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www.army.mil.nz

armynewsThe Army News is published fortnightly for the Regular and Territorial Force and civilian staff of the New Zealand Army.

Editor: Lorraine Brown, phone 04-496-0225 or DTelN 349-7225, fax 04-496- 0290, email lorraine.brown@nzdf.mil.nz

Asst Editor: Anna Norman, phone 04-496-0224 or DTelN 349-7224, email anna.norman@nzdf.mil.nz

Website: www.army.mil.nzPrinting: Hawke’s Bay Newspapers, Hastings.Layout and design: Steven Fright and Elisha Bunn, DPRU

Editorial contributions and letters are welcomed. They may be sent direct to the Army News and do not need to be forwarded through normal command channels. Submit them to The Editor, Army News, DPRU, HQ NZDF, Private Bag 39994, Wellington, or by email with a hard copy signed with the writer’s name, rank and unit. Hard-copy submissions should be typed, double-spaced and printed on one side of the paper only.

Nothing in the Army News should be taken as overriding any NZDF regulation. Readers should refer to the relevant service publication before acting on any information given in this newspaper. ISSN 1170-4411

02news

from the minister

Medals of RNZE 20-year certificates were presented to personnel from 2 Engineer Regiment during a medals parade in early June. Medals presented included the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, the New Zealand Operational Service Medal, and the Sinai and Afghanistan medals.

Reviewing officer Colonel Commandant, RNZE, Brigadier Stu Jameson said he was privileged to present the medals and 20-year certificates. He commented on how parades today are a “brighter affair” with the many medals on the chests of those serving.

“[The medals are] an indication of how busy this army is. I would like to publicly record appreciation to family and friends who have kept the home fires burning while many of you are away doing your job”, he said. “Those who were presented the Long Service medals and 20-year certificates show a mark of achievement, loyalty and a considerable amount of dedication.”

Reported by Caroline Williams

A bright affair

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Goff to Singapore, Malaysia Defence Minister Phil Goff attended the International Institute of Strategic

Studies Asia Security Conference in Singapore and a meeting of Five Power Defence Arrangement ministers in Kuala Lumpur.

“The ISS is the only annual formal meeting of Asia-Pacific defence ministers. At least 20 defence ministers attended the conference, along with leading security analysts from US, UK, Australia, Canada and key Asian nations. It provided an excellent opportunity for discussions focused on regional security issues.

“Attending the Five Powers meeting underlines the value New Zealand places on the arrangement, and our continued commitment to its activities. It is also a further opportunity to discuss security developments with the other Five Power members – Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and the UK – whom we work closely with in the region”, Mr Goff said.

Goff visits East TimorDefence Minister Phil Goff has urged East Timor’s leaders to take a firm

stand against the violence and crime destabilising the country, during talks in Dili.

Mr Goff and his Australian counterpart Dr Brendan Nelson, met President Xanana Gusmao, Prime Minister Mari’e Alkatiri, Defence and Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta, and Brigadier Mick Slater, during a five-hour visit to East Timor.

Mr Goff was also able to call on New Zealand Defence Force personnel who are stationed at Becora, serving with the Australian-led intervention force attempting to quell the violence that has flared over past weeks. He said in their political meetings the ministers had called on East Timor’s leadership to exert pressure to end the troubles, with homes still being burnt and looted.

“The common message we have given to all leaders is that political differences have to be resolved lawfully and constitutionally”, Mr Goff said. “The leadership has to take a very firm line against violent and criminal behaviour.”

Mr Goff said the New Zealand troops stationed in East Timor would remain as long as it took to help provide stability. He said while troops could provide some security, they may need to be supported by an international community policing presence. “Our Defence forces can do some jobs very well. What they can’t be is a community policing organisation.

“New Zealand is reviewing what it can do to contribute but there is also a range of countries which can contribute to an international response.’’

Mr Goff said he remained optimistic for the country’s future. “This is a country that has been through so much suffering for such a long time. We can help with the maintenance of law and order, but it is for the political leadership to address the underlying problems.”

BRIG Jameson inspects the parade

CAPT Barry Dunbar receives his Afghanistan medal from BRIG Jameson

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Defence Minister Phil Goff and LT Bevan Elmiger, Plt Comd from D Coy 2/1st Inf Bn in Timor

Three services – one ForceAIR FORCE RESCUES FOUR FROM CIRCLING SHARKS

Last week a RNZAF P3 Orion helped rescue four people west of Tonga. The crew found the group clinging to debris and with no lifejackets, and circled by sharks. A life raft was dropped from the aircraft, which stayed in the area to coordinate a successful rendezvous with a local vessel. It was the second successful search and rescue mission for the Air Force crew.

The aircraft first left RNZAF Base Whenuapai at 4.20am, after

a signal from an emergency beacon was picked up near Tonga. Once in the search area, the Orion discovered the fishing vessel the Pacific Sunrise, which had lost battery power, and coordi-nated a successful rendezvous with another vessel.

The Orion was on its way back to New Zealand when it was diverted and subsequently found the four people in the water.

On 9 June the Crown and Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board signed an agreement in principle to settle outstanding historical Treaty of Waitangi claims. The outstanding claims include a wide range of Auckland real estate, which includes North Shore residential land with Naval housing on it.

The Naval housing portfolio totals 33 ha in 10 discreet blocks from Northcote to Devonport. There are some 330 existing housing units of mixed ages, which predominantly date from the 1950s.

Whilst the land will be transferred to Ngati Whatua, all houses and other improvements will remain in Defence

ownership. A perpetual lease will be maintained which allows Defence to redevelop the housing stock in an unfettered manner.

There will be no change to the number of houses available to Navy personnel, or to the ability for Defence personnel to access those houses.

The Defence Force will maintain flexibility and control over all decisions regarding future Defence housing needs. Negotiations with Ngati Whatua o Orakei will deter-mine which areas of the portfolio will be included in the negotiations.

NAVAL HOUSING AND THE NGATI WHATUA O ORAKEI TREATY SETTLEMENT

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ISSUE 356 13 JUNE 2006

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Our SAS receives approval

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LT COL Peter Kelly, Commanding Officer 1st NZSAS Group, receives the US Navy Presidential Unit Citation from President George W Bush

The 1st New Zealand Special Air Service (NZSAS) Group has received advice from Her Majesty the Queen that a US Navy Presidential Unit Citation (USNPUC) presented for service in Afghanistan has been approved for acceptance and wear.

The citation was presented by President George W Bush in December 2004 in recognition of the NZSAS service with the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF) in Afghanistan from December 2001 to May 2002. The 1st NZSAS Group has undertaken operations in Afghanistan on three separate deployments: December 2001 to December 2002, March to October 2004 and June to November 2005.

On 7 December 2004 Lieutenant Colonel Peter Kelly, as the Commanding Officer, represented the members of the 1st NZSAS Group when he received the citation from the US president at Miramar Air Base, California.

LT COL Kelly was asked how he felt to receive the citation on behalf of his soldiers. “You can feel a lot of pride for their efforts. And although it recognises the efforts of the chaps who were in the first push, I see it as recognition for all those members of this unit who have served in Afghanistan, starting in December 2001 up until the present day.”

He said that although some soldiers may appear a little blasé about the award, on the surface, he expects that they will, justifiably, wear it with pride. “It is a significant award”, said LT COL Kelly. “They do not lightly give the Presidential Citation, it is very rare, so we are fortunate to have been a part of the Task Force that was recognised for the service by the president.”

The citation was awarded for “extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance of duty in action against the enemy in Afghanistan from 17 October 2001 to 30 March 2002”. The citation notes that those awarded “established benchmark standards of professionalism, tenacity, courage, tactical brilliance, and operational brilliance, and operational excellence while demonstrating superb esprit de corps and maintaining the highest measures of combat readiness”.

The award is made in recognition of the highly professional contribution the New Zealand Defence Force made to the stabilisation effort in Afghanistan.

Members of the NZSAS who served with the CJSOTF are now

able to wear the ribbon of the United States Navy Presidential Unit Citation on their uniforms. Other members of the NZSAS who were not in Afghanistan during the period specified will also be allowed to wear the ribbon while serving with the unit.

Any honour or award presented to New Zealand Defence Force members from a non-Commonwealth country must receive formal approval from the Queen before it can be accepted and worn.

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The ribbon of the US Navy Presidential Unit Citation

Chief of Army, MAJ GEN Lou Gardiner, presents LT GEN Jerry Mateparae with “Resting recruits”, a painting by Army Artist CAPT Matt Gauldie.

The painting is one of the first paintings produced by CAPT Gauldie in his role as Army Artist. It is one of the Recruit Series, and featured at the recent Army Art exhibition.

MAJ GEN Gardiner decided that since LT GEN Mateparae initiated the idea of having an Army Artist, it would be appropriate for him to have one of CAPT Gauldie’s paintings hanging in his office.

Army art follows CDF

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SERGEANT MAJOR OF THE ARMYWO1 BO NGATA

Have you got what it takes?

If you’ve answered “yes” to all of the above, then you could be the person we’re looking for!

Our Linton correspondent, Caroline Williams, is flying the coop, to go and nest somewhere else. Caroline will be a hard act to follow, but I’m sure you’re up to the challenge!

If you’re interested in becoming the Army News correspondent for Linton, and surrounding areas, then please, give me a call, and we can discuss the details.

Lorraine Brown, Editor Army News, 04 496 0225, or DTelN 349 7225

DO YOU HAVE AN INTEREST IN, AND ARE YOU GOOD AT, WRITING?

ARE YOU GOOD AT TAKING PHOTOS OF PEOPLE, ACTION, AND MOVING VEHICLES?

ARE YOU BASED IN LINTON?

Tena Tatou, recently I have travelled our country talking to soldiers, NCOs, WOs and officers about what they think “we” (our organisation) does well, and what perhaps we do not do so well. General topic themes soon started to emerge as personnel became more comfortable talking to me. I will attempt to give my view on these topics or, at least, cast light on these concerns if they cannot be answered.

