NZ Army's Top Shot - Capt Sergai Davis

He's the Army's top shot, but Sergai Davis is only a part time soldier; most of his time is devoted to his fulltime job as a safety officer on the Wellington Regional Rail project.

Captain Davis, acting Officer Commanding of Bravo Company, 7th Wellington Hawkes Bay Battalion, is the winner of the Queen's Medal and Championship Belt, the New Zealand Army's top shooting award.

Aged 42, he has been a Territorial Force (TF) soldier for 21 years, and puts his expert shooting skills down to taking every opportunity he can to practise, and understanding the effects and principals of good marksmanship.

The TF beckoned when he and his family realised he was heading down a "negative" track. ("fast cars and too much beer, you know what I mean"). He decided being a member of the TF would increase his self-discipline, and that he would enjoy the opportunity to lead, the camaraderie, and the community focus. He has since served in Bougainville, and the Sinai.

Its takes perseverance, and a degree of natural ability, to be a really good shot, he believes. "I was always reasonable good, but you have to maintain a cool head under pressure."

The Army, he says, has great mentors; in his case Warrant Officer Class Two Paul Mumm, and Staff Sergeants Chad Hally and Stephen Muschamp. "They'll help you and provide advice whenever they can."