26 November 2009
Thirty three of the New Zealand Army’s newest leaders will graduate at the Officer Cadet School’s (OCS) 40th graduation at Waiouru Military Camp this Friday.
Since 1985, OCS has graduated 917 regular force (full-time) and 466 territorial force officers. Graduates this year include cadets from Tonga, Malaysia and two from Australia.
The Governor-General, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand is the reviewing officer for the ceremony.
The officer cadets have spent the last 11 months training, including around 100 days on military exercise, time in the lecture room and learning the essential military skills required of all members of the New Zealand Army. This year the cadets conducted major exercises in Samoa and in south Waikato.
Chief of Army Major General Rhys Jones says, “The New Zealand Army values its people, providing world-class education, training and leadership to provide skills for life. The young officers who graduate on Friday show that success comes through discipline, training, teamwork and living our ethos and values. The future leadership of the Army is in good stead.”
In January 2010 the graduates will move to their chosen corps within the New Zealand Army for ongoing training. Many recent graduates from OCS are already on operational service and testing their skills as military leaders in challenging and extreme environments.
ENDS
To attend the Officer Cadet School graduation or for further information please contact Bas Bolyn, Senior Communications Adviser (Army) on 04 496 0497 or 021 962 030.
Quick Facts:
The graduates include cadets from Tonga, Malaysia and two from Australia. On ceremonial occasions at the Officer Cadet School, nations who currently have students will be represented by their national flag.The oldest graduate is 33 .Eight of the graduates have successfully completed the Army’s Kippenberger scholarship scheme.
Since 1985, OCS has graduated 917 regular force (full-time) and 466 territorial force officers. The majority have been commissioned into the New Zealand Army with the remainder being commissioned into the armies of 10 allied nations including Australia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. For the first time in OCS history graduates will receive their commissioning parchments on the day of their graduation.
Prizes to be awarded at the OCS Graduation Ceremony:
The Military History Trophy
Awarded to the Officer Cadet who gains the highest aggregate marks in Military History.
The Sultan of Brunei’s Prize
Awarded to the best Mutual Assistance Programme Officer Cadet.
The Australian Chief of Army’s Prize for Tactics
Awarded to the Officer Cadet gaining the highest aggregate marks in Tactics subjects.
The Corps of Officer Cadets Officer Commanding’s Prize
Awarded to the Officer Cadet who has displayed the greatest improvement throughout
the entire course in all areas.
Commandant’s Prize
Awarded to the Officer Cadet whose performance in and contribution to the Corps of Officer Cadets is assessed as being most deserving of recognition.
Commander New Zealand Land Training and Doctrine Group Waiouru Prize
Awarded to the Officer Cadet gaining the highest aggregate marks in communication skills.
Sergeant Major of the Army’s Prize
Awarded to the Officer Cadet for best performance across all aspects of field training.
Chief of Army’s Prize
Awarded to the Officer Cadet who has best exhibited the attributes of leadership.
Governor General’s Medal
Awarded to the Officer Cadet gaining the highest aggregate marks in all subjects.
Sword of Honour
Awarded to the Officer Cadet who best displays the qualities of leadership, initiative, integrity, motivation, academic ability and physical fitness, and who is assessed as having the greatest potential as an Army Officer.