Print, Wanganui.
design: Duncan Allan, DCG
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, DCG, HQ NZDf, Private
Bag 39994, 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 seventh of
the month at the latest.
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
OH 09-0338-023
All material is copyright, and permission to
reproduce must be sought from the editor
Cover Image:
A snow-flecked soldier waits
for orders during Exercise
Benghazi Stakes. This image
is the winning photograph in
Operation Capture (see right)
Photo: 2LT Mark Chambers
LTCOL Jeremy Ramsden is awarded the NATO MSM by
Secretary General Jaap de Hoops Scheffer. Photo: NATO
The first ever NATO Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) to
be awarded to a New Zealander was presented to Lieutenant
Colonel Jeremy Ramsden, MNZM at a special ceremony in
Brussels, Belgium on 9 June.
LTCOL Ramsden was presented with his medal by NATO
Secretary-General His Excellency Mr Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, at a
North Atlantic Council meeting.
The medal was awarded to LTCOL Ramsden for his
outstanding service while he was working for the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Kabul, Afghanistan. He was
deployed for six months as the Deputy Chief of Plans at the ISAF
HQs, spending some eight weeks as the Acting Chief of Plans.
His medal citation commends his superior leadership and
example, stating that “he was extremely proactive, pursuing
excellence to ensure the quality and tempo of his branch’s
work. He focused on maintaining momentum and the
Commander’s intent as multiple command and staff changes
occurred in an often tumultuous environment.”
While in Afghanistan he implemented a combined planning
framework with the Afghan National Security Forces. Without
hesitation, he developed this into a partnering arrangement
which he championed at the HQ ISAF staff level, requiring
remarkable resilience and diplomacy to implement.
LTCOL Ramsden said he was honoured to receive the medal,
“but it belongs to my wife and kids, they made the sacrifice, this
was my fourth operational tour.”
The NATO MSM was first awarded in 2003 to commend
military and civilian personnel for providing exceptional and
remarkable service to NATO, be it through acts of courage in
difficult or dangerous circumstances, exceptional leadership or
outstanding individual contributions.
Telethon is back
Operation
and wants you to Capture
be involved
Conclusion
Does anyone out there remember
the crazy antics of the Telethons of
the 70’s and 80’s and that annoying
“thank you very much for your kind
donation” tune? Well, it’s back.
The Kids Can Stand Tall Charitable
Trust is bringing back Telethon on 8
and 9 August – the ‘Big Night In’ - in
partnership with TV3, to benefit kids
living in poverty.
The 23 hour television
extravaganza will include celebrity
dares, presentations of cheques,
updates on the total funds raised,
and crosses to the phone bank just
like 15 years ago, along with new
programming and social networking media.
Proceeds from the ‘Big Night In’ Telethon 09 will go to the Kids Can StandTall Charitable
Trust to support disadvantaged children in schools across New Zealand. At present, KidsCan
provides raincoats, shoes and food to more than 28,000 children in need, and there are 30,000
more children in 132 schools on the waiting list.
CDF has endorsed NZDF personnel being involved in fundraising activities for Telethon,
so get together with your friends and come up with some great activities to support this very
worthwhile event.
So how can you get involved? There’s lots of information on the Big Night In website www.
bignightin.co.nz including a fundraising pack, posters, opportunity to donate online, or to be a
volunteer at one of the Telethon studios.
NZDF Events Comms Manager Ally Clelland will be co-ordinating media for this event so
please email [email protected] or call 349 7273 if you have any fundraising activities
planned so she can arrange media coverage. Also don’t forget to register your fundraising
activity on the website and you might even find yourself on the telly.
Telethon has gone techy - you can promote your fundraising activities and NZDF by sending
the organisers pictures and text for the Big Night In website and newsletter, or you can build
your own webpage and attract sponsorship online at http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/
bignightin.
Video clips of fundraising activities can be entered in the “Get on TV3” competition with
the winners appearing in hourly news segments on The Big Night In. There will be links from
the website to social networking websites and to YouTube. Please label your YouTube video
clips ‘Telethon NZ’ to make them easier to find. Please remember that it is important to uphold
NZDF’s reputation so think carefully about what you submit, be safe and follow the law.
TV3 will have three major live Telethon venues (the Alinghi Base in the Viaduct Basin in
Auckland, the St. James Theatre in Wellington and the Whitebait-TV facility in Christchurch) and
a number of mini-Telethons in provincial centres. So if you are in these areas join in the fun at
the studio and donate the funds you’ve raised in person.
Remember this is a family fun event so do something creative, have a laugh, join in and don’t
forget to tell Ally Clelland what you have planned.
By Anthony Gardiner
Being in the Army exposes us to some pretty interesting
situations. Civilians often have no idea exactly what the day
to day life of New Zealand Army personnel entails. With this
in mind, Army Recruiting held a photo competition open to
all currently serving personnel, and we had some awesome
entries!
The photos sent in reflected the Army’s truly diverse roles and
the environments in which it operates. We had some great shots
from Afghanistan, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste as well as
some cool images of Army life here in New Zealand.
It was a lot of fun, albeit difficult, and we narrowed the field
down to three finalists and eventually decided on the winner,
which is our wonderful cover image for this month’s Army News.
Second Lieutenant Mark Chambers of 3 Logistics battalion
captured the winning entry, and has won himself and a friend
a trip for two anywhere in New Zealand, thanks to our generous
friends at Air New Zealand. Mark had this to say about the
photo:
“This photo was taken at Helwan Camp, Waiouru on Exercise
Benghazi Stakes, which was conducted around the lower North
Island from mid May to mid June. The Combat Service Support
Team had arrived at Helwan in the afternoon with the snow
falling, and I captured a few shots of soldiers enjoying the
weather as they set up tents and equipment.”
Congratulations Mark! Also congratulations to Sgt Heath
Palatchie who has won a digital photo frame (kindly donated by
AFCC) for the second place image, and Bdr Christopher Parker
who took third place and won a compendium from Corporate
Express. The latter two images will appear in future issues of
Army News.
As mentioned, it was a difficult task to choose from all the
images, especially the three finalists. Many thanks to the voting
panel, which included DCA Brig Tim Keating and Campbell
Moore from Saatchi & Saatchi.
03armynews
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Military Secretary LTCOL Evan Williams
OFFICER CAREER MANAGEMENT:
A CHANGING CLIMATE
Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston presents the
Sword of Honour to 2LT Michael Read. Photo: ADF
Kiwi star
performer
at Duntroon
New Zealand Army officer 2LT Mike Read took top honours when he graduated from Royal
Military College Duntroon in Australia recently. The only New Zealander to graduate, he was
awarded the Sword of Honour for exemplary conduct and performance of duty. Second lieutenant
Read, 22, from Whangaparaoa, held the appointment of Battalion Sergeant Major within the Corps
of Staff Cadets during his time at Duntroon. An infantry officer, he is based in Waiouru until the
beginning of 2010 when he will transfer to Linton.
Our 400th issue!
Welcome to the 400th issue of Army News! The newspaper has changed and evolved since
it was first published in tabloid style on 17 October 1990, and we hope that you, the soldiers,
officers and civilians of the Army are finding it interesting and useful. Army News still relies
heavily on your input; you know what’s going on in your camp or formation, so keep on
sending in your stories and photographs. Your ideas are always welcome, so call or email at
any time and have a chat.
To celebrate our 400th issue we have a copy
of the newly released “The War Chronicles
– From Flintlocks to Machine Guns” to give
away to a lucky reader. Written by warfare
specialist Joseph Cummins, this beautifully
illustrated book contains information
on all major modern conflict. If you
would like the chance to win it, email
[email protected] with “War
Chronicles” in the subject line. You can
also send an envelope with your name,
address and phone number on the back
to Army News, Private Bag 39997,
Wellington 6011.
Judith Martin, Editor, Army News
The Chief of Army recently mentioned that Autumn is over and that the Army is going
through a period of Winter where we may have to prune back our organisation in order to
grow stronger into the future.
We are in a very different personnel ‘climate’ than that which we faced in 2008. While
Army continues to work with a largely unchanged operational tempo and undertake internal
transformation initiatives, Defence as a whole is re-examining its structures and Human
Resource (HR) delivery models. This is part of the Defence Transformation Programme (DTP)
and the strategic environment is under the microscope as part of Review 09, a pre-cursor to
the 2010 White Paper. Also, no one needs reminding that these challenges are being faced
under increasing economic pressure as a result of the global recession.
From a Human Resources Management (HRM) perspective, this is a very challenging
environment. We are effectively 180° from where we were this time last year. In 2008,
we were working hard to recruit people; now, in 2009 we have actually exceeded our 2010
numbers. The retention issues that the Army faced 12 months ago have vanished due to
a significant shift in the economic climate, compounded by the success of the Military
Remuneration System (MRS). As a result, the exit rate from Army has slowed dramatically.
We have gone from close to 15.5% attrition to 12.4% and trending down. The recruiting
environment is good, and we have many good candidates wanting to serve as officers in
the Army. The balancing of slowing attrition with an increase in the quality and quantity of
officer recruits looking for service in a full Army is another challenge.
So what is the real impact on the Officer Corps of the Army? The Army is now being
more robust in its processes around offering extensions to service for individual officers.
While continued service is based on performance, extensions will also be based on
the development of mutually beneficial employment profiles which allows growth in
the individual as well as ‘value-add’ to the organisation. HRM requires us to maintain
experience within Army while at the same time allowing the growth of talent that exists
at the lower ranks. Herein lies the challenges of HRM in the current climate. It is largely a
balancing act between individual and organisational needs. The development of career
pathways which include tri-Service employment, individual development opportunities and
the ability to gain operational experience, assist HR Managers to manage officers’ careers,
while allowing officers to build on their employment utility. This employability then directly
determines the length of any extension of service.
We are likely to also see the slowing down of promotion opportunities as the Army
adapts to the changes that DTP and Defence Review 09 may bring, along with adjustments
to Army’s strengths across all ranks. There is likely to be a rationalisation of senior officer
ranks across the three Services which will have a cascading effect on the ranks below.
Further, the climate may also see a reduction in posting turbulence through the extension
of time in an appointment or with the linking of multiple postings in one location. This will
provide a degree of stability and the growth and maintenance of experience.
The best way to manage the HR challenges and the impacts is through ‘The Shared
Partnership’ – a partnership between Command and the individual officer, facilitated
by HRM (read MS). To successfully manage the Officer Corps, we all need to adopt the
role of responsible employer and provide honest, sometimes frank, but always regular
feedback to subordinates so as to create realistic expectations of both future employment
and engagement. By adopting this methodology, there should be no surprises in
individuals' reports. Command and HRM need to allow officers to state their circumstances,
preferences, desires and realistic aspirations. We need to also work together to develop
realistic career pathways, and opportunities, and provide regular advice and developmental
feedback or, as I prefer to call it, ‘feed forward’. Open and regular communications is the
vehicle that will enhance this partnership. Individual officers need to play their part by
providing input through the annual reporting process and by listening to the advice and
guidance that is offered. Also, officers need to ensure that they maintain the necessary
levels of medical and physical fitness while reflecting the values and ethos of the Army by
setting examples through their performance and approach.
Army is moving to balance a number of ‘challenges’ in a climate of change. While
DTP and Defence Review 09 shape our operating and strategic environment, we as an
Army continue to manage our Officer Corps. We need to maintain the experience in the
organisation that is provided by long serving officers while at the same time, provide
opportunities for emerging talent to grow. As human resource managers, our focus needs
to be on ensuring we have the best people, with the right experience, in the right place to
grow both the Army and the officer into the future. We all need to play our role, as part of
the ‘Shared Partnership’ to ensure that Army’s Officer Corps is in the right shape to welcome
in the Spring. Otherwise, we may not be in the best place to enjoy the Summer.
04armynews
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
An army robot took a photo of itself
for The Press newspaper recently
The robot, one of two bomb-disposal robots in the South
Island, was put through its paces at its base at Wigram.
New Zealand’s threat level was normally low, but the
Christchurch machines had been used four times this year, said
Lieutenant Andrew Ranger, of the Southern Explosive Ordnance
Disposal Squadron.
The robot has high-velocity water jets. A shotgun can be
mounted on its lone arm.
Four cameras act as the robot’s eyes, while its arm is strong
enough to rip open a car bonnet and deft enough to take a
picture of itself.
It has a top speed of 5kmh.
The machine is operated by remote control, usually from a van.
“We use it only if we think it’s too dangerous to go into the
environment in person,” Ranger said.
“We’ll attempt all else before we go forward ourselves.”
The robot opened a car door (with only a few scrapes) and
climbed a set of steps.
“They’re fantastically capable and we couldn’t do without
them,” Ranger said.
There are several army robots in the North Island, but the army
is unwilling to reveal the exact number for security reasons.
Story and photos courtesy of The Press
TF IMPROVEMENT UPDATE
Members of the Territorial Force will have noticed an update
to a directive regarding TF transformation initiatives recently.
Last month a feature article detailing these initiatives
was published in Army News. However, in consideration of
Defence Review 09 the Chief of Army has decided to focus on
management efficiencies and training effectiveness initiatives.
The Army is currently facing a variety of external factors
that means it needs to be ready and receptive to change and
ensure that the work it does both supports and aligns with the
Defence Review.
As a result, the transfer of the Command and Control of
Combat Support (CS) and Combat Service Support (CSS) TF
personnel to RF units and the adoption of new integrated
structures have been put on hold. The Defence White Paper will
provide strategic direction for the NZDF and subsequent plans
for the NZ Army will be developed.
The Army is in an environment that requires flexibility
and innovation. By being flexible it can meet the challenges
presented, and continue to grow as an efficient and effective
Army.
A number of efficiency and effectiveness initiatives are
on the cards including standing up the new TF website, the
revision of TF employment and trade models, and looking at
how the Army conducts training.
The re-branding of the TF to the Army Reserves, development
of mission-essential tasks for TF Battalion Groups to train
against for security and stability operations, alignment of TF
and RF recruiting processes, and a review of RIT modules are
also underway.
As detailed in an Army News article last month, some of
these initiatives have already been put in place, including
the establishment of the Directorate of Army Reserve and the
Office of the Director of Army Reserve.
The Army is committed to ensuring it continues to maximise
the value that TF personnel offer and the added value that TF
personnel can return to the community.
The Defence Review will provide the future direction for the
TF and the NZDF as a whole. By ensuring the Army focuses its
investment on its most important asset—its people—through
training, education and improving the way it does business,
the TF and the Army will continue to provide world-class,
operationally focussed land forces that are lead, trained and
equipped to win.
Safer Driving initiative
for all Army Vehicles
Following a successful six month trial, and as part of the ongoing driver safety initiatives, the 0800 How’s My Driving scheme is
being rolled out for the NZ Army vehicle fleet.
Army drivers, YOU are the target for the scheme. The initiative is designed to allow following drivers and members of the public
to comment on the driving standard of the Army driver. The purpose of the scheme is to promote awareness by Army drivers of
their requirement to demonstrate safe driving standards and practices and also demonstrate to the NZ public that the NZ Army is
committed to driving safely and road safety in general. The scheme is not just to make a complaint about the driving habits of the
driver; it also allows you to report a vehicle with a fault which wasn’t picked up on the first parade. Likewise driving compliments
can also be reported using the scheme.
