New Polaris 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:

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. 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.

Minimum requirements

• Hold a rank of Private (Band 4), Leading Aircraftman or

Able Seaman. • 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. 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

Successful civilian recruits

1. All Arms Recruit Course (AARC) July 2020. 2. Basic Combat Engineer course. (8 weeks – Jan 2021) 3. Basic EOD course (12 weeks) 4. Support Element Special

Operations Training (2 Weeks)

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.

Successful NZDF recruits

1. Basic Combat Engineer course. (8 weeks – Jan 2021) 2. Basic EOD course (12 weeks) 3. Support Element Special

Operations Training (2 Weeks) Visit http://org/nzsof/LP/ Recruiting.aspx for more information and to download your application. 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).

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.