The NZ Army operates in a highly technical environment. Not only do we have to operate independently, we must also be capable of interoperability with the New Zealand Navy and Air Force and with our allies.

To do this effectively our equipment must support a variety of operating environments.

Some items of equipment, such as personal field equipment (packs, sleeping bags, cooking utensils), small arms (rifles), and FM radios, are common across the Army and basic soldier training teachers soldiers how to use and maintain this equipment.

However, each corps also operates equipment specific to its role. For example the Royal NZ Infantry Regiment soldiers operate specialist infantry support weapons, such as anti-armour weapons and mortars. In many of the Army's corps, the major portion of trade training involves the use and maintenance of specialist equipment.

We must ensure we continually have the right equipment so that we are:

• Equipped and trained for combat and peacekeeping;
• Deployable;
• Able to operate alongside other forces (especially Australia);
• Held at appropriate levels of readiness;
• Sustainable;
• Up to date in technology and doctrine; and
• Fiscally sustainable.