Masterton armourer relishes challenge of mortar work in Fiji
Being prepared to challenge oneself is a pre-requisite for a career in the New Zealand Army, and is a piece of advice that armourer Corporal Richard Forsyth swears by.
03 October, 2024
From the Wairarapa and now based at Linton Military Camp, near Palmerston North, with 16th Field Regiment, Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery (RNZA), Corporal Forsyth is relishing the variety of his role.
“There is just so much variety compared to a normal civilian job, which keeps things exciting,” he said.
“I could be in the workshop doing my normal day to day or be overseas exploring a new country.”
Corporal Forsyth signed up for the NZ Army in 2017, shortly after finishing up at Wairarapa College. His older brother had served as an aircraft technician with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.
“I joined in part so that I could travel and see the world, as well as have some variety in my day-to-day work. I later joined 16th Field Regiment, RNZA because it had a reputation of being a fast-paced environment that could challenge me,” he said.
“My primary role with 16th Field Regiment is to service the NZ Army’s L119 (105mm Light Gun) and has me working on a wide range of maintenance engineering jobs, but I also get the opportunity to take those skills and put them to the test in challenging field conditions.”
One of Corporal Forsyth’s primary roles was to ensure the 81mm mortars were safe for soldiers to operate.
While the bulk of his time is usually spent in the Linton workshops, he recently deployed to Fiji as an armourer to Exercise Cartwheel, an annual Republic of Fiji Military Forces- and United States Army Pacific-led exercise, designed to train, assess and build up light infantry and combat support capability in the Pacific.
“My role as an armourer was to pre-inspect the 81mm mortar and ensure that any issues were addressed so that they could safely be fired. During the live-fire stage of the exercise, my primary role was to be on standby for any potential issues and be on hand to fix them. It’s a critically important role that allows our soldiers the ability to practice with the equipment in realistic environments, and to do so safely.
Exercise Cartwheel was a great experience overall. The highlight for me was being able to work closely with the Fijians and immerse myself within their culture, while making some lifelong friends.
“That’s not to say it doesn’t come without challenges – for me personally, it was all about trying to work with the limited resources and facilities you have in a field setting, but overcoming those challenges is a fundamental part of my training too, and is incredibly valuable.”
Corporal Forsyth had also deployed to Hawaii with 16th Field Regiment as part of the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Centre exercise, and said deploying was a brilliant opportunity for soldiers to not only advance their own skills, but build valuable relationships with personnel from partner militaries.
Soldiers from 16th Field Regiment, Royal New Zealand Artillery, 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces pose for a photo at the conclusion of Exercise Cartwheel’s live firing stage.
Outside his time in the workshop, Corporal Forsyth enjoys playing basketball, and said the New Zealand Defence Force had a very strong sporting culture which allowed him to enjoy his on-court passion.
“The NZ Army is a great way to get a trade qualification, in an environment where your tools are paid for and the pay is good for an apprentice-level job.
“On top of this you get to keep fit by doing physical training (PT) during work hours, and with my workplace in particular we get extra time at lunch to do additional PT. I love what I do.”