New Zealand Army

[htbrst]

Article about UAV use in NZ Army

An article about a NZ company working with the NZ Army and boeing around UAV's...

Of course, its an off shoot of a local model aeroplane shop :shudder but they seem to be getting somewhere... more infomation on Skycam can be found on the website galtech.co.nz

It's nice to see the NZ army getting some experience with UAV's - and it would be nice to see the investment developing into something able to be used in operations...rather than something quite this 'ad hoc'

On a related note - in other NZ threads it mentions the Snark "stealth" UAV....I can't seem to find a link but did see in a newspaper 3 - 4 months ago that company had folded

Kiwi company attracts Boeing
Aug 5, 2008 9:05 AM
tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1980388

A small New Zealand company has caught the attention of aviation giant, Boeing.

Palmerston North-based company Skycam has been pioneering unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, for several years, testing them in conjunction with the army.

Now a division of Boeing says it wants to work with Skycam to develop engines used to power the vehicles.

Unlike current unmanned aerial vehicles, Skycam hopes to develop UAVs with a 24-hour endurance. That, they say, would be invaluable in missions, such as search and rescue, because they could carry on search at night, when other conventional aircraft are grounded.

A recent story about Skycam in an edition of Unmanned Vehicles magazine was seen by US company Sonex Research. The Maryland-based Americans were so impressed that they have invited Skycam to discuss possible technical and engineering collaboration regarding the engines.

Sonex Research already had an exclusive agreement with leading US UAV manufacturer, Insitu. Boeing has just formally acquired Insitu, although the two companies have been partners in the rapidly developing UAV sector since 2002.

"This is brilliant for us, as the technology Sonex has fits exactly into our forward plan," says Rene Redmond who, together with co-founder/director Lew Woods, runs Skycam UAV Limited.

Until July, Skycam had workshops at several different sites in the Manawatu area but has now concentrated its research and development in a purpose-built building in Palmerston North.

The NZ Army has been using Skycam as system integrator and manufacturer for the DTA designed "Kahu" UAV for more than a year, as it develops its own unmanned aerial system (UAS) doctrine and capability.

Skycam also is pursuing civilian and commercial applications both nationally and internationally. The company has its own CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) designated air space near Pahiatu, allowing UAV test flights to be conducted at will and this capability has already attracted the attention of a major overseas aerospace company keen to take advantage of the site later this year.

Details have yet to be settled but would probably result in a team of about 20 people in the area for some weeks.​

 

[regstrup]

AMOS is not a feasible solution at present. It still has to many childsicknesses.

One of the main problems is the automatik loader, so the firing rate is only half of the specifications stated from the manufacturer.
(Official specifications from Patria: Max rate 16 rds/min, sustained rate 10 rds/min).

Because of that, the danish army is looking at the NEMO system. It is a much simpler system and do not have the same official firing rate as the ASMOS, but it works without problems.
(Official specifications from Patria: Max rate 10 rds/min, sustained rate 7 rds/min).

NEMO also only weighs a 1/3 of the AMOS, so it can be mounted on more vehicleplatforms than the AMOS. And it is also much cheaper.

 

[recce.k1]

NZDF in Afghanistan news

Peace Providers

Its quickly emerging as our showpiece theatre. A country ravaged by war and poverty where the people love us. But are troubles at home threatening to derail a successful mission? Defence reporter Christian Bonnevie investigates New Zealand's work to rebuild Afghanistan.

As the western world prepared for the millenium's first Christmas, children in Bamyan were being dragged from their homes and shot. Their bodies, stacked like firewood, lay tied together with turbans as flames ravaged their homes and surrounding villages. By January 8, 2001, more than 300 innocent civilians had been massacred by the Taliban over three brutal weeks.

The majority of these victims belonged to the Hazara -a minority Shia Muslim sect based mainly in the highlands of northern and central Afghanistan. Among the dead were peasant farmers and aid workers, who were accused of collaborating with Iran and the opposition force United Front.

But two decades of Taliban control ended when two passenger planes struck at the heart of America. Much has changed for the Hazara since.

New Zealand established its presence in Bamyan Province six years ago. While the region is in no way thriving, it is showing signs of growth.

Sitting in his warm, freshly painted Palmerston North home, Lieutenant -Colonel Donald Jones is a world away from Afghanistan. He returned from a six-month tour as chief of staff on Anzac Day, having endured a brutish winter where temperatures plunged to minus 25 degrees. It was so cold, he says, female soldiers making the short dash between the shower block and their sleeping quarters would often find their had hair frozen solid and anyone reckless enough to wander outside without gloves risked merging their skin with any metal object they touched - doorknobs included.

