Observing was Colonel Mike van Welie, commander of the 1st (NZ) Brigade – the Army’s largest formation and the core of its operational fighting force. “Whether you’ve served for one day or 30 years, there has never been more pressure on the security environment in our region than there is now.”Colonel Mike van Welie, Commander 1st (NZ) Brigade. Teams were drawn from across the 1st (NZ) Brigade, including infantry, armoured vehicle crews, support trades such as mechanics and chefs, and reservists, or part-time soldiers. The urban clearance task involved moving from room to room, shooting enemy targets with chalk pellets. The Skill At Arms competition is a barometer for combat readiness within the 1st (NZ) Brigade.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 05, 2026 18:31 UTC