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The ultimate test of body and brain for NZ Army Officers

The newest cohort of potential New Zealand Army officers have been put through their paces during Exercise Nemesis in Waiouru.

13 May, 2025

Chief Instructor Major Gwyn Macpherson said the purpose was to test the resilience and determination of the 54 Officer Cadets over the five days, in and exercise that closely resembles a similar course run in Australia, an Army we regularly work alongside. 

“The cadets are tested under duress to expose their character and develop coping strategies. They complete tasks all while walking more than 150 km carrying a full pack, with as little as four and a half hours sleep over the five days.

Each task is designed differently – but they all have a physical and cognitive aspect that requires problem-solving or the requirement to perform a military-orientated task.

Three soldiers lay belly down on a gravel track as they conduct tactical mine clearance. Each side of the track is surrounded by tussocks under greys skies. An instructors stands behind them watching.

OCDT section conduct a tactical mine clearance task designed to provide safe access.

Soldiers work as a team to repair a trailer.

The OCDT Section attempts to solve a task involving a broken trailer and movement of stores.

“This could be delivering stores, or working out a puzzle that requires brain power and teamwork. We closely monitor their fatigue levels through the New Zealand Defence Force’s Human Performance Cell, both as individuals and as a team. We want to know if cadets can make suitable decisions under physical and mental pressure and the only way to know that is to simulate the fatigue they might expect on a battlefield,” said Major Macpherson. 

Major Macpherson said with both armies working even closer together, it’s vital our Officers are performing at the same level. 

“The name ‘Nemesis’ hints at conquering the true foe: the enemy within each of ourselves,” said. Major Macpherson. 

He said they don’t expect cadets to be perfect or have all the answers.

“We are all human and are therefore perfectly flawed. We want the cadets to work hard for each other, display perseverance and give their 100%, developing strategies to overcome adversity if similar situations arise in the future. They will learn more about themselves under pressure and that results in better leadership, which is what makes the exercise ultimately successful,” said Major Macpherson.

A soldier looks at the camera with a rifle in their hands, they are wearing a camouflage jacket with their hood up.

A NZ Army Officer Cadet participates in Exercise Nemesis

Successful cadets will graduate at the end of this year as a Commissioned Officer in Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army, and move into their selected field.

And some advice for anyone wanting to become an Officer in the NZ Army and undertake the Commissioning Course?

“Get fit and challenge yourself. The NZDF Force Fit app can help you safely build up to a good standard prior to arrival, and hiking/walking while carrying weight will also help. The fitter you are, the less you will struggle with the course,” said Major Macpherson. 

“The course is arduous - both mentally and physically - and for good reason. Our highly professional and tough Kiwi soldiers deserve resilient and astute leaders to competently lead and inspire them.”