Territorial's exercise

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 388, 28 May 1991, Page 1

Territorial's exercise

Waiouru' s military population grew by 2755 last week with the Territorial's Exercise Pacific Shield.

The exercise was the annual field exercise for 1 Brigade and was designed for the brigade to practice mid-intensity operations such as company assaults in live firing exercises, crossing water gaps and obstacles, fighting in built up areas, infantry/armour co-operation, occupation and preparation of defensive positions and night manoeuvre exercises. The Brigade is com-

manded by Coionel S.D. Jameson,/ OBE, AFNZIM. "For many personnel this is their only opportunijty to observe not only their own unit complete but also other units at work," said the Coionel in his introduction to the exercise. "Exercise Pacific Shield has been designed to enable the participants to carry out "realistic and challenging training." The logistics units of

1 Bde practiced providing support to the combat elements, which included transport and catering support, medical recovery and care, equipment and combat supply, equipment repair and maintenance. Territorial soldiers from throughout the country took part in the exercise, with the whole range of trades and professions represented. Many of the soldiers join units which match their civilian skills but there are also many who Turnpage2

Territorials exercise around Waiouru

From page 1 look for a complete change when they put on their army uniform.. ...Graeme Wilson who is in command of the engineer's unit responsible for providing

potable water for the 2700 soldiers, is an Air New Zealand pilot in civilian life. In command of 20 trucks in a transport unit is a doctor, and there are many other examples of soldiers who swap their normal jobs for something quite different.

The exercise started on 12 May and wound up last Thursday, with all troops gone by Sunday. The Waiouru Army Training Group area provided most of the terrain for the exercise, plus Karioi farmland and the Kaimanawa ranges.

The type of exercise differed from past ones in that it moved away from the low level peace-keeping role the Army has concentrated on up until now and took on a more conventional warfare scenario with the movement of troops, gaining of ground and

the more aggressive manoeuvres of conventional warfare. Within the combat outfits 10 units of 90 to 100 men worked through the same sets of exercises both for training and so they could be monitored for performance levels.