Not entirely surprising when Bamyan town is situated at an altitude of about 2500m -it's like living within reach of Mt Ruapehu's (2797m) summit.

Beyond the climate extremities, LtCol Jones holds honest opinions on the relevance of New Zealand in Bamyan, and the headway being made.

On the ground, life is improving for the Hazara.

"The signs of development are there now. It's reflected in the growth of the town in Bamyan, the population, children attending school. They're getting peace and stability back and they're keen to get out and work," he says, reflecting with genuine affection on the people he was sent to help.

"They would want to have Kiwi troops there for 50 years if they could.

"What astonished me most is just how at ease they are now. Bamyan, when you see it, is a very poor region. The countryside, the mountains, they're brilliant. The towns and villages are, well, basic at best.

"But for the people, they are just happy they can try and make a living without the daily fear of being shot. With the Buddhas and lakes, and the mountains, there is the potential for tourism and with more infrastructure coming in the people feel there is hope."

The Defence Force is under no illusion it's working in one of the safest regions in the country, allowing it to push forward with reconstruction and aid projects. Even so, the level of stability has surprised some, particularly with the increase in co-ordinated Taliban and al-Qaeda attacks in southern Afghanistan since 2006.

LtCol Jones is refreshingly frank about what has made the Kiwis successful at maintaining security.

We are, he asserts, an effective peace-keeping force.

"You don't look at it and think, 'we've created the peace'. We're entirely dependent on the locals as they are on us in that regard. It's only because of the relationship we have with them that we know what's going on. They tell us when bad people are lurking around and come running up to our gates asking for help in emergencies. The fact they know they can depend on us, and trust us to act professionally, is thanks to the first deployment who stepped out and met the communities face to face."

But Bamyan still requires a lot of help.

This year, the Defence Force increased its deployment strength from 122 to 140 personnel in Bamyan, further stretching its operational capability. It was a decision based on security concerns, and highlighted its depth of commitment.

The question is, how long will New Zealand be required to stay? To leave now would see Bamyan vulnerable to drug-runners, tribal warlords and potentially the Taliban. Its police force is years away from establishing itself as a competent organisation, capable of handling its own administrative, training and security responsibilities.

The national army is busy elsewhere.

But there are external factors that could test New Zealand's resolve in Afghanistan, not least being responsibilities in the Pacific where more than 200 troops are serving in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

At home, the tight labour market and slowing economy isnputting pressure on senior military ranks, with many highly, trained personnel accepting better paying jobs in the private sector.

It's what Joint Forces chief Major General Rhys Jones calls the seven-year itch.

"Ranks like sergeants, captains, they're at the stage they've completed all their training and probably had two or three missions under their belts, they start questioning whether they want to keep going, " he says.

"We find everyone loves being away on missions, but when they get back there's all the pressure of being in an organisation that's understaffed because of all the people away.

"We're basically as committed as we can be right now".

Afghanistan is New Zealand's most volatile theatre, MajGen Jones asserts, and as such requires the highest level of training. But given the economical climate, retaining the crucial leaders needed to direct future rotations is proving difficult. It is not impacting the ability of the Defence Force to sustain its current commitments, he says assuringly. Though he admits, when asked, the make-up of future deployments could need to be altered if the trend continues.

What affect that could have for reconstruction efforts in Bamyan, and the welfare of its people, is yet to be established.

But the Hazara may not need to worry about losing New Zealand's support, given the kudos the mission has generated internationally.

MajGen Jones is an intelligent man who wears a Mickey Mouse watch, but he is loathe to predict any possible political prioritising of deployments.

That's not to say he is unaware of the impression Kiwi tactics have had on the Canadians, Americans and British in Afghanistan - he's simply too modest to blow the trumpet until the concert concludes.

But National Party defence spokesman Wayne Mapp is happy to help him out. While New Zealand entered Afghanistan under a Labour Government, Mr Mapp knows when to give credit where it's due - to the Defence Force of course.

In his dealings with foreign diplomats, the conversation has often turned to New Zealand's role in Bamyan, and its success to date.

It's important, Mr Mapp says, to realise that by committing to Bamyan, New Zealand is strengthening its long-standing international relationships while promoting a genuine aid project.

However, it's also foreseeable that tensions in the South Pacific, where Fiji remains a concern, could force a prioritisation of missions.

