From the Himalayas to Waiouru – Army Reserves offer new perspective for banking specialist

The climate is incredibly varied, and temperatures can drop to freezing levels, but the Aucklander still found sleeping outdoors in the Waiouru Military Training Area in the central North Island one of his biggest challenges during New Zealand Army Reserve Force training.

Private Mishra joined the Reserves in November and Waiouru served up plenty of unpredictable weather conditions typical of the unique alpine desert environment.  

The trainee soldiers were exposed to a variety of physical challenges exacerbated by the weather, and they learned to adapt and build resilience under adversity.

Although he has been exposed to similar weather conditions in the past, living outdoors with at times no shelter, was daunting, he says.

“I was quite out of my comfort zone living outdoors, especially with the extreme weather.  The way I overcame this challenge was to be committed to the task at hand and remain focused. 

“Every soldier is very proud to be serving and carrying that pride helps you move forward.  It’s a flow of energy that filters down through us all and I remind myself I have to keep pushing forward as I am now a soldier.” 

Private Mishra graduated a week before Christmas, a landmark in his new way of looking at life.

He moved to New Zealand when he was 20, intending to become a New Zealander. 

He often thought how best he could protect his family, especially after his daughter was born three years ago, he says. 

“I looked at different ways I could do this and while I was researching, I read that the NZ Army says they protect those who can’t protect themselves.  This inspired me to join the Reserve Force.”

His training continued over January where he spent three weeks at Waiouru learning infantry skills with a variety of weapons systems, casualty care and field communications.   

Private Mishra is now a member of 3^rd/6th Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, which comprises the Northland, Auckland and Hauraki companies. 

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

Company-level training typically occurs one weekend a month with platoon level training occurring 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.

As a Westpac banking specialist for three years, he has nine personnel in his team.  

He had a fresh eye on things when he returned to work. 

“I had clarification of the big picture and could think strategically around that. Using different types of communication to help pull people together within a team have been some of the techniques I’ve learnt while training for my role in the Reserve Force.

The life-changing experience of Army training changed his perspective, he said. 

“I appreciate life more now than before, I am comfortable pushing myself beyond my limits and I am already applying some of the NZ Army core values into my work and civilian life, especially commitment and integrity.”