Career vs rankFrom the time you are indoctrinated into our Army, you – and quite rightly so

– will have certain expectations of promotion, within a professional career in the Army that could span over 30 years. It stands to reason, then, that if your expecta-tions are not met, or you are reported on to remain at your current rank, you may have a feeling of failure. But we are all made different, some learn quicker while some are more practical, some work very well in team environments while others prefer working on their own. If you are a hard working professional corporal or sergeant, and are happy to be so, then what is wrong with that? Nothing. You will continue to develop and be valued, as long as you honestly contribute to our Army.

Tempo, tempo and more tempoYou do not need to be reminded of just how busy you are, but you should be

reminded of this: leadership at all levels can give some much needed respite to personnel at risk. Personnel that are well led, trained and managed will, when necessary, front up and give their best. Making time to shape our officers and soldiers, while all the time operations, training – collective and individual –Army’s transformation and many other priorities, keep rolling on. Our personnel and the leadership that we have is our strongest asset in times where tasks need to prioritised, so use it or lose it.

TrainingMany have heard about the new leadership initiatives that Major Rob Hoult

and his team at AATC are designing. This will be profiled, along with the Army Training Review Board being conducted in ATG, in future columns. All of these initiatives support the fact that our Army invests, trains and grows our personnel.

I would like to congratulate WO1 M Casey for his appointment to Master Gunner at the School of Artillery, LOTC, ATG. Well done.

Are You Valued? Yes, and appreciated.

Are you valued?

Thanks to all of you who have completed and returned the recent survey. The response has been outstanding, but more would be welcomed!

Comments and requests have been mixed, but there are certainly some common thoughts amongst our readers.

So if you haven’t already, please complete the survey form, and return to the Editor, no later than Friday 23 June.

We will then analyse all the data, and publish the results in a following issue of Army News.

Editor

READERS’ SURVEY armynewsIS

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04deployment

Nursing Officer, Captain Kath McCrory, and I were taken on a fact finding, distribution mission recently, by Aaron Tarver of United States Department of State (USDOS). We knew we were going to the orphanage and to the Women’s Health Centre, but we hadn’t bargained on the fact that our hearts would be turned to mush when we finally met the residents of the orphanage.

There was much excitement as CAPT McCrory, myself and Aaron brought in the

goods for distribution. First, and most importantly for the comfort of the children, the blankets were dragged in; these would provide some much needed warmth in the winter months. It was obvious that this practical gift was well received.

Helping orphans in BamianThe children’s faces were a study of genuine pleasure and lit up

when they saw the toys we were waiting to distribute. During our tour of the complex none of us had seen any toys of any sort, so we too were rather thrilled with their combined reactions.

They tested them out for personal fit and shared them around to see if others might like the one they had initially chosen and then they settled on the one they wanted. There was no fuss, no hysteria, just children’s chatter, excitement and ultimately happiness.

Although the orphanage had few of the mod-cons that we would expect in our New Zealand day-care centres, it was well run. The children were seen as important, they were seen as individuals and their daily needs were met; physical, spiritual, educational and, to a degree, their emotional needs were catered for in an environment where many are not so fortunate.

Aaron then took us to the Women’s Health Centre. The centre comprises a nursing surgery, a birthing room and a pharmacy. The two nurses there see upwards of 30 patients a day. They said many of the problems they saw in their patients were water related, as the local well is salty and the women use the stream for washing dishes, clothes and bodies. This combination led to many water-borne diseases. The nurse indicated that they had at least three births a month and so the birthing room was being regularly utilised.

The pharmacy possessed a good range of antibiotics which would be useful in health care, plus many other useful types of medication. The director informed us that they regularly run classes in “family planning” and that contraception was seen as an important step forward for the women of this district.

Reported by Padre Kirstie McDonald

Exercise Santo Sunset 2006

Earning my “Pacific Spurs”

A group of 15 pers from Linton Military Camp recently deployed to Vanuatu on an NZAID-funded project. They were to convert an old Police Barracks into a temporary prison as part of the establishment of the new Correctional Services in Vanuatu.

The group, lead by LT Paul Mead of 2nd Engineer Regiment, consisted of 12 tradesmen and a storeman, supported by one medic from 2nd Health Services Battalion and a chef from 2nd Logistics Battalion.

General tasks included installation of a 350m razor wire perimeter fence and internal fencing, construction of a concrete block guard

“Small deployments to the Pacific Islands undertaking construction tasks are the bread and butter for the engineers, and something we have done well and consistently in recent years. Good luck”!

Parting words from my OC prior to deploying on Exercise Santo Sunset, and realisation that the engineers have a proud history in the Pacific.

What an opportunity: to plan, prepare for, deploy and recover from a small deployment overseas, and lead a group of 14 soldiers for 36 days. That’s the opportunity given to me, and an opportunity that I relished!

It was my first chance to lead soldiers in an overseas environment, detached from the direct support of home, and expected to solve any problems thrown our way and complete the task to the expected standard. There are a number of lessons that I have learnt or had reinforced from this exercise.

#1 Good planning and reconnaissance goes a long way to achieving a successful task. Planning for this exercise began six weeks prior to the deployment of the Advance Party. It included a four-day reconnaissance of the task site, looking at everything from logistical support for the chef, the type of tasks we would be doing, and activities to keep the soldiers busy during their down time. The container was then packed and if something wasn’t in there, then it wasn’t needed! Then organising all the personnel with all the pre-deployment admin, meds and briefs. A large job that I couldn’t do on my own, so it comes down to delegation, and trust in the team around you that it will get done, and that your intent has been clear enough for the task to be completed to the standard you want.

#2 The time zone in the Pacific is different to New Zealand – not only on your watch! “Island time” is not a myth, it is real and will affect you, and you can’t construe it as being lazy on their part, it is just the way they are. It means that a job that takes 10 minutes at home may take one to two hours in Vanuatu. Stores that would arrive on site in one hour at home, may have to be sent from another island and not arrive until the next day, or longer. It all needs to be factored in to your planning and there is no point getting stressed out about it; it will happen, eventually.

#3 Listen to your soldiers and those working with you: this is said time and time again, but still at times the soldier’s opinion or advice is ignored and sometimes at your peril. I was leading a construction-based section with qualified carpenters, a plumber and electrician – my trade knowledge: nil. So when I wanted answers on what was required or how long it would take, I had to trust their judgement, and 99 percent of the time they were right. Why? Because we have given them quality training, and they want the job to succeed just as much as you do. I found that by trusting my team, the working relationship and the team dynamics were enhanced. This all helps to maintain morale and discipline in the contingent.

Overall, these are just three of the main lessons that I learnt or had reinforced while earning my “Pacific Spurs”. It was a valuable experience in my Regimental Training as an engineer officer, and something that I will be able to draw on for future overseas deployments, and exercise planning.

Written by LT Paul Mead

house, upgrading of barracks for use as cells, and general electrical and plumbing repairs.

The exercise ran for 36 days and support was provided by the Vanuatu Mobile Force Engineers and 10 prisoners from the local prison. The contingent also got the chance to see some of the island and experience the culture, including the very popular local kava!

On time, and under budget, the NZDF input to the project attracted some healthy attention from local VIPs, with visits from the President, Prime Minister, and Minister of Internal Affairs of Vanuatu.

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The welcoming committee at the International Airport, (there for every international flight, not just for us!)

SPRs Trevor Robinson, John MacLaurin, Jeff Lock and George Tar, working on the concrete block guard house at the main gate of the facility

A section of the perimeter fence with 450mm razor wire on the top of the fence and 900mm razor wire at the foot of the fence

LT Paul Mead and LT D Vuti (VMF Tp Comd) with the President of Vanuatu and his delegation

SPR Jeff Lock interacting with a Ni-Vanuatu culture group who put on a performance for the contingent

LCPL Darren Te Whata (PET OP) picks up Abos, one of the orphans

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ISSUE 356 13 JUNE 2006

deployment05

Prior to coming to Afghanistan I was shown many photos and told many stories, and I truly wondered how many of the stories could be true. I am pleased to say, having now been here five weeks, I am confident that they were all true. If you can imagine the bizarre and the surreal, add to that a language that you barely understand, you have probably come close to “Kendall in Afghanistan”. A previous LO (Liaison Officer) told me that the photos do not do the country any justice – he was right. The terrain is beyond belief: from the rock pillars that guard the entrance to Forward Patrol Base Romero, to the sheer rock faces climbing, in some cases, 600m vertically from the river bed (which is often the road), which is not more than 50m across. The sheer size and beauty of a land so old, is breathtaking. Having said that, there have been many times I have been reminded of home.

We are now well into spring, and in the valleys wheat and potato grow in abundance, and the rivers are boarded with poplars and willow reminiscent of the braided rivers of Canterbury or the Hawke’s Bay. Up out of the steep valleys exist large barren plains (where the local people collect sage brush) that remind me of the central plateau or central Otago.

The people here are generous and very hospitable. On one occasion I talked for an hour to convince my host that we could not stay for dinner (he was worried what his father

Bill Bashir grew up in Mazari-Sharif (Northern Afghanistan) and qualified as a pharmacist in Pakistan. Never in his wildest dreams did he consider that one day he might work as an interpreter for a bunch of people from New Zealand – a country he had never heard of!

Initially, he worked with the New Zealand Defence Force in Kandahar, before being employed at the NZPRT in the Bamian Province, in September 2004. He was quickly identified as a hardworking and skilful interpreter, often taking pages of notes during meetings. Because of his skill and work ethic, he soon assumed the role as the SNO’s interpreter and has retained this role through NZPRT rotations four to eight.

Commander of the NZPRT, CAPT Ross Smith (RNZN) said, “Bill has impressed me with his ability to adapt to different situations, his professionalism and his quiet understated sense of humour. No matter what the circumstances are, whether talking to villagers on the side of the road or interpreting in high level meetings in the Governor’s office, Bill does his job with humility and confidence. Although I am sorry to see Bill leave the NZPRT, I wish him well in whatever endeavours he chooses to pursue.”

