Making critical decisions in combat a key focus for large Army exercise in Waiouru
The ability to pivot and make critical decisions on the battlefield are vital skills for the soldiers and officers of the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga.
24 June, 2026
As well as enhancing core warfighting skills, that agility was assessed during Exercise Crete, one of the largest NZ Army exercises to be held at the Waiouru Military Training Area this year.
The exercise, led by 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1RNZIR), culminated with a live fire defensive battle at dawn on the final day.
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Berry says troops, commanders and the operational Battle Group headquarters were evaluated, with lessons learned at all levels.
“Exercise Crete gave our combat teams and our commanders a clear focus as they continue their activity programme to increase our combat readiness leading to Talisman Sabre 27 - a major multi-national exercise in Australia next year,” Lieutenant Colonel Berry said.
New Zealand Army soldiers during Exercise Crete
The exercise saw both Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles (QAMR) and Victor Company generate two Combat Teams, including supporting arms of artillery from 16 Field Regiment, and engineers from 2nd Engineer Regiment.
More than 300 personnel took part including infantry, armour (NZ Light Armoured Vehicles and Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles), anti-armour and direct-fire support weapons, infantry support dogs, uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), artillery, combat and plant engineers, first and second-line logistics, military police and signallers.
Lieutenant Colonel Berry said the exercise was also a tactical milestone for 1 RNZIR since its amalgamation with QAMR Regiment in December 2025 and a significant step for the New Zealand Army’s Motorised Infantry Battle Group (MIBG).
A New Zealand Army Light Armoured Vehicle fires its 25mm cannon during the final defensive battle of Exercise Crete
“The purpose was two-fold, firstly for the Companies to generate and evaluate their Combat Teams, and secondly to develop the overarching MIBG headquarters – ensuring its staff and processes could effectively command and control the troops at the Battle Group level.
“I wanted to see an adaptable and cohesive group – and that’s what I saw.”
Lieutenant Colonel Berry said a particular point of success was the integration of supporting elements from artillery, engineers, signallers, logistics and military police who also gained valuable experience and time in the field alongside the combat teams.
Next on the agenda for 1 RNZIR and the wider 1st (NZ) Brigade will be Exercise Hill 60 in August, where the entire Battle Group will be evaluated. This will include soldiers from the 2nd/1st Battalion RNZIR acting as live, free-play enemy to test troops and command teams.
