New Army reservist cheered on by the veterans she supports

Private Gemma Board, from Tawa in Wellington, joined the Reserve Force in November and completed her infantry corps training in January. 

She has recently returned from Exercise Italy, a field training exercise near Whanganui, which emulated a mid-intensity South West Pacific conflict scenario. The exercise involved platoons engaging in quick attacks in open country. 

Veterans’ Affairs is responsible for ensuring eligible veterans, and their families, can access the support and services they need in everyday life. Private Board says her clients have been cheering her on. 

“Before coming on the Reserve Force course, I told a few of my veterans I was doing this and they were super proud,” Private Board said. 

“Several of them emailed me back, wished me luck and gave me little tips of what to do and what not to do around the training. They’ve backed me 100 percent. It’s good to have their support behind me.” 

During her infantry training, Private Board learnt weapons systems, first aid, leadership training, patrolling, navigation, radio communication, and living under a ‘hoochie’ in typical Waiouru weather that changes daily.

“The vets told me ‘Waiouru is different’ and they were right about that! There were moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone.

“But I would think about the conversations I had with my veterans, and it gave me the resilience to go on. You’ve got to turn up, push through and lean on your comrades for support.”

Private Board is now serving with Wellington Company, 5/7 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

“I have to do 21 days of service a year. We’re a very active unit and have something going on each month.”

Her unit is building towards July’s Exercise Tauwharenīkau, the NZ Army Reserve’s largest annual exercise, which includes all of the Army’s Reserve Force units as well as reservists from the Australian Defence Force. 

Private Board said she played hockey for the NZ Army as a civilian, and reservists in the team gave her an insight into Reserve Force experiences.

“The moment I committed to the idea, I knew I wanted to do it - it felt completely like me.” 

The former Tawa College student completed a Sports and Recreation degree and worked at Work and Income in Porirua, before becoming a case manager for Veteran’s Affairs three years ago.

“I enjoy the connections I build with my veterans. No day is ever the same, and you get to know them very well and have some really good conversations.

“When they call, they are sometimes in a vulnerable spot, and I help them through that and get them the support they need.

“I know what the veterans mean now when they talk about two families – the family you have, and your services family. Your comrades go through the hard stuff with you, they know what you’re talking about.” 

She said it has definitely changed her perspective as a case manager.

“I feel like I can relate to my veterans in a more genuine way. Not because I’ve been through exactly what they have, but because I’ve stepped into a small part of that world - and that’s something I’ll carry with me every day in my work. 

“Also, it helps now knowing all the Army lingo!”