Infantry training ends

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 429, 24 March 1992, Page 9

Infantry training ends

BY

JO

HOWEE

A platoon of 34 Regular Force Infantry soldiers paraded to receive their Red Diamond in recognition of successfully completing 10 weeks of Infantry Corps Training on 19 March. W02 Henry Hollis, the Corps Training Wing Sergeant Major, said for 10 weeks soldiers trained and were tested ,on all the essential individual skills of an infantry soldier. This involved hard physical training, a lot tougher than on basic training, pack endurance exercises and arm and shoulder activities. He said 43 soldiers started the course, nine of whom didn't receive their diamonds. Some failed to reach the required standards to meet course objectives and a few left for medical reasons. The reviewing officer for the parade was Lieutenant Colonel Mateparae, Commanding Officer of 1 RNZIR. When he addressed the parade in the cold, raining Conditions of the day, he congratulated the platoon on a fine parade. He told the soldiers the

last 10 weeks were hard, but that the next 10 weeks were likely to be just as hard in the Battalion. He said as infantrymen they were expected to be hard soldiers. He assured them the weather conditions would be better in Linton than they had been in Waiouru. The majority of the soldiers on parade have been posted to 1 RNZIR. The next Infantry Corps Training Course will be held in July.

The Top Soldier award presented to the soldier who has displayed outstanding ability in all aspects of training throughout the course, was won by Private Clinton Grant. The top shot award presented to the soldier who attained the highest aggregate scores on the rifle range, was won by Private Patrick Toothill. The most improved soldier award went to Private Alan Patrick. Present at the parade

was Major Peter Grant to watch his son receive the award for top soldier. Major Peter Grant was a Regular Force Infantry soldier who left the army three years ago as a Lieutenant Colonel, he is now full time as Second in Command of a Territorial Force Battalion in Napier.