Keeping frontline soldiers fed and fighting key to combat success
Dominating the battlefield is more than just a case of superior fire power, it’s the strength and effectiveness of the entire combat system.
10 April, 2025
In the New Zealand Army, Ngāti Tūmatauenga, for a soldier to be successful on the front line of combat, they have to work hand in glove with the Army’s combat support specialists.
Major Andrew True, Second In Command of 2nd Combat Services Support Battalion (2CSSB), said two combat support units from Linton and Burnham Military Camps have provided real life support to Exercise Sangro in the Waiouru Military Training Area – the largest combined live field firing exercise that has taken place outside of deployment for a number of years.
Their parallel exercise – Exercise Active Edge – provided troops and units on Exercise Sangro with everything they needed to sustain their activities.
“Our units were feeding around 200 soldiers twice a day, transporting ammo and fuel to the front line, and servicing and repairing vehicles and weapons from our mobile workshop,” said Major True.
The combat support units supplied Exercise Sangro with 6080 hot meals, 28,000 litres of diesel, and 34 pallets of ammunition.
“This exercise was our chance to step up and show our capabilities as a unit. It was also a valuable opportunity to show we’re ready for our major deployment to Exercise Talisman Sabre in Australia later in the year,” said Major True.
Combat support specialists cover a wide range of trades including caterers, mechanics, combat drivers, electricians, armourers, engineers, electrical fitters, movement operators and supply technicians.
Platoon Commander Lieutenant Kirsten Collings is in charge of a 22-personnel forward repair group responsible for maintaining equipment in combat.
“We fix everything from rifles to radios and headsets. The undulating and steep terrain in Waiouru is particularly hard on vehicles with damaged wheels and overheating engines. Rifles can take a real beating and sometimes need a bit of TLC before they are sent back into the field,” said Lieutenant Collings.
She said her team was made up of qualified tradespeople including mechanics, armourers, general engineers, electrical technicians and electrical fitters.
As well as a mobile workshop, there is also a mobile kitchen on site. As well as handling large quantities of food it has the added benefit of being able to cook food while being towed.
Major True said you can’t underestimate what good quality catering does to front line troops.
He said catering during exercises for large numbers was invaluable preparation for deploying overseas and even though they’re a small unit they “punch above their weight” in the seamless support they can provide to Kiwi, ally and partner forces.
New Zealand’s combat support capabilities are interoperable with the Australian Army, and will again be put to the test later this year at Exercise Talisman Sabre where both 2CSSB and 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion (3CSSB) will be directly supporting the NZ Army Battle Group, and assisting Australian logistics support chains with a team of highly trained and skilled combat support specialists.