Forging firepower: weapons specialists sharpen combat edge in snowy Tekapo
Battlefield success relies on communication and coordination between the frontline units, and those providing critical support – that’s where 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment’s (2/1 RNZIR) Fire Support Group (FSG) comes in.
13 May, 2025
Soldiers from the Direct Fire Support Weapons (DFSW) and Anti-Armour (AARMD) Platoons of FSG recently participated in Exercise Sangro River to develop and enhance support weapon skillsets.
The exercise, which took place at Tekapo Military Training Area, focused on live-fire training, emphasising weapon handling, accuracy, command and control, and operational efficiency under both non-tactical and tactical conditions.
DFSW soldiers trained with Heavy Machine Guns, Grenade Machine Guns, and Sustained Fire Machine Guns, while AARMD focused on Javelin (dry) and Carl Gustav systems.
The exercise worked on technical skills in the employment of these weapon systems, as well as the delivery of ground based fires within tactical scenarios. It proved crucial training in enhancing FSG's skills, ensuring our soldiers are capable of conducting live-fire operations safely and effectively.
Soldier's from 2nd/1st Battalion, RNZIR’s Fire Support Group in the Tekapo Military Training Area during Exercise Sangro River
Lance Corporal Brett Toki from DFSW Platoon said they were challenged on Exercise Sangro River through developing their technical skills on the tools.
“We also forged some resilience when a fresh dump of snow swept across the training area and temperatures dropped.
“With the change in conditions comes changes in how we operate; we take care ensuring we can sustain ourselves out on the ground. We also stay flexible with how we employ the weapon systems by making best use of the optics we have available.”
He said this approach gave the platoon the ability to infiltrate early by night to identify and mark targets for engagement.
“In addition, with our thermal and new night-vision technology we can ultimately get rounds down-range,” he said
Soldier's from 2nd/1st Battalion, RNZIR’s Fire Support Group in the Tekapo Military Training Area during Exercise Sangro River
FSG Commander Lieutenant Mikayla Bigwood said the exercise helped in strengthening core skills and readiness.
“Exercise Sangro River provided valuable learning opportunities for the FSG Platoon to focus on individual and section-level drills aligned with their core tasks.
“It was essential for skill development, readiness, and building confidence through live-firing experiences,” she said.
The training also laid the groundwork for future support to the Motorised Infantry Company Group (MICG) from 2/1 RNZIR.
“FSG is tasked with deploying a section equipped with FSG-specific weapon systems within the MICG, ensuring rapid response readiness when needed,” Lieutenant Bigwood said.
The supporting elements of Joint Support Group and 2nd Engineer Regiment provided essential medical and firefighting capabilities ensuring the safe execution of live-fire training.
Exercise Sangro River