Developing Army’s leaders

Three New Zealand Army soldiers have recently been recognised and honoured at the world’s premier academy for Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) in the United States. 

“Leaders build lethality, we develop leaders.”

That’s the motto of the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence, the premier institution for developing and enhancing senior leaders in the US Army. Previously, and still colloquially known as the Sergeants Major Academy (SGM-A), it has provided the gold standard of NCO development for more than five decades. 

Since 1998, New Zealand has regularly contributed to the academy with senior NCOs attending, with 28 warriors now having graduated through the academy.

Recently, three New Zealand Army personnel’s achievements were recognised as they each marked a different chapter in their careers.

Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Brett Maraku graduated from the academy’s latest intake, Class 75; WO1 Ray Kareko, the current Warrant Officer for Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand and former academy alumni, became the third Kiwi to be inducted into the academy’s hall of fame, and; WO1 Clive Douglas, former Sergeant Major of the New Zealand Army, was awarded the United States Army’s Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) on completing three years at the academy as an instructor.

WO1 Brett Maraku: Graduate of Class 75

A Physical Training Instructor (PTI) in the New Zealand Army by trade, WO1 Brett Maraku knows what it takes to operate at the highest levels, to be conditioned and primed to operate at your peak.

But constantly strengthening and developing his mind and broadening his educational journey has been a hallmark of his career.

In his 25 years of service in the Army, he has not only grown as a soldier and a leader, but he’s regularly completed tertiary study in the fields of Physical Education, Science and Technology and Defence Studies. He has post-graduate certificates and diplomas in Intelligence and International Security and is currently completing his master’s degree through Massey University.

He says the step up at the academy was significant, with a comprehensive curriculum covering leadership, joint operations, warfighting functions, strategic thinking, ethical decision-making, and contemporary military issues.

“The academy is designed to prepare soldiers to serve as senior enlisted leaders across the United States Army and its partner nations throughout the world. The academic workload was demanding, especially when adapting to US systems, doctrine, and terminology, and it demanded a positive balance of study, family commitments, and, of course, enjoying what this place had to offer.

WO1 Maraku was one of 565 students who made up Class 75, reflecting the scale at which the academy operates.

“The learning environment, although challenging, has been a great experience, particularly diving into multi-domain operational planning at the division level. This has certainly given me a greater perspective and understanding of multi-national joint operations, pushing me to think critically and engage with topics well beyond the tactical level, helping me broaden my strategic lens.”

He says having Kiwi soldiers attend the course is invaluable and stretches beyond just academia.

“It strengthens our engagement and interoperability with key strategic partners and exposes our future leaders to operational complexities - such as large-scale, multinational operations.

“It also keeps us aligned with evolving operational thinking and contemporary warfare so we can bring back knowledge, networks, and perspectives to help shape how we lead in a garrison and operational environment.

And fundamentally, it helps put New Zealand on the map.

“Being able to share our values, our military ethos, and our Ngāti Tumatauenga culture added a unique perspective that was welcomed from everyone.”

WO1 Ray Kareko: Hall of Famer

It’s only a few years ago that WO1 Ray Kareko was in the same shoes as WO1 Maraku.

Reflecting on his time at the academy alongside fellow Kiwi soldier WO1 Lyall Mooney, he says the scale at which they operate was impressive.

“I was in Class 69, along with WO1 Lyall Mooney. We had two Kiwis going through at the same time, which made the experience all the more memorable. The size of the academy stood out straight away, with around 700 students. But I also remember how easily we, as Kiwis, were able to connect with people - building friendships came naturally, and many of those connections have lasted well beyond the course.”

Those friendships developed into what is a crucial global network of senior enlisted leaders, providing WO1 Kareko with a group for which he can both seek and offer advice, perspective and support.

In the years following his graduation from the academy, he was appointed Command Sergeant Major 1 (NZ) Bde and later the Land Component Sergeant Major. He is currently posted as the Warrant Officer for Headquarters Joint Forces New Zealand – the second highest ranking NCO position in the New Zealand Defence Force. 

“Good leadership starts with self-awareness. Knowing how you come across, being honest about your strengths and weaknesses, and understanding your impact are essential. From there, it is about building trust through empathy, consistency, and strong relationships.”

Six years on from his own graduation, WO1 Kareko recently returned to the academy following what he says was a surprise induction into its Hall of Fame of International Military Students.

He is only the third Kiwi to make the wall, alongside WO1 Clive Douglas, and WO1 Danny Broughton.

“It was genuinely humbling and not something I ever expected. The ceremony was a bit overwhelming, and at first I felt slightly embarrassed by the attention, but once the moment settled in, I felt incredibly honoured.

“What made it even more meaningful was seeing my picture up there alongside WO1 Danny Broughton and WO1 Clive Douglas - two other Kiwis who’ve made such a strong impact was both humbling and a proud moment. It reminded me of the calibre of people I’ve been fortunate to serve alongside.”

WO1 Clive Douglas: US MSM recipient

WO1 Clive Douglas knows the Sergeants Major Academy better than most, he’s spent nearly five years of his career there; first as a graduate of Class 63 in 2013, before returning nearly a decade later to serve a three-year term as an instructor on the course.

He was only the second New Zealander to fill an instructor’s role, following his predecessor WO1 Andrew Boykett.

“The academy, and our contribution to it from a New Zealand Army perspective, has formed the basis of a robust and enduring bilateral exchange, not only of personnel but also of shared values, operational philosophies, and professional military education. New Zealand’s consistent presence at SGM-A — whether through students or instructors — has reinforced a strategic commitment to international interoperability and leadership excellence.”

WO1 Douglas says that returning to the academy as an instructor was both a professional aspiration and a personal mission, and now, reflecting at the end of his tenure he sees the past three years as being amongst his greatest achievements.

 “I found deep purpose in giving back to an institution that had significantly shaped my leadership trajectory. This role allowed me to empower not only American soldiers but also peers from sister services and international partner nations.”

He says it also plays a crucial role in the enduring relationship we have with key partners, but also allows New Zealand to be at the table when it comes to discussions on the ever-evolving strategic context.

“The character of warfare is shifting, driven by rapid technological advances such as autonomous systems and offensive/defensive drone capabilities. These developments compel us to reconsider how the NZDF force generates, structures, and sustains its capabilities. Exchange roles like mine are critical for understanding these shifts firsthand and informing how we adapt domestically.”

In recognition of WO1 Douglas’ contribution to the academy, he was presented with a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for his service, with his citation acknowledging his significant work in re-shaping their Indo-Pacific curriculum and strategic doctrine, and mentoring more than 210 Senior NCOs from armies around the world.

He’s now looking forward to the next chapter of his career back home, even if the next position remains unknown.

“As I return to New Zealand, my future lies at a crossroads — commissioning or transitioning from the Army are both possibilities. Yet, I am most eager to reconnect with whānau and reflect on the unique experiences that have shaped my career.”