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10 March 2009
By Jane Mortlock
Lance Corporal Jonathon McFadyen was nonchalant about winning the 2009 Southern Regional Driver of the Year Competition, saying he was just pleased to get the opportunity to get behind the wheel again.
McFadyen competed in the annual competition, run by 3 Distribution Company, 3 Logistics Battalion, and took out three of the eight stands – cross country driving, competent driving and vehicle servicing.
The annual competition is held to find the best RNZALR drivers within 3rd Land Force, and is open to both Regular and Territorial Forces. It aims to develop and raise their overall operational skills.
“Each stand within the competition is set up to test the drivers on basic trade skills, skills that they would be using on everyday taskings,” said Sergeant Michael Goldsworthy, who organised this year’s event. “The overall standard was quite good which is reflected in how close the points were between the competitors. It was also good to see the work put into the stands by the judges considering their other work commitments and the busy nature of the whole formation.”
Despite the nonchalance McFadyen was pleased with his win. “There is quite a bit of friendly rivalry between 3 Logistics and us Loggies within 2/1,” he said. “Three of us from 2/1 competed and it was great to come out on top!”
When asked what put him ahead of his seven competitors, McFadyen said he tried to be “extreme at every stand”. As a Lance Corporal, McFadyen is more often taking a lead role with command, than driving. “I really enjoyed driving a Mog again – getting back to the roots of being a loggie.”
All the DVRALR competitors must be Privates or Lance Corporals, and qualified on the junior transport course, but have not previously qualified as a driving instructor.
McFadyen, Pte Kalim Dennis (Logistics Company, 2/1 Battalion) and Pte Matthew Laing (3 Distribution Company, 3 Logistics) will represent the Southern Region in the National Driver of the Year Competition, conducted in Linton Military Camp during RNZALR Corps Week.
This page was last reviewed on 16 March 2009 and is current.