Each report will be investigated and at the conclusion of the investigation, drivers could incur disciplinary proceedings,
censorship, driving assessment, verbal warning or driver education. Similarly on receipt of a compliment report drivers should
receive acknowledgement of their conduct. Advisory reports detailing vehicle faults should be rectified or reported to the
appropriate personnel as soon as received and the fault corrected.
For obvious reasons a number of NZ Army vehicles have been exempt from the scheme, but all other NZ Army vehicles are to
display one of the stickers below. Drivers are to ensure that there is a 0800 How’s My Driving stickers affixed to the rear of the
vehicle during the vehicle first parade.
The policy regarding the 0800 How’s My Driving scheme is in DFO (A) Vol 4 Chap 26 Sect 16.
armypeople05
WN 09-0003-96
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
A New Zealand Army officer who spent six months dealing
with IED incidents in the Afghanistan trouble spot Khowst has
had his work recognised by a Distinguished Service Decoration
(DSD)
Trentham-based Major Bob Gillies served with US forces in
Khowst Province near the Pakistan border from October 2007
until April 2008. He was second in command of the Counter
Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) team, and his primary role
was to conduct an investigation at the scene of significant
IED incidents. IED attacks occurred so regularly within the
three provinces which the CIED team was responsible for, they
couldn’t investigate all the incidents.
He was the third New Zealander to serve in the province, the
first and second being Warrant Officers Matt Dyson and Andrew
True respectively.
“Matt and Andy were the pioneers
of the appointment as far as the New
Zealand deployment was concerned and
did an excellent job. They established
a very good reputation amongst the US
force personnel as professional and
competent operators, and that made it
so much easier for me to slot in and begin work straight away.”
Khowst has been part of the US military sector for several
years and has been the scene of much insurgent activity aimed
at mainly coalition forces (CF). Insurgent IED methods vary
in different areas of the province, and have included a large
number of suicide vehicle-borne IED attacks against Afghani
security force and CF convoys and bases.
Major Gillies was accompanied to incidents by a US EOD team
which cleared and secured the site ready for him to investigate.
He photographed and collected evidence, including DNA
samples if a suicide bomber was involved, on which to base his
reports.
While some of the incidents, according to Major Gillies’ DSD
citation were “horrific” he says he didn’t have time to dwell on
the emotional side of what he was dealing with.
“It was hard going to incidents where there were coalition
soldier casualties. In one incident two young local children were
killed and that was difficult too. But it’s a job and you just deal
with it. It wasn’t pleasant but you had to move on to the next
task.”
While he did not have to attend incidents where he knew any
of the coalition forces who had been injured or killed, several of
the US colleagues and friends he made during his deployment
were killed while he was in-theatre or have been killed since his
return to New Zealand.
Several times Major Gillies’ ground convoy was ambushed
with rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire.
As well as attend IED incidents Major Gillies participated in
raids looking for equipment and explosives used to make IEDs,
or people who were suspected of manufacturing them. He also
WN 09-0003-96
Khowst-based officer’s
work recognised with
honour
WN 09-0003-91
WN 09-0003-92
helped train local Afghani security forces in IED awareness and
conduct CIED refresher training to US forces.
His work is said to have “contributed significantly to the
development of counter IED tactics, techniques and procedures,
which has had a direct benefit in reducing casualties from IED
incidents among both coalition force members and the local
Afghani population.”
Major Gillies, now the project officer for the establishment
of NZDF’s 1 NZ EOD Squadron, says the deployment was
professionally rewarding.
“I learned a lot, it was a great operational experience in a
field role – something you don’t get to do often as a Major. It’s
always challenging to be in an environment like that, but it’s
nice to know the work the New Zealanders are doing there is
appreciated.”
WN 09-0003-98
His work is said to have “contributed significantly to the
development of counter IED tactics, techniques and procedures,
which has had a direct benefit in reducing casualties.”
CA, MAJGEN Rhys Jones visted his Australian counterpart, LTGEN Ken Gillespie,and held
discussions with the Chief of Defence Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston during a recent
visit to Australia. The visit also provided an opportunity for CA to present Operational medals
and a CA Commendation to Canberra based NZDFpersonnel.
MAJGEN Jones presents a Chief of Army Commendation to WO2 Paul Mcintosh for his
outstanding performance as Acting Officer Commanding, Support Company 1 RNZIR in 2008
06armypeople
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Sixty-five years ago Pippa Latour watched as allied troops stormed
Normandy in the D-Day landings. Aged 21 and posing as a school girl,
Pippa was a radio operator and member of the Special Operations
Executive; in effect, a spy whose job it was to supply intelligence that
would lead to the bombers being brought in. Her work made significant
impact on the Allied victory, and she was awarded the Croix de Geurre for
bravery, and made a Member of the British Empire.
On the recent 65th anniversary of the Normandy landings Pippa, who
is 86, and now lives in Auckland, talked with friends, drank tea and
recalled in sharp detail her time in northern France. She told Army News
editor Judith Martin about her war, why she joined the SOE, and how she
feels about it now.
“I did it for revenge,” the snowy-haired, clear-eyed woman
states without hesitation. She speaks clearly and with a hint of
the South African accent that is a key to her background. Pippa
is explaining what motivated her to parachute behind enemy
lines and put her life constantly at risk gathering intelligence in
the months before the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944.
There is no hint, however, of vitriol; the daughter of a French
doctor, Pippa’s godmother's father (who she looked upon as
her grandfather) was shot by the Germans, and her godmother
committed suicide after being imprisoned by the enemy. The
young woman’s mind was made up.
“I hated what I was doing. At first I was proud of myself
because I was doing something for the war effort. But when you
see what the bombers do…”
Her membership of the Special
Operations Executive (SOE) was not
originally intentional. Section Officer
Pippa Latour had joined the RAF to train
as a flight mechanic.
Fluent in French, she had visions of
working on an airfield and interviewing
French air crews returning from sorties.
But British Intelligence had other ideas.
“They took a group of about 20 of
us away for training. It was unusual
training – not what I expected, and very hard. It wasn’t until
after my first round of training that they told me they wanted me
to become a member of the SOE. They said I could have three
days to think about it. I told them I didn’t need three days to
make a decision; I’d take the job now.”
The training members of the SOE were given was tough, and
women were given no quarter, says Pippa. “The men who had
been sent just before me were caught and executed. I was told
I was chosen for that area (of France) because I would arouse
less suspicion.”
As well as extensive physical fitness training, the operatives
Pippa's
were given other training to suit their work. “We climbed ropes,
and learned to climb trees and up the side of buildings. Our
instructor was a cat burglar who had been taken out of prison
to train us. We learned how to get in a high window, and down
drain pipes, how to climb over roofs without being caught.”
With three codenames (Genevieve, Plus Fours and
Lampooner) she was assigned a section of northern France and
was part of the agent circuit codenamed “Scientist”.
Pippa made her first parachute jump into the MayenneCalvados area on 1 May 1944.
“I was scared. I didn’t like jumping, no matter what part of the
aircraft it was from.”
fields on foot to where she had hidden another bicycle.
The Gestapo and SS were everywhere. And to add to the
confusion and danger a double agent was working in the area.
The SOE operative was friendly and talkative whenever she
met German soldiers – “I’d talk so much about anything and
everything, trying to be ‘helpful’ and they’d get sick of me” - and
was constantly moving through the countryside where she was
transmitting the information so urgently needed by the Allied
Command.
It was crucial the information she transmitted was accurate –
the lives of thousands of Allied soldiers relied on it.
“I always carried knitting because my codes were on a piece
of silk – I had about 2000 I could use. When I used a code I
would just pinprick it to indicate it
had gone. I wrapped the piece of silk
around a knitting needle and put it in
a flat shoe lace which I used to tie my
hair up.”
Once she was loaded into a truck
along with other locals and taken to
the police station for questioning.
“I can remember being taken to the
station and a female soldier made us
take our clothes off to see if we were
hiding anything. She was looking
suspiciously at my hair so I just pulled my lace off and shook my
head. That seemed to satisfy her. I tied my hair back up with the
lace - it was a nerve-wracking moment.”
Pippa had no real base, sleeping rough in the countryside
and in the forest. She had a courier, and a local married couple
who she could contact should things go horribly wrong.
She was constantly hungry. “One family I stayed with told me
we were eating squirrel. I found out later it was rat. I was half
starved so I didn’t care.”
While she had a Sten gun and a 7mm pistol with a silencer,
she couldn’t carry a weapon routinely as it would give her ruse
“I hated what I was doing. At first I was
proud of myself because I was doing
something for the war effort. But when
you see what the bombers do…”
She made pre-arranged contact with three members of the
Resistance – a doctor, a dentist and a veterinarian. All three
had knowledge of most of the inhabitants of the nearby area,
and they were able to hide Pippa’s radio sets in various rural
locations.
Dark-haired and diminutive, Pippa had six bicycles hidden
around the countryside. She was in the area under the guise
of being a 14 year old schoolgirl living in the countryside
with extended family to escape the Allied bombing. With just
one blue cotton dress to her name she pedalled around the
countryside selling soap to mostly German soldiers, crossing
armypeople07
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
WN 09-0004-10
Pippa has what she calls a “complicated” background. It
does, however, go some way to explaining her character.
The only child of a French father and an English mother,
she was born on a Belgium ship tied up in Durban. Her
father went to work in the Congo and sent her and her
mother back to South Africa when tribal wars erupted. He
was killed in those wars when she was three months old.
When she was three her mother remarried.
“My stepfather was well-off, and a racing driver. The men
would do circuits and they would often let their wives race
against each other. When my mother drove the choke stuck
and she couldn’t control the car. She hit a barrier, the car
burst into flames, and she died.”
Her father’s cousin became her guardian, and she went
to live with him, his wife and his sons in the Congo. “They
were really the only parents I knew. When I was seven my
“new” mother went riding as she always did. The horse
came back without her, and a lot of time elapsed before
they found her as they didn’t know where she had been
riding. Apparently the horse had stepped on a puff adder.
She was thrown, and then bitten in the face by the adder.
When they found her she was dead.”
Despite the amount of tragedy crammed into such a
young life, Pippa says she had a very happy childhood.
“I was brought up with a lot of affection as my “brothers”
were all much older than me – it was as though I had four
fathers. They played with me, hugged me a lot, and taught
me to shoot. I was very happy.”
war
away should she be stopped. She used the training she had
been given (see sidebar) but lived largely by her wits.
“Germany was far more advanced with their DF (direction
finding or radio detecting apparatus) than the Allies. They were
about an hour and a half behind me each time I transmitted.
Each message might take me about half an hour so I didn’t
have much time. It was an awful problem for me so I had to ask
for one of the three DF near me to be taken out. They threw a
grenade at it. A German woman and two small children died.
Then I heard I was responsible for their deaths. It was a horrible
feeling. I later attended the funeral of a grandmother, her
daughter and her two grandchildren, knowing I had indirectly
caused their deaths.
“I can imagine the bomber pilots patting each other on the
back and offering congratulations after a strike. But they never
saw the carnage that was left. I always saw it, and I don’t think I
will ever forget it.”
o s
v a d
C a l
The Special Operations Executive (SOE)
was instigated by British Prime Minister
Winston Churchill in 1940 to carry out
sabotage and espionage throughout
occupied Europe. Its aim, according to
Churchill, was to “set Europe ablaze”.
Operatives were both military and civilian,
and they were trained in Britain. The SOE
organisation was based in London, and
as the war progressed its offices spread to
Egypt, Algiers, Australia and India.
Recruit training consisted of radio skills,
surveillance, sabotage, map-reading
and self defence, and all operatives
were given a false identity. SOE couriers
carried messages and money to and from
Resistance groups, and radio operators
relayed intelligence using ciphers and
code. Women played an important role
in the SOE, with about 40 out of a total
of 470 being sent to France. The SOE
operated throughout Europe, the Middle
East and Africa. It was closed down after
the war.
After the war Pippa married, and moved with her
husband, an engineer, to live in Australia. They had four
children and moved to Fiji for a while so her husband
could follow his career. Pippa eventually decided to move
back to Australia with the children and boarded an aircraft
which she thought was bound for Brisbane.
Mid-flight she was shocked to find she was in fact
heading for Whenuapai. With thirty-five pounds in her
purse she decided to stay, and brought up her children on
her own in the Auckland region.
She had no interest in discussing her wartime exploits,
and it wasn’t until 2000 that she told her by-then adult
children what she had done. “I didn’t have good memories
of the war, so I didn’t bother telling anyone what I did.
I knew I would have been owed medals but I wasn’t
interested in any if the people who had helped me in
France did not receive them too. My eldest son found out
by reading something on the Internet, and my children
insisted I send off for my medals.
“I was asked if I wanted them to be formally presented
to me, and I said no, I didn’t, it was my family who wanted
them.”
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
WN 09-0004-16
Padre Kevin Herewini, CPL Jason
Wharewera and WO1 Jerry Twomey.
WN 09-0004-17
SSGT Steve Carrick and WO1 Twomey helping
the carvers raise a heavy maihi into place.
WN 09-0004-09
Padre Kevin Herewini guides
a maihi into place.
Master carver Te Rangi Kaihoro
speaking at the dedication ceremony.
OH 09-0385-003
08armypeople
Renovated Whakairo carvings were formally re-commissioned
at a ‘Whakarite’ ceremony at the National Army Marae Rongomaraeroa o Nga Hau e Wha Marae - in Waiouru in June.
A ceremony on 22 June blessed and formally acknowledged
those involved with the project which saw carvings at the
entranceway (tomokanga) and wharenui refurbished, and in one
instance, completely re-carved.
Chief of Army, Major General Rhys Jones said it was great to
bring the marae back to its ideal state.
“It is a place where we bring new people into the Army to
understand what it is like to be part of Ngati Tumatauenga,”
Major General Jones said at the ceremony.
“The carvings are symbols of what we feel in the Army.
Courage, strength, and we take that with us when we leave. We
are strong because we are one in the Army.”
In September 2008, it was identified that over the last 14
years the original carvings had suffered extensive water and
environmental damage rendering them unsafe and rundown.
This began the genesis of a project named “Mauri Oho” (an
awakening or regeneration of life force).
The project was led by Mr Jim Te Tuhi and Te Rangi Kaihoro
and two teams assisted with the carvings in what was a
whole-of-family affair. Fourteen people were based in Auckland
and nine in Te Kopuru – a small town on the Kauri Coast near
Dargaville.
While the group thought they would be carving kauri, after
they began work on a seven metre piece of the wood, they
realised it was rimu due to its density and weight. One carved
panel called the Paepae-roa required a six-man lift to fix it into
place on the porch of the wharenui.
The tomokanga entranceway at the National Army Marae
which greets visitors first is unusual in that both sides are
carved. The front set of carvings of the tomokanga was so
damaged it needed to be completely re-carved. This side
is painted black to symbolise the role a soldier performs
in wartime to protect the nation. During the upgrade the
carvers used a more contemporary style which ‘jumps off’ the
backboard but keeps in the same theme of the original carving.
The other, red side of the tomokanga (which faces the
wharenui) required refurbishment and repainting and included
special emphasis on the apex figurine of a cross.
WN 09-0004-12
WN 09-0004-08
CPL Jason Wharewera helping master carver
Jim Te Tuhi breathe life into Taumatauenga.
