Westport paramedic joins Reserve Force to help community

Private Armstrong, who attended Buller High School, said seeing the NZ Army assist in disaster relief and severe weather events gave him even more motivation to sign up.

The 26-year-old did a bit of research then approached his neighbour who currently serves as a Platoon Sergeant in 2nd/4th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Sergeant Gordon Storer.

“Initially I didn’t think I could belong in the Reserve Force on the West Coast, I thought I had to be based in Christchurch. However, our family friend, Sergeant Storer served so I hit him up with a few questions I needed clarifying.”

As a winch operator and paramedic operating on the West Coast rescue helicopter with Garden City Helicopters Aviation, Private Armstrong isn’t averse to mental, emotional or physical challenges.

In his civilian employment, he provides advanced pre-hospital care to often acutely unwell patients, and also performs search and rescue throughout the South Island.  He rescues patients from remote locations both on land and at sea, and assists pilots during rescues by ensuring scene safety.

Private Armstrong attended NZ Army recruit training during November and December, graduating before Christmas.

“Being a bit older, and already comfortable with being uncomfortable due to my civilian career, I naturally fell into a leadership role within my section during recruit training,” Private Armstrong said.

In January, he spent three weeks on Reserve Force Infantry Corps training to become an infantry soldier, training on a variety of weapons systems, soldiering skills, casualty care and field radio communications. The Waiouru Military Training Area served up its typically unpredictable weather conditions, ensuring soldiers were exposed to a variety of physical challenges.

“The highlight of infantry training was definitely the live field firing phase, it was just awesome.  You’re trusted to move and shoot with your battle buddy, there’s nowhere else you can do that.”

Shooting coaches positioned beside each individual firer provide mentorship throughout the live field firing, and safety is paramount.

“You definitely build a huge amount of trust in your battle buddy, and them in you."

“We’ve spent all night freezing in a hole lying in our ambush positions, making each other meals and patrolling under challenging conditions together.  It’s quite cool, you couldn’t get that anywhere else.”

He said his communication skills really improved as a result of the experience.

“Having concise communication between your section members and platoon is important for success, and this training has definitely taught me how to use my voice, project it loudly and clearly, and give concise communication.

“It doesn’t matter what civilian area you come from, you’re forced to grow and improve, and you’ll gain skills you can use elsewhere. If you think you want to join the Reserve Force, showing up with a good mind set and strong work ethic, you’ll pass and get a lot out of it.”

Each Reserve Force infantry company has its own training programme in line with its battalion’s training focus.

Company level training typically takes place one weekend a month with platoon level training every two weeks on average.

Each year Reserve Forces from around New Zealand take part in Exercise Tauwharenīkau, which is supported by Regular Force elements. This exercise is in addition to regular training activities on weekends and at night parades.

Reserve Force soldiers can also take part in all New Zealand Defence Force exercises, both nationally and internationally, based on time availability and skills required.

Any Defence Recruiting enquiries can be made by phoning 0800 1 FORCE or visit www.defencecareers.mil.nz(external link)