7 December 2006

Army Ranks Grow With Two Graduations In Two Days

Thirty-six new Army officers and 80 soldiers will soon be added to the ranks of the NZ Army.

On Friday 8 December 2006 at the Waiouru Military Camp, newly commissioned officers will parade in front of family and friends at the Officer Cadet School graduation ceremony. The following day, 80 recruits who have completed 13 weeks of training, will march out ready to start their new life in the army.

The officer parade will be reviewed by the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae.

Officer Cadet Andrew Palmer, formerly of Hamilton, is looking forward to “joining the real army” and putting his newly learned skills to work after nearly 12 months of academic and field training.

The Army offers the ‘Kippenberger Scheme’, a Massey University-based programme that allows students to gain a degree prior to completing their military training. Officer Cadet Ian McKnight is one of four graduating from the scheme this year. He will march out with a Bachelor of Defence Studies and be promoted to rank of Lieutenant.

He says he has enjoyed the challenges thrown at him during his three years at Massey University and one year at the Officer Cadet School. “But now I’m looking forward to getting stuck into my new job and working alongside my mates.”

The Army’s newest members will be posted to their individual corps to begin specialised training in preparation for future challenges.

ENDS

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