OH 09-0385-002
NEW CHAPTER AS
NATIONAL ARMY
MARAE RENEWS
LIFE FORCE
armypeople09
Lisa Aumua spent long hours repainting the kowhaiwhai panels.
Helping the
carvers
Named Te Ngira (the needle), the red tomokanga welcomes
those to the ranks of the Army and depicts the journey on
becoming a soldier. It represents all soldiers within Ngati
Tumatauenga joining together as one strand and passing
through the eye of the needle.
The original carvings of the tomokanga were commissioned
by A Company of the 28th Maori Battalion. Eventually these
works were a different size and shape to the steel frame of
the entranceway and were adapted to fit, so after 14 years,
the carvings were able to be specifically re-designed and
personalised for the framework.
Two of the carvers involved in the National Army Marae
project, Whetu Hautapu and Lucky Te Tuhi, were also recognised
at the Whakarite ceremony as graduating to tohunga – master
carvers.
As part of the Marae’s ten-year plan, a maintenance schedule
has been included to take care of the carvings, including the
skills required for touch-ups and the correct protocol around
their care.
HISTORY OF CARVINGS AT RONGOMARAEROA O NGA HAU E WHA
MARAE, NEW ZEALAND ARMY NATIONAL MARAE COMPLEX.
1. Ngati (tribal) status was written about by General Birk’s 91/2 Memorandum delivered to The National 28th Maori Battalion
Conference) in 1991, and conferred to the New Zealand Army by Maori at Easter 1994. Ngati Tumatauenga was officially
recognized as a tribal entity within New Zealand at the opening of the New Zealand Army National Marae in October 1995.
2. The taonga (treasures) which adorn the marae were gifted by various iwi (tribes) and people and acknowledge their
acceptance of the Ngati Tumatauenga concept. Mr Jim Te Tuhi was a key figure in overseeing the carving projects for the
opening of the marae and has been instrumental in the current project to renovate the carvings.
3. The tomokanga (entranceway) to the marae welcomes you to the ranks of the Army and depicts your journey on becoming
a soldier. The hoia (soldier) who stands defiantly at the apex represents the standing and mana which is achieved by
discipline, hard work, courage and determination to strive for and attain leadership qualities.
4. The red tomokanga is named Te Ngira (the needle) and represents all soldiers within Ngati Tumatauenga joining together
as one strand and passing through the eye of the needle. The maihi (bargeboards) reflect the contributions of those
personnel responsible for this marae. They also represent the individual and collective responsibilities to achieve a
common goal to preserve the history of past units that have served New Zealand.
5. Traditionally Maori name a whare after an ancestor and thereafter all the stories within that whare tie back to that
ancestor. Soldiers of the New Zealand Army do not trace their lineage to one ancestor, therefore, the name “Te Whare Te
Taua o Tumatauenga” (The House of War pertaining to the God of War Tumatauenga) was found to be more appropriate to
encapsulate the diversity and full representation of the New Zealand Army.
6. The carvings on the maihi of the whare explain the elements of training and the will to succeed, with the right side showing
the progress of the soldier, and the left side the progress of the officer. The ama (upright posts) represents various Atua
Maori (Maori gods) with the tekoteko (carved figure) on the top of the whare representing Tumatauenga.
7. The pae roa and pae iti (carved panels across the mahau (porch)) represent some of the histories of the mana whenua of
Waiouru and of Tuwharetoa, Ngati Rangi and others.
By John Archer
It was Saturday morning, but the newly carved maihi needed
four coats of paint, so WO1 Jerry Twomey and Padre Kevin
Herewini were spending long hours in the dining room of the
Army Marae, carefully brushing paint onto the ridges and
hollows of master carver Jim Te Tuhi’s designs.
They were some of the marae members who assisted the
carvers in the final preparations and mounting the refurbished
exterior carvings at the Army Marae. When the 26 pieces were
brought down from Auckland on Wednesday, they helped the
carving team carry them to the back of the whare kai. This was
turned into a workshop for five days (and five long nights!) as
the final chisel cuts were made, the final coats of paint applied,
and paua shell eyes put in place.
Not far from Jerry and Padre, CPL Jason Wharewera was
painting the black and white stripes on the piupiu of
the tekoteko Tumatauenga while master carver Jim Te Tuhi
chiselled a recess into Tumatauenga’s head to hold his feathers
there. It was slow, painstaking work, but never boring, since
everyone was learning while Jim chatted about details as he
worked. “Tumatauenga’s a real soldier. See that vaccination
scar on shoulder. And those flames on the maihi, they’re a
reminder of our marae at Terendak that was burnt down.”
At the other end of the room, under the magic chisel of master
carver Te Rangi Kaihoro, intricate new whorls were appearing on
an amo where he was not quite satisfied with its appearance
after paint had been applied to it.
SSGT Steve Carrick was everywhere, ensuring that the carvers’
needs were met, checking that the carvings were properly
finished and also helping attach them to the buildings. His
great depth of marae knowledge, and his attention to a hundred
and one details, (especially organising fine weather for when
the maihi were lifted into place) enabled the job to be done
smoothly and well.
In a side room Steve’s wife Lisa Aumua was re-painting the
kowhaiwhai panels. She was assisted at times by Hine King,
Rat, WO2 Geri Ogle and Kaihoro’s wife Lorna. Out in the kitchen Sgt Ngaire Nukunuku, helped by Cpl
Wharewera and the Carrick boys Te Maire and Hema, was
preparing dinner for the workers.
At the meal, Kaihoro announced that the maihi were ready to be
bolted onto the meeting house. Eight men were needed to carry
each massive carved beam out of the workshop, and a fork lift
was used to help raise each one into place. WO1 Bob Bushell
was a stalwart here, holding the heavy beams in place while
specialist carpenter Ben Beemsterboer bolted them fast. Ben
had restored old windmills in Holland and built sets for LOTR,
and his relaxed, can-do expertise made bolting the big carvings
onto the meeting-house look easy. Most of his bolt holes were
underneath the eye sockets of the carvings, and when the bolts
were in place, Bill Wharewera glued a paua shell eye into place.
By Sunday evening, the last carving was in place, the
scaffolding down, the dining room cleared of paint pots, and
all the tools put away, except for one small symbolic skil knife.
Everything was ready for the Monday morning ceremony. It had
been a great team effort.
10armynews
10armypeople
WN 09-0003-99
issue
issue 400
400 || 21
21 july
july 2009
2009
A job well done
WO1 Dave de Lautour with his
wife Rose and daughter Ashleigh
In July 2005, Warrant Officer Class One David de Lautour,
RNZALR, was posted to the HQ JFNZ Pre Deployment Training
(PDT) Cell. The operational tempo at the time was high and the
requirement for operational readiness training was at maximum
capacity. The cell went without an officer for significant periods
which compounded the heavy workload for Warrant Officer
Class One de Lautour. With over 35 major and minor missions
scheduled PDTs and a multitude of unscheduled PDTs normally
at short notice, Warrant Officer Class One de Lautour’s ability to
manage and prioritise tasks proved very effective.
His constructive input was instrumental in developing
operational preparedness training documents linking the
mission employment context and the training objectives which
were previously unclear and led to reactive PDT. In addition,
the regular feedback from operational missions identified
lessons learnt and required immediate addressing which further
increased the workload pressure on Warrant Officer Class One
de Lautour.
WO1 de Lautour is proactive in driving forward the delivery
of professional OLOC generation training within NZDF. His
enthusiasm after almost four years within the PDT Cell remains
strong and he has developed a significant network associated
with the delivery of training.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Greg Mitchell, RNZAEC, was
recently awarded a Chief of Defence Force commendation for
the work he did when deployed as an Education Officer and
Public Relations Officer with the NZ Provincial Reconstruction
team in Afghanistan. As education officer he was responsible
for coordinating all distance learning education undertaken
by members of the contingent, as well as teaching English
as a Second Language courses at the Bamyan Women’s
development Centre and the Bamyan Hospital. As the
Tom Hirst with his wife Sharyn and son Russell
Mr Jack Nuttall with his wife Monica
Jack Nuttall, QGM, is currently employed at Trade Training
School as the Joint Service Improvised Explosive Device
Disposal/ Explosive Ordnance Disposal Instructor, Civilian.
Mr Nuttall has course managed or instructed on seven
courses within the LSA and EOD wing in 2008. As a course
manager he is a meticulous planner and due to the nature
of IEDD/EOD he is required to liaise with numerous outside
agencies to ensure professional course facilitation. His overseas
experience and instructional ability always proves popular with
students which are highlighted in the validations that Mr Nuttall
receives.
In 2007 the LSA and EOD Wing of Trade Training School moved
into their new facilities which are located in the compound of
the newly housed 1 NZEOD Squadron. An element of this facility
was the recently refurbished Trentham Armoury which was to be
used to accommodate all NZDF ammunition training aids, both
current and historical.
Mr Nuttall took it upon himself to take charge of the project
to set up this store. He displayed a strong desire to ensure this
facility was of a world class standard and tirelessly worked to
achieve this goal.
In order to ensure the project was completed in the 2008
year, Mr Nuttall worked in between his course management
and instructor responsibilities and in his personal time to
achieve this. As this facility holds most natures of tri-Service
ammunition it has involved countless hours of painstaking
categorizing, and he has been solely responsible for its internal
design.
WN 09-0004-04
WN 09-0004-02
Captain and Quartermaster Kelvin Hawley, RNZALR, received
the Armed Forces Award.
Captain and Quartermaster Hawley enlisted into the Regular
Force as a Regular Force Cadet (Hudson GC Class) on 9 January
1978 and on graduation was posted to I Base Wksp in the rank
of Craftsman, RNZEME. Throughout his career Captain Hawley
was posted to RNZEME Units in Trentham and Waiouru and
attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class One on 12 December
1994. Captain Hawley was awarded the New Zealand Long
Service & Good Conduct Medal on 14 Feb 1994 for 15 years
irreproachable service.
Captain Hawley was commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant
and Quartermaster on 20 Sep 1996
Since being awarded the New Zealand Long Service & Good
Conduct Medal, Captain Hawley has held staff appointments at
Headquarters Support Command, and Army General Staff.
Over the period 1 May 2001 – 14 December 2003 Captain
Hawley was seconded to the Ministry of Defence as the Project
Engineer for the New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle Project
based in London, Ontario, Canada. During this time he was
based at the General Motors Defence Manufacturing/Assembly
facility as the Army’s Project Engineer for the New Zealand Light
Armoured Vehicle 3 Project. In recognition of his role in the Light
Armoured Vehicle Project, Captain Hawley was awarded a Chief
of Army’s Commendation on 3 August 2004.
On 24 Nov 2006, Captain and Quartermaster Hawley was
again posted to Army General Staff, where he currently holds
the appointment of Systems Engineer for the New Zealand Light
Armoured Vehicle Fleet.
WN 09-0004-05
CaptQM Kelvin Hawley with
his children, KJ and Elle
WN 09-0004-01
Six Trentham Camp personnel, three of them civilians, received commendations
from the Chief of Army and the Chief of Defence Force recently. The six men who
received commendations were Messrs Jack Nuttall, Brett Frontin-Reid, and Tom
Hirst, WO1 David de Lautour, and W0 2 Greg Mitchell. Captain Kelvin Hawley
received the Armed Forces Award.
Mr Brett Frontin-Rollet with his wife
Janine, daughter Grace and son Vincent
Brett Frontin-Rollet is employed as a Development
Technician in the Standards, Quality & Engineering Authority
at Trentham Camp. He is part of a team responsible for
engineering research, development and modification for Army
related equipment and projects.
Examples of some of the recent projects Brett has worked
on that demonstrate his commitment and capability include
the development of modifications to the Special Operations
Vehicle, Light Operational Vehicle ambulance, C Band Shelters
and Explosive Ordnance Device robot, all of which have been
contingent’s Public Relations Officer he coordinated all
public relations activities during the deployment. His duties
included editing the many articles submitted by members of
the contingent and hosting media representatives from New
Zealand and Australia. He also operated the Camp Shop, was an
active member of the Welfare Committee and the driving force
behind many charity initiatives.
In awarding the commendation, CDF, LTGEN Jerry Mateparae
Tom Hirst has been a dedicated member of the NZ Army for
over 25 years. Initially as a Stores Manager and then as a Q
Commissioned Officer, but for the last five years as a civilian in
the role of Fleet Manager Clothing.
As the Fleet Manager Clothing, Tom was initially responsible
for the management of new clothing as it was received
and supported its subsequent introduction into service.
Nevertheless this role grew rapidly to include aspects
of contract management and facilitation, research and
development, policy, and documentation of operational and
non operational clothing. Since 2008 there has been a further
change in his responsibilities, and his portfolio now includes
a much wider range of equipment worn or carried by soldiers
and he continues to address the associated complex issues of
integration and configuration management with much diligence
and commonsense.
To compliment these significant but daily routine equipment
management responsibilities, Tom has also assumed the
responsibilities of Project Officer for the high priority, high
value, and critical Soldier Survivability Project. All this was
done without fuss and disguised the considerable sacrifice of
Tom and his family.
Throughout his employment with NZDF he has deservedly
earned a reputation for diligence, determination and
professionalism. In recent times his courage and dedication
have exceeded even his high standards. At all times his focus
has been on meeting the needs of the operational soldier. His
performance of his and others responsibilities has been an
exemplary demonstration of the NZ Army’s values of Courage,
Commitment, Comradeship and Integrity.
done in house at considerable savings to the New Zealand
Defence Force. One particular example that stands out is the
fitting of Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) equipment to NZDF
vehicles currently being operated in Afghanistan to help protect
against roadside bombs.
The ECM project initially saw a number of equipments
purchased in mid 2005 from a UK company which required
integration into NZDF vehicles. The changing threat levels
in Afghanistan saw the ECM requirements change, which
eventuated with more enhanced ECM equipment being
procured in October 2008, with an introduction into Service
programmed for April 2009.
A major complication was that none of the new equipment
would be available until early March 2009. This required Brett
to develop the solution from a combination of old equipment
for reference, drawings and contact with the UK manufacturer.
His ability to convey his intent to manufacturers allowed a
significant dollar savings for the project. He worked long
hours and many weekends, taking a personal interest in every
facet and step of the project to ensure that the timeframes
and standards were met. Comments received from local and
foreign manufacturers showed that Brett portrayed himself in a
professional and courteous manner.
The NZ Defence Force has now in-service a self contained,
self supporting and remote controlled ECM kit that can be
swapped from vehicle type to vehicle type with minimal or no
modifications to the vehicle.
said WO 2 Mitchell excelled in his primary responsibilities and
worked tirelessly to help the local population to learn English.
He was responsible for an unprecedented amount of high
quality media coverage of the NZ PRT, and when not engaged
in his primary duties his entrepreneurial skills came to the
fore in his management of the camp shop. WO2 Mitchell also
organised very successful quiz nights, sports challenges and
team competitions which significantly improved morale.
2LT Mark Chambers of 3 Logistics Battalion coordinates reports and returns in the CSST HQ.
armyexercise11
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Army loggies mass for
Exercise Benghazi Stakes
A soldier dismounts as a convoy enters the CSST harbour.
The
original
Benghazi
Stakes
WN 09-0003-63
All aspects of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment
(RNZALR – The Duke of York’s own) were exercised when more
than 200 soldiers and about 100 vehicles took part in Exercise
Benghazi Stakes recently.
