3 Auck Nth to host Annual Exercise in 2010

3 Auck North is the host unit for the 2010 Annual Field Exercise (Ex EL MAADI) which is to be held in Waiouru (Helwan Camp and surrounding areas).
We are expecting up to 220 Reserve soldiers from all over the North Island to attend.

The training emphasis will be to revise and re-enforce skills that we would use on deployment to the Solomon Islands or Timor Leste, such as navigation, patrols, vehicle check points, radio and communications, first aid and close quarter battle (CQB) shooting.

The past 12 months have been extremely busy for the battalion.

We have hosted the Harding Cup sports competition in which we won everything (netball, golf and RFL competition) except the Rugby!!  We will do that in 2010.
We have had extensive training throughout the year.  The Infantry elements have trained in close country, but for the last part of the year have concentrated their training on Urban Terrain which is the most likely type of terrain that we will deploy into.

The Artillery Battery has been expanded to include the Mortar Platoon and have trained in Battery deployments and Call For Fire

The Engineer Troop has trained in search, demolitions and boating with most Sappers being trained as day-skippers.

The Logistics Company contined to undertake driver and supplier training in Riverhead Forest and Kaipara and supported the rest of the Battalion to a high standard when required.

The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery played during Armistice Day and during a Massed Bands Concert in Takapuna.  They played alongisde the RNZAF and RNZ Navy Bands.  The Minister of Defence was a member of the highly appreciative audience.

We held a Top Soldier Competition which was won by CPL Stephen Worthy who, when not a Reserve soldier is a Police Officer in Auckland.

The Reservist of the Year, LCPL Deborah Kendon is a 3 Auck North soldier and the unit is very proud of her achievement.

The Top Shot in the Battalion is Pte Archie Valenzuela from the Mortar Platoon.  He emerged as such during the Battalion Annual Weapons Qualification shoot at Waiouru in November.

The Battalion continues to provide troops to overseas deployments.

Major Peter Mortimer is currently in Kabul as a Liaison Officer and Captains Dave Tilton and Darren Young have recently returned from the Sinai and Timor Leste respectively.

We have 2 soldiers in Antarctica as part of the NZDF logistic support effort there.

The Battalion has had a big ceremonial commitment too this year. 

We supported the Exhibition Passchendaele: The Belgians Have Not Forgotten which was held at Fort Takapuna in October and November.  The 3 Battalions of the Auckland Regiment fought side-by-side during the First Battle of Passchendaele on 4 October 1917 so the exhibition was of particular significance for us. 

We provided the Band who played superbly as well as a Colour Party who paraded during a sunset service at Fort Takapuna. 

A tri-service guard marched through Takapuna as part of a street parade was also conducted which was reviewed by the Belgian Consul General and the Mayor of North Shore City, Andrew Williams. 

As CO I am particularly proud of the Battalion's achievements during 2010. 

As Reservists we are adept at managing our civilian careers, family life and our military careers which set us apart as highly valuable and capable New Zealanders.  The Battalion will continue to grow during the next few years and will continue to step up and provide troops for Stability and Support Operations all over the globe. 

I liken us to the All Blacks reserves bench.  We are ready, willing and able to take the field to support the Regular Force at any moment.

Photos by Anna Thomas (this page) and Alistair Guthrie (front page link to 3 Auck Nth)