Soldiers for a week

Ruapehu Bulletin, 8 September 1992, Page 14

Soldiers for a week

By

Jan

Savell

"A lot tougher than any boys brigade camp" was how 22 year old Glen McAnulty of Manurewa Boys Brigade described his experience of Exercise Novice Warrior. Glen is the oldest of a group of 12 boys aged 15 and over from Auckland and Rotorua Boys Brigade Battalions. Their leader,

Neville Collins, approached the Army about a course similar to the basic recruit training and Exercise Novice Warrior was the result. Transport, Movement and Catering (TMC) staff were tasked with providing a week's training that was as close to the real thing as possible. "They wanted to be

pushed to the limit," said LCpl Lance Keating. "They requested something as hard as a Basic - and that is just what they've got. They've been good and picked it up quickly. No one wants to go home - yet," said LCpl Keating, speaking just before the boys left Camp for an overnight field exercise. LCpl Keating was

one of four junior NCO's instructing on the exercise. TMC staff saw the exercise as an opportunity for cooks to teach basic soldier skills. The six day course included weapon drill, history of the Army, navigation and fieldcraft, as well as adventure training and an overnight field exercise. The cost for the

week was $200 plus transport and boots and this was borne by the individuals. The course finished on Friday with a march out parade and buffet luncheon for guests. Twenty two parents and visitors travelled to Waiouru for the final function of Exercise Novice Warrior.