A long look at the Army

Ruapehu Bulletin, 10 November 1992, Page 10

A long look at the Army

BY

' Jan!

Savell

Helping Banks Peninsula farmers rounding up sheep in snow deeper than he sees at home is a more unusual memory that Captain Andrew Moseley will take back with him to Britain. Capt Mosley is one of three British soldiers currently on Long Look Exchange at the School of Transport and Catering. (STC) in Waiouru. Capt Moseley (Catering), SSgt Max Juka (Transport), and Sgt Leona Goffin (Steward) are spending four months with their counterparts in New Zealand. Although all are based at STC their special interests have taken them all over the country. SGT

Goffin was surprised to find herself out in the field with the Band Four Cooks Course recently. Her usual work as steward keeps her in the Messes. "I've never had the chance to go out in the field before. They have no programme for us in the field," she said. Not even to assist the cooks.". She has found the size of the NZ army an advantage too. "Your army is a lot smaller and they seem to have more time for you. That's good. Sometimes only 10 minutes is needed to give the soldiers the answers. In New Zealand the ranks all seem to communicate. There are good relationships at the private to corporal level"

Staff Sergeant Juka felt that size counted against the New Zealand Army. He saw active service in the Gulf before this exchange and believes this has put the British Army way ahead of New Zealand. "I got involved with the courses here. I've had some input, giving suggestions of how we might be doing some things. We've had operational experience and we've developed a bit more. I think your exchange personnel will get more out of their trip to Germany. We've got more information to pass over," Living in a snowcave for two days on Ruapehu will be one of his most

vivid memories of his New Zealand exchange. The job of district contracts manager awaits Captain Mosley when he retums to Aldershot. He saw the way the Army's deal with change as being one of the biggest differences "We've been through a period of major change. The collapse of the Warsaw pact had great repercussions. Our change does not seem to be so violently rapid. We all agree there is a need for change and we're trying to get things right." "In New Zealand you seem more reactionary. The change is too fast. There seems to be no policy from the top to allow personnel to manoeu-

vre and standardize systems". "I admire the professionalism of the personnel. They are being driven very hard but there is no danger of the system falling apart. The soldiers are very sporting athletic

and fit. Everyone is very professional in their specialities." STC staff have done their best to make the three visitors feel right at home, right down to using their expertise for the STC entry to the annual

Waiouru skill at arms competition. Capt Mosley remarked on the Kiwi sense of humour which he has found similar to that of the British. "They've all been dead nice," said Sgt Goffin.