Territorial Force Commissioning Course 2010

The Territorial Force Commissioning Course (TFCC) is a seven-week, high intensity course designed to produce officers with the requisite skills and qualities for Commissioned service within the Territorial Force.

The course is physically and mentally tough, pushing Officer Cadets along a steep learning curve, from day one.

Nevertheless, 32 eager potential officers were nominated by their Units to rise to the challenge. Most are younger than 25 years old, with many studying at university. The group also included a handful of ex-soldiers and more mature men and women looking to challenge themselves. The TFCC’s ethnic diversity matches that of our wider society, with a range of backgrounds including New Zealand, European, Maori, Dutch, Samoan, Indian, Korean, and Chinese.

Half of the TFCC consists of classroom lessons on New Zealand Army doctrine and theory of leadership. The Officer Cadets are introduced to the principles of war fighting, functional leadership, interpersonal relations and tactics. Tactics lessons are reinforced by a series of TEWTs which test understanding of the concepts and mechanics of the attack, defence and withdrawal. Concurrently, the cadets complete a series of orders packages. They are expected to rapidly progress from a basic level to presenting high calibre section and platoon orders.

The theoretical activities are fine, but no-one earns their commission in a classroom. Exercise Chunuk Bair is among the hardest training the Officer Cadets will ever have. After consolidating basic soldiering skills, the Officer Cadets are introduced to platoon minor tactics. What follows is a two week tactical exercise that tests the section and platoon levels of command and soldiering. Cadets are expected to command one of two platoons. In command, cadets must lead their platoons through ambushing, clearing patrols, quick attacks by night and day, and a range of other scenarios. The preparation of the defensive position was unanimously voted as the toughest task.

What does it take to pass TFCC?

Officer Cadets insist that the Officer Cadet School (NZ) and NZ Army core qualities are the mental and moral formula for success. It’s easy to preach integrity or commitment in a classroom. But Officer Cadets become quickly aware that the only real test is measured in meals missed, the weather outside, hours spent digging and assaulting and still putting your hand up for more.

The course also stresses the need for comradeship. The challenges of Exercise Chunuk Bair forged strong bonds and the Officer Cadets relied on each other to keep pushing. With Officer Cadets commanding their peers, commissions were earned, or not, based on both an individual’s performance and the support of their mates.

Successful Officer Cadets leave TFCC to begin their Commissioned careers. Over the seven weeks they have learned how to lead and how to follow. They have passed a rigid assessment process and are considered capable junior leadersin the Territorial Force. They have the potential to competently and proudly lead New Zealand soldiers. Delivering on that potential is up to them.