Bill said, “I will miss the Kiwis, especially for their friendship, respect and trust. They have been easy to get along with and their respectful behaviour towards other cultures has certainly been appreciated by the people of Bamian.”

First and lasting impressions Interpreting friendship

would think if we did not stay), only to have him, and his five brothers, turn up at the school we were staying at with dinner and tea for the whole patrol. The local food is good, although plain. It’s not the spicy food one expects in Asia. Some of the local meat makes you think twice, but often it is very good, with mutton and beef being favoured as a stew with rice, cooked with oil and raisins.

I have followed seven previous LOs to this region. These LOs had done a very good job and are well respected by the local people. From Commondon Ben to Commondon Aaron and their teams (I hear the whole seven LOs recited by name) and I hear nothing but praise. Many Heads of Shura (town mayors) and ARBOBs (now really the people’s representatives on shura councils) have favourite commanders or NZPRT missions. But all are very appreciative of the NZPRT mission here in Afghanistan and what our people have done for them. Many houses still have photos stuck to the mud walls, of the people standing proudly in the snow with one patrol, and next to it, one with another patrol in 45 degree heat. Those who have gone before have left an impression on this hard, proud country. An impression of sincerity, compassion, comradeship and decency, all of which this country has needed to help steer it on its way.

Reported by MAJ Kendall Peacock

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Children attending Kojola school

Bill Bashir

Who is here?There are currently up to 125 NZDF personnel in

Solomon Islands. Our contribution is comprised of a National Command Element (NCE), National Support Element (NSE) and an Infantry Company Group. The majority of these people have come from 2/1 RNZIR, with elements of 3 LFG, 2 LFG and the RNZAF, making up the balance. In Solomon Islands we are working closely with Australian Defence Force personnel. There are also representatives of the Royal Fiji Military Force, Tongan Defence Services and Papua New Guinea Defence Force. The military component of RAMSI is called Coalition Task Force 635 (CTF 635). At its height in late April 2006, CTF 635 comprised in excess of 600 military personnel.

Where are we located?NZDF personnel are located at either Guadalcanal

Beach Resort (GBR) or at a Forward Operating Base (FOB) located at Rove Prison. Both locations are in the vicinity of Honiara, the capital of Solomon Islands. The NCE and NSE are located at GBR, whereas the Coy Gp is located at the FOB at Rove Prison.

What are the facilities like?The facilities at GBR are good. Personnel based

here all have a bed to call their own. There is a well-equipped gym and a running track around the perimeter of the camp. There is a tennis court and a bowling green that also serves as a soccer field and netball court. There is a swimming pool, which unfortunately has been undergoing maintenance since we arrived. There is a well-rationed mess, and normal ablution facilities. We have access to welfare services such as telephones, televisions and computers.

The Coy Gp is located in the vicinity of Rove Prison, where they were moved following the civil unrest of 18/19 April 2006. Rove Prison is approximately 17km from GBR – on the western side of Honiara. Meal runs for the three main meals of the day keep

AN UPDATE FROM THE SOLOMONS

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The FOB at Rove Prison has normal ablution facilities, and a laundry run to GBR is conducted daily. The Coy Gp were initially accommodated in Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIP) barracks; however, they were subsequently moved to a sports complex next door to the RSIP barracks as it provided more space and facilities. The Coy Gp has limited telephone and computer access, but they do have magazines, books, games, DVDs and a television to keep them occupied during any down time. In addition, personnel located at the FOB at Rove Prison regularly rotate through GBR for a day/night stop, during which they have access to all the facilities here.

Why are we here?Our mission in the Solomon Islands, as part of

CTF 635, is to provide military security support to the Participating Police Force (PPF) in order to reinforce the maintenance of law and order in Solomon Islands.

The NZDF presence prior to 18/19 April 2006 was a platoon from 2/1 RNZIR. As a result of the civil unrest, this was reinforced by another two platoons and a company headquarters, together with the NCE and NSE – a total of 125 personnel. The security situation has stabilised significantly since the surge deployment, and public confidence has improved markedly as a result. Shops, markets and churches are operating normally again. The enhanced military presence has been welcomed, and the posture of forces here is being carefully calibrated to ensure that public goodwill is maintained at all times. Our patrols have received a very positive response from local people and the phrase “Kia Ora” is now very well known.

As the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark, has said, “Solomon Islands’ new Government has many challenges ahead of it. New Zealand is committed to working as part of RAMSI and bilaterally with Solomon Islands to assist it to deal effectively with

these challenges”. NZDF personnel will remain in the Solomon Islands as long as our presence is required, to honour that commitment.

Why have we remained here?It has been agreed that an augmented military

presence is likely to be required in Solomon Islands for some time to come. A carefully planned staged drawdown of military resources has begun with the repatriation of approximately 200 ADF personnel over the period 27/28 May 2006. The details of the drawdown of NZDF personnel are currently being worked through.

How long will we be here?We will be here as long as the security state

necessitates our presence and for as long as we continue to contribute effectively to the Regional Assistance Mission to RAMSI. It is anticipated that the extra military personnel deployed that are no longer required in theatre, will be coming home at the earliest opportunity.

What are our key tasks?· security of Rove Prison;· support to PPF targeted operations;· support to the provincial patrol programme;· presence patrols in downtown Honiara.

What is the situation like?The situation has calmed significantly from the

highly volatile and uncertain security situation that we encountered on arrival in Solomon Islands. The curfew that was put in place following the riots was lifted recently and freedom of movement has increased significantly as a result. Coy Gp personnel are conducting regular patrols within downtown Honiara as well as to the provinces.

What does the future hold?In New Zealand’s case it is likely that the military

contribution to RAMSI will require a standing commitment for some time.

Contributed by CAPT Leishia Pettigrew

A section preparing to conduct training for the Minister of Defence

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06our people

The NZ Army Combat Shooting Team (NZACST) is selected annually and is open to all members of the New Zealand Army. The team trains to compete in one international event a year, usually alternating between the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meeting (AASAM) and the Central Skill at Arms Meeting (CENTSAM) in England. This year the team will deploy to compete at CENTSAM from 16 June – 13 July. Held at Bisley Range in Surrey, England, this event has a very long and illustrious history, and has a reputation as being one of the premier military shooting events in the world.

Long time captain of the team and Small Arms expert, MAJ Gordon Benfell has, after many years, handed over the reigns, but he will no doubt have an ear to the ground in anticipation of some good results.

Since selection, the team has been preparing to compete at an international level. Coach WO2 Paul Mumm has put the team through their paces over the last two months and the result has been a vast improvement in the shooting skills of all team members. Despite what many think, the training for CENTSAM is not just lying on the mound and putting rounds down range. The team members must be skilled in the use of the IW Steyr, GPMG and P226 Pistol to a much higher level than that expected of a Regular Infantry soldier. To be competitive the team must also display very high levels of fitness and concentration, to complete the many shoots involving running, obstacle courses, NBC drills and FIBUA shooting – to name just a few.

When asked about how the team was progressing, team captain CAPT Aidan Shattock said, “The team has been working extremely hard, and they have reached a very high standard. We are focussed on our goals, and I believe that we have the ability to bring home quite a few medals this year”.

After the success at last year’s AASAM competition, the team is keen to maintain their professional and high performing reputation. All members of the team are confident and ready for a tough competition at CENTSAM.

The team has received a lot of support from many people in Waiouru, Trentham, Linton and Burnham, during training. In particular, the support provided by the Waiouru AFCC and Transfield Services has been particularly appreciated. Thanks to all who have helped the team get to Bisley.

Regular reports will be made back to New Zealand, so stay tuned for some good results.

Contributed by CAPT Aidan Shattock

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DAVIDSON JUNIOR II

Congratulations to the following personnel on their recent promotion:

stepping up

EDIBLE ARTArmy chefs and stewards from Trentham,

Linton and JSCS recently competed in the Wellington Culinary Fare, at the Westpac Stadium.

Competitors showed that even through normal, day-to-day tasks within the messes, they continue to develop their culinary skills and stay competitive with their civilian counterparts.

Army chefs and stewards won 23 medals over the weekend – a great achievement by all who took part.

Both Trentham teams – with 0.8 between them – won bronze medals in the Ian MacLennan Memorial Trophy. The teams consisted of PTEs Dal Din, Turnbull and Maidens, and PTEs Patau, Gibbs and Tupaea. The team from Waiouru (LCPLs Sole, Pickford and Comerford) gained a silver medal.

SSGT Nisbet, SGT Green, SGT Coulton and CPL Smith were judges; Mrs Warren staffed the reception desk and WO2 Russell was part of the organising committee.

Contributed by WO2 Phillip Russell

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Training for CENTSAM

SSGT CP Hally, Combat SchoolSGT KT Andersen, TTSCPL AD Horrell, 2/1 RNZIRCPL JD Gledhill, 2 Cant RegtLCPL BJ Mangels, 2/1 RNZIRLCPL TJ Ruawhare, 1 RNZIRPTE LS Gillgren, 1 RNZIRPTE NJ Edwards, 1 RNZIRPTE BR Hajdu. 1 RNZIRPTE BI Falk, 2/1 RNZIR

Reserves:PTE AM Niederer, 2/1 RNZIRPTE A Brbich, 2/1 RNZIR

Team management: Team Capt – CAPT AP Shattock, Combat School Team Coach – WO2 PA Mumm, 2/1 RNZIR Admin WO – SGT KM McGregor, WAC

Selection for the NZACST was held from 19 – 23 April, and after an intensive process of training, the following team was selected:

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Trentham chefs and stewards

PTE Newton’s gold medal entry in the Buffet Centrepiece

After going through his NBC drills, PTE Hajdu, 1 RNZIR, begins his shoot

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PTE Hajdu, 1 RNZIR, tackling one of the obstacles during training

Member of NZACST leaping obstacle in one of the many shoots they must learn before CENTSAM

AWARDSCPL Wallace (Trentham) Overall class winner and a certificate of merit for his gateauPTE Newton (Trentham) Gold medal for his buffet centrepiece, a great effort as this was his first attempt at margarine carvingPTEs Newton, Coombe (Trentham), Turfey (Linton) Bronze medals in the Superb soup classPTE Lyon (Linton) and LCPL Nickel (Waiouru) Bronze medals for their hot chicken brunch dishesLCPL Townsend (Waiouru) Bronze medal for her lamb entréePTE Orlowski (Linton) Silver medal and PTE Whitehouse (Linton) Bronze in the Trainee Waiters Table PTE Makara (Trentham) Silver, LCPL Comerford (Waiouru), PTE Lyne (Trentham) and PTE Whitehouse (Linton) Bronze Medals in the Classic Cocktail class LCPL Stuart (Waiouru) Bronze medal in the beer and food matchPTE Crosland (Trentham) and Mr Stewart (Waiouru) Silver medals in the Beer and Cheese Service with Mr Stewart being the overall class winnerCPL Wallace (Trentham) Bronze medal for his decorated pavlovaPTE Twentyman (Trentham) Bronze medal for his cookies he made in the Great Cookie Caper classPTE Crosland (Trentham) Silver medal and class winner for her professional waiters themed tableMr Stewart (Waiouru) Bronze medal in the Original Cocktail Collation

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ISSUE 356 13 JUNE 2006

our people07

Queen’s Birthday HonoursTo be a Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (DCNZM)

Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson OBE, AFCChief of Defence Force, New Zealand Defence Force (Retired)

AIRMSHL Ferguson was appointed Chief of Defence Force in February 2002 – a time when the NZDF was operationally more committed than it had been since the days of Malaya and Vietnam.

