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New Zealand Army to test new equipment of armoured units during Alam Halfa military exercises 190514.
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Defence & Security News - New Zealand |
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| Monday, May 19, 2014 08:49 PM | |||
| New Zealand Army to test new equipment of armoured units during Alam Halfa military exercises. | |||
New Zealand and United States troops are using one of New Zealand's biggest
military exercises to test new equipment in its armored units, the exercise
commander said Monday, May 19, 2014. More than 600 soldiers and 60 officers
were taking part in Exercise Alam Halfa on the Waiouru training ground
at the center of the North Island, Lieutenant Colonel Sholto Stephens
said. |
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 A Pinzgauer successfully crosses the Gap Crossing System |
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"Each day is different and they are learning how to utilize their skills in different situations and game plays," said Stephens said in a statement. The list of tasks was extensive with the troops and equipment being put through their paces in grueling battle simulations that test agility and capability in a life-like scenario, he said. The exercise was being watched by observers from the U.S. Marines and U.S. Army who debriefed command each day and advised on what could be done better. "We can all learn from each other and they are in a good position to be able to advise us on how to do things better. It's really good to work with them," said Stephens. New equipment was being tested with medium heavy operational vehicles working alongside the light armored vehicles (LAV) and the New Zealand Army's Gap Crossing System, being used for the first time by LAV, to allow access across narrow waterways and ravines. Exercise Alam Halfa 2014 involves artillery, gunnery, engineers and combat support units training with the New Zealand air force. The exercise scenario involves troops aiming to restore peace between two fictitious nations of Bekara and Alpiria, following on from previous exercises such as Southern Katipo in the South Island last year. The exercise, which runs till the end of May, would also move to the North Island's Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay regions and include street patrols in public places. Exercise Alam Halfa 2013 involved more than 1,000 personnel from New Zealand, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. |
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