NZ Army, US and Australian logisticians test their combat support skills

Burnham Military Camp recently hosted the Royal New Zealand Army Logistics Regiment (RNZALR), along with international partners, to competitively display their ability to ‘Fix, Fight, Lead and Enable’.

03 March, 2026

Nothing in the military happens without logistics.

From combat drivers to weapons and vehicle maintenance, catering and logistics specialists, all trades within RNZALR were tested during its annual corps competition, culminating in the ‘CO’s (Commanding Officer) Challenge’. The challenge is a physically intensive and resilience-challenging test of fundamental soldiering combat skills, which also hones the combat mindset.

Hosted by the New Zealand Army’s 3^rd Combat Service Support Battalion, its Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Valanda Irwin, said the week-long event was a valuable way to hit the ground running for 2026.

It also underpinned the value of supporting combat units and highlighted the requirement for the logisticians themselves to be combat ready.

“Without the likes of our distribution specialists and maintenance support experts and all of the incredible teams that make up our Logistics Regiment, most force elements wouldn’t be able to sustain operations in a deployed capacity.”

Two soldiers weld a steel grate, both wear protective safety equipment of orange gloves and welding masks to protect themselves from the welding arc

A patient lies on the grass, legs splayed and covered in a blanket that is splashed with simulated blood. A first aid kit sits in the foreground nearby while a male and female soldiers hold a jerry can together and give water to the patient.

A male, middle aged with moustache and a beard wears PPE of safety glasses, hearing protection and safety gloves while he uses a industrial drop saw. He wears blue overalls over his green camouflage uniform.

The week was divided into four distinct competitions.

The Farriers Cup tested all the workshop trades, with mixed teams made up of New Zealand, Australian and United States personnel covering skills including auto technicians, maintenance fitters, electrical fitters, electronic techs, and armourers.

The teams were tasked with designing and building a pneumatic mortar, a fire suppression system as well as scenarios involving vehicle recovery and other physical and equipment challenges.

Combat drivers competed in a variety of driving tasks, while logistics specialists were tested on equipment proficiency, freight and inventory management, all while under pressure.

Caterers sought the honour of cooking the best meals in a field environment, as well as competing across a variety of broader operational skills.

The international participants were from Australian Army’s 7^th Combat Service Support Battalion and the US Army’s 225 Light Support Battalion, 25^th Infantry Division.

RNZALR Corps Competition Week | New Zealand Army

The US Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky J. McArthur, said it was a tremendous honour to participate.

“Working alongside our New Zealand partners is always a privilege, and this week further strengthened the enduring partnership between our forces. Participants demonstrated exceptional professionalism, resilience, and the true warrior spirit that defines the New Zealand Army.”

The US soldiers were deeply impressed by the skill, discipline and esprit de corps on display, Lieutenant Colonel McArthur said.

“It was a meaningful experience that will be remembered for years to come.”

The teams also built on their esprit de corps through sports competitions and cultural activities.

Lieutenant Colonel Irwin said while testing personnel on the tools of their trade was foremost, there was huge value in the comradeship and mateship forged through sport and cultural activities.