Professionals boost the Navy Reserve Force

Camaraderie, a chance to give back and a desire for challenge inspired the latest cohort of New Zealanders to join the Naval Reserve Force.

On 13 April, nine sailors and five officers graduated from their 10-month Naval Reserve Common Training (NRCT) course in a ceremony hosted at the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy in Devonport.

They will now post to Naval Reserve units closest to their homes to undertake trade training and promotion courses.

NRCT provides almost identical training to Regular Force personnel but is delivered part-time, with graduates balancing their training with work and study commitments, as well as being away from family.

The graduates had to complete two nine-day-long training blocks at Devonport Naval Base and Tamaki Leadership Centre in Whangaparaoa, as well as four training weekends. Officers had two additional training blocks and two more training weekends for leadership training.

Fitting it all in was a challenge for Sub Lieutenant Vinayak Dev, a psychologist from Auckland studying for his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Health Psychology.

“It was also challenging to miss important family events whilst being away for the residential aspects of the NRCT,” he says.

“However, in overcoming these challenges, I have become more resilient, improved my time management skills, become more efficient at completing tasks at work, and have further strengthened my relationships with my family members, supervisors at university, and colleagues at work.”

He is the first Navy Reserve psychologist to graduate from NRCT.

“I wanted to give something back for all New Zealand has given me over the years,” he says.

“This has helped develop attributes I aspire to – leadership, physical and mental fitness, resilience, courage, perseverance, camaraderie, integrity, and a strong sense of personal meaning, purpose and conviction in life.”

Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Nora Paicu was inspired to join after a experiencing a Sir Peter Blake expedition in HMNZS Canterbury to the sub-Antarctic islands in 2023 while a student at Colomba College in Dunedin. She also completed a School to Seas experience with the Navy that year.

“Meeting the commanding officer of HMNZS Canterbury and witnessing the camaraderie of the crew showcased the Navy’s inclusive culture and unique way of life that supports New Zealand.

“I was deeply impressed by the positive impact they make, from supporting conservation efforts to serving New Zealand communities.”

She is undertaking a triple degree in law, management, and agricultural innovation at the University of Otago, and is thinking of joining the Navy full time.

Ordinary Maritime Trade Operator Jacob Sale works in a civilian role at the Naval Supply Depot in Devonport.

“I saw the great work our uniform staff do daily and wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to challenge myself, develop new skills and serve my country.”

He says a highlight was being with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, all with a common goal of serving.

Another was a sea-riding experience aboard HMNZS Canterbury for the graduates.

“It was an immersive and insightful view of being able to see life on a Navy ship and how departments operate and a first-hand look at naval life.”

His advice to others is: “come and join us.

“It gives you a sense of purpose and pride you can get nowhere else.”