Specialist soldiers tested their trade skills in a substantial
area of the North Island stretching from Levin to Waiouru.
The key contributing units which took part included the
Logistic Operations School, Trade Training School, 2 Logistic
Battalion, 3 Logistic Battalion, 2 Signal Squadron, 2 Health
Support Battalion, 2 Military Police Platoon, and 3 Squadron
RNZAF.
Major Duncan George who is the Chief Instructor at
the Logistic Operations School said the exercise was the
culmination of seven different RNZALR trade and officer
courses. “The aim was to produce modern logistic soldiers and
commanders who are able to operate effectively in the ever
changing spectrum of operations they will undertake in their
careers.”
The exercise tested all of the soldiers and officers in a
conventional operating environment. “While the medium we
use for testing is conventional operations, we are mindful of
the fact that our logistic colleagues in both the US and British
armies are required to utilise their all-arms soldiers’ skills on
an almost a daily basis in places like Afghanistan, and as such
this exercise also focuses on improving our force protection and
close combat skill-sets,” said MAJ George.
The exercise included a Combat Service Support Team (CSST)
a logistic company group made up of Transport, Supply and
Maintenance Support. Soldiers of the CSST were tested in a
number of different locations, ranging from urban to dense
forest.
Benghazi Stakes concluded in Waiouru, with its participants
ready to return to their operational units and continue their
development within the RNZALR.
WN 09-0003-48
Members of the force protection section
man the vehicle check point for the CSST.
Major Duncan George briefs his troops.
SSGT Mike Cooper-Marsh peels a mountain
of potatoes in preparation for dinner.
From December 1940 and
November 1942 the shipping
port of Benghazi was the
prize at stake when motorized
British forces repeatedly raced
across the Western Desert
from the port of Suez to take
this Axis-held port 1100 km
away. Several rapid armoured
advances petered out and
turned into retreats as the
distances between supply
port and front line became
enormous.
This logistical challenge,
nicknamed “The Benghazi
Stakes” by British soldiers,
was eventually won when
some 1400 NZ railway
workers who had taken over
the stations, engines, line
maintenance and workshops
of the Egyptian railway system
began moving 4000 tonnes of
war supplies a day across the
desert to the front.
12armyexercise
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Exercise
Brimstone
Guns firing during a quick action
By 2LT Catherine Dymock
Exercise Brimstone,the final testing exercise for the Young
Officer (YO) students from the School of Artillery, was held in
Waiouru last month.
Support was provided to the school by 16 Field Regiment in
the form of the four-gun Kapyong Battery so the students could
apply the skills they had learned in the classroom. After almost
four months of powerpoint presentations, a CPX and honing
their navigation and compass reading skills the students were
keen to put their new-found knowledge to the test. The weather
forecast was for snow and more snow, and the prospect of
heading out to ‘dinosaur country’ (the far north-east corner of
the training area) was proving testing for morale even before we
left Linton.
After a few dry-run deployments the Battery headed up to
Engineer’s Monument, a trip that took twice as long as usual
due to the treacherous road conditions. Once there the sun
came out but the snow stayed. During the exercise the YO’s
rotated around various positions in the Battery, and were tested
on Gunline Section Commander, Gun Position Recon Officer and
Command Post Officer. By far most mentally challenging was
the CPO phase, being put on the spot ‘In the Box’, controlling
the fire from the guns in accordance with the intentions of the
Forward Observers (FOs).
A visit from the Regimental Corp trainees
for a day allowed them to obtain a first
hand view of life on the gun line, and many
got to fire their first round
Guns firing in the Direct Fire role
Making our way through the training area via Argo Road
and Tarn Track the deployments varied from hasty to the more
deliberate, and from some of the most boggy and snowed in
terrain to the nice flat oasis of the Argo Valley. Trucks and guns
inevitably got stuck, and more often at night, which tested
patience and problem-solving skills. A visit from the Regimental
Corp trainees for a day allowed them to obtain a first hand-view
of life on the gun line, and many got to fire their first round and
take home a shiny cartridge case as a memento. During the
exercise a few soldiers and officers from the TF 11/4 Battery
joined us for a weekend to keep their skills current and improve
RF/TF relations.
On the last day of the exercise a direct fire shoot was
conducted at the anti-armour range, with the guns firing into
Zone 20. This was a first for the students and many of those in
the Battery, to practise employing the guns in the direct fire role
in defence of the gun position.
At the end of the exercise all the students had passed and
the YO’s course was nearly over. All that remained was the allimportant PXA phase back in Linton and the formal welcome of
the newly-qualified officers into the Regiment.
enduring conflict:
challenges and responses
Chief of Army Conference 2009
2 September
Massey University
Palmerston North
Conference information can be found on the Centre for Defence Studies homepage http://defence.massey.ac.nz/
AK 09-0290-142
armyexercise13
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
AK 09-0290-053
AK 09-0290-054
AK 09-0290-046
Central Otago was chosen for the exercise as the current winter
conditions added to the challenges the soldiers had to overcome.
LT Jarrod Saunders explains how the
exercise is progressing to two visitors
AK 09-0290-002
Exercise Jaffa provided an opportunity for Queen Alexandra’s
Mounted Rifles (QAMR) to work together with a variety of the
Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
units. It focussed on information collecting in a contemporary
environment, and contributing units included 2/1 Royal New
Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR), 3 Signals Squadron and
1st NZ Military Intelligence Company, as well as the Defence
Technology Agency who were evaluating a Ground Surveillance
Radar. Many of these units had never worked together, however
they all have a common goal of collecting information by
reconnaissance or surveillance.
Mirroring a build up to operations, Ex Jaffa began with a
week of live firing in Tekapo, prior to deploying into the Area
of Operations (AO) near Omarama, Cromwell and Naseby.
Once deployed in the AO, the task force conducted area
reconnaissance in a two- week tactical phase. The tactical
phase was based on current operations, and the scenarios were
designed to present problems the Task Force may face in future
deployments.
Central Otago was chosen for the exercise as the current
winter conditions added to the challenges the soldiers had
to overcome. It is also an area where QAMR has not yet
exercised, and was a great opportunity for the regiment to mix
with members of the public, explaining to them what it is that
soldiers in the New Zealand Army do on a day-to-day basis.
Chief of Army, MAJGEN Rhys Jones and Sergeant Major of
the Army, WO1 Tricky Cunningham (both former members of
QAMR) visited the exercise. During their visit they were able to
observe some of the equipment and tasks being conducted by
the troops.
Exercise Jaffa was well supported by other units including 3rd
Logistics Battalion and 3 Military Police Platoon. There were also
soldiers from the two Territorial Force Units in the South Island:
2nd Nelson Marlborough West Coast and Canterbury and 4th
Otago Southland Regiment.
AK 09-0290-023
Exercise Jaffa 09
LT Hamish Young fires from the LAV
TPR S Mutch cleans his weapon
OFFENSIVE
SUPPORT
BATTLE
LAB
MOBILITY - RANGE – ACCURACY- PRECISION – UTILITY
Army capability staff have just completed a programme
of experimentation under the Army Innovation and
Experimentation Programme (AIEP) aimed at enhancing the
mobility, accuracy and range of the 105 mm Light Gun. The
primary objective of the Offensive Support (OS) Battle Lab was
to identify a system able to support current and future land
operations pending Indirect Fire System (IFS) replacement. Army
now knows that given minor capital expenditure to enhance the
current platform The Light Gun can support current and future
land operations with accurate and responsive indirect fire.
MOBILITY
The Light Gun prime means of transport must not only tow the gun but also transport the
detachment and their personal kit, gun stores and sufficient ammunition to undertake immediate
engagement of targets. During the Battle Lab the Light Gun was deployed using the LOV (GS)
and NZ LAV III. Both vehicles are capable of towing the gun and can provide an operational
contingency; however neither vehicle has the load capacity of the UNIMOG U1700 Gun Tractor. The
operational employment of either vehicle as a prime mover would be theatre specific and depend
on the threat, the environment and the availability of the vehicles for OS use. The Light Gun is
air transportable by C130 and can be lifted in two parts by UH1H. NH90 will have the capacity to
transport the gun, detachment and ammunition in a single lift
ACCURACY
To provide precise indirect fire the position of the gun(s) (fixation) and direction
in relation to grid north (orientation) must be determined as accurately as possible.
Traditionally artillery surveyors use various instruments and calculations to
determine orientation and fixation. This is time consuming and requires additional
manpower and planning. Gun Navigation and Pointing Systems are self contained,
gun mounted navigation, pointing and weapon management devices. Once fitted
they replace optical sights with on board positioning, aiming and communications.
The Laser Inertia Artillery Pointing System (LINAPS) is such a system and was
demonstrated fitted to a New Zealand Light Gun under live fire conditions during July
2008. LINAPS is a proven system in service with many armys world wide. It has been
employed operationally by the Royal Artillery in Iraq and currently the Royal Artillery
and Royal Canadian Artillery in Afghanistan.
RANGE
BASE BLEED (BB): Base drag is caused by the flow of
air over a projectile in flight. A low pressure area (vacuum)
develops at the base of the projectile, reducing velocity.
Base Bleed projectiles contain a propellant in the base that
burns during the flight of the projectile. Gases emitted by
this burning fill the vacuum at the base of the projectile
thereby reducing the effect of base drag.
ROCKET ASSISTED PROJECTILE (RAP): A projectile loses
velocity in flight due to the action of drag and the effects
of gravity and the atmosphere. A Rocket Assisted Projectile
contains a rocket motor in the base that provides a boost
to maintain velocity at a certain point along the trajectory.
Typically the rocket burns for one to two seconds after 16
seconds of flight.
Blue Tooth
Platform
Interface
Inertial
Navigation
Unit & GPS
Layers
Control &
Display
Distance
Transmitter
Unit
NZ LAV III – protection and mobility
Extended Range (ER) ammunition achieves longer range
through better aerodynamic shape and a more energetic
propellant charge. This gives a higher initial muzzle velocity
and then maintains velocity by overcoming the effects of
drag on the flight of the projectile along its trajectory. Two
methods of doing this are:
“Offensive Support (OS) is
the collective and coordinated
use of indirect fire weapons,
aircraft, naval gun fire and
other lethal and non-lethal
means in support of a ground
or air manoeuvre plan”
Power
Management
System
Minimum Range ER
Except For Combat
Emergency
60 m
New extended
range ammunition
Commanders
Navigation
Display Unit
163 m
LINAPS fitted to L119 Light Gun
LINAPS live fire demonstration
HE C132 (BB)
Chg 2, MV 730 m/s
Range 19,800 m
35m
15,000m
HE M913 (RAP)
Chg 8, MV 642 m/s
Range 19,300 m
10,000m
Current range of NZ
artillery ammunition
LINAPS
20,000m
HE M1
Chg 7, MV 491 m/s
Range 11,400 m
Comparison of Range and CEP for 105 mm ammunition
105mm Light Gun
UTILITy
The Future Land Operating Concept foresees a large
and complex operating environment in which OS
will support close combat by engaging the enemy at
distance and then provide close fires to support the
manoeuvre force. Coordination and targeting of joint
offensive support, air and land mobility matching that
of the manoeuvre force, extended range, accurate fire
and speed of deployment are the capabilities of OS
that provide utility and enable manoeuvre.
“The OS system is designed to suppress,
neutralise, destroy, obscure, illuminate
and interfere with threat actions, weapons
and formations. The OS system enables the
manoeuvre commander to manoeuvre without
interference from threats, and to delay,
disrupt or destroy threat weapons, groups or
infrastructure”
Performance
Continuous Orientation ≤ 1.0 mil Accuracy
Continuous Fixation ≤ 10m CEP (With GPS)
Continuous Fixation 25m (Without GPS)
Benefits
Deployment and response time less than half current time
Improved first round accuracy and consistency of successive rounds
24/7 operation- unaffected by weather and visibility conditions
Reduced Individual Training
Elimination of survey and associated sighting and aiming equipment
Reduced demand on maintenance facilities and workshops.
• NZ in Service Date: 1987
PRECISION
• Planned Life Of Type (LOT): 2017
• Barrel Life: 20,000 Rounds or 7000 Equivalent
Full Charge* (EFC)
(THE NEAR FUTURE)
• Weight: 1840Kg
B
• Max Range Standard Ammunition: 11,400
Metres
• Minimum Detachment: 4
B
A
• Ammunition Types in Service:
A
- High Explosive (Delay, Ground and Air Burst)
- Smoke (Base Ejecting)
- Illumination
* One Round of HEM1 at Charge 7 equals
one EFC. One Round of ER equals 2 – 3 EFC
depending on the round and charge.
10K
10K
OS Gun troops deployed 10, 000 metres either side of axis of advance
A = Area covered by Current Planning Range 10,000 metres, Fire can be massed out to 1500 metres on the axis.
B = Area covered by Planning Range of 18,000 metres, fire can be massed out to15,000 metres along and 8000
meters either side of the axis.
L119 Light Gun firing C132 Base Bleed ammunition
Comparison of range and battlefield Coverage
Accuracy (Mean Point of Impact as
close as possible to the aim point) and
consistency (minimal dispersion around
the MPI) is the essence of precision.
The Precision Guidance Kit (PGK) will
improve the accuracy and consistency of
conventional 105mm artillery projectiles
to “near precision” (30m CEP at mid to
maximum ranges) without the high cost of
Precision Guided Munitions (PGM). The PGK
will replace standard fuses on conventional
projectiles with GPS guidance control
system for engagements requiring a higher
degree of accuracy e.g. targets in an urban
area. Unlike PGM that steers the projectile
to the aim point (10m CEP) PGK guides
the projectile by deploying braking fins or
canards to adjust range and direction.
Precision Guidance Kit
WN 09-0003-74
16armyexercise
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Plumbing the depths
Army divers train in Maowhango, and Taranaki
Demolition
skills
boosted
in Tekapo
exercise
A basic charge is detonated from the surface of Lake
Moawhango, on a target 4.5m underwater.
WN 09-0003-75
divers are trained at the RNZN Dive Training School in Auckland
on a four week Defence Divers course (along with Navy and
Police), followed by a two week Army SSBA course. They gain
certificates in underwater construction level one and two, which
are recognised by the Department of Labour.
The dive team would like to thank those units who supported
the exercise, and a special thanks to Arun Chaudri at Port
Taranaki for hosting us.
WN 09-0003-76
The Royal New Zealand Engineers dive team recently
conducted one of its bi- annual training exercises, which
involved an underwater demolitions practice in Lake
Moawhango, and search training in Port Taranaki.
Divers came from 2 Fd Sqn and 25 ESS for the two week
exercise to carry out in-date diver training and to maintain some
of their basic dive skills. The dive team was also joined by a
group of scientists from Golder Associates, contracted by JLSO,
who conducted a series of tests to evaluate the environmental
effect of conducting a demolitions practice in Lake
Moawhango. The results will form the basis of a submission
to the regional council to allow NZDF divers to carry out future
demolitions practices in the lake.
The demolitions practice was carried out successfully in spite
of some adverse weather conditions, and the dive team then
moved to New Plymouth to dive in the port. The team conducted
some group pier searches, and also practised recovering items
from the sea bed using lift-bags.