His strategic operational vision encompassed four principles: Knowledge Edge, Multi-Mission, Tailor-Made Joint Forces, and Network Enabled,

which are now the key principles underpinning the NZDF and strategic force development. Also, he has fervently championed the symmetry of the three services and the advantages of drawing on the combined strengths of all three. His vision of “Team Defence: three services; one force” has become the capstone concept in the development of management, culture and ethos across the NZDF.

Following his achievements as Assistant Chief Personnel, he has relentlessly sought to improve general conditions of service and the attractiveness of military service. He also implemented a wider, more inclusive model where the NZDF’s capabilities were developed into a context more reflective of whole-of-government considerations, leading to the Defence Sustainability Initiative.

During these years of change, the NZDF has also been required to sustain a particularly high operating tempo and take on other operations, often in circumstances once unthought-of. Under AIRMSHL Ferguson’s leadership, the NZDF has deployed units to Iraq and the Gulf, and the Solomon Islands, and gave invaluable assistance in the tsunami relief efforts in Thailand and Indonesia. Combat and peace support operations in Afghanistan have continued, and the New Zealand PRT in Bamian has become an international show-piece for this type of operation. At the same time, in conjunction with the Ministry of Defence, AIRMSHL Ferguson has led the re-equipment programme of the services.

Today, the NZDF is embarking on extensive change as a result of AIRMSHL Ferguson’s leadership. Every operational unit is being redeveloped or renewed. The NZDF functions in a community of security-related agencies, and demonstrates high utility and reliability across its operations. The NZDF is restoring its sustainability and AIRMSHL Ferguson’s strategic concepts for force development, teamwork and “one force” are enshrined in doctrine and culture.

When he was appointed CDF, AIRMSHL Ferguson came from two ranks below the position. The challenge given to him was unprecedented yet by his vision, strength of character, professionalism, and exceptional leadership, the NZDF is now very well placed to serve into the future.

The New Zealand Order of Merit

To be an Additional Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)Major Robert GillardThe Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers

MAJ Gillard deployed to Afghanistan from March to August 2005, as part of the NZDF’s ongoing contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom, initially as the Senior Coalition Special Forces Plans Adviser, and then as the Senior National Officer. He and his staff established relationships with other coalition commanders and staff within the Combined Joint Special Operations Headquarters in Baghram, which helped the New Zealand contingent get the combat support required to conduct long-range reconnaissance missions.

Through his leadership, he ensured that the full combat potential of the small New Zealand contingent was fully recognised, to the extent that they were able to prosecute operations in Afghanistan that no other special forces in theatre, at the time, were able to replicate. His experience and depth of special operations knowledge proved invaluable to the contingent and to the coalition forces as a whole. Through the actions and results achieved by the contingent, they have left an indelible impression and have done much to increase the mana in which the New Zealand Defence Force is held.

To be an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)

Brigadier Kenneth FooteNew Zealand Army Territorial Force (Retired)

BRIG Foote, who enlisted in the Territorial Force in 1973 as a rifleman, was appointed to the position of Territorial Force Adviser in April 2003. In this role he has worked hard to raise the profile and importance of Territorial Force issues, which are now imbedded in all Army staff processes and plans. He has also written and implemented a TF development plan, forming the basis for the revitalisation and

strengthening of the Territorial Force. He has been fully involved in re-focusing the capabilities delivered by the TF, so that they are now more closely aligned with the wider Army. His efforts have resulted in the first recorded growth in TF personnel since 1990.

BRIG Foote has balanced these considerable military commitments with his civilian career as the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s business manager, and service as chair of two school boards. He is a counsellor for Lifeline Hawke’s Bay and works with youth through his local Rotary Club.

To be a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)

Lieutenant Colonel Justin EmersonNew Zealand Army Legal Service

Since August 2002, LT COL Emerson has served as a legal officer in HQ JFNZ, providing well-researched advice on major issues affecting operational deployments, including the Law of Armed Conflict, Rules of Engagement, the Law of the Sea, and the Status of Forces Agreement. He has also provided advice on the

Armed Forces Discipline Act, including a review of the disciplinary proceedings conducted by commanders of assigned forces, employment relations, and contractual arrangements for goods and services.

He consistently provides practical and timely advice to senior national officers deployed on missions, and the service and support he provides to Commander Joint Forces New Zealand and the three component commanders, is always accurate.

Major Robert KrushkaRoyal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment

MAJ Krushka was seconded to serve with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) from January 2004 to December 2005. He was posted to Headquarters Joint Operations Command, in Sydney, as Staff Officer Logistics Plans, where he planned for and supported ADF operations.

His tour coincided with a number of critical short notice deployments, such as the

response to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and peacekeeping missions to the Solomon Islands, and longer term planning projects such as preparations for dealing with the 2006 Commonwealth Games and an avian bird flu pandemic. Throughout his posting, he continually demonstrated a high level of technical knowledge and the ability to quickly assimilate the terminology and staffing requirements of the ADF. He also identified areas for improvement in the conduct of ADF’s logistics planning. His tour marks a further chapter of cooperation in the ANZAC tradition.

To be Members of the said Order (MNZM)Major Rian McKinstryRoyal New Zealand Infantry Regiment

MAJ McKinstry deployed to Afghanistan from June to November 2005 as part of NZDF’s ongoing contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom.

His total commitment and his pursuit of excellence throughout the deployment was instrumental in ensuring the contingent’s contribution was effective and highly regarded by coalition commanders. He ensured the full combat potential of the personnel committed was utilised to maximum benefit, by personally leading operations requiring command and control to be exercised well forward. The success of these missions was a direct result of his presence in commanding from the battle area.

These missions were crucial in ensuring that militia forces’ attempts to disrupt the Afghan parliamentary elections, failed. A hallmark of his command style was the meticulous planning that preceded each mission. This included tactical procedures to mitigate risk to the soldiers on the mission, and the guidance he provided to his junior commanders.

Captain Charles MonteiroThe Corps of Royal New Zealand Engineers CAPT Monteiro deployed to Afghanistan from July to December 2005 as the Engineering Officer with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team (NZPRT). In this role he had a number of demanding responsibilities.

As the officer responsible for maintenance of the NZPRT Base he

completed a long-term development plan, which will ensure better planning and funding for improvements, and provided technical advice to local Afghani agencies responsible for reconstruction in Bamian province.

CAPT Monteiro also acted as the representative for New Zealand Aid, inheriting a backlog of funds not committed to projects and a tight deadline for the commitment of those funds. He worked long hours – frequently 18-hour days, seven days a week – to commit the funds to a number of significant projects in Bamian, including Bamian Boys’ School, the construction of an obstetrics clinic at Bamian Hospital, several roading and building construction projects, and repairs to flood-damaged bridges.

Staff Sergeant Troy PeranoNew Zealand Special Air Service

SSGT Perano deployed to Afghanistan from June to November 2005, as part of NZDF’s ongoing contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was responsible for the professional administration and day-to-day functioning of his unit. As a result of his considerable operational experience, he ensured that the highest operational standards were maintained, and provided advice and guidance to young trooper commanders, who lacked operational experience. The successful conduct of all missions is a direct testament of his ability to positively influence his troop and command element. His attention to detail and unrelenting concern for the welfare of the soldiers entrusted to him ensured that provisions for the safety of personnel were in place during all missions. He bound his troop together into an effective fighting organisation that demonstrated, time and time again, the highest standards of excellence and discipline.

Air Vice Marshal John Hamilton ONZM, MVO, the retired Chief of Air Force, was made Companion of the said Order (CNZM).

Chief Petty Officer Combat System Specialist Alyson Douglas, RNZN, was made a Member of the said Order (MNZM).

Wing Commander Logan Cudby, RNZAF, was made an Additional Officer of the said Order (ONZM).

08our peoplecmyk

New Zealand Army troops have brought a spirit of optimism to the streets of Dili, as well as a measure of calm and stability.

Although rival gangs of youths continue looting and torching houses, these are becoming less frequent as New Zealand, Australian and Malaysian defence forces respond quickly to these now sporadic and short-lived incidents.

On 31 May, 124 Delta Company soldiers arrived in East Timor with four Pinzgauer LOVs, tasked with security roles that assisted in establishing law and order in the eastern suburbs of Dili. The company commander, Major Eugene Whakahoehoe, said his Becora-based troops were detaining about a dozen people daily for brief periods, while investigating sporadic outbreaks of violence and confiscating weapons. Becora is a particularly bad hotspot, notorious for youth gangs.

