Army Weapon Display for Journalists

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 4, 23 June 1987, Page 9

Army Weapon Display for Journalists

Twenty three journalists and photographers from various newspapers around the country, including the Waimarino's very own Bulletin were invited to view the country's defence system up cI6se in a two-day visit to Army Training Group, Waiouru. Individuals came from as far away as Southland (Southland Times) and a crew from Television New Zealand were present to chronicle the visit. The visitors were accommodated in the plush Officer's Mess and were extremely well looked after by Army personnel and ranking officers. Upon arrival in Waiouru, the group were briefed on the ATG, followed by a short trip via Armoured Personnel Carrier to the Home Valley Range. There they received instruction on two of the Army's most recent acquisitions - the Minimi Light Machine Gun and the Steyr rifle. So that New Zealand's Defence Forces can remain compatible with NATO

forces, a decision was made to standardise the majority of small arms. Phase one was the replacement of a range of weapons, including the World War Two vintage Bren gun and American 7.62mm weapon, currently in service. New Zealand's Chief of General Staff, Major General John Mace, said the purchase of the 5.56mm Minimi and a new 5.56mm rifle will have important logistic and operational benefits. Phase two is the acquisition of the Steyr rifle to replace the present 7.62mm Fabrique Nationale self-loading rifle and other small arms. The Steyr rifle is composed principally of heavy duty plastic, thus reducing the weight of the weapon by about four kilograms. A Scorpion tracked fire support vehicle displayed its firepower with the use of its 7.62mm main gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The group were treated to an impressive display of smoke, illumination and high explosive rounds fired by a light mortar weapon. Then came 'hands-on' experience as the group got behind the sights of

machine guns and rifles to try their hand. War games with a difference, and the Infantry Weapons Effects Simulator came under scrutiny. Oscmar laser training systems simulate the effects of real weapons by projecting laser beams at the target- a solier wearing a receiver harness. The system works on a buzzer signal, which is activated when a direct hit is made. This signifies that the soldier is 'dead'. An awesome example of fine marksmanship and deadly accuracy was the climax of the day. The group were part of a demonstration by a sniper who concealed himself with the aid of camouflague gear in the surrounding hills. A target the size of a person's head, on the top of a pole was systematically riddled with bullets from a distance of 400 metres. A table of crockery, oddly filled with spaghetti, suffered a similar fate. Public Relations Officer, Major Peter Fry, submitted to the group that for all its fire-power the Army would be useless except for one factor. "It is the man behind the weapon that makes the New Zealand army as effective as it is," he said.