While in New Plymouth the dive team assisted a local council
marine survey by recovering mussels in the Port, and carried
out some rudimentary repairs on the damaged prop of the Earth
Race boat.
Divers utilised compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA)
during the exercise, although they also are equipped to dive
with surface supplied breathing apparatus (SSBA). Engineer
RNZE safety support crew, along with scientists from Golder
Associates, wait on the surface of Lake Moawhango while a
charge is being fixed (water temperature was around 8°C).
RNZE divers prepare to move into the operating area of Port
Taranaki to conduct a pier search.
Non Equipment Bridge prior to demolition
Cpl Wintrupp inspects the damage to the NEB
Explosive demolition training is an important part of the work
of the Army’s field engineers. These skills received a significant
boost in the South Island recently, writes Sapper Tamati Paul.
Engineers from 3 Field Troop ( 2 Field Squadron – 2 Engineer
Regiment) spent two weeks training in explosive demolitions in
Tekapo in June.
The first week began with preparing equipment and targets.
We felled trees with which we constructed log crib and abatis
obstacles, which are defences made with the tree boughs
pointing outwards. We also used our portable sawmill to mill
logs into timber and build our non-equipment bridge. The
first week concluded with the transportation of reinforced
concrete obstacles; 3 ton walls, 1 ton slabs, reinforced concrete
stairs, and concrete cubes kindly donated by Smith Crane and
Construction in Christchurch. We also built two rows of cat wire
type two, for Bangalore torpedo targets.
The second week of the training was all about destroying
these targets using demolitions. Our resident Long Lookers
from the Royal Engineers also shared some of their knowledge
during this time. We practised and experimented with different
explosive quantities, and also used different placement
techniques for the various targets. We practised different ways
to improvise using everyday materials with explosives to create
shaped charges such as mouse-hole charges. It was good to
see the varied results and effects resulting from the different
techniques used.
We all learnt something new from the exercise; from building
a non-equipment bridge (NEB) from trees, to calculating charge
sizes required to attack targets. What made it most enjoyable
though, was watching large explosions on each detonation.
The activity served as build up training for the close support
that we will provide 2/1 Battalion, during Exercise Black Templar
later this year.
OH 09-0383-261
armypeople17
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
OH 09-0383-181
OH 09-0383-194
Current and former Commanding Officers, from left, Nick Sinclair 2006–2008, Maurie
Blair 1973–1976, Greg Hart 1993¬1999, Chief of Army MAJGEN Rhys Jones, Paul Koorey
1991 – 1993. Nohorua Kotua 1979–1982 (Current Honorary Colonel). Sean Trengrove
2000–2002, Ernie Poole 1970–1973, Pete Coster 1982-1986, Russell Keetly 2002–2006,
Rick Menzies 1976– 1979, Grant McMillan Incumbent 2008 - , Ross Milne 1986 – 1991.
One of New Zealand’s oldest Army battalions - the 2nd Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson and
West Coast Battalion Group (the 2nd Battalion Group) - marked its 150th year of service to New
Zealand in the last weekend of June with a series of activities in Christchurch city. The unit held celebrations for former and current serving members, including a charter parade
through the city centre, a formal dinner, a Cathedral Service of Remembrance and a catch up at
the Christchurch RSA.
The Commander of the 2nd Battalion Group Lieutenant Colonel Grant McMillan says the
Territorial Forces has a proud history of service to New Zealand that has ranged from defending
the Pacific and fighting alongside the Regular Force during World War II, to today assisting with
peace-building in countries such as the Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste.
“I am immensely proud of our battalion, both in terms of its history, where we are today, and
as it looks forward to the future. Our history and tradition mean our people have the core values
and competencies which, combined with our flexibility and innovation, mean we have the skills
and knowledge to meet any future challenges.
“Our people are professional, highly skilled and motivated who work hard to ensure we are
best in all we do and a valued partner at home and abroad.
The charter parade re-affirmed that the battalion is allowed to march through the streets of
Christchurch with swords drawn, drums beating, bayonets fixed, and colours flying.
“It’s really important for us to continue our relationship with the people of the area, with
whom we now have had a long relationship, and one which we need to recognise alongside our
own history,” says LTCOL McMillan.
OH 09-0383-267
OH 09-0383-121
The General Salute: the Queen’s Colour is let fly and the Regimental Colour is
lowered as the reviewing officer, Mayor Bob Parker, takes the salute on the dias
during the Charter Parade. The Regimental Colour records the 21 battle honours
of the 2nd Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast Battalion Group.
One of NZ’s
oldest Army
regiments
celebrates 150
years service
SGT (Rtd) Eric Batchelor DCM & Bar, and LT COL Grant
McMillan cutting the 150th Anniversary Birthday cake
Graeme Barber of “'War Horses “, dressed as a WW2 officer in
Canterbury Regiment covers the Christchurch Cathedral in the
early morning mist as part of the military display conducted in
Christchurch Square in support of the celebrations.
OH 09-0383-250
The band of the 2 Canterbury Nelson, Marlborough, West
Coast Battalion Group, supported by members of the
NZ Army band, conducted by Warrant Officer Class Two
Graham Hickman play in Christchurch Cathedral.
Mayor of Christchurch the Honourable Bob
Parker inspects the Guard. LCPL Michael
Pomare, RNZALR & SSgt Durham Quigley, RNZIR
bougainville,
a lushly green island just east of Papua New
Guinea, was one of the jewels of the Pacific
until it was ravaged by a bitter 10-year war in
which as many as 15,000 people may have died.
Vanuatu.
Personnel from 2 Engineer regiment played a vital role, not
only in reconstruction on the island, but in the early days of
negotiations with the Bougainvillians. At least two spoke fluent
Pidgin English, had extensive experience working with Pacific
communities, and they were able to facilitate talks on the
island, and look after delegations during peace talks.
A joint New Zealand/Australian reconnaissance team
prepared the way for the Truce Monitoring Group(TMG), to which
the New Zealand Government committed 150 Army personnel,
a detachment of Iroquois helicopters, and for varying periods,
HMNZ ships Canterbury, Manawanui and Endeavour.
The first three-month rotation of the New Zealand- lead TMG
from November 1997 to March 1998 was lead by Brig. Roger
Mortlock.
The second three -month
rotation of the TMG was led
by then Brig. Jerry Mateparae
(March –June 1998)
After the peace accord was
signed the TMG became the
PMG (Peace Monitoring Group)
and became an Australian-led
mission from this time on.
The number of NZDF
personnel on the island was
reduced. A weapons disposal
plan began in May 2001, and in
June 2003 the second stage of
the disposal plan was verified
by the United Nations, leaving
the way clear for elections to
be held for an autonomous
Bougainville government.
The derelict copper
processing plant at Loloho
looked an eyesore when
the RNZN ships Canterbury
and Endeavour first sighted
what was to become the
logistics base and home for
the majority of New Zealand,
Australian, Fijian and Vanuatu
peacekeepers.
One more casualty of the
Bougainville conflict, it had
been wrecked inside and out,
and had burnt-out vehicles and
machinery lying around. There
was no electricity, although a
power plant was just outside
the port compound, but that,
too, had been destroyed in the
war.
One of Canterbury’s first jobs was to survey the wharf and
adjacent seabed, as there was a concern booby-traps may have
been set. The ship’s company then set to with shovels, brooms
and hoses, making the structure which came to be known as
the “opera house”, and adjacent buildings habitable. Makeshift
ablution blocks were built, and the frigate’s electricians rewired
the base and wharf lighting. Tradesmen from the ship rebuilt
houses to be used by truce monitors at bases in Buin and
Arawa.
Canterbury returned to New Zealand, and was replaced by
HMNZ ships Endeavour and Manawanui. Endeavor held fuel for
the No.3 Squadron helicopter detachment. The diving tender
Manawanui, with divers embarked, tried unsuccessfully to
remove a wreck from Kieta Harbour. The wreck, a small coastal
freighter, had become caught up in the conflict and had been
sunk in the harbour, where it was blocking a roll-on, roll-off
ramp that was needed.
While the sunken freighter could not be moved far, many
tonnes of supplies were, with Manawanui making frequent trips
to Papua New Guinea to pick up food and petrol, the latter for
WN 09-0003-77
By Judith Martin
The crisis in Bougainville began in 1989, and at the core of
the conflict was the huge Panguna copper mine, and Panguna
landowners. Although Bougainville is an island of Papua New
Guinea, many Bougainvillians are ethnically different from
Papua New Guineans, and much of the conflict arose out of
a sense of ethnic difference. Landowners felt alienated from
their land, and wanted a share in mine profits, and greater
environmental protection for their land.
Violence erupted in January 1989 between the Papua
New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) and the Bougainville
Revolutionary Army. A resistance movement was later to form
when hundreds of BRA combatants broke away and aligned
themselves to the PNGDF.
The New Zealand Defence Force’s role in the peacekeeping
“New Zealand was at the forefront of
forging peace on the island since a first
tentative maritime mission there in 1990.
Thirteen years later, New Zealand Defence
Force peace monitors left the island.”
process in Bougainville began with the signing of the Endeavour
Peace Accord on board HMNZS Endeavour off the island’s coast
in 1990, as HMNZ ships Waikato and Canterbury waited nearby.
It was a fragile peace however, and the bloodshed and
displacement of people continued, virtually unabated.
Statistics paint a dismal picture of a community that once
enjoyed among the best health and education systems in the
south Pacific, and a relatively high standard of living.
It is estimated between 10,000 and 15,000 people may have
died in the conflict, either killed in skirmishes or as a result of
disease which became rampant as the island’s infrastructure
disintegrated. Up to 40,000 people were displaced as whole
villages were razed, including schools, hospitals and health
clinics.
In 1997 New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Don McKinnon
helped negotiate the Burnham Peace Talks in Christchurch,
which were attended by representatives of all factions involved
in Bougainville. The Burnham Truce was signed, and in October
1987 the New Zealand-led truce Monitoring Team deployed to
Bougainville. It consisted of NZDF personnel, Australian Defence
and civilian personnel, and military personnel from Fiji and
use in the Army’s landrovers.
Laying the foundations for the push for peace in Bougainville
fell to Major General (Rtd) Clive Lilley.
Then a Colonel, MAJGEN Lilley led a 30-strong team of NZDF
and Australian Defence Force personnel to the war-torn island to
prepare for the arrival of the Truce Monitoring Team.
An RNZAF C-130 Hercules landed him and his team on the
island of Buka at the northern tip of Bougainville. The first of his
many tasks was to get engineering equipment across the Buka
strait and down to Kieta, so the Aropa airfield there could be
repaired and reinstated.
The once-international airport was full of metre-deep
trenches, and in the heart of Bougainville Revolutionary Army
territory. It had been destroyed during the crisis to prevent
aircraft from landing, and had to be reopened by a specific date
to enable the truce-monitoring mission to proceed.
Things did not run smoothly when he first arrived. The ship
which was to take equipment across the strait, left earlier than
expected, and the roads on the island were only just passable,
being overgrown after 10 years without maintenance, with
bridges washed away. An Army truck and back hoe tractor took
two full days to travel the 175km south to Arawa.
MAJGEN Lilley said he made it clear at the first meeting held
with Bougainville officials and protagonists that that they were
unarmed, and that if the locals wanted international support his
team must be able to move around without threat.
“When I was in BRA territory I made sure I always took
someone from the PNGDF with me, and if I went into their
territory, I took a BRA person with me. It was one method we
used in the early days of breaking down animosities.”
In between sorting out where various bases should be
established there were extensive discussions held with village
leaders, and representatives of the various factions on the
island. The truce monitors’ mission was explained, and local
co-operation sought.
The team established a logistics base at the almost derelict
copper processing plant beside the wharf at Loloho. The
latter was to become the base for most of the truce and peace
monitors for the next five years. A headquarters, and housing
for the first of the truce monitors, was also established. The
team decided which port would be most appropriate, and what
area would be suitable for the RNZAF helicopter squadron that
was soon to arrive.
New Zealand was at the forefront of forging peace on the
island after a first tentative maritime mission there in 1990.
Thirteen years later, New Zealand Defence Force peace
monitors left the island. The vicious fighting of the 1990s had
stopped, most of the island’s weapons had been contained and
disposed of, and the United Nations had verified that elections
could be held for an autonomous Bougainville government.
\WN 09-0003-80
In this issue of Army News we
continue a series which looks at
each of the deployments the New
Zealand Army has undertaken
over the past 30 years, and
the recollections of those who
deployed.
From Cambodia to Korea, the
Middle East, Africa, Afghanistan
and throughout the South Pacific
Kiwi soldiers and officers have
been there, and in many cases
are still there, doing their part to
encourage peace and stability.
RhodesiaIraqBosniaUNTSOEastTimorTimorLesteBougainville
Sappers assemble the ramp on the LTR (Light Tactical Raft)
that was used to ferry personnel, vehicles and equipment
from Buka Island to the main island of Bougainville.
WN 09-0003-78
MFOAngolaAfghanistansinaiMozambiqueSolomonsSomaliaSierraLeonecambodia
WN 09-0003-82
Children play as peace prevails
Signaller Kelly Carter with peace -keeping
colleague Inspector Kelson Bule, of Vanuatu
WN 09-0003-84
WN 09-0003-83
Bougainville
The dry, almost breath-taking heat was Kelly Carter’s first
impression of Bougainville.
It was the first overseas deployment for the then 19-year-old
Signaler Carter.
“We received a really great welcome from the people we were
replacing. But the heat really took a lot of getting used to. At first
I used to try to stay awake at night because it felt like I might not
wake up again, the heat was so intense.”
Now Sergeant Carter, a physical training instructor at
Burnham Camp, says the deployment was a significant
milestone in her military career. It allowed her to develop,
among other things, leadership and organisational skills, and to
discover exactly what she was capable of as a soldier.
“When I arrived in Bougainville I was nervous and a bit
scared I suppose. But as time went by and I was given more
responsibility and I gained confidence I realised being there
was one of the best things that had ever happened to me.”
SGT Carter was the Headquarters signaler, which involved
logging all communications, and relaying messages for the HQ
element. When she had been on the island for about a month
an RNZAF colleague took sick leave, and she took over his role
as ground liaison officer, working with the RAAF helicopter
element deployed on the mission.
“I worked directly with the Australians, organising their
schedules and sorting out where the helos were going on the
island. It was a real challenge and I loved it.”
The sports-loving soldier played volleyball and basketball
with other military personnel and local Bougainvillians. There
were always games organised, and the New Zealand contingent
had turned a small part of the camp into “Kiwi Corner”.
SGT Carter was the first and only female to be part of the GMT
(ground maintenance team) trained by the Australian SAS. “We
were called on if there was a threat on the compound and we
all had our positions and roles on evacuating the compound in
a withdrawal scenario. We trained in vests and helmets, using
batons and night vision kit, and worked alongside the navy
ships with our zodiac boats - practising getting on and off the
ship while it was moving. We also did hoisting - in and out of
the helicopters which were at a hover.
“This was extra training after hours and into the night - it
was a real challenge being so physical and having to hold your
own. I learned a lot during the training exercises like beaching
the zodiacs (inflatable boats) and driving them alongside the
ships to off-load soldiers, driving them onto the ship itself when
the front of the ship came down. Even driving the vehicles off
the ships was a challenge, just getting the wheels all lined up!