NZDF Public Relations Manager LT CDR Barbara Cassin deployed to Dili with the first contingent. “The roads to the airport were lined with people seeking refuge. They had set up make-shift ‘homes’ – the sight is incredible – the despair, the general conditions are

Making a difference in Dili

Army’s new Pinzgauers light operational vehicles (LOVs) are proving to be invaluable tools in East Timor, says D Coy platoon commander LT Marcus Bunn. Four LOVs were deployed to Dili with the Army contingent.

“The New Zealand area of operations has some difficult terrain, which includes damaged sealed roads, dirt tracks and hilly countryside. We have

The Army replaced its aging fleet of Landrovers with the LOVs, which are taller, longer, and can carry up to 12 soldiers. They have a ground clearance of 360mm and a fording depth of 700mm, making them ideal for situations such as East Timor and Solomon Islands, says MAJ Duncan Sandeman, of Army General Staff.

“In places like Timor Leste we often encounter flooded streams and rivers, rough ground and bad weather. You need something reliable that can be used in all terrains.”

The Army has bought a total of 326 Pinzgauers light operational vehicles, nearly all of which have been delivered to New Zealand. Of that number, 95 are the general service variant, 99 are command and control vehicles, and the remainder fill other functions, including ambulances, maintenance shelters and weapons carrying vehicles.

They are also being used by New Zealand Defence Force personnel who deployed to the Solomon Islands as a result of recent tension there.

Our LOVs invaluable

used the vehicles to ferry soldiers around our area, and they are vital for the quick reaction force to respond to local flash points”, said LT Bunn.

The LOVs give great manoeuvrability with their six wheels. “They give a much smoother ride, and allow soldiers to seek out and identify trouble-makers.”

ANZAC spirit

horrendous. But still amid the chaos, you hear Kiwi, Kiwi, help us”, she said.

The second deployment joined a 39-soldier infantry rifle platoon already in Dili. The platoon secured the New Zealand embassy on 28 May, and are now on task at Taci Tolo, with checkpoint and roadblock duties, and protecting and containing personnel. Most of the 170 soldiers are from 2/1 Battalion, RNZIR.

LT CDR Barbara Cassin says Dili now is a much different Dili to the one she flew into two weeks ago. “Shots were fired in the New Zealand AO (area of operations) last night as the gangs, looting and fires continue during the hot spot hours of late afternoon and night. But all the incidents are now sporadic and short lived as the New Zealand soldiers react and contain them very quickly.”

The cache of lethal but unsophisticated weapons confiscated by New Zealand soldiers continues to grow rapidly, joining the hundreds of high powered rifles, hand guns, shot guns, machetes and warry slingshots confiscated by Australian troops in the early days of the war. COL Stuart Jarvis, the British Defence Attaché, publicly acknowledged the professional assistance and support, and such a fast response, from the Australian, New Zealand and Malaysian defence forces.

LT CDR Cassin said the troops have made an immense difference and the mood around the city was more positive. The presence of the armed

guards, APV, military vehicles, landrovers and the New Zealand Army LOVs out on the streets are welcomed, with the people waving, cheering and clapping.

“People are out strolling in the streets, supermarkets are open, street vendors are out, children are playing and moving about on bikes, and people are returning to their homes – although most of them have no homes left, they are returning to try and start a normal life again.” About 100,000 people (three-quarters in Dili) have lost their homes.

LT CDR Cassin, like all NZDF personnel deployed to East Timor, has had to endure extremely hot and dry conditions, and a diet of ration packs, in Dili. However, the despair of the East Timorese was hardest aspect of her deployment.

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LT COL Jeremy Harker, SNO

The NZDF’s Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle on patrol in East Timor

New Zealand soldier LCPL Jarrad Ramsay with SGT Scott McDonald of theAustralian Army

PTE Aseri Balawakula on patrol on a LOVLCPL Steffan Ryder talks with a resident while his vehicle is searched PTE Chas Takiwa on patrol on a LOV

PTE Andrew McCarroll guards a LOV full of suspected arsonists and looters

NZDF medic LCPL Michelle Moroney working with a platoon from 2/1 RNZIR

NZ troops arrive on the Air Force C130 Hercules at Dili airport

ISSUE 356 13 JUNE 2006

our people09cmyk

Eight New Zealand Army military police deployed to Dili on 2 June, to guard the New Zealand Embassy and provide personal protection to New Zealand’s ambassador in East Timor.

The military police have been training constantly, “in the event of a situation like this”, says their commanding officer Major Scott Langlands, and are fully prepared for whatever they may encounter.

The military police’s presence will enable the embassy staff, including the High Commissioner and her staff, to go about their work and liaise with other agencies in the response to the relief effort as a result of the recent factional violence in Dili.

MAJ Langlands says the police who deployed had trained in a variety of military police work, including close protection work, as well as mediation and negotiation, crowd and riot control, vehicle ambush drills, and de-escalating incidents. They will also receive legal advice about what they can and cannot do while there.

Sergeant Nathan Ngarue, section commander of the team of military police, says he is looking forward to “helping out” in Dili, and is confident his team will be able to make a difference.

“We’re well-trained for what we do, and for what we are going into. It will be good to put all that training into maybe helping someone.”

Several members of the platoon have served in East Timor previously, and others have recently returned from

Making a difference in Dili

Arrival of our MP

ANZAC spirit

“What has touched me most was the faces of the children, full of despair – no food, hygiene or clothing, all their houses burnt down. ‘Bondia Kiwi, Kia Ora Kiwi, Botarde Kiwi’, they know us on sight.”

One NZ Army platoon have taken over an old polytechnic building, in the Becora area, where they were sleeping rough and could not even put up mosquito nets. However, the locals were pleased to see them and had arranged for the building’s electricity and air conditioning to be turned on. The troops were in the area digging foxholes beside a roadblock, where they were searching for weapons.

HMAS KANIMBLA, berthed alongside Dili, is providing hotel services to the coalition forces at a rate of twice a day – 160 personnel each time – and provides laundry, hot meals, shower and a good night’s sleep.

Afghanistan, where they were part of the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team.

SGT Anderson, who first served in East Timor with Batt 5, said before he left it would be interesting – and sad – to see how much Timor had changed.

He was keen to use his job skills in an operational environment where it meant “helping people who really need a hand”.

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MAJ Eugene Whakahoehoe briefs troops from Australian APCS prior to moving out on patrol

NZDF medic LCPL Michelle Moroney working with a platoon from 2/1 RNZIR

LCPL Glen McGuire searches a detainee, suspected of looting and arson PTE Frank Vokaty Torere heads out on patrol

Kiwi troops run a vehicle check point outside of Dili. Vehicles are stopped and searched for weapons

NZ troops arrive on the Air Force C130 Hercules at Dili airport

Local woman Maria Antonia Gomez, embraces COL McLeod

L-R: CPL Richard Pere, LCPL Steven Van Deursen, LCPL Robert Fallen. Rear L-R: CPL Kevin Packer, Section Commander SGT Nathan Ngarue, CPL Angel Ngapera and SGT Kerry Anderson. CPL Hayden McEwen is absent

Colonel John McLeod, Defence Attaché to Indonesia, arrived in Dili on 23 May, stepping into an unpredictable and often frightening situation. “We were driving down a road completely happy and clear, where the people were waving at us, then we went around the corner and a mob of 100 confronted us. It’s that sort of situation, where you literally never know what is going to be around the corner – therefore you have to be very careful.”

COL McLeod and his group managed to tactically retreat from the potentially dangerous situation by talking to the mob. Telling them they were from New Zealand brought on chants of “Kiwi, Kiwi”. “That’s one thing we recognise, people remember the Kiwi from past deployments, and they have a warm feeling towards New Zealand. You may have seen the photo (right), where a woman saw the Kiwi on my arm, rushed up, and threw her arms around me, said ‘thank you Kiwis for coming, now we can sleep at night’.”

However, most of COL McLeod’s two-and-half weeks in Dili were not as pleasant. He was with a group of three NZDF personnel who arrived at the scene of one of East Timor’s worst atrocities yet. On Friday 26 May, almost 100 men with guns, machetes and clubs

Unpredictable and frightening

burst into a family home, killing a mother and her five children, and burning out the house. The mother had tried to hide in the bathroom with two children, and was killed holding her three-year-old child in her arms. “[That was] just horrendous, particularly the mother with the kids. I have a child of my own, and it was very, very upsetting for us all. When you saw it you couldn’t stop the tears.”

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10our people

“You should be proud of yourselves”, Brigadier Ants Howie ONZM told the 42 graduates of All Arms Territorial Force course 142 who marched out at ATG Waiouru in early June. Over the past six weeks, these recruits had completed the RIT 2 and RIT 3 components of their training,

“Each of you is now fit, reliant, and self-motivated,” said BRIG Howie, “You have the makings of a good soldier, a good employee and a good citizen. You need to thank your instructors for their fine work, and also your family for the sacrifices they have made while you have been away.”

The Territorial Force recruits ranged from young unemployed people to professional people in their forties, and their families and friends had travelled from all over New Zealand to see them graduate. Most of the graduates headed home with their families, but six of them had stayed on at Waiouru to continue on with their RIT 4 corps training.

Reported by John Archer

The makings of good soldiers

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PTE VC Judd, 5 WWCT, won the Top Shot award

At the end of May, 75 soldiers completed the lengthened 13-week All Arms Recruit Course 337 at The Army Depot, ATG Waiouru.

Although heavy rain caused the parade to be moved inside to the Eru Brown Gym – wasting the many hours of marching practice – this made the ceremony far more intimate. In the golden-lit gym, the waiata and haka were dramatic.

The reviewing officer, Major General Lou Gardiner, told graduating recruits that 13 weeks ago they would have been asking themselves, “Can I make friends with all these strangers? Can I make it through the course?” He congratulated the 87 percent of course entrants who had made it through the shared hardships of living out in the field, being wet, tired and hungry, and conquering the many other challenges they faced.

“There will be more challenges to come”, he promised.

