Chief of Army
Major General Lou Gardiner
12 December 2006
As the Busy Year Ends
In this last issue of Army News for 2006 I want to take the opportunity to thank all personnel, Regular, Territorial Force and civilian, for the effort that has gone into achieving the outputs the New Zealand Government required of the NZ Army.
During the year we have deployed forces at short notice to the Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste and Tonga, and continued to support a number of other missions in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Korean Peninsula, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Sudan and Antarctica.
Also during this time we have completed the introduction into service of the light operational vehicle (LOV) in its various variants, the medium-range, anti-armour weapon system, and the identification capability element (VACS) of the Air Defence System.
Whilst all this was being performed, the raise, train and sustain aspect of the Army was being undertaken with good success. Recruiting has continued to be very successful despite the increase in competition for high quality people due to New Zealand’s very low unemployment rate, reported as being the lowest in the OECD. This is a credit to our recruiting staff and the generally good public relations around Army activities, both operational and non-operational.
Credit must also be given to our trainers in the Army Training Group, especially those involved with Officer Cadet School and The Army Depot, who continue to produce well-trained personnel who are ready to take their place within Army units. These Army units continue to produce the outputs required of them as they juggle resources to meet the current high operational tempo whilst at the same time continue to manage the impact of the ongoing modernisation process.
I must make a special mention of the team leading and managing the Limited Volunteer Scheme. Having recently reviewed a march-out parade, I was so proud of what they achieved in a six-week period, which was clearly demonstrated in the new-found pride exhibited by the LSV graduates. Since 1993, 7,500 personnel have passed through the scheme. This is a very real direct contribution to New Zealand society by the New Zealand Defence Force.
And last but not least, my thanks are extended to all those personnel employed in Headquarters who create the environment and conditions that enable the units to prosper. All this success has been achieved due to dedicated and loyal personnel who continue to serve New Zealand honourably and loyally.
To you all I want to offer my thanks. You have done well and deserve a well-earned break over Christmas. I know you will all realise the pace is not likely to slow down next year so a good break will allow you to be reinvigorated and well prepared to tackle whatever comes up in the New Year.
I would like to conclude by offering you and your families all the best wishes for a happy and joyful Christmas and New Year on behalf of myself and the Army leadership team who have been sharing the writing of this column with me during this year.
Meri Kirihimete