War-fighting and new Bushmasters key focus for new QAMR commander

The Linton-based QAMR is the oldest Regular Force unit in the NZ Army and its sole armoured unit.  It is primarily equipped with the New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle (NZLAV) and is currently introducing into service its new Bushmaster – the 11-tonne Australian-made four-wheel-drive armoured vehicle. 

Lieutenant Colonel Caleb Berry has recently taken over as QAMR’s new commanding officer.

The Wairarapa-born soldier returns 19 years after he enlisted and following a career where he deployed as a 25-year-old patrol commander to Afghanistan in 2012 (where he fought in the Battle of Baghak) and leading a training sub-unit in Iraq in 2017/18.

He has worked in a variety of roles in QAMR, as well as being part of the project that introduced the Bushmasters and postings to Combat School and Army General Staff in Wellington.

“This is certainly one of the highlights of my career so far and I’m honoured to be able to lead this amazing group of people. It will be through both challenging and exciting times for the unit and for Ngāti Tūmatauenga, the NZ Army, in general,” Lieutenant Colonel Berry said. 

An important goal was to maintain QAMR’s strong culture - a warfighting culture focused on combat effectiveness and being ready for operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Berry said he wanted to train, mentor and develop combat-focused and inspiring leaders within the unit. 

“Everything we do will be linked to enhancing lethality and our combat effectiveness and survivability on the battlefield.”

The Bushmaster would be key, Lieutenant Colonel Berry said.

“In 2025 we’ll be introducing them into active service, and we’ll need to do that while maintaining our warfighting culture within the regiment.

“As the sole armoured unit in the NZ Army we hold the expertise for mounted combat, noting that the wider NZ Army is on a journey towards greater motorisation too. 

“What this means is that infantry soldiers and commanders should be proficient in operating from and working with armoured vehicles.

“We’re fortunate that we have some great exercises coming up over in Australia in 2025 that will really test us in this space, and allow us to really push our capabilities alongside our partners.”

As part of Exercises Diamond Strike and Talisman Sabre, QAMR’s combat team will integrate with infantry from NZ Army units -- 1^st  Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, artillery gunners from 16^th Field Regiment and sappers from 2 Engineer Regiment.

It will operate as part of Australia’s 7^th Brigade, which will conduct both defensive and offensive tasks.

Lieutenant Colonel Berry said he was also acutely aware of the importance of protecting his people.

“Combat is a brutal experience to go through, the decisions we make as leaders can ultimately result in our soldiers being killed or wounded.

“So the onus is on us to be the best that we can be, to reduce that risk and look after our people as much as possible. 

“And it’s more than just the personnel themselves, it’s the families and friends at home who also sacrifice so much in support of our people’s service. That is the burden of command,” Lieutenant Colonel Berry said.