"That's our primary role, in the Pacific, and there is only so far we can stretch our resources for deployments. We're at a level that's sustainable now, but go beyond that and it's not so you're looking at making some tough decisions," he declares.

Afghanistan, Mr Mapp believes, has grown New Zealand's international reputation as the "good guys" and impressed its allies.

But will that be enough to see Kiwi troops remain there for the next decade? The Hazara hope so.

- Source Manawatu Standard 21 June 2008

 

[steve33]

Peace Providers

Its quickly emerging as our showpiece theatre. A country ravaged by war and poverty where the people love us. But are troubles at home threatening to derail a successful mission? Defence reporter Christian Bonnevie investigates New Zealand's work to rebuild Afghanistan.

As the western world prepared for the millenium's first Christmas, children in Bamyan were being dragged from their homes and shot. Their bodies, stacked like firewood, lay tied together with turbans as flames ravaged their homes and surrounding villages. By January 8, 2001, more than 300 innocent civilians had been massacred by the Taliban over three brutal weeks.

The majority of these victims belonged to the Hazara -a minority Shia Muslim sect based mainly in the highlands of northern and central Afghanistan. Among the dead were peasant farmers and aid workers, who were accused of collaborating with Iran and the opposition force United Front.

But two decades of Taliban control ended when two passenger planes struck at the heart of America. Much has changed for the Hazara since.

New Zealand established its presence in Bamyan Province six years ago. While the region is in no way thriving, it is showing signs of growth.

Sitting in his warm, freshly painted Palmerston North home, Lieutenant -Colonel Donald Jones is a world away from Afghanistan. He returned from a six-month tour as chief of staff on Anzac Day, having endured a brutish winter where temperatures plunged to minus 25 degrees. It was so cold, he says, female soldiers making the short dash between the shower block and their sleeping quarters would often find their had hair frozen solid and anyone reckless enough to wander outside without gloves risked merging their skin with any metal object they touched - doorknobs included.

Not entirely surprising when Bamyan town is situated at an altitude of about 2500m -it's like living within reach of Mt Ruapehu's (2797m) summit.

Beyond the climate extremities, LtCol Jones holds honest opinions on the relevance of New Zealand in Bamyan, and the headway being made.

On the ground, life is improving for the Hazara.

"The signs of development are there now. It's reflected in the growth of the town in Bamyan, the population, children attending school. They're getting peace and stability back and they're keen to get out and work," he says, reflecting with genuine affection on the people he was sent to help.

"They would want to have Kiwi troops there for 50 years if they could.

"What astonished me most is just how at ease they are now. Bamyan, when you see it, is a very poor region. The countryside, the mountains, they're brilliant. The towns and villages are, well, basic at best.

"But for the people, they are just happy they can try and make a living without the daily fear of being shot. With the Buddhas and lakes, and the mountains, there is the potential for tourism and with more infrastructure coming in the people feel there is hope."

The Defence Force is under no illusion it's working in one of the safest regions in the country, allowing it to push forward with reconstruction and aid projects. Even so, the level of stability has surprised some, particularly with the increase in co-ordinated Taliban and al-Qaeda attacks in southern Afghanistan since 2006.

LtCol Jones is refreshingly frank about what has made the Kiwis successful at maintaining security.

We are, he asserts, an effective peace-keeping force.

"You don't look at it and think, 'we've created the peace'. We're entirely dependent on the locals as they are on us in that regard. It's only because of the relationship we have with them that we know what's going on. They tell us when bad people are lurking around and come running up to our gates asking for help in emergencies. The fact they know they can depend on us, and trust us to act professionally, is thanks to the first deployment who stepped out and met the communities face to face."

But Bamyan still requires a lot of help.

This year, the Defence Force increased its deployment strength from 122 to 140 personnel in Bamyan, further stretching its operational capability. It was a decision based on security concerns, and highlighted its depth of commitment.

The question is, how long will New Zealand be required to stay? To leave now would see Bamyan vulnerable to drug-runners, tribal warlords and potentially the Taliban. Its police force is years away from establishing itself as a competent organisation, capable of handling its own administrative, training and security responsibilities.

The national army is busy elsewhere.

But there are external factors that could test New Zealand's resolve in Afghanistan, not least being responsibilities in the Pacific where more than 200 troops are serving in East Timor and the Solomon Islands.

At home, the tight labour market and slowing economy isnputting pressure on senior military ranks, with many highly, trained personnel accepting better paying jobs in the private sector.

It's what Joint Forces chief Major General Rhys Jones calls the seven-year itch.

