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When LT Nicholas Jones contemplated whether he should put his hand up for the Op Rata deployment, he distinctly recalls the advice he received from his civilian boss.
“The boss noted in jest when reflecting on his own career that he “wished he had not been in such a rush to climb the corporate ladder”, and that without doubt, “I will be much more inspired by my experiences on an army deployment than any work I might be exposed to in a commercial law matter!” That piece of advice certainly rang true a few days on the job when, in April 2007, my platoon was tasked to assist in a tsunami aid relief effort in the devastated Western Province of Solomon Islands.
Initially, I was slightly concerned about deploying to the Solomon Islands in that I thought I would fall behind in my career as a commercial lawyer. Two months on after returning home from the Op Rata deployment, it is difficult to convey how honoured and fortunate I feel to have had the opportunity to command such an awesome platoon of Kiwi soldiers on operations as a junior TF officer.
In this respect, I am confident that the value networks and leadership opportunities that one is exposed to on a deployment will transfer to, and complement, my full-time job as a lawyer. This is simply because unlike any organisation I have experienced, the NZ Army actually funnels leadership at all levels, and demands the absolute highest standards of its leaders. In terms of business success, I have no doubt that junior TF officers who are willing to take that ‘leap of faith’ and temporarily let go of the security of the civilian job will find their risk will be rewarded in ways they cannot anticipate. No doubt, it will be an influential string to your bow.
By deploying as a Platoon Commander on operations I have returned to my civilian employment motivated, reinvigorated and with a broader perspective on life. Fortunately, I consider my employer Minter Ellison Rudd Watts lawyers to have real vision in supporting my deployment, viewing it as part of my development as a lawyer and a person. However, this process was aided by good, clear communication between my employer and me from the moment Op Rata was offered to 3 ANR and 6 Hau.
My advice to all TF SNCO s, JNCO s and junior officers is to take up the challenge of an Army deployment. It is my belief that as TF leaders we must have the ambition to get overseas with the Army, put our training to use and contribute to what New Zealand is trying to achieve.”
This page was last reviewed on 19 October 2007 and is current.
