Brigadier Phil Gibbons
Land Component Commander

5 September 2006

World-class operationally focused land forces

Tena koutou katoa
Ko tenei te mihi kia koutou
E tautoko ana tenei kaupapa
Na reira, kia ora mai tatou katoa

It is coincidental that I have been given the opportunity to write this column now that I have formulated my intent for the Land Component. During my first four months as the LCC I have visited all the formations, a number of units, force troops and some of our personnel deployed overseas, with the LCSM WO1 Tony Harding. On each of these visits we have both been impressed with the commitment and comradeship that has been demonstrated by most officers and soldiers. These visits have also provided the information that allows me to confirm my outline intent for the Land Component for the next two years. My intent is based on four key themes.

We must strive for excellence in everything we do, whether on operations or in training in New Zealand. If we do this, we enhance our readiness, realise excellence and achieve the NZ Army vision of being a world-class army that has mana. Additionally, to achieve excellence we need to live by our ethos and values, and commit fully to everything we do – especially those of us in leadership positions.

It is my intent to adopt the concept of managed readiness, defined as “designating particular units or sub-units as lead forces for potential deployment”. This means a more effective and efficient method of ensuring that the right units are appropriately resourced, and an achievable response time for any tasks that may be allocated. This concept will be introduced into the Land Component through a number of different mechanisms; including, most recently, the release of a steady state rotation plan for operations for the next 18 months. This will allow for managed training, accurate personnel allocation and the appropriate equipment distribution.

Managing the tempo within the formations and units must be better understood. We must have the courage and integrity to limit self–imposed tempo. Leaders at all levels must continuously address this issue and make decisions to limit the introduction of ideas that are not robustly staffed.  It is unacceptable to fill an imposed operational or training pause with an activity that contributes little to our mission or vision.

Leaders at every level must ensure that training synchronisation is achieved within the Land Component and with ATG. To accomplish this, we must continually discuss and resolve the competition for personnel and equipment with a view to resolving it for the benefit of the NZ Army.

By striving for excellence, establishing appropriate readiness measures, managing our tempo, and ensuring our activities are synchronised we will be able to consistently provide world-class operationally focused land forces. Further, this approach will create the conditions for a steady state in all units, including providing excellent leadership, maintaining operational commitments, meeting compliance requirements, and all our officers and soldiers being enthusiastic and satisfied with their unique role as members of the NZ Army.

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