Reported by John Archer

Indoor marchout

Top Recruit PTE S Diack RNZIR

Sergeant Major of the New Zealand Army Award (presented by SMA WO1 Bo Ngata) PTE H Te Kaute RNZIR

Top Shot PTE RWO Twine RNZIR

The Morehu Gedye Memorial Trophy, Most Skilled Individual Skill at Arms PTE H Te Kaute RNZIR

The BDR Alex MacDonald Memorial Trophy CPL JT Whitehead RNZALR

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Winning Section, Skill at Arms Competition PTE MJ Laing TPR JA Robertson PTE S Tamatea PTE OJ Watson PTE BJ McKinnon PTE CM Samuel PTE RWO Twine PTE AK Peat PTE DR Scown TPR MN Viney

Top Platoon Recruits PTE JJ Bush RNZIR (Ngarimu VC Platoon) PTE AK Peat RNZIR (Bassett VC Platoon)

Most Improved Recruits PTE C Paparoa RNZALR (Bassett VC Platoon) PTE MC Oates RNZIR (Bassett VC Platoon)

Awards

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RCT Brown keeps down low while setting a trip flare, to avoid detection by the enemy

PTE Twine receives his Top Shot trophy from MAJ GEN Gardiner

A. Brigadier Ants Howie inspects the graduates of All Arms Territorial Force course

B. Graduates of All Arms Territorial Force course 142 who marched out at ATG Waiouru

C. Graduates waiting to join their families

AwardsTop Recruit overall: PTE CHH Raihana

Top Recruit for 1Pl: PTE CP Judd

Top Recruit for 2Pl: PTE MS Anderson

Most Improved overall: PTE BA McNae

Most Improved for 1Pl: PTE PEJ Shakes

Most Improved for 2Pl: PTE WC Kim

Male winner of Cross-country:

PTE CP Judd

Female winner of Cross-country:

PTE KA Crawford

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our people11ISSUE 356 13 JUNE 2006

Noisy Southern men

THE MONEY COACH

Dealing with debtIt’s good to be able to borrow money when it helps you acquire assets like a home, a business or an education. However, debt can also be a trap, so here are a few points to consider:

· the interest you pay on debt sucks your money away from you and reduces your net worth;

· it is important to know the full cost of debt before you take it on;

· there are many easy credit options, but a loan may not be the best way for you to go;

· being able to afford repayments does not necessarily mean you should take them on, because debt of any kind can limit your options in life;

· debt can be good if you are in control but don’t let debt control you.

Should I pay off debt or save?There are good reasons to both save and pay off debt at the same time. Most Army personnel have a savings plan with a Superannuation Scheme. This is good long term saving. It can also be good to have short-term savings, for shorter-term goals like a holiday, or larger purchases.

Simple rules to follow or think about when looking at borrowing or saving:

· do I really need this item or service?· can I afford it?· borrow money to invest in assets you need i.e.

house, car;· save to pay expenses or non-essentials i.e. holiday,

sound system.

I’m in trouble with debt now, what should I do? Warning signs:· you don’t know how much you owe;· you often pay bills late;· you get a new loan to pay off the old one;· you pay only the minimum balance off each month;· you spend more than you earn; · you pay one bill because it’s due and then find yourself going short for the rest of the month.

So where do you begin to get back in the driver’s seat and stay in control of your money?

“Never run into debt, not if you can find

anything else to run into” (Josh Billings)

The hills of Northern Southland reverberated to the sound of small arms fire and exploding ordnance this month, with the men and women of the 4th Otago Southland Battalion Group exercising in the area.

“Exercise Noisy Southern Men”, based at the Acton valley area of Five Rivers, involved a range of weapons systems.

Battalion Adjutant CAPT Stuart McLean says the aim of the weekend was to continue the excellent training started in January with the South Island Territorial Annual Field Exercise, held in the Nevis Valley, and build towards other live firing exercises in coming months.

After several Wednesday nights conducting TOETS, the troops arrived at dawn and immediately went into a field zero of their personal weapons before starting a series of round robin activities, a jungle lane, instinctive shooting, grenades, M203s and M72s.

Night activity included a demonstration on the use of white light in an ambush situation.

Sunday morning attention was turned to the claymore. In small groups, individual claymores were laid out in a coordinated pattern in a close-country ambush scenario, and detonated together.

CAPT McLean says Exercise Noisy Southern Men was also an opportunity for prospective soldiers from the region to see what being in the New Zealand Army’s reserve is all about. Around a dozen potential recruits, or BUDDIES, and members

of the Dunedin Cadet Unit observed activities.They certainly saw the Army at its best, and the weather

at its infantry “best”. During the two days, the weather alternated between frosts, high winds, rain, drizzle, snow and, of course, mud.

Not that it dented the morale of those involved. Driver PTE Nathan Manning, says the high explosive ordinance was the best experience of the weekend, from posting the HE grenades and firing the M203 to the combined destruction of 10 claymores going off at once.

Contributed by CPL Larry White

Goal settingSetting realistic and achievable goals can be a real help with financial planning.

Ask yourself:· where am I financially?· where would I like to be? · make a list of all the things you would like to achieve

financially;· set some goals.

GROWGoal: What do I want? (Make a statement that reflects your goal e.g. I want to be debt free, I want a new car, I want to start saving …)Reality: What is my current situation? (Get real with yourself; don’t bury your head in the sand, being aware of how you stand financially can reduce a good portion of anxiety and give you a place to work from.)Options: What are my options for getting what I want? (Brainstorm all possibilities, e.g. create a budget, sell something, create a new income source etc.)Way Forward: What actions will I take to achieve this goal? (Practical steps to achieve goal e.g. contact Budget Advice, refinance, open a savings account etc…)Think about… What you may need and what advice or assistance you can access. Put a timeframe on your goal.

Available resourcesLocal Community Services Officer

· Linton: Stu Couchman· Waiouru: Carolyn Hyland· Burnham: Cherie Mansell

Army Central Welfare:· John McHaffie· Colleen Munro· Marie LotzArmy Welfare Resource Book

Local Budget Advice ServiceLocal Citizens Advice

FeedbackPlease, let us know if this information has been helpful to you, and/or if you have particular questions or scenarios that you would like help with. Email us Army.npf&welfare@nzdf.mil.nz. or phone 347 7826 and we could feature it next time.

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Look back to go forward

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you would divine the future”. With this

as the theme, 4th Otago Southland

Battalion Group soldiers spent an

evening looking at conflict – from

the Boer War, to peacekeeping in the

Solomon Islands.

LT James Field, OC of 4 O South,

provided an overview of world conflicts

Kiwi soldiers have participated in. New

Zealanders have taken well to war

fighting, but LT Field reminded soldiers,

“we’ve got to learn from history, its

mistakes and triumphs”.

Second in charge, LT Andrew Thomas,

looked specifically at the part played

by Otago Southland soldiers, from the

thousands of untrained civilians who

took their own horse and paid their

own way to fight in South Africa, to the

thousands killed in WWI and WWII.

South Island Army units have had a

somewhat checkered history. After the

regional focus of WWI battalions, WWII

saw the Otago and Southland join forces

with the Canterbury battalions. The

group was dubbed “a bunch of rogues

and undesirables”, but also yielded

the double Victoria Cross recipient,

Cantabrian Charles Upham.

In recent years, 4 O South

soldiers have been deployed on

peacekeeping operations in East

Timor, Sinai, Afghanistan, Syria and the

Solomon Islands.

who is where?overseas training Programme

nz personnel overseas

2 Log Bn

2 Engr Regt

Fort Bragg, USA

Australia

Petroleum Officer’s Course

Geomatic Officer’s Course

Mutual Assistance Programmeoverseas army personnel in NZ

Regular Force Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course

Regular Force Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course

Regular Force Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Course

Basic Carpentry Course

Basic Carpentry Course

LCPL R.O.R FAKA’OSI

LCPL F. SILI

LCPL W.S. TULEGA

LCPL S.T. TU’IMA

SPR L. QAQALAILAI

3 RTW, Burnham

3 RTW, Burnham

2 RTW, Linton

SME, Linton

SME, Linton

2LT JAMIE CALDER

LT MICHAEL EMERY

LOCATIONNAME COURSEUNIT

LOCATIONNAME COURSECOUNTRY

Tonga

Tonga

Fiji

Tonga

Fiji

LCPL Bristow speaks of his time as peacekeeper in the Solomon Islands

Grenade! Waiting troops watch from a safe distance

LCPL Dan Bristow, freshly returned

from deployment to the Solomons, told

of his experience in the ranks of a 2/1

platoon, from pre-deployment training

in New Zealand to patrolling in Honiara

during the recent riots.

As a TF soldier, he said he was well

accepted by the RF soldiers, and proved

to have more than adequate levels of

fitness and training. He said initially the

2/1st soldiers thought he was merely

claiming to be a TF soldier to cover

up the fact he was a transfer from 1st

Battalion!

Contributed by CPL Larry White

Supervised by SGT Mike White, PTE Ivan Embling of Sthlnd Pltn (L) and SIG Cameron Wood (R) prep their Claymores for placement and firing

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12news

It may surprise many to know that over 10,000 New Zealanders took part in Operation Overlord, the cross channel invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe on 6 June 1944. Some 4,700 New Zealanders helped crew the vast armada of the Royal Navy vessels that sailed across the Channel to the Normandy beaches. Another 6,000 were members of the Royal Air Force, primarily in Bomber and Fighter Command. This book features the stories of 12 New Zealand D-Day veterans. It also includes the story of a member of the French Resistance who helped many allied airmen who had been shot down over France, escape to safety.

The Big Show. New Zealanders, D-Day and the War in Europe mirrors the formula of other oral history works published by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. After an introduction, the interviews follow.

The strength of the book lies in the range of astounding experiences covered in the 13 interviews at the heart of this book. Some include: sailing a Landing Craft Infantry (LCI) loaded with 200 infantry soldiers and depositing them under fire on Juno beach; piloting a Dakota aircraft during the night of 5-6 June to drop paratroops in France prior to the landings; and being on board a RN frigate off the coast of Normandy when it was sunk by a torpedo or hit a mine. The end result was the same and the frigate sunk like a stone.

