News from the Top

Land Component Commander
BRIG Phil Gibbons

27 March 2007

TAKE OUR OPPORTUNITIES

This edition of the Army News coincides with my posting from the Land Component Commander (LCC) to Deputy Chief of Army (DCA). Circumstances such as these cause one to reflect on what has recently been achieved and what new opportunities are about to present themselves.

Supported by formation commanders and my staff, as the LCC I have been able to establish command intent based on improving preparedness, controlling tempo, enhancing synchronisation of activities and striving for excellence. This intent is now well known within the Land Component and all units and formations are working to meet this intent.

One area that still needs our attention is the exercise scenarios we are creating for our training activities. To simply apply the outdated “Musorian” template is inappropriate. Any scenario must be relevant to the contemporary war-fighting environment. It is important that we construct training scenarios that are based on the concept of the three-block war, and are relevant to the objectives of the training activity.

In my new appointment as DCA I intend to build on the recent successes of Army General Staff, assist with attempts to reduce the tempo throughout the Army, manage the development of our war-fighting capability and seek opportunities to improve the availability of MCE within the NZ Army.

Finally, two weeks ago I participated in the inaugural senior officer and warrant officer adventure race (see pages 7–9). The activity was designed to stretch us physically, and develop our leadership competencies. I would like to congratulate all those who took the opportunity to participate. A commitment to participate demonstrated to me that each person had the courage to put their reputations on the line in a very demanding environment, to develop their leadership competencies. Again, my congratulations to you all.