Whangārei tractor expert feels pulling power of NZ Army Reserve Force

Corporal McLeod works with farming’s famous green machines during the week and dons his green fatigues at weekends. He is the platoon sergeant with his unit Northland Company, 3/6 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

In his toolkit is a Platoon Commanders course, a physically and mentally intensive 16 days of training he completed at Waiouru Military Training Area last year.  

He learned how to analyse a complex problem in a short time frame, provide a solution, confidently brief his superiors and then order his soldiers to deliver that solution.

He then needed to follow through on the ground with a platoon patrol, where situation changes were thrown in, forcing the students to think on their feet.

The training taught him to quickly absorb, retain then use information immediately. 

“The courses are generally pretty short with a lot of information to process, it’s a skillset in itself and easily transfers into my civilian employment.”

He is employed in a recently developed branch of the John Deere tractor business and in a position that is the first of its kind; educating clients on new technologies. 

“With the regular release of new products or technologies I need to learn about them so I can educate our clients as soon as the new product arrives in the workshop.”

Corporal McLeod has served in the Reserve Force for more than 15 years and has found many aspects of Army training crossed over into civilian roles. 

Corporal McLeod grew up on sheep and beef stations throughout the North Island. 

On leaving school he joined the NZ Army Regular Force but soon opted for the Reserve Force. 

I have never regretted joining the Reserve Force, I just love it.  The combination of the people and the uniqueness of the job compared to anything in the civilian sector is hard to beat.  

“It’s hard to describe to people the experiences and the reasons for staying. I met my best mates here, I wouldn’t have met them if I hadn’t joined.”

Being in the Reserve Force means he’ll need to complete at least 20 days a year in uniform, which includes monthly weekend training and sometimes requires time away from work to complete leadership training or an exercise.

Corporal McLeod has a busy lifestyle but his wife is supportive and understands his desire to serve. 

With a full time job and two young children, he says fitting fitness into his lifestyle can be a challenge at times but again his Army training helps.

“Army Reserve Force training gives you a strong mindset in determination which definitely helps keep you active and focused.”

Part-time career, full-on rewards

Defence Recruiting enquiries can be directed to 0800 1 FORCE. 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 one night a week.