Manoeuvres Planned

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31143, 20 August 1966, Page 22

Manoeuvres Planned

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, August 19. One of the largest field manoeuvre exercises planned in New Zealand since the Second World War is to be held in the Waiouru area next February, the Chief of the General Staff, Major General W. S. McKinnon, announced at Army Headquarters today. Some 6000 regular and territorial troops of the Ist Infantry Brigade Group and supporting units will move by air, sea, road and rail from all parts of New Zealand, concentrating in the bush and tussock country north-east of Waiouru. R.N.Z.A.F. transport aircraft will fly 1100 of these troops from the South Island. Since the Chief of the General Staff’s exercise last April, units throughout New Zealand have been studying how to operate against a regular enemy assisted by local guerrillas. In military terminology, the exercise will be a “limited war situation set in an insurgency background.” : During the exercise the Brigade Group will be opposed by a live enemy drawn from a battalion of the Reserve Brigade. Troops of this battalion will play the part of local civilians

who may not be enemy sympathisers and guerrillas. They will later represent regular soldiers and mount operations against the brigade group. The New Zealand Special Air Service Squadron will carry a para-assault landing and it is hoped that some units will get live firing practice during the exercise. For the first time in a major exercise in New Zealand, the Brigade Commander, Colonel D. J. Aitken, will have the support of No. 3 Battlefield Support Squadron, R.N.Z.A.F., which includes the helicopters and fixed wing aircraft of the Army Light Aircraft Flight. These aircraft will carry out reconnaissance and fire observation for the brigade units and will evacuate “casualties” most of the units will be maintained throughout the three and a half days of the exercise on air supply of rations, water, ammunition and engineer stores.

Over two thirds of the troops taking part in this exercise would be territorial soldiers, General McKinnon said. Brigade units may be commanded by either regular or territorial officers. At present most are commanded by territorial officers who combine successful civilian careers with an active and vital role in their country’s defence.

The photograph, taken from a helicopter, shows the type of country around Waiouru where the exercise will be carried out.