Doing all this at night as well with night vision was as you can
imagine, at times very interesting to say the least!
“Another amazing part was the networking - I still speak to
and catch up regularly with people I worked with over there.”
Timeline
1973 PNG attains self-government
1975 Bougainville votes to secede from PNG,
adopts the title of North Solomons, and
declares independence.
1981 Provincial Bougainville government
demands equity in Bougainville Copper
Ltd, better royalties, and environmental
protection.
1990 March PNG Government security forces
withdraw. Bougainville Revolutionary
Army assumes control and declares an
independent republic.
August Three Royal New Zealand Navy
warships deploy to the Bougainville
coast to act as a venue for peace
talks between the Papua New Guinea
Government and secessionist leaders.
The Endeavour Accord is signed.
September PNG Government security
forces return.
1995 Bougainville Transitional Government
established under PNG Government.
1997 July Burnham Peace Talks (Round
1) results in Burnham Declaration,
committing all parties to unify and
reconcile.
October Burnham: Burnham Truce
signed. The New Zealand-led Truce
Monitoring Group deployed to
Bougainville.
1998 January Lincoln: Permanent ceasefire
signed by PNG and Bougainville leaders.
May Australian-led Peace Monitoring
Group replaces the Truce Monitoring
Group. Formal cease-fire comes into
force.
2001 May Weapons Containment Plan begins
2003June Verification of Stage 2 of the
Weapons Disposal Plan under
consideration by the United Nations.
Engineer Dean Paul, who with his team of NZ
Army personnel was responsible for re-building
Bougainville’s wrecked Aropa airfield to allow
C-130 flights to bring in equipment and personnel.
June 30 Cessation of Peace Monitoring
WN 09-0003-81
Group. Talks continue to decide
future New Zealand involvement in
Bougainville.
Early days: Armed combatants gather on the island.
OH 07-0700-03
20armyPEOPLE
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
KARANGA WAHINE WaNANGA
The aim of the wānanga is to maintain and uphold the
requirements of the Ngāti Tūmatauenga concept by teaching
participants the karanga thus enabling them to uphold the mana
of Ngāti Tūmatauenga on ceremonial occasions.
Fmn Cultural Advisors:
2 LFG: SSgt Des Ratima, 2 Eng Regt
3 LFG: SSgt T Andrew TTS, or LDRV Taurima, SCE
LTDG: Sgt N Nukunuku, WSC
Trentham: WO1 J Twomey, Log Exec or
SSgt H MCCorkingdale, MCM Br
WheN: 4pm 16 Aug 09 – 3pm 19 Aug 09
Where: Rongomaraeroa o ngā Hau e Whā Marae, Waiouru
Noms to Fmn Cultural Advisors NLT 5 Aug 09
Open to Army and NZDF Civilian employed wahine who have
family clearance to karanga under the protocols and customs
of Ngāti Tūmatauenga
Able Army
administrators
Army administrators – you can’t
get by without them. And when
they’re good, they are worth their
weight in gold, as many a soldier
and officer has discovered.
LCPL Thomas Pritchard
PTE Margot Smith
First time instructor at the School of Army Administration,
SSGT Angela Cossey writes that it was “satisfying and
heart warming” to see such potential amongst the junior
administrators within the trade.
Between 23 March and 22 May this year the Regular Force
Intermediate Administration course attended by 11 high junior
administrators from across the Army’s administration centres
was held. The course was also attended by SGT Juanita Hita
(Territorial Force) from the Auckland Northland Regiment.
The Intermediate Administration Course prepares junior
administrators to Band 4 level. Confirmation of current skills
in addition to teaching and testing on higher admin subjects
are taught such as Long Service Re-engagement Scheme,
honours and awards, parental leave entitlements and providing
confident verbal advice to commanders.
The enthusiastic and dedicated Instructors currently posted
to the School of Army Administration ensured that the students
pursued and achieved high levels of academic success as well
as fostering camaraderie and team work. A relaxed teaching
environment, interactive learning styles and emphasis on
discussions helped with the different learning styles of the
students.
The course took in the local Anzac day activities and
conducted two firing parties for the dawn and civic service. PTE
Thomas Pritchard was the guard commander for the event and
conducted a polished regimental activity which was coached by
SSGT Dee Hunter.
PTE Pritchard was awarded the Top Student Award for the
course for his academic achievement and team effort. He also
received the Top Student award for the Junior Administration
Course he attended in March 2008. Since completing the
Intermediate Administration Course, PTE Pritchard has been
promoted to Lance Corporal
Self motivation, perseverance, self discipline and
camaraderie were all displayed daily by the students. PTE
Margot Smith (LAC) was one such student who demonstrated
these qualities and found balance outside the classroom by
maintaining the highest levels of physical fitness. PTE Smith
qualified in the RFL 100 club in the last week of the course. Her
efforts were recognised by the Waiouru Gymnasium Staff who
arranged for Commander LOTC, LTCOL Mark Ogilvie to present
the RFL 100 club certificate.
Administration within the Army continues to change and
develop as new technologies and more efficient systems are
incorporated into the trade. With the increased speed of
communications and demand for more immediate responses
to requests, the junior administrators of today’s Army has far
greater pressure placed upon them than ever before.
All students who attended the recent Intermediate
Administrators’ course qualified to a very high academic level.
These students have added another layer to the foundation of
their administrative knowledge. They will continue to develop
these skills on the job and I look forward to seeing their
development and progression in the future.
InitsSurname
EJ
HARDIE
DJ
MATCHETT
RJ
BYERS
SCE ABERNETHY
P.W WOOD
DR COOTES
GV NATHAN
TI
LAING
SJR WILSON
SMT SKUDDER
CJ
CLEWETT
LE HOWITT
BD RICHMOND
R
HIROTI
RD BOARDMAN
PT HARIMATE
WB PUHA
R.J WILSON
JC
STAINGER
JG
EVANS
MJ MCENTEE
BH RATANA
DB BEETHAM
KC MOBBERLEY
JR
TAIPARI
SC HAINES
E
MADHVAN
CPK PEREZ
MHH ALBERT
AE MATEARA
effective CORPS
11-Feb-09 RNZIR
24-Feb-09 RNZIR
11-Mar-09 RNZMP
12-Mar-09 RNZALR
12-Mar-09
18-Mar-09 RNZA
20-Mar-09 RNZE
23-Mar-09 RNZAMC
23-Mar-09 RNZALR
27-Mar-09 RNZSIGS
1-Apr-09 RNZE
1-Apr-09 RNZE
1-Apr-09 RNZALR
4-Apr-09 RNZALR
9-Apr-09 NZAPTC
9-Apr-09 RNZALR
17-Apr-09 RNZA
20-Apr-09 RNZAMC
21-Apr-09 RNZALR
22-Apr-09 RNZE
23-Apr-09 RNZIR
23-Apr-09 RNZALR
26-Apr-09 RNZALR
26-Apr-09 RNZALR
28-Apr-09 RNZIR
29-Apr-09 RNZMP
29-Apr-09 RNZALR
29-Apr-09 RNZALR
30-Apr-09 RNZALR
30-Apr-09 RNZALR
Rank InitsSurname effective CORPS
CPL KW ARAND
1-May-09 NZIC
SSGT JC
HARRIS
1-May-09 RNZIR
LCPL BA MATHEWSON1-May-09 RNZSIGS
CPL J
O'DWYER
1-May-09 RNZAMC
CPL G
OIEN
1-May-09 RNZALR
CPL DJ
SMART
1-May-09 RNZAMC
SGT DP TAYLOR
1-May-09 RNZALR
CPL C
TREDINNICK 1-May-09 RNZIR
CPL NA CLARKE
2-May-09 RNZDC
SGT MT ANDERSON 6-May-09 RNZAMC
SGT TSA JONSON
6-May-09 RNZIR
SGT KM RANGINUI
6-May-09 RNZALR
SGT MG SCHMID
6-May-09 RNZIR
SGT IJ
SUTTON
6-May-09 RNZA
SGT JC
BRAMLEY
7-May-09 RNZAMC
LCPL JR
AULD
8-May-09 RNZALR
SGT MB SADGROVE 8-May-09 RNZE
CPL SG SOLOMON 8-May-09 RNZAEC
SSGT MW BEDFORD
10-May-09 RNZIR
LCPL LD LYNE
10-May-09 RNZALR
LCPL DL DREDGE
15-May-09 RNZAC
LCPL SW WEALLEANS 15-May-09 RNZAC
SSGT MJ TE HAU
18-May-09 RNZALR
CPL LG THOMPSON 20-May-09RNZALR
SGT DM DRYLIE
21-May-09 NZAPTC
SSGT MCH GREIG
21-May-09 RNZALR
LCPL ANK POTAKA-OSBORNE
22-May-09RNZALR
LCPL TM PRITCHARD 22-May-09RNZALR
MAJ L.J VAUGHAN 22-May-09RNZIR
Rank InitsSurname effective CORPS
SGT T
MARSTERS 25-May-09 RNZIR
LCPL AM WHITEHOUSE27-May-09 RNZALR
WO2 RG DEVERY
28-May-09RNZALR
LCPL RTR HUMPHREYS 1-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
SSGT PEJ JOHNSTON 1-Jun-09 RNZIR
LCPL JA
MANSFIELD 1-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
CPL CRL PEMBER
1-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
CPL RJ
REES
1-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
CPL LC ROBERTS
1-Jun-09 RNZIR
CPL DP TIPPETT
1-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
LCPL DJ
WALL
1-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
SSGT EJ
DORE-WRIGHT
2-Jun-09 RNZIR
LCPL WT MATEHAERE 5-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
LCPL DK STRATTON 5-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
LCPL CL MACMILLAN 6-Jun-09 RNZSIGS
WO2 KJ
HICKS
8-Jun-09 RNZIR
LCPL PAFERARU
10-Jun-09 RNZALR
LCPL MN GLOVER
10-Jun-09 RNZALR
MAJ M.R.BOTTAWAY
17-Jun-09 RNZA
LBDR MCFAIRBAIRN 18-Jun-09 RNZA
BDR HB HINGSTON 18-Jun-09 RNZA
LBDR WR IRWIN
18-Jun-09 RNZA
LBDR WD JOHNSON
18-Jun-09 RNZA
BDR MKS KERR
18-Jun-09 RNZA
LT
M.J TULLOCH
23-Jun-09 RNZE
MAJ M.J HAWTHORNE 29-Jun-09 RNZALR
MAJ D.A WILDY
29-Jun-09 NZIC
SGT GJ
MANSON
9-Dec-09 RNZIR
WN 09-0003-71
Rank
LCPL
LCPL
SSGT
LCPL
COL
SGT
CPL
WO2
CPL
LCPL
LCPL
LCPL
SSGT
SSGT
SGT
WO1
BDR
COL
SGT
CPL
CPL
LCPL
LCPL
LCPL
WO2
CPL
SSGT
LCPL
CPL
CPL
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
WN 09-0003-86
Promotions
armypeople21
Sig SMT "Skudz" Skudder is promoted to Lance Corporal, RNZSIGS by Joint Forces
NZ Chief of Staff Captain John Campbell and Sgt R.M "Delaney" Komene, RNZSIGS
New promoted Colonel Peter Kelly, with at right,
VCDF RAD Jack Steer, and left, his wife, Kate
AMERICAN BRITISH CANADIAN AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND ARMIES’ PROGRAM
“Optimizing Coalition Interoperability”
www.abca-armies.org
DEPLOYING ON COALITION OPERATIONS OR TRAINING?
Check out the ABCA Coalition Handbooks on Operations, Health, Engineering, Logistics and Intelligence
These Handbooks and other ABCA Products are available on the Army Wide Intranet at
http://reference/army-doctrine/ABCAProducts/ABCAHome.aspx
Or contact the NZ ABCA Programme Officer, Mr Barry Thomas
Email: [email protected]
Phone: DTelN 349 7498, +64-4-496-0498
WN 09-0004-07
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Army’s new
senior media
adviser
Major Kristian Dunne, RNZA, is the newly appointed senior
media adviser for Army.
Based in HQ, NZDF in Wellington, Major Dunne is a member
of the Defence Communications Group (DCG), and his role
entails making sure the media relations needs of the Army are
identified and met.
Major Dunne graduated into the Royal New Zealalnd Artilery
in 1998. For the past two years he has been based in the United
Kingdom where he was posted as a forward observer with 14
Regiment, Royal Artillery, based in Larkhill Garrison, Salisbury.
He has recently completed his Grade Two staff and tactics
course, and the OEB course in Waiouru.
He said he was looking forward to his new role, and the
different challenges and experiences it will bring.
Major Dunne will be identifying upcoming media issues and
opportunities, and help to ensure the media profile of the NZDF
is represented in a positive way.
Army personnel who need advice about a media issue can
contact Major Dunne on DTelN 349 7285 or email him on
[email protected]
Letter to the Editor
Editor
In Issue 399 your correspondent Gary Murdoch seeks to
set the record straight on the question of the senior-most NZ
soldier to be killed in the Battle of Passchendaele, claiming
that Brig-Gen Earle Johnston who was KIA on 7 August 1917
has that distinction.
I’m sorry Gary, but Johnston was not engaged in that battle
at the time of his demise.
After its brilliant success in the capture of Messines on
7 - 9 June, NZ Div was deployed progressively eastwards as
the line was extended towards Warneton and La Basse Ville.
A glance at the map shows that this is well south of The Ypres
Salient and Passchendaele.
General Johnston was sniped while visiting the forward
area at Gapaard, where Huns Walk (today’s N314) intersects
with the Warneton - Ypres Road. He was not engaged in the
Battle of Passchendaele.
Third Ypres (loosely referred to as Passchendaele because
that village was the ultimate objective) had indeed started on
31 July. It consisted of a series of 8 battles, officially entitled
the Battles of Pilckem Ridge (31 Jul), Langemarck (16 Aug),
Menin Road (20 Sep), Polygon Wood (26 Sep), Broodseinde
(4 Oct), Poelcapelle (9 Oct), First Passchendaele (12 Oct) and
Second Passchendaele (26 Oct to 10 Nov 17).
The NZ Division was only engaged in the two battles
highlighted. Broodseinde on 4 Oct was its successful capture
of ‘sGravenstafel, while the disastrous assault on the
Bellevue Spur on 12 October was the engagement in which Lt
Cols King and Winter-Evans fell.
NZ Division infantry was only engaged in Third Ypres from 1
to 23 October 1917.
In conclusion; it took 99 days before the ruins of
Passchendaele were eventually taken by the Canadians,
by which time winter had arrived, and any strategic benefit
had long since dissipated. The original Third Ypres plan had
allowed 4 days to achieve the objective.
John H Gray
Christchurch
SOUTHERN CROSS NZDF
HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
PREMIUMS ABOUT TO RISE
Southern Cross provides New Zealand
Defence Force employees access to a
group healthcare insurance scheme
through a contract that has been specially
tailored to meet the needs of Service
people and their families. A significant
feature of the NZDF scheme is that Service
people are able to hold non-claiming
policies at a nominal cost and at the same
time have claiming policies to meet the
healthcare needs of their families.
What’s happening with premiums?
Good claiming experience after the
last general increase in 2006 enabled
Southern Cross to hold premiums for
NZDF members in 2007, which were
then reduced by 5% in August last year.
