Naval officer training ‘best decision’: Tokoroa student

Midshipman Hartley, from Tokoroa, was among 11 officers and 68 sailors who graduated in December after completing their junior officer and basic training.

She will shortly begin learning about directing and controlling resources and personnel on board ships and on shore as a Maritime Logistics Officer.

While finishing at Forest View High School, her father suggested the military as a career.

“My dad and step mum were a big influence in who I am today. He often gave me good advice, saying the only person holding me back would be myself.

“I started talking to people, including a daughter of a staff member at school, and I got to hear all these stories.

“There was all the information online, and I saw the Navy’s YouTube series ‘Navy Made’. Adding it all up, the Navy sounded really balanced and had an inviting sense of camaraderie."

“The values it stands for are the ones I live by too. Plus I liked the travelling aspect. It all sounded more like me.”

She said she loved all aspects of officer training, especially times when they would combine with the larger intake of sailors for competitions.

“It was awesome fun, but there definitely were tough times. You learn to function at a high standard with less sleep than you’re used to.

As the eldest of her siblings, she felt it was her responsibility to do well.

“I wanted to be a good role model and show them they can do anything they put their mind to.”

She said the instructors really knew their job.

“Sure, there would be times when as group we’d be frustrated. But the instructors are good at steering us in a direction where we could do really well. They were also good at stepping back so we had the opportunity to grow on our own.”

Officer training taught her to be comfortable with speaking up.

“Before training, I was unsure of myself and not speaking up as much. The instructors helped us be comfortable with being in charge and brought out our best qualities.”

Midshipman Hartley has now posted to Wellington, to work at the New Zealand Defence Force’s Joint Forces Headquarters.

She believed other young people should consider a career in the military.

“It is the best decision I have made in my life… I feel like I have lived so much in the past six months. The amount of life experience and the maturity you gain has been amazing.

“You are capable of much more than you think you can do; it’s all mental. Push to do your best and learn from your mistakes.

“I’m looking forward to putting everything I’ve learnt into practice, developing into an effective leader and officer. I’d love to travel and meet new people – especially overseas.”