"Ranks like sergeants, captains, they're at the stage they've completed all their training and probably had two or three missions under their belts, they start questioning whether they want to keep going, " he says.

"We find everyone loves being away on missions, but when they get back there's all the pressure of being in an organisation that's understaffed because of all the people away.

"We're basically as committed as we can be right now".

Afghanistan is New Zealand's most volatile theatre, MajGen Jones asserts, and as such requires the highest level of training. But given the economical climate, retaining the crucial leaders needed to direct future rotations is proving difficult. It is not impacting the ability of the Defence Force to sustain its current commitments, he says assuringly. Though he admits, when asked, the make-up of future deployments could need to be altered if the trend continues.

What affect that could have for reconstruction efforts in Bamyan, and the welfare of its people, is yet to be established.

But the Hazara may not need to worry about losing New Zealand's support, given the kudos the mission has generated internationally.

MajGen Jones is an intelligent man who wears a Mickey Mouse watch, but he is loathe to predict any possible political prioritising of deployments.

That's not to say he is unaware of the impression Kiwi tactics have had on the Canadians, Americans and British in Afghanistan - he's simply too modest to blow the trumpet until the concert concludes.

But National Party defence spokesman Wayne Mapp is happy to help him out. While New Zealand entered Afghanistan under a Labour Government, Mr Mapp knows when to give credit where it's due - to the Defence Force of course.

In his dealings with foreign diplomats, the conversation has often turned to New Zealand's role in Bamyan, and its success to date.

It's important, Mr Mapp says, to realise that by committing to Bamyan, New Zealand is strengthening its long-standing international relationships while promoting a genuine aid project.

However, it's also foreseeable that tensions in the South Pacific, where Fiji remains a concern, could force a prioritisation of missions.

"That's our primary role, in the Pacific, and there is only so far we can stretch our resources for deployments. We're at a level that's sustainable now, but go beyond that and it's not so you're looking at making some tough decisions," he declares.

Afghanistan, Mr Mapp believes, has grown New Zealand's international reputation as the "good guys" and impressed its allies.

But will that be enough to see Kiwi troops remain there for the next decade? The Hazara hope so.

- Source Manawatu Standard 21 June 2008

Our forces are doing a great job and i hope they stay Afganistan is just as important as the pacific.

 

[OPSSG]

riksavage
If I had control of the NZ Land Defence Budget I would opt for an AMOS type turret...

regstrup
AMOS is not a feasible solution at present. It still has to many childsicknesses. One of the main problems is the automatik loader, so the firing rate is only half of the specifications stated from the manufacturer.

What about the ST Kinetics’ 120mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System (SRAMS) as an alternative? It would be cheaper than the Nemo.

I am not an expert in this area and would appreciate your thoughts.

The traditional and simplest way of loading a mortar bomb is by way of the muzzle. However, when loading the mortar bomb from the muzzle into the mortar barrel, air is trapped in-between the mortar bomb and the barrel inside the mortar mechanism. As a result, the time taken for the mortar bomb to travel inside the barrel is about two to four seconds.

This takes up between 60 to 80 per cent of the entire firing cycle time.

The SRAMS overcomes the situation to achieve a high, sustained rate of fire because of its semi-automatic Ammunition Transfer System and a patented Valve System in the breech mechanism. The Breech Valve System provides an effective vent for the trapped air, resulting in a ‘free fall’ of the bomb in the barrel with a travel time of less than one second.

The reduction of the projectile’s in-bore travel time allows it to achieve the highest continuous firing rate of up to 18 rounds per minute (existing mortar systems only achieve up to six rounds per minute).

For more details see http://www.rusi.org/downloads/assets/20chong.pdf

 

[Cadredave]

Just an update on the Steyr upgrade,
The steyr A3 & optics have been tested and confirmed by the combat school they requested just minor alterations to the A3 one was the cocking handle being longer & having more of an angle on it so soldiers are not losing skin when cocking due to the picatinny rails being so close, ACOG was the clear winner as for the new night vision sight well that been approved already. As for the LSW replacement 7.62mm weapons are now ready for trials starting at the end of this month same as the marksman weapon also in 7.62mm (HK417,Mk16 SCAR) jus to name two.

 

[mattyem]

Just an update on the Steyr upgrade,
The steyr A3 & optics have been tested and confirmed by the combat school they requested just minor alterations to the A3 one was the cocking handle being longer & having more of an angle on it so soldiers are not losing skin when cocking due to the picatinny rails being so close, ACOG was the clear winner as for the new night vision sight well that been approved already. As for the LSW replacement 7.62mm weapons are now ready for trials starting at the end of this month same as the marksman weapon also in 7.62mm (HK417,Mk16 SCAR) jus to name two.