However, a considerable increase in
health insurance claims plus rising
health care costs has made it necessary for Southern Cross to
increase premiums for NZDF members effective from 1 August
this year.
Members will receive individual letters providing details of
the premium changes. For members deployed overseas these
letters will be sent to their New Zealand home address.
Medical inflation, increasing demands on services,
an ageing population and the need to retain health care
professionals are issues common to everyone in the health
sector – and are all contributing to higher costs. To attend
to health conditions that are impacting on their quality of
life, many New Zealanders choose the convenience of health
insurance. Southern Cross is finding that members are now
utilising and claiming on their medical insurance more often
than ever before – which is what insurance is for.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Southern Cross’s goal is to
provide members with access to eligible healthcare services
when needed, without having to meet the full costs of private
treatment, face waiting lists for elective surgery or specialist
treatment in the public health system. The organisation aims
to optimise returns to members via claims payments while
ensuring the Society’s premium income covers the cost of
providing health insurance services.
While there will be an increase in the premium base rate
for members of the NZDF Southern Cross scheme, there
will be considerable variation in these
premium changes due to age, plan type
and the claiming experience of individual
members – this will determine for
example if NZDF members still qualify for
a low claims reward.
Adding value to your health insurance
Having health insurance and being able
to get qualifying medical treatment when
you need it gives you and your family
peace of mind, flexibility when required
and the opportunity to get on with life.
To help keep the cost of health insurance
down Southern Cross has contracted
with a network of affiliated healthcare
providers to provide certain services at
agreed prices.
In addition, all Southern Cross
members over the age of 16 receive a Southern Cross Plus
card, which entitles members to savings and discounts on
a range of health and wellness items along with quarterly
vouchers with offers from Plus Partners. Members also have
access to Southern Cross’ not-for-profit hospitals and receive
a 15% discount off the non-member rate for Southern Cross
Travel Insurance.
Can I reduce my premiums?
Continuing membership is important for continuity of
cover. If rising health insurance premiums are a concern for
members, Southern Cross has a range of options to suit most
needs and budgets. It may suit members to reduce cover
for some types of healthcare services, as this may result in
reductions in premiums. Some plans also have “excess”
options that can reduce premiums.
Southern Cross recognises that these adjustments will
have an impact on policy premiums and that members may
be interested in options that could help save them money.
Members and other NZDF employees interested in joining the
NZDF Health Insurance Scheme should contact Southern Cross
Customer Services on 0800 800 181 to find out more about
lower-cost cover options.
For more information about the Southern Cross NZDF
scheme, check out the NZ Army Intranet site under Army
Central Welfare.
Learning from
The Transformer
Group (BFG) members, and over
COL Rupert Gwee jokes that he
1000 BFG sessions were conducted
heads the world’s second smartest
to review, harmonise and modernise
team – the smartest team all ran
SAF HR processes. In the end we
away when they realised how much
got it down to 169 processes. Only
work the Singaporean Armed Forces
three of those were specific to single
(SAF) HR Transformation Programme
Services. That meant we could build
would be.
systems to deliver HR services in a
COL Gwee visited New Zealand in
much more cost effective way.”
early June to share his experience of
While the structures and systems
transformational change with Defence
put in place are unique to what SAF
Transformation Programme members,
needed, the lessons about how the
the HRM Change Programme Subtransformation was achieved are
Steering Committee and various ELT
relevant to NZDF.
members.
“Leaders need to commit to the
Over the last seven years, he has
change and create a vision for how
moved the SAF HR function from one
they want you to look. At the same
focused on administration to one
time, involve your subject matter
which SAF now describes as ‘focused
COL Gwee briefs members of the Defence
experts – make them your change
on harnessing insightful HR strategies
Transformation Programme team on the keys to
champions and drive the change
and enhancing human capital’.
successful transformation.
from the bottom. And make sure
And while technology has been a
your preferred processes and structures are very clear before
key enabler, COL Gwee says it has been the harmonisation of
you build supporting information systems or it will be very
business processes that has been critical to the transformation.
“In any organisation you can find forms that have no purpose, expensive.”
COL Gwee says transformational thinking has now become
and reports that were done once then kept being done because
ingrained in SAF.
nobody thought to stop them,” says COL Gwee. “At one point
we stopped a whole series of activities for six months and no“We spent a lot of time training our people to think like
one even noticed.”
entrepreneurs. We provided them with common tools and
processes then got them to implement them in ways that were
The SAF HR Transformation involved identifying over 400 endrelevant to their own Service. Now they take the same attitude
to-end HR business processes and working across Services to
to all the activities they do. It’s a train we couldn’t stop even if
match and simplify what was done.
“This was an enormous job – we had over 100 Business Focus we wanted to.”
WN 09-0003-70
22armyPEOPLE
armypeople23
Did You Know?
Some Miscellaneous
Facts about
Artillery…
What kind of gun is represented on the
RNZA cap badge?
A Rifled Breech Loading 9 pounder, the kind employed
during the Battle of Waterloo. Also, on the badge the gun
appears to have steel trails. It actually had wooden trails
and the dots representing rivets on the badge are most
likely some die maker’s interpretation of shading on the
design sketch. We are also the only corps that displays both
our colours ‘the guns’ and our battle honours ‘Ubique’ both
at the same time on our cap badge.
What is the origin of the rank of
Bombardier?
Gunners Day
By 2LT Oliver Sanderson
On Wednesday the 26th of May 2009 many current and
former members of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery,
and fellow comrades, from the greater Wellington area gathered
for the Gunners Day service in the Hall of Memories at the
National War Memorial. The proceedings were led by the Army
Principal Chaplain, Lance Lukin, commencing at 3pm. The order
of service followed a well established tradition, which included
the laying of a wreath and address by a senior retired Gunner
officer. As always, the event was one of collective respect for
those who have gone before us during an unbroken history
spanning almost three centuries, and a time for reflection on
past deeds - both good and bad. It is this last aspect, that was
no doubt the focus of conversation at the social engagement
following the formalities. At the close of the service, those
present adjourned to Molly Malone's on Courtney Place for
continued social interaction, and from there - who knows Ubique?
A Short History of Artillery
The first recorded uses of Artillery took place around 399BC.
Dionysus I, in order to support his various campaigns of
conquest around ancient Greece, assembled a highly paid
team of engineers and craftsmen to establish the first proper
ordnance research and development. After two years, his
team managed to come up with a number of specialised
siege engines, including a massive rolling siege tower and
mechanical, tension powered catapults. These machines were
employed to varying success over the next several years of his
reign.
The Defence Review
have your say
New Zealand Defence Force personnel are being asked to
contribute their opinions to the Defence Review.
Participation in the review is voluntary, but the Chief of
Defence Force, LTGEN Jerry Mateparae is strongly encouraging
all personnel to have their say in the consultation process.
“Indeed, the Minister and Associate Minister of Defence have
made it clear that they want to see the views expressed by our
people,” said LT GEN Mateparae.
There are three ways for NZDF personnel to submit their
views:
1. An online questionnaire on NZDF’s intranet site. This is
the same as the questionnaire being used in the public
consultation.
2. All personnel will be able to submit written submissions
either on line or in hard copy direct to the Review Team. This
will allow people to share more in-depth opinions and ideas.
3. The Review team will be coordinating targeted focus groups
across camps and bases.
The first recorded use of ‘field artillery’ as we know it today,
in that gunpowder was used, most likely took place on French
soil on the 26th of August 1346 near the village of Crecy. It was
here, during the first major engagement of the Hundred Years
War, that the English are alleged to have used artillery to great
success against a much larger French army. The Florentine
historian, Giovanni Villani, had this to say regarding the use of
artillery at Crecy: "The English guns cast iron balls by means of
fire...they caused much loss of men and horses.....by the end of
the battle the whole plain was covered by men struck down by
arrows and canon balls."
Origins of Gunners Day
For the next several hundred years after Crecy, artillery served
as a valuable and much appreciated asset to British rulers. If
they needed to engage in any campaign, they would simply
raise a ‘train’ of artillery appropriate to the size of the operation
and then disband it when the campaign was over. Due to
the vast amount of individual technical skills and knowledge
required to bring guns into action, artillery trains, unlike other
arms and services, could not be raised overnight. When King
George I could not raise a train in time to suppress the first
Jacobite rebellion of 1715, it was decided that a permanent
artillery force should be established. So, on the 26th of May
1716, by Royal Warrant, two regular companies of field artillery,
each one hundred men strong were raised at Woolwich.
Hence the 26th of May is now celebrated as ‘Gunners Day’, in
appreciation of a permanent Artillery force. As a commonwealth
Artillery Regiment closely allied to the Royal Artillery, we
members of the RNZA also share the celebration of this day.
DEFENCE
REV EW
2009
NZDF personnel have until September 2009 to make their
submissions.
The internal consultation process is for NZDF military and
civilian personnel only. Use of this process ensures that
members of the NZDF do not breach DFO 13/2006, which
regulates public statements by members of the NZDF about
Defence matters. LT GEN Mateparae said he had authorised
the use of the internal process as the sole means for such
submissions in order to ensure that there are no unauthorised
releases of official information and to ensure that the very
important conventions relating to the relationship between the
NZDF and the Government, and between members of the NZDF
and command, are not inadvertently damaged.
“Members of the NZDF are not to make submissions to the
Defence Review outside the internal consultation process.
Under the internal process, NZDF submissions will still go
directly to the Defence Review Team, as do public submissions,
but they will go via NZDF restricted-level channels.”
The bombardier was a specialist rank introduced in 1686
in order to specialise in mortars. Next to Master Gunner, his
rank is the oldest NCO rank in the artillery.
What is the origin of the words ‘Artillery’
‘Gun’ and ‘Ordnance’?
It is a curious fact that the three words most commonly
associated with gunnery have no clear origin. ‘Artillery’ may
have originated from the word ‘Ars’ which meant ‘skill in the
art of production, ‘Artiglio’ – hard curved claw of fierce birds
or ‘Artillator’ – manufacturer of military machines.
‘Gun’ possibly could have stemmed from ‘mangonel’ – the
name for an ancient catapult or possibly from ‘gunnhilde’Scandinavian for woman, conforming to the age old practise
of naming fearsome weapons after beautiful women.
‘Ordnance’ first appeared around 1370 and was the
word used to describe a monk’s allowance. By 1404 it had
assumed military significance and meant ‘preparation
for war’. Old documents have the word recorded as
‘thaudinance’ or ‘thordaynace’. This could mean that the
word is an amalgamation of ‘thor’ the pagan god of war and
‘dunamis’ (dynamic) meaning power.
Did we really have our gold stripe
replaced by a yellow stripe of cowardice
after abandoning the guns during some
battle one hundred years ago?
Absolutely not. Our gold stripe has always been gold and
remains so. It was chosen to represent our close affiliation
with the Monarchy. In regards to the ‘abandoned guns’
rumour, it does actually stem from an actual battle which
took place on the 15th of December 1899 near a place called
Colenso, South Africa, during the Boer War. The battle
involved 14 and 66 Batteries of the Royal Artillery. Trouble
began when the officer commanding the two batteries,
brought them into action in open ground in order to get
a better shot at the enemy. When all ammunition was
expended, the gunners were ordered to withdraw to some
nearby dead ground with the intent of returning to the guns
once more ammunition arrived. Meanwhile, a shell-shocked
General observing from the rear saw the guns unmanned
and feared that the gunners had all been slaughtered.
He made a panicked decision and ordered a complete
withdrawal of all British forces. Some attempts were made
to recapture the guns by the gunners and some volunteers
from other units however it only resulted in more casualties.
In the end only two out of the twelve guns were saved. The
officer commanding the two batteries is quoted as saying
‘abandoned be damned! We never abandon guns!’ However
the General had given the order and the guns were to be
left behind. It is no small crime to accuse the gunners who
fought and died so bravely of cowardice. If there has been
‘one hundred years of shame’ then it certainly does not
pertain to the gunners, but rather to the brainless display
of ignorance from people who, over the past one hundred
years, have continued to propagate such a fallacious
rumour. It may also interest people to know that six Victoria
Crosses were awarded to those who played a major role
in recapturing the two guns – three of them were gunners.
Still not convinced? Here is a quote from a British war
correspondent: ‘A deluge of projectiles from rifle, cannon
and machine gun descended upon Colonel Long’s artillery.
The gunners faced the storm with stubborn heroism, neither
flinching from their work nor showing any undue haste’ –
With the Flag to Pretoria, 1900. So now you know. The guns
were abandoned by a shell-shocked non-gunner General to
the great displeasure of the gunners. UBIQUE.
BOOKREVIEW
24armynews
CROSSWORD
CROSSWORD#92
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Be the Best…at just about everything
BY MIKE DUNCAN
1
8
11
10
14
13
12
15
Reviewed by Judith Martin
7
6
9
18
17
16
19
By the British Army Century 2008
5
4
3
2
20
21
ACROSS:
1 Highest rank of NCO in US
6
Marines (8,5)
Saddam Hussein invaded
their country prompting
Operation Desert Storm
7 Dam
9 Choice
10 Part of the foot
12 Protective trench
13 Fool (sl)
14 WWII anti-tank weapon
DOWN:
2 Kit out
3 Fighter of old
4 Lobbing
5 Knight’s fight
8 Base
11 A star that explodes
12 Civilian dress
13 Saviour
16 Assistants
18 Bomb
15 Signal fires or trousers of old
17 Propel
19 ----china, Vietnam, Thailand,
Laos, Cambodia area
20 Mild dope (anag)
21 Major WWI battle scene
S
T
PREVIOUS PUZZLE
E
A
R
L
R
V
I
C
E
O
O
L
P
E
R
Y
R
W A
A
D
A
G
T
G
E
R
U
T
N
I
E
R
I
A
T
I
O
N
N
E
E
E
N
T
W O
A
R
R
A
N
T
D
H
M
E
S
S
E
D
N
A
U
T
O
A
G
E
P
A
R M
A
U T
J
I
A M C
A
L
N
Z
A
C
H
O
D
A
D
E
A
E
N
I
A M
F
I
E
L
D
A
T
P
Come on, admit it. If you had a (live) chicken at your
disposal, it would be fun to try to hypnotise it.
And it can be done. How do I know? Because this lifealtering technique is one of hundreds of tips included in the
British Army’s book “Be the Best…at just about everything.”
First, carefully pick up your
chicken, tuck its head under one
wing, then rock it gently from side to
side. After just a few seconds you’ll
be able to set the bird down on the
ground – very delicately – and it
will be frozen in a trance, according
to Be the Best, for around half a
minute.
Frivolity aside, Be the Best is full
of examples of life’s little lessons
that are sure to be of use at some
stage.
They range from outdoor survival
(how to survive a tornado, cook a
worm omelette, sit out a sandstorm,
disguise your own smell, and avoid
a bear attack, to name just a few) to
pest control (how to pick head lice,
get rid of cockroaches, and deal
with insect bites) to sports (how to
make a ball from a goat’s bladder,
arm wrestle, and bowl a googly).
And then there are all those
things you wish your dad had taught you, like how to skim a
stone, gut and prepare a fish, or tickle a trout.