The interviews also include the experiences of baling out in a damaged Lancaster bomber over Germany and the desperate time that followed as a POW; of trying to set up a working radar unit while under heavy fire on Omaha Beach; and of providing fighter cover over the landing beaches and later trying to shoot down the V1 Flying Bombs or nudging them off course with their plane’s own wing tip.

The interview with Lucienne Voulzelaud of the French

resistance is a highlight of the book. This woman and her husband and friends risked daily torture and death in their efforts to help allied airmen escape from France, including one New Zealander interviewed in this book. Yet she regards her role with considerable humility. When asked if she regarded herself as brave or courageous, Madame Voulzelaud replied: “Absolutely not! 60 years later, I tell myself that, at that time, it was normal to do what we were doing.” It was hardly normal activity at all, as most of the airmen saved by the French Resistance could testify.

One of the great benefits of oral history is that it can cover a wide range of activities, as is evident in this book. Alison Parr has carefully constructed the narrative around each interview, so that these experiences are drawn out without ever being laboured. The photographs accompanying the text are excellent.

The main problem with the book is the introduction, which contains a wealth of detail but not a single footnote or reference. This is poor practice in a book that purports to be a scholarly work. The book also suffers from the lack of a concluding chapter to draw all the experiences together.

There is much of value in this book. The interviews thoroughly capture the courage, comradeship, endurance and sadness of war. They also highlight the roles many New Zealanders played in one of the most significant events of the 20th century. For this reason alone it is well worth reading.

Glyn Harper is a military historian and Director of Massey University’s Centre for Defence Studies.

THE BIG SHOW New Zealanders, D-Day and the War in Europe

Edited by Alison ParrPublished by Auckland University Press, in association withthe Ministry for Culture and Heritage, 2006

Reviewed by Glyn Harper

BOOK REVIEWS

FORENSIC DETECTIVE How I cracked the world’s toughest cases

By Robert MannAllen & Unwin $35.00

Reviewed by Elisha Bunn

They say it’s hard to be humble but at least most people try!

Picking up this book and flicking through the photographic sections, I had my hopes up for a lot more gore and intrigue than was delivered.

The book looks at cases investigated during Dr Robert Mann’s 20-year forensic anthropology career. The first chapter in the “casebook” details the serial killings of Jeffrey Dahmer and how forensic science solved his victims’ cases. Although this was an interesting start, sadly, the book turned into a hedonistic rant verging on self-obsessive greatness.

However, I continued to read, and for the fact-finders amongst you there were a few gems. “Contrary to common belief, hair and nails don’t keep growing after death; it’s the shrinkage of tissue that gives this illusion. Skin and hair are dead cells; they were dead before the individual died.” And, “the average femur (thigh bone), measuring 19.1 inches (486mm), comes from a person five feet, nine-and-half inches tall (1.76m)” – just a couple of dinner party facts.

Despite the author’s amazing self belief, I acknowledge he has achieved a lot. He has done wonders for forensic science and has created closure for many families with lost relations.

The most interesting section was on the implementation of the Unknown Soldier in the US and Europe. “The idea of honouring the unknown dead of World War I originated in Europe. France buried an unknown soldier at the Arc de Triomphe and England buried one in Westminster Abbey on 11 November, 1920, two years after the signing of Armistice – an agreement to stop fighting (not the actual peace treaty, which the United States signed in 1921).”

It was enlightening to learn the definition of “Unknown”, and the selection process for an Unknown Soldier. “To qualify for the honour, the remains had to be those of an American known to have died in action, and for whom all efforts at identification had failed. By convention, although not by law, at least 80 percent of the skeletal remains had to be present.”

The chapters run like short stories, with very little in common – besides the author – from serial killers, to random killings, to soldiers dying on foreign land and then back to more serial killers and random homicides. You could pick and choose the parts you wanted to read with it having little impact on the entirety of the book.

At stages throughout the book, it felt like the author was seeking counsel through writing. He shares his personal view on who he is and what makes him do what he does – and do it so well, he adds. Almost like a fly on the wall of a therapy session of someone who has seen too much, knows too much and enjoys being the one with all the answers.

Administering 1 RNZIR personnel at Linton Military Army Camp has given Private Allie Knofflock an appreciation of an infantry battalion. PTE Knofflock has been in the Army for a year and has been part of the 1 RNZIR Orderly Room administration team for the Battalion for five months.

Taking part in daily activities such as PT, field exercises, CO’s week, and the annual weapons shoot, has enabled the administration team to build a rapport with the soldiers. “It means they are more inclined to approach us about their pay, leave and general enquiries because they know us”, she says. PTE Knofflock helps administer the soldiers’ pay, leave, general enquiries, releases, Defence Transfer Loan Subsidy, trade banding upgrades, and travel.

“Taking part in their daily routine is also a lot of fun because we learn skills we would normally not have the opportunity to do.” PTE Knofflock really enjoyed taking part in the CO’s week held earlier this year. “It was heaps of fun; we did a river crossing, field tactics, ambushing and other activities.” Although the Linton Administration Centre personnel have regular training available, it was interesting to take part in the CO’s week with people who do this sort of training on a regular basis, she says.

Lance Corporal Mitchel Mirko has been an administrator for three-and-a-half years, including the last year administering 16 Field Regiment personnel. LCPL Mirko, who works with a team of four administrators in the Orderly Room, looks after the pay, leave, travel, course and deployment administration. Sometimes she is also the on-call regimental orderly non-commissioned officer within the regiment.

LCPL Mirko has learnt many new skills in the past 12 months. “[The regiment] has taught me how to do a gun salute, and has given me presentations about the regiment and JNCO training prior to going on my promotion course. I’ve learnt how

Out of the officeto fire the 105mm gun in the field, and read the citations for the medal presentations here this month”, she says. LCPL Mirko feels she is part of the regiment.

LCPL Mirko went to Malaysia, as part of Exercise Suman Warrior, before her posting to 16 Field Regiment. She helped on a command post exercise, provided pre- and post-administration, and administration throughout the exercise. “I attended leadership training with other nations, completing swim tests and survival training with them. It was really neat and the survival training was a highlight”, she says.

Reported by Caroline Williams

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CPL Powell (administrator), PTE Dunn, and LCPL Cameron (administrator) join members of 1 RNZIR during the annual weapons shoot

PTE Allie Knofflock waits for her turn on the range

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news13ISSUE 356 13 JUNE 2006

Punters came from far and wide to place bids on the 119 ex-NZ Army V8 Landrovers, which were auctioned at Linton Military Camp recently. The Landrovers were recently replaced with the Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle and declared for disposal.

“The best way to dispose of the V8 Landrovers was to give the public the opportunity to bid on them at auction”, says disposals officer Jo Harris. Nationwide, 308 Landrovers were auctioned at Linton, Burnham and Trentham military camps.

Joining the 119 Landrovers were four buses, two furniture trucks, three half-tonne trailers, one ambulance, and spare parts for V8 Landrovers. The four-hour auction, beginning at 10.30am, sold everything on the lot. The vehicles went from between $500 and $3000. “Seventy percent of the Landrovers were able to be driven off the compound. The rest were forklifted onto trailers”, said Ms Harris.

Who would buy these Landrovers? “We had bidders ranging from private museum collectors, hunters, fishermen, entrepreneurs wanting to do them up to sell later, collectors

Under the hammer – all sorts of people”, says Ms Harris. “Some people were buying a good vehicle and a non-runner, or boxes on wheels, as we call them, for spare parts.”

The V8 Landrovers were introduced into the NZ Army between 1982 and 1985. Classed as a commercial vehicle, they were used for four-wheel driver training, radio transportation for signallers, line laying, general stores, and patrolling in Bosnia and Bougainville. They were general service vehicles and highly utilised.

The LOV is a specialist military vehicle that is fully conversant for today’s Army. It is effective off road, runs on diesel, and is easy to look after in a field environment.

Ms Harris would like to thank all NZDF personnel assisting with the auctions. “I am stationed in Trentham and had to keep calling various people to get them to move vehicles here or do this and that with them prior to auctioning. It has been great because everyone has co-operated, which has made things easy for me”, she said.

Reported by Caroline Williams

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Army Special Operations Master Chief Instructor, Mr Geoff Todd, certainly has the credentials to head the new CQB course (Army News #355, p8).

Geoff was originally trained by the late Harry Baldock, an NZ Army WWII Unarmed Combat Instructor. Geoff then trained under Charles Nelson, a former Marine Corps hand-to-hand combat instructor, at his School of Self Defence in New York. Geoff was also trained by Colonel Rex Applegate, the legendary instructor of WWII’s OSS, and qualified as an instructor in his “kill or get killed” system.

Geoff was trained up to Master Chief Instructor level by Captain Ben Mangels, former chief instructor to the South African Military Elite, and by James Webb and Lawrence Jordan, master chief instructors for the US Army Special Forces. In 1996 Geoff was World Close Quarter Combat Instructor of the Year.

Geoff emphasises that he is not teaching a modified form of eastern martial arts. He says there is nothing more deadly than battlefield close combat – this is his motivation for preserving and improving the practice of true European military close combat, a tradition that goes back to the ancient Greeks and Celts.

Special ops masterW

N 0

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8

In WWII, this tradition was re-introduced back into the British Army by CAPT William Fairbairn, a former instructor in the Shanghai Police, who was well versed in the early European methods of military close combat, as well as in eastern techniques.

Reported by John Archer

Mr Geoff Todd teaches close quarter battle

The 60 students on the three-month Basic Combat Engineering (BCE) course at Linton Military Camp learnt basic vehicle checkpoint drills and how to construct a detonating screen.

During the VCP phase, students deal with situations that they may come across in operations, said Corporal Geoff Wintrup, BCE course instructor.

Although the students have only been in the New Zealand Army for five months, Sapper Johnny Slingshot put them through their paces, when he posed as a terrorist driving at high speed through the checkpoint. He was successfully stopped and detained by the students.