Any time frame as to when the upgrade will commence/complete!

 

[Cadredave]

Any time frame as to when the upgrade will commence/complete!

First 900 wpns will arrive within the new year they are going to the 2 RF Infantry Bn, just waiting for a couple of minor alteration to the cocking handle & the top rail system.

 

[recce.k1]

Kiwi troops are in line for lighter and stronger helmets and body armour.
HANK SCHOUTEN - The Dominion Post | Wednesday, 19 November 2008

More than 40 domestic and overseas companies have shown an interest in tendering for the project, according to army contract manager Bruce Wooller.

The army is planning to shortlist the best on offer, buy a few samples and test them before placing orders for enough helmets and body armour vests to equip its two infantry battalions.

Though the army has fewer than 1000 troops - both battalions are under strength - it needs about 1300 sets to give a sufficient range of sizes for its male and female soldiers. Different designs may be needed for troops operating in vehicles.

The new kit was expected to be at least 10 per cent lighter, while providing more protection against bullets and bomb fragments, Mr Wooller said.

It would need to meet the latest United States standards and take account of recent military action in Iraq and Afghanistan, where troops were faced with a high threat of roadside bombs.

Full article here http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominionpost/4765226a6479.html

Good to see the Army's personal head & body armour kit are going to be upgraded. No doubt us kiwis would be interested if anyone can refer to some other designs in use or being tested by other armies to see what the possibilities are etc?

 

[Lucasnz]

I've just be reading the following edition of NZ Army news. There is a bit on mortars and my reading lead me to the conclusion that 2/1 RNZIR has lost its mortar platoon. Be interested in hearing your views.

If its right it seems a loopy decision.

 

[Cadredave]

I've just be reading the following edition of NZ Army news. There is a bit on mortars and my reading lead me to the conclusion that 2/1 RNZIR has lost its mortar platoon. Be interested in hearing your views.

If its right it seems a loopy decision.

No you read right, both Inf Battalions mortar Platoons are in the process of being disbanded, they will form a Mortar Coy in Burnham as the thirld fire unit of 16 Fd regt in direct support of 2/1 RNZIR, there has been a massive debate between Infantry & Arty over the new Mortar Coy, no infantryman likes to lose there organic indirect fire spt.

 

[Lucasnz]

No you read right, both Inf Battalions mortar Platoons are in the process of being disbanded, they will form a Mortar Coy in Burnham as the thirld fire unit of 16 Fd regt in direct support of 2/1 RNZIR, there has been a massive debate between Infantry & Arty over the new Mortar Coy, no infantryman likes to lose there organic indirect fire spt.

Are you able to provide the rational for this unusal move, when infantry forces are beefing are there stand off capability with additional Javelin etc. Frankly, even with the very little I know about land forces I'd support the infantry view.

 

[Cadredave]

Are you able to provide the rational for this unusal move, when infantry forces are beefing are there stand off capability with additional Javelin etc. Frankly, even with the very little I know about land forces I'd support the infantry view.

This is all part of whats called ATP 2015, Army transformation plan, more agile, net-worked centric etc army, you can read it all on the NZ Army web site,

 

[recce.k1]

From today's Manawatu Standard, more news on Army reorganisations, the "Linton and Burnham signal squadrons will now be controlled under single leadership from a Linton-based headquarters". Also "plans to combine the corps had been around for 10 years, but only started coming to fruition this year, he said".

An NZDF press release explains more here about the 1st New Zealand Signals Regiment.

Cadredave: With the new Mortar Coy being formed, would one advantage be that they get more opportunities to exercise with artillery etc?

On a cheeky note one disadvantage might be that the mortar coy might get to be deployed as a light infantry coy on peace keeping duties (like the gunners recently were) when the regular infantry forces are overloaded? Or maybe not, surely Infantry would spit the dummy at firstly losing their organic indirect fire support and then to not even have any indirect fire support at all surely wouldn't go down well?

 

[Cadredave]

From today's Manawatu Standard, more news on Army reorganisations, the "Linton and Burnham signal squadrons will now be controlled under single leadership from a Linton-based headquarters". Also "plans to combine the corps had been around for 10 years, but only started coming to fruition this year, he said".

An NZDF press release explains more here about the 1st New Zealand Signals Regiment.

