NZ Army stability and security training in Whanganui

Soldiers descended onto the river city as it became the fictional setting for a major exercise that simulated a security scenario in the Pacific.

More than 40 officer cadets, supported by about 80 NZ Army personnel, including engineers, signallers and intelligence officers, were tested on their ability to lead and command sections and platoons.  Exercise Santici assessed the softer skills required by officers in a potentially volatile peacekeeping situation.

The exercise covered scenarios that tested decision making, urban patrolling and checkpoints, locating and neutralising improvised explosive devices and protecting key resources and infrastructure.

Chief Instructor, Officer Cadet School, Major Ken Nicholson said urban security and stability operations requiredfinesse, especially when working with key leaders in the local community. 

“You rely on their goodwill and cooperation to achieve your mission. It's about nuanced communication and building relationships while keeping people and property safe. 

“In complex situations, commanders at all levels must be able to make the best decision with the information they have, sometimes very quickly.”

He said officer cadets may need to make hard decisions in dangerous places that will affect the lives of soldiers under their command.

There were 11 cadets from partner nations Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Tonga, and Australia taking part. Major Nicholson said training together improved interoperability between military forces and their ability to work seamlessly with each other.  

“It develops a diversity of culture, which supports diversity in thought. Our partners do some things differently to ourselves, they have different cultures and different ideas, and learning from them makes us all better.”