Reported by Caroline Williams

Students react well under pressure

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A bit of light-hearted fun during the course

Students detain SPR Slingshot after his attempt to break through the VCP at high speed

Students construct a detonating screen

1 RNZIR REUNION 2006 Years 1971–1989DIEPPE BARRACKS SINGAPOREWhere PALMERSTON NORTHWhen 20-22 October 2006Organised Events: Friday night get-together function (Social) Mystery bus tour Saturday evening dinner/function (Formal) Parade at Cenotaph Farewell functionPartners welcome

For more information or to registerEvent OrganiserManawa Sports TrustNeil WarnerPO Box 4185HAMILTON EAST

Phone: 07 839 2306 or Cell: 021 847 837Email: director@manawa.co.nz

cmykcmyk

HU

BB

ARD

CROSSWORD BY MIKE DUNCAN

CART

OON

14Entertainment★ stars

★ ★

seeing★

★★

#049

AQUARIUSJan 21 to Feb 19Get out and about and you might meet someone who sparks an interest to try something a little different. Just make sure that this time they give you a key as well. Or at least a safe word that is less than six damn syllables.

PISCESFeb 20 to Mar 20You must concentrate on your f itness in these wet, cold, miserable months when you are less that fully motivated to get out and do the necessary hard yards. Of course, the Grizzly Bear spends the winter hibernating and nobody gets lippy to it when it crawls out of its hole in spring …

ARIESMar 21 to April 20Someone is probably not being totally honest with you. That’s probably okay as you have been scamming a large number of people for years.

TAURUSApril 21 to May 21Someone is not pulling their weight and you might have to cover for them. Cover them with honey and put them near a wasp’s nest, more like it. It is important to nip such impertinence in the bud.

GEMINIMay 22 to June 21The latest computer simulation indicates that in the unlikely event of New Zealanders taking part in a major global military operation, you will need a very large calibre mouse.

CANCER June 22 to July 23Don’t fa l l for anyone in a relationship. Unless it’s your own partner. That’s probably fine.

LEOJuly 24 to Aug 23Don’t spend money on things you don’t believe in. Actually, given the things you DO believe in that aren’t actually that true, this leaves you with plenty of scope for expenditure.

VIRGOAug 24 to Sept 23Everything is starting to take shape. In a sad, misshapen, omigod-what-is-that kind of way. Pretty much as you expected, really.

LIBRASept 24 to Oct 23I t may be t ime for a new look. Something stylish, yet understated, that looks good in the dank steaming tropics or a freezing hole in the ground at about 3am.

SCORPIOOct 24 to Nov 22Don’t let your emotions rule your intellect. Remember, the difference between us and the rest of the planet is our rational brain. And the TV remote.

SAGITTARIUSNov 23 to Dec 20Gambling could be your downfall. Fight the need or get help. Or win a million dollars. Whichever is more likely. Just curb your insane optimism.

CAPRICORNDec 21 to Jan 20Just tell the inquiry that if you HAD known it was a critically endangered species of internal parasite you would have never have taken any medication for it and you definitely wouldn’t have run around hitting it with a stick when it crawled out. I mean, it DID look very much like that thing from the X-Files …

4 Review5 Trunk6 Wellington11 Subdivisions of larger military formations13 Body of troops with special duties14 Sports target15 Defensive wall18 Machine gun emplacements19 Knocks out 20 ----- Powell, founder of Boy Scouts24 Lyric poem

ACROSS:1 Powerful manoeuvrable beam 7 Detachable front part of gun carriage 8 Catch9 Coverd siege trench10 Military attack in force12 Accompany another for protection14 Dry watercourse in North Africa15 Wager16 Drive flank of enemy line round so the line is shortened17 Ambassador19 Strip of cloth worn over oneÕs shoulder21 Sense of humour22 Compass point23 Remove ammunition from25 Cloud to cover a military operation

DOWN:1 Simultaneous firing of artillery as a salute2 Charge3 Austere

1. What was the strategic aim of the Gallipoli campaign?

2. How many allied troops fought at Gallipoli?

3. Bernard Freyberg commanded 2 NZ Div in WWII. With which British unit did he serve at Gallipoli?

4. How many New Zealand troops landed on 25 April, 1915. 2000, 3000 or 5000?

5. Who commanded the British forces, including the ANZACs, on Gallipoli?

6. How long did the campaign last?

7. Soldiers from which countries fought at Gallipoli?

8. How many New Zealanders were serving at Gallipoli?

9. What were New Zealand’s casualties?

10. In terms of troop losses, which country suffered the most at Gallipoli?

ANSWERS1.The elimination of Turkey from the war as a German ally 2.Approximately 480,000 3. The Hood Battalion of the Royal Naval Division 4.3000 5. General Sir Ian Hamilton until 15 October, 1915, then Sir Charles Monro 6. Near enough to eight months: 25 April – 20 December, 1915, although the last British troops left Helles on 9 January, 1916 7. Turkey, Germany, NZ, Australia, France, Great Britain and India. 8. 8556 9. 7473; 2721 died and 4752 were wounded but many men returned again and again after recovering from wounds or disease 10. Turkey, with an estimated 250,000 casualties

THE smoko quiz #020

1. What kind of weapon is a mere?

2. What is the major difference between a musket and a rifle?

3. We all know what a Unimog is, but what does Unimog mean?

4. What is the full name of the steyr rifle?

5. Which two firms built the hundreds of thousands of Jeeps used by the Allies in WWII?

6. Which New Zealander is credited with winning the Battle of Britain?

7. What type of ships are HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana?

8. Which two New Zealand units participated in the Korean War?

9. What RNZN ships served in the Korean War from 1951 – 1953?

10. What has the New Zealand Govt designated 2006?

ANSWERS 1. It is a hand club carved from greenstone, wood or bone. Lethal in skilled hands and often a treasured heirloom usually owned only by chiefs of high standing.2. A musket barrel has a smooth bore while a rifle barrel has a twist of “rifling”, which spins the round making it fly true. 3. UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät”, (universal motor machine/equipment). 4. F88 Steyr 5.56 mm assault rifle. 5. Willys-Overland and Ford. 6. Air Marshal Sir Keith Park. During the battle he commanded 11 Group, which was charged with the defence of southern and southeast England, including London. 7. They are ANZAC Class ships built to the German MEKO 200 Class design. 8. 16 Field Regiment, RNZA and 10 Transport Company, RNZASC.

cmykcmyk

ISSUE 356 13 JUNE 2006

news15

Ammunition technicians and technical officers of the Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment came from all over New Zealand to attend the opening of the new Waiouru Ammunition Depot.

The ammunition processing building and five explosion-proof “igloos” were handed over to the Chief of the Army, Major General Lou Gardiner, by Mr Dick Lucas of Spantech, which manufactured the buildings.

The five new igloos replace the 43 WWII-era bunkers of the old ammunition

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Ammo depot opensdepot that had been dispersed over 100 hectares of Army land. The concrete was deteriorating on the old bunkers, and the winding hillside roadways were not suitable for moving pallets with forklifts.

The new igloos are steel “Quonset huts”. They are covered with a thick layer of concrete and blast-protected by earth wedges, enabling them to be placed close together on flat land. Mr Lucas said Spantech has built more than 600 of

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The new ammunition igloos are earth covered. When the grass sown on them grows they will blend unobtrusively into the environment

RNZLR ammunition technical officers and ammunition technicians form a guard of honour for the Chief of Army

Many former ammunition technicians who had worked in the old Waiouru Ammunition depot attended the opening and had the opportunity to inspect the new Spantech igloos

Mr Dick Lucas presenting MAJ GEN Gardiner with a model of one of his igloos

Sixty past and present ammo technicians gathered at Waiouru over Queen’s Birthday weekend to celebrate the opening of the new Ammunition Depot and to reminisce about the old days.

On Friday, they attended the opening of the new igloos and inspected the displays of munitions set up by the Army Museum. The displays of landmines brought back memories of the mine-clearing operations they had been involved in around the world.

On Saturday they thoroughly inspected the new facilities, including the new Explosives Processing Building. Now that this area has been taken over by the Logistics Corps, this memorial to Sergeant Chris Robinson has also been handed over to their care. SGT Robinson died when an armoured vehicle, in which he was an instructor, rolled in the Waitangi area in 1976. The pond, constructed for amphibious training, was named in his honour.

Ammo techs reminisce

The reunion finished on Sunday with the ceremonial closing of the old depot. An old WWII-era ammunition box “2CHG DEX 4/44,” was removed from Shed 42 in the old way: by passing it from hand to hand in a human chain. It was then put on a forklift and driven to the new depot. The box itself was empty; the two charges of demolition explosive manufactured in 4/44 were thought to be too heavy for some of the old ammo techs. One of these veterans proudly pointed to the personal inspection stencil he had put on the box back in the 1960s.

The old ammo techs had many stories. The most moving ones involved going to Cambodia to defuse landmines. One of them described how he had been asked to defuse piles of mines dumped under rotting shelters in a village. “It was very satisfying: I was able to put all the training I had been given here at Waiouru, to good use.”

Reported by John Archer

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LCPL Shane Le Brun, LCPL John Marriner and CPL Blair Hardgrave enjoy moving 2CHG DEX 4/44 to its new home

Oldest ammo tech MAJ (Rtd) Roy Larsen, and the most senior ammunition technical officer, LT COL Boustridge, transfer the 1944 ammo box to a forklift for its final leg to its new home

Robert Thiers and MAJ (Rtd) Roy Larsen are entertained by the “Wheelbarrow” robot as it checks out the old 62-year-old box

these explosion-proof buildings all round the world.

Waiouru’s ammunition technicians now have forklift loading facilities that are safer, more secure and take up much less land. When the grass sown on their roofs germinates, they will blend unobtrusively into the environment.

The opening was attended by former ammo techs who had served at the old ammunition depot, and representatives of local businesses who had assisted with the project. These businesses include Fulton Hogan, Byford’s Concrete, Ohakune Engineering, Benchmark, the Waiouru Hotel, Shell Waiouru and Cafe Express.

Reported by John Archer

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