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Self Resilience Tested in Aumangea Course
20 July 2010
Thirty three Regular and Reserve soldiers from most trades in the New Zealand Army gathered in Burnham to begin the five week pilot Ranger-type or ‘Aumangea’ Course on 3 May.
Ranks ranged from Private to Lieutenant Colonel, most driven to the course by curiosity, the unknown and a thirst for a personal challenge; all gained something out of it.
The course, based on a Ranger- type concept, would succeed in challenging all who started, says former Land Component Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Danny Broughton who helped set up the course on behalf of the Land Component Commander.
“Every ounce of willpower and every drop of determination was wrenched from the participants as they took on activities ranging from yoga, close quarter combat and a longest day type challenge with a 35kg pack.“
Soldiers weren’t aware of any structure, programme, or way of knowing what would hit them next as they went through the course, often placed in confusing situations in line with the course’s ethos of making decisions under pressure.
Questions such as “When will I eat and where will I sleep?” and “How far will I walk today?” were asked of the course participants over the five weeks.
“Having to think smart, improvise, deal with the unknown and innovate were key to surviving through the course,” WO1 Broughton says.
“Aumangea is about personal development and stretching your ability to lead others and yourself. It will challenge you and force you to do things you never thought possible.”
There will be another Aumangea course later this year and participants keen to see if they are up to the challenge should contact WO1 Peter Bowyer, Land Component Sergeant Major via email or on 021780001.
“Have a talk to those who have been there,” Broughton says.
“It will bring the best out of you, or break you.”
This page was last reviewed on 23 July 2010 and is current.
