Outstanding leadership by NZ Army Officer in Afghanistan recognised
Brigadier Rose King’s ability to focus under pressure, synchronise multiple headquarters and agencies and her ability to bringing diverse organisations together whilst deployed to Afghanistan has been acknowledged.
08 December, 2021
The New Zealand Army officer has received the NATO Meritorious Service Medal following her deployment to Bagram, Afghanistan in 2018 as Director of Future Operations in the NATO Headquarters of Operation Resolute Support.
During her six-month deployment, Brigadier King, who then held the rank of colonel, was responsible for planning and synchronizing NATO’s future operations across Afghanistan.
Her citation described her as a “paramount detailed planner” who brought diverse organisations together and created a framework which focused military pressure against the Taliban, forcing them to the negotiating table.
During her deployment, she led by example through her commitment, planning, leadership and ability to deliver under pressure.
Brigadier Rose King receives the NATO Meritorious Service Medal from the Minister of Defence Peeni Henare, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal and Brigadier Rose King with the Chief of Defence Air Marshal Kevin Short
Minister of Defence Peeni Henare presented Brigadier King with the medal at a small ceremony in front of colleagues, family and close friends at Parliament on Tuesday.
“The example Brigadier King sets for those around her, both in New Zealand and on the international stage, is inspirational and reflects the values our Defence Force stands for,” he said.
Brigadier King said she was humbled to be acknowledged for her contribution to NATO’s Resolute Support Mission during a dynamic and high-intensity deployment which included the first cease fire and security planning for elections.
She said the recognition reflected the high calibre of the multinational Future Operations team she led.
“This mission was one of the most personally challenging roles I have had but on reflection also the most rewarding.
“In receiving this medal, I am reminded of the team of committed people I had the privilege of working with and leading toward the united goal of enhancing the lives of Afghans. “Although the situation has changed dramatically since my time there, I am still immensely proud of the work we achieved.”
- Brigadier Rose King
Brigadier King is the first woman in the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) to receive the prestigious NATO award, and at the time was only the third NZDF recipient. A fourth recipient has subsequently been awarded the medal.
Brigadier King, who has served in the NZDF for 30 years, has most recently worked as Head of Managed Isolation and Quarantine – Operations and will shortly begin her new role as the Deputy Chief of the New Zealand Army.
Helping others top priority for Auckland Air Force Medic
People
RNZAF career extends Tauranga woman’s family legacy
People
RNZAF helps Devonport woman keep flying career alive
People
NATO award for Army Officer's Afghanistan work
People
Sailor's input to United Nations Command
People
RNZAF 85: Aircraftman Kanapa Kerr
People
RNZAF 85: Pilot Officer Kiwi Walker
People
RNZAF 85: Flight Sergeant Kim Harrison
People
RNZAF 85: Warrant Officer Viti Flanagan
People
RNZAF 85: Sergeant Joyce McGee
People
RNZAF 85: Squadron Leader John "JV" Voice
People
RNZAF 85: Wing Commander Terry Knight
People
RNZAF 85: Flight Lieutenant Jack Hall
People
RNZAF 85: Flying Officer Arthur "Joppy" Joplin
People
Defence Adviser in Fiji
People
NZDF financial head acknowledged by accounting peers
People
Deployed to Solomon Islands
People
Welcoming 2022 in South Sudan
People
Back-to-back maintainer
People
Women in Science
People
Army Officer smashes Guinness Book of World Records kettlebell challenge
People
Air Force dream becomes a reality for Taranaki woman
People
Navy offers Whangarei teen a dream opportunity
People
Newly graduated Waikato man has eyes on the sky
People
Navy STEM programme launches Upper Hutt student into medic career
People
Joining the Air Force a family affair for Northland man
People
Wellington sailor continues family naval tradition
People
Kaitaia Sailor celebrates commissioning to Naval Officer
People
Canterbury volunteer shows care for Op Protect personnel at Christmas
People
Westport sailor embraces new career as Navy Education Officer
People
Reflecting on being WOAF
People
'Incredible journey' to top Air Force leadership role
People
Zone out with axe throwing
People
Former soldier earns wings in return to military
People
Air Force leadership role brings challenge and opportunity
People
Dedication and innovation praised at Chief of Defence Force Awards
People
Exemplary soldier is NZDF Person of Year
People
Managed isolation stalwart named NZDF Reservist of the Year
People
Cadet of the Year an inspiration to the next generation
People
Sailor of the Year recognised in year of challenges
People
Navy Diver recognised for developing diversity
People
Pandemic management while in US posting earns top safety award
People
Allrounder wins NZDF Civilian of the Year award
People
‘Wellness' supporter named Defence Volunteer of the Year
People
Hard line against bullying earns instructor Soldier of the Year title
People
Defence HUMINT: An Airman’s Story
People
Passion for the job recognised by Airman of the Year award
People
NZDF opens up different world of legal challenges
People
RNZAF’s longest-serving woman signs off after years of progress
People
Operation Monitor: deployed to the Republic of Korea
People
Bonded to heritage
People
Reflections during Matariki
People
Navy Reserves keep Upper Hutt man's love of the sea alive
People
Bay of Plenty woman making the most of her time in the Navy
People
Flying dream achieved with late change in career flight path
People
Cook Islands sailor proud to deliver vaccine support
People
Graduate's father inspires Air Force career
People
Mother the inspiration for Air Force career choice
People
Variety with ‘the team’ attracts former Cricketer to Navy
People
New Plymouth woman swaps hospo for hootchies and hot spots
People
Swapping the Bomb Squad for an RNZAF Squadron
People
Perseverance pays off as Tauranga man achieves RNZAF dream
People
Mother’s inspiration sets Lower Hutt man on Navy medical career
People
Hercules way finder flying in the family footsteps
People
Navy offers aviation career for Palmerston North man
People
Keep it real
People
NZDF medical officer joins Australian response to Fiji Covid surge
People
Defence Force at the heart of historic Women’s Super Rugby match
People
Riverton man embraces opportunity of Army medical career
People
Ōtaki woman embracing change for RNZAF medical career
People
RNZAF Skyhawk history-maker calls time on illustrious career
People
NZ Army promotes first female General List Officer to Brigadier
People
Inspiring Mums
People
The long wait for the Red Diamond
People
Gisborne high flier aims to make a difference in new career
People
Queenstown woman tops RNZAF recruit course
People
Career change for new RNZAF recruit
People
RNZAF offers Nelsonian a second chance at aviation engineering career
People
Taupō Army Cadets eyes the sky after groundwork
People
Invercargill-born Army Band trumpeter returns to roots
People
Chasing goals and being a mum
People
Take your moko as a friend for life
People
Taupō siblings make it four Navy generations
People
Law graduate takes the helm of a navy career
People
Commendation for former Army Sniper
People
