Leadership training the final test for our newest RNZAF Officers

Our newest Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Officer Cadets have just completed their last leadership exercise and assessment ahead of graduation in a few weeks.

06 June, 2025

Exercise Revelation, which took place at Dip Flat training area in Marlborough, tested our aviator’s ability to apply functional leadership principles which are critical to being an Officer in the RNZAF.

Initial Officer Training Course Director Flight Lieutenant (FLTLT) Kevin Shanley said this exercise is the last in a series of leadership exercises before they graduate.

“We use a progressive ‘crawl-walk-run’ method in our development approach to leadership training, this exercise was the ‘run’ part of their training.

“The aim of this exercise was to gain experience within the deployed environment, and to plan, organise and run a Forward Operating Base (FOB),” he said.

Officer Cadet Celine Conaglen said she enjoyed the variety of scenarios throughout the exercise and although they had an idea of what was coming next, there was always the unpredictability of what they could encounter.

“The most challenging thing was your team was always changing. This was an essential skill to develop and be able to identify and utilise the strengths of your peers in order to execute a mission effectively.”

She said the highlight of the exercise was being able to put the leadership techniques they have been developing into action.

Two uniformed aviators are at a table - one is seated, one is standing up. They are looking at maps and have notebooks. They are inside somewhere.

Uniformed aviators walk on a shingle road carrying weapons. There is green bush hill in background as well as a rainbow. To the right of the photo and background you can see buildings. The right one is bright yellow.

Three uniformed aviators stand with a unimog in the background. The two closest have their backs to the camera and the one with their face toward the camera is in the centre, smiling but looking at the aviator to the right.

Exercise Revelation tested our aviator’s ability to apply functional leadership principles which are critical to being an Officer in the RNZAF.

“Personally seeing my own growth as a leader come to fruition was rewarding. Throughout the exercise I would find myself constantly reflecting on my own contribution to the team and my own performance.

“My biggest takeaway was if you have a plan to stick to it, and don’t let the loud voices in the room sway you,” OCDT Conaglen said.

FLTLT Kevin Shanley said this training is important as our junior RNZAF Officers are required to lead their personnel in a broad spectrum of scenarios.

“At Command and Recruit Training Squadron we aim to produce an RNZAF Officer with a military mindset who can operate within a variety of military roles or situations.

“Once they are able to do this and graduate, they will undertake their training within their trade specialisaton around the country,” he said.

Our newest Officers will graduate at the end of June at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.