The latter is simple, really. Walk slowly against the flow of
water. When you come to a clump of weed feel gently through
it with both hands, moving towards its base. Find a trout
and gently tickle its sides and belly, moving one hand slowly
forward to circle its neck. Keep the other hand around the
body ahead of its tail, tickling gently. “Seduce it, don’t spook
it,” extols the instruction. Once your hands are in a position
to grasp the fish, close them swiftly. Voila, you have a trout for
tea.
If some of the instruction you received on basic or Officer
Cadet training eludes you occasionally, Be the Best could be of
enormous help.
You can learn how to lie completely still for eight hours,
march in time, wash with one pint of water, and hoist a flag.
Manners, they say, maketh the man (and woman) and BTB
offers advice on addressing the Queen, eating a posh meal,
and bowing. Read further on, and you’ll quickly find out how
to walk on your hands, do the perfect pull-up, and get a sixpack. Not to mention tips on how to never be late again, read
the opposite sex, and crack an egg with one hand.
Be the Best has been put together with the help of 16 British
Army units ranging from the Royal Artillery and the Royal
Logistic Corps, to the Royal Engineers and the Army Physical
Training Corps. It’s a compact, well-illustrated book that is
well worth a read…if only to find out what a worm omelette
really tastes like.
• Judith Martin is editor of Army News.
armyPeople25
WN 09-0004-15
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
WB 09-0159-02
PTI POWER
WN 09-0004-14
Rear: CPL Jess Blair (Burnham), LCPL Aaron James (Linton),
Cpl Suzanne Landers (Waiouru) Front: LCPL O’Shea Maihi
(Waiouru), LCPL John Templeton (Papakura), CPL Eugene Hepi
(Waiouru)
WN 09-0004-13
Corporals Jess Blair and Suzanne
Landers train together.
Teamwork in action
From left, LCPL
O’Shea Maihi, LCPL
John Templeton, and
AC Campbell.
By SSGT Jase Kino
anyone would get to a high degree of fitness, however, being
highly motivated they still managed to find time to go to the
Six unique individuals set off for Woodbourne Air Force base
gym after work to further their fitness levels. The four factors
early this year. They had no idea what lay ahead. However, now
of physical fitness are food, rest, exercise and enjoyment. As
that they are at the end of their 23 week adventure, I will tell
previously mentioned rest was minimal, and the exercise load
their story.
was high.
The 09/1 physical training instructors primary course began
You would expect the diets of those on the course to be top
on the 12 January 2009. The six army personnel who attended
were CPL E Hepi, CPL J Blair, CPL S Landers, LCPL A James, LCPL
notch, - salads, boiled potatoes, lean meat and vegetables. On
O Maihi and LCPL J Templeton. As the PTI course is tri Service
the whole they were but as their dietry knowledge expanded
they were joined by one Navy and seven Air Force personnel.
so did their calorie intake. While conducting training for a
half marathon on top of the already academically demanding
The course covered a variety of aspects ranging from the
training programme these UT’s burned a lot of fuel. To avoid
practical, to the theory of human anatomy and physiology.
burning precious muscle as fuel, most nights after a big workout
There are five main theory exams that cover all the basics of the
before bed they would demolish a whole large pizza, or eat
human body. These include the muscular, skeletal, endocrine,
lymphatic, nervous, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. In
half and save half to eat throughout the next day. KFC and
addition to this we covered training systems. Training systems
McDonalds were also popular choices and had there been a
included a three day SAQ (speed, agility and quickness) course,
Burger King in Blenheim I’m sure it would have had regular
core conditioning, and learning different methods to improve
visits too.
speed, endurance, strength, power, flexibility and skill. With all
Weekends were a precious commodity so they were balanced
the knowledge gained the students then learned how to design
between work and yep, you guessed it, the last factor,
individual training programmes so that they can prescribe them
enjoyment. Whilst some people ‘socialised’ or slept, others
for people in the workforce.
were up early hunting and diving providing for the famous
The students also learned
Thursday smoko. BBQ rabbit,
Training systems included a three day SAQ (speed, roast goat, paua and crayfish
how to run recreational
events from casino evenings
agility and quickness) course, core conditioning, were on the menu at one stage.
to occasions as large as the
and
learning different methods to improve speed, Once the socialising started
Village Green. One aim of the
it didn’t stop. But I won’t go
recreational event is that if PTIs endurance, strength, power, flexibility and skill. into too much detail. They had
deploy on operations they can
beach parties, scrumpy hand evenings and wine tours. If you
run fun events to make life a bit more enjoyable for personnel.
don’t already know Blenheim is vineyard country, there are
Another huge part is learning how to play, referee and coach
grapes as far as the eye can see and more wineries than you
ten different sports codes. At the end of each sports phase
can imagine. After hiring a van and dressing up in their course
the students play the staff in a game. It’s funny that the staff
outfit (white polo shirts with names and ‘sayings’ on the back)
decided to give the specialist sportsmen and woman dental
they headed off to the first destination. Seven wineries and a
appointments on game days.
thousand laughs later they agreed it was a very memorable day.
Three times a week everyone was in the pool at 0600 for a
The instructors at the school do a fantastic job and ensure
half hour blitz. During those early morning swims the students
balance
is achieved within the students’ lives. Instigating
learned how to teach swimming and also life-guarding, which
garage
get-togethers
and a karaoke night were also highlights
in the end earned them their bronze medallion lifeguard
of an already eventful time.
certificate.
As a result of all the learning achieved on the course everyone
Being busy was an understatement. The workload was so
has become better people and are prepared for what the future
high it was not uncommon to be working through to the early
hours studying or doing assignments, and rumour has it from
holds. Many new friendships from across the Services have
time to time all-night sessions occurred with the help of a little
begun and twelve new PTIs, six of whom are Army, will join the
liquid stimulation.
Defence PTI family. Unfortunately two of the original fourteen
When the students were learning class-taking skills they
didn’t graduate. The new PTIs will now have eighteen months
began by talking to cones, - no, I’m not joking. Each student
on the job training at their respective gyms around the country
has four micros (twenty minute PT class) to complete before
before returning to Woodbourne for their advanced physical
moving on to six full length classes. Then came the final six
training instructors' course which will expand their knowledge
phase classes which had to be competently completed before
further.
graduation. During this time students could be in up to seven PT
Everyone I have spoken with who has completed the PTI
classes a day, which shows the emphasis the course places on
primary
course says it was one of the best times of their life and
physical fitness.
certainly
one of the most memorable.
Four of the six Army PTI UTs (Physical Training Instructor Under
“Mens
sana in corpore sano”
Training) or commonly referred to as UTs, achieved hundreds
of club passes in the RFL. With all that physical work going on
A healthy mind in a healthy body
26armypeople
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
MAU RaKAU WaNANGA
The aim of the wananga is to maintain and uphold the
requirements of the Ngāti Tūmatauenga concept by teaching
participants the art of Mau Rākau thus enabling them to uphold
the mana of Ngāti Tūmatauenga on ceremonial occasions.
Fmn Cultural Advisors:
2 LFG: SSgt Des Ratima, 2 Eng Regt
3 LFG: SSgt T Andrew TTS, or LDRV Taurima, SCE
LTDG: Sgt N Nukunuku, WSC
Trentham: WO1 J Twomey, Log Exec or
SSgt H MCCorkingdale, MCM Br
When: 22 – 30 Aug 09
Where: Rongomaraeroa o ngā Hau e Whā Marae, Waiouru
Noms to Fmn Cultural Advisors NLT 10 Aug 09
All participants are to be male members of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, either
soldiers or civilian employees.
Kaiako (Tutor): Rehua Kereama
NZ Army Cricket Tour
International Defence Cricket Challenge, Canberra, Australia
9-21 November 2009
International Teams include:
Indian Armed Forces, Royal Australian Navy,
Royal Australian Airforce, Australian Army
Games:
Four x T/20 Matches, up to Six One Dayers
Nominations called for from RF/TF/Civ pers
Nominations close 01 August 2009
With a chance to make the “World Defence First XI”
Forward to Maj A.P. McQuillan, GS02 MROR, Log Exec.
WN 09-0003-90
armySPORT27
\WN 09-0003-88
issue 400 | 21 july 2009
Momentum swings in
Interservices basketball
(Left) Vesi Lautua takes aim, while (right) Most Valued Player Anique Denton holds onto the ball despite spirited Air Force defence
Both the 2009 Interservices basketball finals were closely
contested between Army and Air. Teams needed to ride the
emotional rollercoaster that comes with every win and
loss in the post rounds prior to the finals.
By WO1 Warren Rowe
Until this year Air Force women have won Interservices
basketball for two years running, holding Army, who had
previously dominated for 10 years, at bay.
Air Force men had dominated Services basketball for the last
decade with the exception of a close loss to a strong and classy
Navy last year.
Both the 2009 Interservices basketball finals were closely
contested between Army and Air. Teams needed to ride the
emotional rollercoaster that comes with every win and loss in
the post rounds prior to the finals.
However being the optimist, I believe that the glass was half
full for all teams. I believe in the power of positive thinking,
hunting as a pack and placing faith and confidence in your
fellow players to support you, and here is what I took away from
the finals.
Air Force women were confident they had the team to make
it three years in a row. Whilst losing to Army in the post rounds
53–44 and 49–44 respectively, they knew that emotion and
hype might be the downfall for Army.
Army women lacked composure in the first half and trailed
18–12 at half time. Natasha Tomlin (TRSB) stepped up in the
second half to top score for Army with 22 points, 15 of those
points being scored in the last quarter. Final score Army 48, Air
Force 45.
After Air Force men’s victories on day one and two, 76–60
and 72–69 respectively, it would have been very easy for the
Air Force to rest on their laurels heading into the final. After all
Army has not won the final for 10 years.
For Army, it was just as easy to get down on themselves
bearing in mind their poor defensive performance in game one,
and the inexperienced players within the team (six rookies).
The close score in game two must have given the youngsters the
confidence and belief that they could stand toe-to-toe with the
Air Force in the finals.
Lead by their veterans, team captain Ronan Tua (10 points),
Ben Vakatini (18 points) and Vesi Luatua (17 points) the team
held their ground to lead the first half 27–23. Second half
allowed the use of young, fresh legs as the Air Force failed to
keep pace.
With five minutes remaining Tua and Luatua were fouled out,
leaving a young point guard Hatu Hongara to control the game
and bring home the trophy. Final score Army 55, Airforce 45.
Two young rookies deserve special mention—Ms Anique
Denton, who achieved a triple this year: Army Women’s MVP
, NZDF Women’s Rookie of the Year, as well as NZDF Women’s
MVP, and LBDR Daniel O’Loughlin, who achieved a double—
Army Men’s Rookie of the Year and NZDF Men’s Rookie of the
Year. Congratulations Anique and Daniel.
It has been a long time since Army have won both mens’ and
womens’ Interservices Basketball together. The momentum is
with us and the ball is in our court. Well done.
Results and summary of games played
The games were played in good spirit with a high degree
of sportsmanship and control displayed by all teams. A
summary of the games and the major prize winners of the
tournament are as follows:
Tues 16 Jun 09:
Game One Mens: Game Two Ladies: Game Three Mens: Game Four Ladies: Game Five Mens: Game Six Ladies: Army 70
Air 48
Air 76
Army 68
Air 57
Army 53
Navy 38
Navy 30
Army 60
Navy 31
Navy 35
Air 44
Weds 17 Jun 09
Game One Ladies: Game Two Mens Game Three Ladies: Game Four Mens: Game Five Ladies: Game Six Mens: Army 50
Air 47
Air 54
Army 76
Army 49
Air 72
Navy 25
Navy 25
Navy 32
Navy 43
Air 44
Army 69
Thurs 18 Jun 09
Ladies Final: Mens Final: Army 48 Army 55
Airforce 45
Airforce 45
The major prize winners for the
tournament were as follows:
Men’s Winner:
Army
Women’s Winner:
Army
MVP Men:
PTE V. Luatua, 2/1 RNZIR, Army
MVP Women:
Ms A. Denton, TRSB, Army
Male Rookie:
LBDR D.J. O’Loughlin, 16 Fd Regt, Army
Female Rookie:
Ms A. Denton, TRSB, Army
3 Point Shooting Competition: Army
Most Sporting Team: Navy Men
INTERESTED IN RECRUITING?
Looking for a new challenge?
Are you passionate about THE army?
Enjoy meeting people from all walks of life?
Want to be up-skilled?
Army Recruiting is the career option that allows you to really make a
difference to the NZ Army. Although the role is one of hard work, long hours
and time away on the road, it is worth it for the gains such as a large degree
of autonomy, the ability to represent our organisation to the public and the
opportunity to make an impact on the future NZ Army.
Recruiting vacancies are about to exist for Sergeants and Staff Sergeants in the main
centres, in particular Auckland, Hamilton, Napier and New Plymouth.
A Rewarding opportunity for a SNCO or Senior Corporal cleared for promotion.
If interested, fill out an AFNZ 49 (posting preference) and submit through your chain of
command, or contact WO1 Todd Groombridge (Army Rec WO)
04 496 0748, or 027 249 1671.
The NZ Army is currently seeking SNCOs that have the passion
and enthusiasm to be able to articulate the Army “dream” for
the purpose of recruiting top quality applicants.
A competitive salary package including your own computer,
blackberry, late model vehicle, ongoing professional
development, fantastic support network and gym membership.
If this sounds like you read on….
Recruiting is almost a sea change away from mainstream
military appointments. With little to no specific training
throughout your career you are thrust into an alien world of
sales pitches, blackberry comms and seven figure advertising
budgets. Almost nowhere else in Army will you be exposed to
sales techniques, customer service, demographic analysis and
advertising theory, but, as you do in any other appointment you
are posted too, you put your head down and master the skills
that will make you effective. One of the benefits of this sales
focus is the exposure to and training with some of the most
prominent speakers from around New Zealand, speakers who
have represented New Zealand at international level. This level
of training is of benefit not only to the recruitment role but will
have positive spin-offs in all manner of instructional, leadership
or even life after army situations or jobs. You know you’re
a master when giving impromptu, motivating presentations
to several hundred Gen Y’ers at school assemblies without
breaking into a sweat.
But, recruiting is more than just sales pitches. Today’s kids
are media and marketing savvy and they know when they are
being fed a load of BS. You need to be able to articulate what
it is to be in the Army, the difference we make and who we
become. One of the best ways to do this is to tell stories about
real and honest experiences you have had - and lets face it,
what soldier doesn’t like spinning a yarn!
While moving to a part of the country that may be
geographically displaced from the army – you are only ever a
phone call or e-mail away. And, telling stories of your exploits in
green is a great way to get into the community and meet people
from all over the place. Your success will be built on your
enthusiasm for your job and the passion you bring to the role
How do you get to be part this story telling, enthusiastic
troupe of sales people? Fill out an AFNZ 49 (posting
preference) and submit through your chain of command, or
contact WO1 Todd Groombridge (Army Rec WO), 04 496 0748, or
027 249 1671.
The process involves an interview and aptitude testing with
recruitment staff, an interview with a Defence Psych and short
TOD to a recruiting office with a presentation assessment.
Every now and then we’ve even been known to have a latte –
although I prefer tea.
60th Anniversary
of Softball in the Army
6 - 7 November 09 Trentham Camp, Upper Hutt
Contact: Mr Trevor Gilbert 09 296 6854
email [email protected] or
WO2 “Doon” Groves 04 529 6428 (DTelN 345 6429)
email [email protected]