Mentored for success - Reservists complete infantry corps training

In typically unpredictable Central Plateau conditions for the height of summer, the rain was pelting down on the Waiouru Military Training Area as 59 Reserve Force Infantry Corps Training (RICT) soldiers disembarked a New Zealand Army UNIMOG vehicle.

They hit the ground running and moved forward to all-round defensive positions under the direction of their section commanders.

Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) John Harris, the Training Warrant Officer for the course, says these soldiers attended their basic recruit training last year and were now developing their core combat skills to the levels required of an infantry soldier.

“The training focused on operating as an infantry soldier in a rifle section with a train, mentor, develop focus by training staff.”

Soldiers were introduced to specific infantry weapons and training scenarios and continued to develop and refine skills they’d learnt on recruit training. 

They familiarised themselves with weapons systems including the MARS-L rifle, grenade launchers, CDF (Charge Directional Fragmentation device), the M72 Short Range Anti-Armoured Weapon, and the Light Support Weapon (LSW) machine gun.

In terms of honing their field skills, they undertook scenarios involving patrolling, observation posts, clearing patrols, ambushes, using open and close country scenarios.

Live field firing maneuvering in pairs and fours, and placing grenades into enemy trenches, were among the highlights for the soldiers, and marked the conclusion of the war fighting field phase of the training.

“The weather was extremely wet and unpredictable throughout the field phase,” WO2 Harris said. 

“They had to persevere in the face of adversity and remained positive - they definitely built their resilience.”

Each year responsibility for running the training is rotated through the three Reserve Force Battalions. This year 3/6 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR), took the helm.

Its Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Regan Cherrington, commended the soldiers on their collective commitment, dedication and resilience while reminding them they are now qualified Reserve Force infantry soldiers.

“The current strategic environment demands immediate readiness. We are not exercising and training, we are rehearsing.

“Become proficient with the basics and this will hold you in good stead.”

He also spoke of the diversity of skills the Reserve Force brings to the New Zealand Army Ngāti Tūmatauenga, and the value this holds. 

The Commanding Officer of 3/6 Battalion, RNZIR, Lieutenant Colonel Tom McEntyre, reiterated the current geopolitical environment and emphasised the importance of having highly-trained soldiers who are ready to be called upon, and ready to fight. He acknowledged the commitment shown by the recruits.

“Thank you for taking the time away from your families, summer holidays and civilian life to put on this uniform and contribute to something much bigger than yourselves.”