Waikato soldier’s medic skills put to the test in South Korea

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) has a long-standing commitment to supporting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and has been deploying personnel to the United Nations Command (UNC) and its Military Armistice Commission since 1998. 

This is the first time the NZDF has deployed a combat-ready infantry platoon to train alongside Republic of Korea and United States forces, and Corporal Andrews is enjoying the experience. 

As the platoon medic, the former Tuakau College student has a dual role, supporting training by simulating battlefield medical response while also providing real-life medical cover for the Kiwi soldiers. 

“I’m here to jump in on the training as the medic, but also to make sure our platoon is looked after day-to-day,” he said.

The personnel from 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR), have been working in some challenging conditions, from dense jungle to urban environments.

Corporal Andrews said the deployment was intense but morale remains high.

“The team’s been really positive; coming from a New Zealand winter into Korean summer has been a nice change. It took a couple of weeks to acclimatise, but the Republic of Korea personnel have been great at keeping us stocked with electrolytes and water and the Korean food is really good.” 

It was while working at a supermarket and competing in shooting competitions that Corporal Andrews decided to join the Army. 

“I met someone who had served, and it inspired me to give it a go. I signed up, and a week after my 21st birthday I was on the bus to Waiouru.” 

Since joining in 2019, Corporal Andrews has deployed to Fiji, Australia, New Caledonia, the United Kingdom, and now South Korea. His career has advanced quickly; after graduating from Defence Health School in 2022, he served with Central Health Support Squadron as a member of the 1^st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment task unit aid post (TUAP), before posting to Southern Health Support Squadron. 

The TUAP is the first point of medical care for the units they are supporting, providing personnel with specialised first aid, triage, resuscitation and stabilisation support, and can look after any casualties before they are transferred to a higher level of care. 

Corporal Andrews now holds a key role as the commander of High Readiness TUAP for his medical team working with 2/1 RNZIR. 

He says becoming an Army medic has been rewarding.

“You get qualifications, meet great people, and gain skills you’ll use for life. It’s one of those roles where you’re constantly helping others - whether in a clinic, out in the field, or overseas on operations.”

Looking ahead, he’s focused on continuing with his unit before considering future leadership opportunities, either in medical detachments or training roles.

Reflecting on his current deployment, Corporal Andrew said the exercise carries real significance.

“It’s not lost on us that this is important for New Zealand to be here. We’re showing we can operate alongside our partners and that we’re here to train hard. The US and Republic of Korea forces have been really supportive, and it’s been an excellent experience so far.” 

This deployment builds on the legacy started when New Zealand contributed both naval and ground forces in support of UNC during the Korean War in the early 1950s. More than 6000 New Zealanders served.

The platoon will remain on the Korean Peninsula until the end of October. Further joint training and mission rehearsal activities are being planned for 2026.