Cadredave: With the new Mortar Coy being formed, would one advantage be that they get more opportunities to exercise with artillery etc?

On a cheeky note one disadvantage might be that the mortar coy might get to be deployed as a light infantry coy on peace keeping duties (like the gunners recently were) when the regular infantry forces are overloaded? Or maybe not, surely Infantry would spit the dummy at firstly losing their organic indirect fire support and then to not even have any indirect fire support at all surely wouldn't go down well?

At this stage its all still new how the Mortar Coy is going to work, At this point in time what is not happening is mortars are not even working with the Rifle Coys this is due to the op deployments so aybe being part of the gunners will be a good thing? I hope this is the out come

 

[steve33]

Just an update on the Steyr upgrade,
The steyr A3 & optics have been tested and confirmed by the combat school they requested just minor alterations to the A3 one was the cocking handle being longer & having more of an angle on it so soldiers are not losing skin when cocking due to the picatinny rails being so close, ACOG was the clear winner as for the new night vision sight well that been approved already. As for the LSW replacement 7.62mm weapons are now ready for trials starting at the end of this month same as the marksman weapon also in 7.62mm (HK417,Mk16 SCAR) jus to name two.

Dave does the infantry battalions have specific sniper platoons and what weapons do they use.?

 

[Cadredave]

Dave does the infantry battalions have specific sniper platoons and what weapons do they use.?

Snipers currently use the AW or Artic Warfare in 7.62mm or 308 cal, we dont have sniper Pl we have sniper teams (sniper + spotter) as part of the Recon Pl organisation the trial weapon for snipers will be the AW in .338 due early next year. Anti material rifle trial in 2011 - 12 time frame the GMG in 40mm has a higher priority so will be trialed first

 

[RegR]

Hey new to the thread world, good site, some interesting info and ideas.
Army looking at aqquireing CSS vehicles to support LAV, anyone have any ideas on what they looking at? Surely will have to be armoured wouldnt they? ADI just unveiled the copperhead ACSV (bushmaster derirative), would make good relations with our neighbours to buy a few, also already combat proven in Afghan and Iraq.

Could also look at Bushmaster for surveillance,armoured ambo(as we have no protected ambo and LAV with 25mm cannon abit Overkill), mortars etc as not as large as LAV but still under armour and by all accounts a very good veh. Maybe even replace 2/1 Bns lost NZLAVs and use as 'battlefeild taxis'. Also cover a few roles and keep logistical support simple.

Concurrently Mog needing replacement also so could be possibly tied in. Aus was until recently looking at buying 3000 FMTVs. could be a possibility for NZ as we already have 5 of the recovery type in the inventory for the past 7-10 years so should be well fammiliarized with them. They are widely used by the yanks so should also be easily supportable in places such as afghan, come in 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 versions and can also have inter-changeble armoured cabs for those dodgier places (although we seem to have bought our armoured vehicles to stay in NZ anyway).

 

[Twickiwi]

Expanding the NZ Army

The recent news of renaming the CTTAG NZ Commandos to better reflect their role in the future leaves a number of questions in my mind. First is, what exactly will be their role? The name suggests they will have a more conventional military role within the special forces akin to the Australian Commandos, the British Royal Marines, or the US Rangers. If this is the case, would one company be enough and are there plans to expand numbers? Is this the final emergence of the Ready Reaction Force planned for over the last (lets say) 15 years?

In the NZDF thread it was quoted that the current NZ minister/secretary of defence wish to expand the "Reserve" force from around 2,000 to 10,000 over the next decade. I noted they used the term Reserve rather than Territorial and wonder if that is significant. Do the pollies imagine a change in role of the non-Regulars from an emergency force only to be available in the event of a war of national survival to something like the US National Guard that can be called up for deployment, but at a less intense tempo than a Regular Army unit?

Such an expansion of the Reserve suggests an organic expansion of the Regular forces if only to provide the organisation and support to deployed Reserve Forces. Is there scope for an increase in the Regular forces in these plans?

From the top of my head (without the experience or the training of a Defpro) I wonder whether an increase in the Reserve would benefit from a dedicated full time Regular Army HQ and Support Company with a Rifle Company/Squadron acting as a cadre for the battalion group. It would speed up activation time in the event of elements being called up for deployment. If the Reserve element of the battalion group numbered 6-7 companies with a maximum of 2 companies being deployed at any time it would be highly sustainable for deployment and less of a burden on the Reserve soldier. The deployment capability would be limited by only the fatigue/training of the Regular element of the battalion group.

 

[jchan77]

Army...