Evasion operation 'Nemesis' tests officers mettle

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 7, 17 July 1984, Page 3

Evasion operation 'Nemesis' tests officers mettle

About 25 officer cadets from the ATG in Waiouru are currently participating in a leaadership exercise based on an escape and evasion theme in the wild and rugged Defence Area proper^y on both sides of the Desert Pvoad.

The exercise - codenamed 'Nemesis' — is designed to test leadership and initiative qualities under hostile climatic conditions, navigation and map reading by day and night under all conditions of terrain, climate and 'enemy' threat. They must not only survive under such harsh conditions but also produce physical and mental evidence of personal endurance. It's an exercise that all officer force cadets are put through from time to time. The cadets will have to pass through a number of check points but penalties will be imposed if they are detected by 'the enemy' — tracker dogs, searching helicopters, ground observation parties etc. The exercise is to take four days starting Sunday 1 5 July and ending on Thursday 19 July. Dressand equipment for this four day exercise will include — cold/wet weather issue clothing to be worn or carried at all times. Basic webb containing the following is to be worn at all times. Other equipment may be

'dumped' for later retrieval where considered neccssary. •one ration pack per person •one helicopter marking panel per section •two 82 smoke grenades per section •two 1.5" para illum flares per section •one weapon per individual • 1 0 rounds blank per section •two compasses per section •two protractors per section •two maps per section •one AN / PRC 77 radio per section •one extra AN/PRC 77 handset per section •one medical pack per section •two torches per section •rations — four ration packs per individual will be issued, water from local resources is to be used. To make the exercise even more realistic readers of the Bulletin are asked, as local inhabitants of an area where a group of 'enemy' soldiers have escaped, to report on any suspicious activities to the ATG in Waiouru.