Reserve Force training pushes new Blenheim soldier

But he was surrounded by new friends in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force as they completed six weeks learning basic soldiering skills at Waiouru Military Camp.

The engineering student, who is studying at the University of Canterbury, says he experienced challenges he’d never considered.

“I enjoy camping but this is a whole new level. You can have quite good facilities at a camping ground but out here it’s like you and the wild. 

“Sleeping in a pit that you’ve dug is an interesting experience and not something that happens every day.”

And on his birthday too.

“It was a bit of a different day. We had savories and everyone sang happy birthday and I got the birthday 20 press ups too.”

Private Guillemot admitted he found the Waiouru course tough.

“It was out of my comfort zone and a bit of a different experience. But what helped me was the mates, the camaraderie and them helping me to push myself to be better. 

“I didn’t want to let them down so I just keep going.”

Private Guillemot initially thought he’d enlist in the NZ Army directly after leaving Marlborough Boys’ College, but on a friend’s advice he decided to study and pick up his passion for the Army as a part-time journey instead. 

“It’s the first time I’ve used a weapon, but after a week at the range and with staff coaching I really enjoyed it.”

Recruits learn a range of foundational soldiering skills, including navigation, living in field conditions, firing weapons by day and night and living in close quarters. Building resilience is a big part of the training which sets them up for a successful part-time Army career. 

Private Guillemot encouraged anyone sitting on the fence about joining to just go ahead and apply.

“It’s an amazing experience that you’ll never forget and you’re sharing it with awesome people, great staff and you’ll get to use really cool equipment.

“We have people ranging in age up to mid 40s on this course.  It’s been great hearing their perspective with a bit more life experience under their belt.”

Each Reserve Force company has its own training programme in line with its battalion’s training focus. 

Company level training typically occurs one weekend a month with platoon level training occurring once a week. 

Reservists from around the country also take part in annual Exercise Tauwharenikau, which is a training activity that brings many Reservists together to work as part of a NZ Army military operation. 

Personnel conduct offensive and defensive operations to hone their skills in safely and effectively using all the weapons and capabilities used by the NZ Army.

It includes operating in and with armoured vehicles, artillery and mortars, technology systems, logistics vehicles and if available helicopters and aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It may also on occasion include participants from other regional armies like Australia. 

This year Exercise Tauwharenikau is planned for Waiouru in July.