Giving overseas Defence students the best possible chance to succeed is Warrant Officer Greg Mitchell’s mission.
An instructor at the Defence Language Centre at Trentham Military Camp, his students range from senior Defence personnel completing tertiary study at the NZDF Command and Staff College, to junior non-commissioned officers about to undertake a variety of courses or training at New Zealand Defence establishments.
Under the NZDF Mutual Assistance Programme (MAP) selected military personnel from 14 countries throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia come to New Zealand for NZDF training or work experience. NZDF instructors are also based in several of those countries to assist with training. MAP is part of the NZDF’s contribution to security and stability in the South Pacific.
MAP students must be able to speak proficient English to qualify to train in New Zealand. The Language Centre not only ensures their English is adequate for the course they plan to do, but provides them with other skills and experience to help them cope in New Zealand, and succeed.
"Many of our students have never been overseas before, so a lot of what we teach them at first is basic, but helps them establish themselves here. They learn about our culture, how to find their way around using our transport system, and how the NZDF operates. They also visit places of interest, like Te Papa, to expand their knowledge. "Some have limited computer skills or public speaking experience, so we make sure they research and give presentations to their class-mates and instructors, which we critique and help them improve."
The Language Centre, which is part of the Military Studies Institute, structures its courses individually to ensure an appropriate basis for the training. "For example, if we have a group of tradesmen," says Warrant Officer Mitchell, "we make sure they are very familiar with English trade terminology. It’s all about making sure they have the best possible chance to do well, and to get the most out of being in New Zealand."
Above, Royal Fiji Military Force soldiers, Private Mikaele Dovi (left) and Private Tevita Tuivakano, with Defence Language Centre instructors Warrant Officer Greg Mitchell(second left) and Major Mike Nicholls.