The RNZAF’s new Chief of Air Force, AVM Graham Lintott, has been in the job for a little over three months. Air Force News Editor, Grant Carr, asked him about the Air Force’s projected new capacity and its plans for the future.
- In late July your senior officers and key advisors came together over three days for the annual planning seminar at Base Woodbourne. What has come out of that planning session?
- The first two days of CASEM focussed on the important task of developing a strategic plan to usher in a new stage in our Air Force’s life. We worked on mapping out how to achieve the introduction of new capability, growing by another 250 people, and building a modern Air Base at Ohakea - and presenting that in a language that we can all understand. Some subsequent work has been done on word-smithing the plan and we will have posted the first version posted on the NZDF Intranet. People should read that and give their feedback. On the third day we turned our attention to ‘issues’, particularly identifying organisational faults and inefficient processes. The group was really captured by the idea of eliminating waste within the RNZAF - I was delighted with this focus because the elimination of waste is one of the key factors to enable us to free up resources so that we can meet the challenges of the next five to seven years.
- Approval to purchase eight NH90 helicopters, modifications to the B757 and upgrades for the C-130 and P-3 Orion. These are all major projects that will enhance the Air Force’s capability. What’s your sense of Air Force personnel’s morale now?
- Indeed. In the three and a half months since I took over I’ve been around and visited all the bases at least twice and I’ve talked to at least 80 percent of our people. I get a sense that morale is pretty good and that the vast majority of us are really excited about what’s coming down the line in the way of new capabilities. That can only be good for morale. By introducing these new capabilities into service and building a modern operational air base at Ohakea, this current generation of Air Force people is being charged with setting up our Air Force for the next 30-50 years. Hopefully we all see that as an exciting challenge and something to be proud of. It’s a little like the 1960s when we introduced the Hueys, Orions, Skyhawks and Hercules to service for a whole new era of Air Force operations.
- Three services, one force. The previous CDF AM Bruce Ferguson was keen to see all three services working more closely together. What’s your view of tri-Service and how far should it go – with reference to the Canadian experience?
- I’m a strong supporter of the tri-Service ‘joint’ concept along with everyone in the CDF’s executive leadership team. It’s the new reality and our deployments reflect that fact. But I wouldn’t go as far as the Canadians – with everyone in the same uniform. Our Services have strong and proud heritages, cultures and traditions but that’s no impediment to us working closely together. Jointness should not be seen as “ sameness” – each Service is expert in their environment and we should bring our strengths together appropriately to achieve the desired effect.
- You have just spent several days in Australia. How would you describe the RNZAF’s relationship with the Australian Defence Force and/or our other allies?
- Yes I just spent a week [14-18 August] being hosted by the Australian CAF. I also met with their CDF and Secretary of Defence, their equivalent of the Air Component Commander and Commander Joint Forces and visited Edinburgh and Richmond. We have excellent relations with our ANZAC partners at the senior levels and there is a real sense that we trust and understand each other. Of course the Australian Defence Force is a lot bigger than the NZDF with a great deal more depth and capacity.
It’s a relationship that can’t be taken for granted and I am keen to see more initiatives for engaging with the Australians.
Likewise we have close relationships with other nations – Singapore and Malaysia in particular are important partners. In the wider context we continue to have constructive relationships with our traditional allies – the UK, Canada and the United States.
- What is the biggest single challenge facing the Air Force over the next five years?
- The big challenges in the next 5 to 7 years are the introduction into service of over 30 new and upgraded aircraft across six fleets, building a modern air base at Ohakea, and growing by another 250 people. The nuts, bolts and technology are the relatively easy part. People are the real lifeblood of the Air Force so getting the right people, with the right training and the right attitude doing the right things is essential. Getting the right quality and quantity of recruits is not going to be easy because many organisations are seeking the same sorts of people as we are. That is why we all need to think of ourselves as recruiting officers and take every opportunity to encourage people to join us. At the other end of the scale, retention is also critical – that is why I have challenged leaders throughout the Air Force to ensure that people are given responsibility, are rewarded appropriately, and continue to enjoy working here.
The RNZAF’s vision is: ‘We will be the best in all we do.’ How do you think we measure up to our stated vision.
That’s an aspirational vision. It’s something you aspire to but never quite reach because you’re always looking for improvements. But I believe we are well on the way to instilling an attitude of being the best. Yes, we are well on the road.
- The Air Force’s Maori Cultural Group is an expression of the Air Force’s commitment to bi-culturalism. What’s your view of bi-culturalism and how far should it go in the Air Force?
- Bi-culturalism is very important and the Air Force has done well to make the service a comfortable and welcoming place for Maori culture to be celebrated. The Air Force’s Te Awhiorangi [Maori Cultural Group] has worked hard to set up a support network and I feel proud whenever I see them perform. Our policy has three strands: partnership, protection and participation.
But culture can’t be imposed compulsorily so our people are encouraged to participate as they feel comfortable.
And of course our bi-culturalism reflects a growing trend in New Zealand society to protect and nurture our indigenous culture. Bi-culturalism is more important than multi-culturalism in that context because all other cultures within New Zealand [e.g.Indian, Chinese, Thai, Tongan, Fijian] have a strong overseas home base. We have a duty to promote our indigenous culture because there’s no one else in the world that will do that.
Having said that, I’m concerned that we do not adequately represent the ethnic mix of New Zealand society, and I would like to see more Maori, Pacific Island, and Asian people in our team – this is something we need to work on.
- What single bit of advice would you give an Air Force recruit just about to start their career?
- First I’d congratulate them on their choice of an excellent career in an organisation full of great people. We will give them top class training and qualifications, we’ll even pay them to go through university – no student loans. And then I’d tell them that they have impeccable timing. Recruits and officer trainees coming onboard now or in the near future will be fully involved in flying and maintaining state-of-the-art equipment and technology. And then they will get to use that technology in exciting jobs all over the world – they will travel a lot.
My advice to recruits is to seize every opportunity that comes their way – whether that is training, experience, deployment, sport or whatever. They will be offered plenty of opportunities to extend themselves. You’re only young once so grab those chances with both hands. When you’re older and wiser you’ll appreciate the challenges that came your way.
- As Chief the men and women of the RNZAF look to you for leadership. How would you describe your leadership style?
- I think I have a humanist approach to leadership – I enjoy working with people and developing a team approach. I try to lead by example and endeavour to demonstrate our values in everything I do. I take the advice of the people around me. I am certainly not expert in everything, so I like to develop competence and leadership throughout our Air Force so that I can be assured of getting honest and good advice. I look to putting the right people into the right jobs and delegating responsibility to them and trusting them to achieve the goals. But there are, of course, times when you have to make challenging decisions. I’m not afraid to make the hard choices. That’s part and parcel of my job.
- What shape will the Air Force be in 10/20 years time?
- I am optimistic about the Air Force’s future. Without too much crystal ball gazing its possible to imagine the Air Force of the future consisting of two modern bases – training at Woodbourne and operations at Ohakea. The bases will have modern facilities to support our capable force elements and modern equipment staffed by smart people ready and able to deliver military air operations in support of New Zealand’s security interests.
- Assuming your busy schedule allows you some spare time what interests, passions or sports do you follow or play?
- Yes. I don’t get much spare time in this position. Apart from relaxing with my family I’m a passionate golfer but I’ve only played three games since I’ve been in this job – I need to improve my time management and self-discipline to get out more. I’m also an avid sports spectator, particularly of rugby.