Air Force Recruits Brave the Cold
The smoke has now cleared over Dip Flat Camp west of Blenheim following a week of bush craft and ground defence training for Royal New Zealand Air Force recruits.
A group of 49 recruits arrived at the camp with loaded packs on Monday, July 9, to set up a fortified position using barbed wire and sandbags.
It was the first deployment for the recruits and they have remained on location day and night performing patrols, vehicle checks and defending their position from mock attackers.
SQNLDR Joss Adlam, acting commanding officer Command and Recruit Training Squadron, said the deployment allowed recruits to experience life in the field.
‘Air Force personnel regularly deploy overseas to perform roles alongside Navy and Army personnel. It’s important that recruits gain core military skills to perform ground-based roles when required.’ The Dip Flat deployment is part of the initial 12 week long recruit training course for Air Force recruits. Once they graduate the new recruits will begin training courses to become trades people or support personnel.
Top right image: Air Force Cadets Michael Gatehouse (left) and Mahesh Ramduth (right).
Bottom image: Air Force Cadets Trent Vannisselroy (left) and Matthew Huijsse (right) defend their position during ground defence training at Dip Flat Camp in July.