ARMYCAPABILITY 09
Major Paul Napier with the Polaris MRZR.
NEW POLARIS MRZR ARRIVE The purchase of the low cost, light weight, compact size vehicle follows extensive trials conducted over two years by the Army. The MRZR is a militarised version of the popular Polaris RZR recreational vehicles. It is diesel powered, fitted with run flat tires and an infra-red light to aid driving using night vision goggles. MRZR are widely used by defence forces around the world in a variety of roles including:
• Movement of personnel and their equipment • Movement of light infantry support weapons • Movement of combat supplies • Casualty evacuation • Support of small groups of specialist personnel with heavy or bulky equipment • Humanitarian and disaster relief activities.
The Protected Mobility Capability Project (PMCP) is gradually replacing Defence’s main operational land vehicle fleets. This includes both armoured and non-armoured vehicles. Six vehicles arrived as part of the PMCP, with an option of additional vehicles in the near future, and a number for the Counter Explosives Hazard project. The MRZR is a lightweight drive four seat vehicle with side-by-side seating and is specifically designed
The first six Polaris MRZR vehicles have been delivered to the Army, as part of the Protected Mobility Capability Project.
for off road use. The driver and up to three passengers are restrained in their seats with four point harnesses within a Roll Over Protection Structure that meets the NZDF standard. Both rear seats can be removed to increase the cargo space or to carry up to two patients secured on stretchers. The side-by-side configuration is inherently safer than the ride-on quad bikes Army has traditionally operated as our light off road vehicle role.
A number of New Zealand built transport trailers will be used to transport the MRZR on public roads. The vehicles are capable of being moved by C-130, NH90 helicopters and on HMNZS Canterbury. MRZR will be introduced into service with the New Zealand Army shortly, with the six PMCP vehicles being issued to the High Readiness Company (1 RNZIR).
EOD SELECTION BOARD NOVEMBER 2020 Nominations for the New Zealand EOD Operator trade open 1 June 2020 New Zealand EOD Operators have an important role within the NZDF. Whether supporting the New Zealand Defence Force, New Zealand Police, or Special Operations Forces we must deliver precise results in sensitive, complex and challenging environments. Our people are innovative and agile. We are looking for NZDF personnel that are humble, disciplined, brook no sense of class and are committed to pursuing excellence. We need people who work well in a small team and can make decisions in complex situations. The EOD Operator Assessment Week is open to men and women from within the NZDF.
Minimum requirements
Successful civilian recruits
Successful NZDF recruits
• Hold a rank of Private (Band 4), Leading Aircraftman or Able Seaman.
1. All Arms Recruit Course (AARC) July 2020.
1. Basic Combat Engineer course. (8 weeks – Jan 2021)
2. Basic Combat Engineer course. (8 weeks – Jan 2021)
2. Basic EOD course (12 weeks)
3. Basic EOD course (12 weeks)
3. Support Element Special Operations Training (2 Weeks)
• Have a full class one vehicle license • Hold a confidential vetting security clearance • Have a minimum medical grade of A4, G2, Z1 (RFL minimum G2) • Complete the R-Series Tests 1–5. Administered during the assessment week and an evaluation by an NZDF psychologist as suitable to operate as an IEDD team member. Successful candidates will undergo the following training prior to posting to an EOD Response Troop in either Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.
4. Support Element Special Operations Training (2 Weeks)
Visit http://org/nzsof/LP/ Recruiting.aspx for more information and to download your application.
Application AFNZ 3E 1. To be completed with comments from your Commanding Officer. 2. Forwarded to DACM and Squadron Sergeant Major E SQN NLT 01 September 2020. LENARD.BURLAND@nzdf.mil.nz DACM_S1_Matters@nzdf.mil.nz 3. Meet all the above minimum requirements. For further information please contact Warrant Officer Diver Len Burland, Squadron Sergeant Major E SQN.
