20 July 2010

By Officer Cadet Timothy Ewing-Jarvie

As the New Zealand Commissioning Course (NZCC) midyear milestone looms, the expectations placed on Officer Cadets (OCDTs) to perform in the field is increasing. The specialisation and intensity of OCS’ field exercises increase throughout the course in proportion with the OCDTs’ ability to understand and apply basic tactics, while continuing to refine their core soldiering skills.

Exercise Alam El Halfa was a highly anticipated exercise, with war-stories from previous years indicating an opportunity for this year’s OCDTs to test their resolve and leadership ability in an environment where they could be affected by mental and physical fatigue. By all accounts, this year’s rendition of OCS’ major digging exercise proved a great success, and offered invaluable learning opportunities and command experience to all involved. The class established and occupied a company defensive position on the southern side of feature Carbuncle. All pits were developed to fighting-pit depth with over-head cover on sleeping bays and each section’s two gun pits.

Never one to disappoint, the Waiouru weather turned on its pre-winter charm, with the rain leaving once-hospitable sleeping bays looking more like something out of the Shining, and reminding the cold and soaked OCDTs what it takes to lead disciplined soldiers in the New Zealand Army. The rain and fatigue offered an important challenge to the OCDTs, who stepped up appropriately and showed commendable determination and enthusiasm to get the most out of the training available.

With the initial 72 hour digging phase completed (communications line and wire obstacles had been placed out) the second phase of the exercise was able to begin. Individual sections spent the next week conducting counter-reconnaissance patrols, occupying OPs, and establishing ambushes throughout the exercise area of operations. The OCDTs rotated through command appointments as platoon commanders, platoon sergeants, section commanders, and section 2ICs. This served to increase their knowledge of section battle drills and IAs, while further developing their ability to apply functional leadership in the field.

This phase culminated in a defensive battle and withdrawal overnight, moving on foot to feature Baggush. At Baggush the wary OCDTs regrouped and rehearsed after receiving the order that they were to return to the now Musorian-occupied defensive position and win it back. In the small hours of the following morning the company launched a deliberate attack with two platoons up, and one establishing a direct fire support base. The enemy position was cleared by first light and, with a sense of accomplishment, the OCDTs were able to get stuck into refurbishing the area before moving back to camp. During the exercise the OCDTs were privileged to witness the promotion of the now SSGT White, who always plays an integral part in the efficient running of OCS exercises.

The OCDTs are processing the lessons learned from Exercise Alam El Halfa, while preparing to return to the field for their next challenge where they will consolidate their practical understanding of platoon battle drills on Exercise Tebaga Gap.

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