Warkworth woman plays to strengths in Reserve Force training course
Warkworth’s Mia O’Sullivan may be shorter than her New Zealand Army Reserve Force colleagues, but teamwork, passion and playing to individual strengths has helped her conquer the recruit course at Waiouru Military Camp.
10 March, 2025
She found herself digging a shell scrape, navigating unknown territory and making a bunch of new mates as part of that recruit training.
The 18-year-old, who attended Mahurangi College, says she was keen to join the Reserve Force.
It was a good learning environment and the training will cross over into her volunteer Operational Support Firefighter role at Warkworth Fire Station where she is hopeful to soon be training as a fully-fledged fire fighter.
“My grandad was a combat medic for the Australian Defence Force and has inspired me to become a combat medic too.”
Private O’Sullivan said she enjoyed the camaraderie of recruit training and that everyone recognised early on that each person would have strengths that needed to be drawn on to help another who may be struggling.
“I found learning the weapons systems challenging and while we were in the field my section helped me go over the drills whenever we had a spare moment, it’s been a real team effort.
“They’re really supportive and have helped me work on my mindset so I can develop confidence when using my weapon.”
Private O’Sullivan with her section on graduation day
Private O’Sullivan said she enjoyed living in the field and built a solid friendship with her “battle buddy”. Soldiers are paired together to mutually support each other within a section. They look out for each other and work together as one unit.
“I was the cover scout and my battle buddy was the lead scout. He would always go my pace and had a calm temperament.
“I’m five foot four and the tallest person in our section was six foot four so there’s quite a height difference. They could easily outpace me.”
However, her competitive rock climbing and hockey background helped Private O’Sullivan with her fitness and strength for the field.
“Physical fitness is important but you need to be prepared to have the mental endurance as well,” she said.
Left: Private O’Sullivan digs her shell scrape. When soldiers are living in areas of open country they ‘dig in’ for protection. Right: The early morning view of Mt Ruapehu that Private O’Sullivan had while she was on sentry duty.
Want to know more?
Each Reserve Force infantry 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 every two weeks on average.
Each year Reserve Forces from around New Zealand take part in Exercise Tauwharenikau, which is supported by Regular Force elements. This exercise is in addition to regular training activities on weekends and at night parades.
Reserve Force soldiers can also take part in all New Zealand Defence Force exercises, both nationally and internationally, based on time availability and skills required.
Any Defence Recruiting enquiries can be made by phoning 0800 1 FORCE or visit www.defencecareers.mil.nz(external link)