14 ARMYPEOPLE
JOURNEY TO THE RED DIAMOND:
From basic training to Infantry – Part One By Charlene Williamson
In this story series, Army News follows young soldiers from the start of recruit training, through to Combat Corp Training, to marching out and gaining the coveted Red Diamond of the New Zealand Army’s infantry battalions. Photos: CPL Sean Spivey
Twelve weeks ago 81 young men and women marched into Waiouru Military Camp to begin their lives as soldiers of the New Zealand Army. April Ma’a, 17, first started thinking about joining the Army in Year 10. She says it started out as a joke to her Mum, but as the years went by she thought seriously about joining. “I want a different outlook on life and to find my purpose, I suppose while having some fun and also meeting new people. I wanted to serve, discover and learn new things – I thought this would be an awesome career,” said Ma’a. Following a careers experience talk at her High School in Golden Bay, it opened her eyes up to the possibility of working for the New Zealand Defence Force and made her want to join even more. Before marching in, she said she was expecting recruit course to involve sweat and tears, but also
she expected lots of knowledge and awesome experiences. “What I hope to achieve in the 16 weeks in Waiouru would be, new skills, as well as adjusting and understanding the Army lifestyle, while meeting new mates,” she said. Ma’a said that she is most worried about injuries that could happen throughout training, and being sent home. She was also concerned about being left behind and not being able to handle the intense physical and mental training while undergoing the 16 weeks of training. “I’ve wanted to be a part of the NZDF for so long and to be told to leave would be disappointing,” she said. Ma’a said she joined the Infantry Corps because she loves getting in there and putting in the hard yards, while still having a smile on her face. “I am not afraid of getting my hands dirty, or ruining my nails. I am a proud female Kiwi, doing the
