Waipukurau hosts NZ Army urban warfare exercise for Officer Cadets

The simulation of a Security and Stability Operation (SASO) environment in the Pacific covered many real-world scenarios officers could come across throughout their careers.

It is a crucial exercise that forms part of the NZ Army Commissioning Course, which turns soldiers and civilians into military officers.

Chief Instructor of the Officer Cadet School of New Zealand, Major Gwyn Macpherson, said the exercise covered urban patrolling, key leadership engagements, locating and neutralising improvised explosive devices (IED), protecting key infrastructure assets and countering enemy forces. 

“Carrying out SASO operations is different from the close and open country warfare the Officer Cadets had done up until now,” says Major Macpherson.

“Operating in a different culture overseas requires finesse, especially when working with key community leaders and the local community, where you rely on their goodwill and cooperation to achieve your mission. 

“The depth of that rapport will determine how likely they are to assist you in those operations.” 

During the exercise, Waipukurau residents saw Officer Cadets patrolling the streets with rifles loaded with blank ammunition.

“Patrolling is a way of showing force, demonstrating a commitment to providing security and dissuading enemy forces from openly intimidating the public,” said Major Macpherson. 

Officer Cadets were required to conduct platoon tasks, both as an independent platoon and as part of a larger company manoeuvre plan. 

“They’re assessed on their ability to plan, deliver orders and lead troops so that soldiers understand what’s needed and what they have to do.”

Major Macpherson said instructors and soldiers provide advice on the effectiveness of their orders and selected tactical solutions, as well as their individual leadership skills, which is invaluable learning for the cadets who are about to be commissioned as officers.

He said there isn’t an expectation for Officer Cadets to have all the answers at this stage of their careers, but rather to display moral courage and lead their soldiers in an ethical manner through challenging circumstances, where they have to decide what is right from wrong.

“We want the cadets to work hard for each other, display perseverance and give 100 percent, developing strategies to overcome adversity if similar situations arise in the future. They will learn more about themselves under pressure and that results in better leadership, which is what makes the training ultimately successful.”

That success has also translated to partner militaries sending their Officer Cadets to the course, with international students making up around a fifth of this year’s intake.

“I’m extremely proud of our graduates’ performance and it’s heartening to see them growing throughout the year and modelling the ethos and values of Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the New Zealand Army.”

Sixty personnel from across NZ Army units supported the exercise, including an Explosive Ordnance Disposal detachment, infantry, armoured vehicles including four NZLAV, members of the Female Engagement Team, Military Police and medics from the Joint Support Group, as well as NZ Army chefs.

Officer Cadets who successfully pass the NZ Army Commissioning Course will graduate in November before heading off to different areas (Corps and units) of the NZ Army, or back to their home militaries.