New Framework Makes Step Up Easier

13 March 2007

The jump in rank from major to lieutenant colonel is being made easier by a new workshop run by the Military Studies Institute.

The first “transition seminar” was held in late-February. The seven-day seminar, expected to be an annual event, aims to assist newly promoted lieutenant colonels, and majors cleared for promotion to lieutenant colonel, complete the transition to the higher rank level.

“For Army, the jump from major to lieutenant colonel is a significant step up, in terms of the responsibilities that they have, and the expectations that the Army has of the individual”, said Lieutenant Colonel Richard Taylor, CO of the MSI. MSI ran the seminar on behalf of the course sponsor, Colonel Kevin Burnett, Commander of ATG.

The seminar is one step in a newly established framework for leadership development within the Army. The framework also includes last week’s Exercise Hei Tu Rangitira, Hei Tauira Rangitira* (stand tall and proud) for officers of colonel level and above, and warrant officers.

The transition seminar was held in Trentham Camp. It involved five days of discussions and presentations, including presentations from the Chief and Deputy Chief of Army, and other senior Army officers, as well as two days of adventure training.

“Prior to attending the seminar, all participants went through a ‘360-degree reporting process’ – getting feedback from their peers, superiors, and subordinates about their strengths and weaknesses. Then at the seminar they worked through the findings of that report with an HR consultant”, said LT COL Taylor.

The classroom work included leadership training and personal development exercises, and discussed Army’s and the Defence Force’s expectations of them in their higher rank, as well as wider issues, such as law and equity.

“It was a very good course, very informative, and a good opportunity to mingle with my peers and discuss issues at our level”, said LT COL Rob Gillard, CO of The Army Depot.

On the final two days, Army Adventurous Training Centre instructors led the class of 16 over the Southern Crossing of the Tararuas, a 32km hike from Kaitoke to Otaki Forks.

AATC instructor Jim Masson calculated that the group gained a total height of 1,817m and a descent of 1,900m. “A valid reason for feeling stiff for a few days!” he said.

“Personally, it was challenging; it was a hard day’s work but not impossible”, said LT COL Gillard, commenting that the crossing was a good way to get the group to overcome adversity together.

“They were very tired when they finished the walk but they also felt a great sense of achievement; they seemed to be on a real emotional high, at what they felt they had achieved on the course”, said LT COL Taylor.

He said that although they are pleased overall with how the first course went, MSI will be looking for ways to improve it, based on feedback from participants.

The course is expected to run again later next year, after the Army Promotion Board has made its decisions on who is cleared for promotion.

* This exercise will be reported in next issue of Army News