Advisers experience army

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 484, 4 May 1993, Page 7

Advisers experience army

r wenty eight secondary schools career advisers got a chance to see first hand what the Army is really like for school leavers last week. The group received a four day guided tour of

Waiouru, Linton and Trentham Military Camps. "It has been very informative," said Marilyn Grant, careers adviser for Wanganui Boys College. "It has given me a good perspective of what they want. I can talk to the young ones and will have a better idea if it will live up to their expectations."

The first two days were spent at Waiouru Military Camp where the advisers had a introduction to military life which included firing Steyr rifles and riding in armoured personnel carriers. The emphasis was on an intensive visit with as much time as possible

spent talking to the new recruits and other young soldiers. "They have a language of their own. I've learned it is a mini culture with its own social structures etc. They have a mini society with all the problems and

needs associated with any other society." "It is far from the Hollywood version. Most of the work the Army does is in peacetime and I'd never realised the overseas involvement. New Zealand is obviously heavily committed to peacekeeping

operations and they say that this is likely to increase." Advisers were unani mous on the value of the course. "It was great being here and being part of it. The whole thing has been such an education process."