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Rotorua’s Leo Schweizer wanted something useful to do during his holidays while at Otago University, so he enlisted in the New Zealand Army Reserve Force.

He signed on the dotted line, donned a green uniform and, by the end of the year, he was the Reserve Force’s top recruit. He recently graduated alongside 83 other soldiers who completed the six-week course which prepares civilians to become part-time soldiers.

“I tried hard to apply myself to all aspects of the training so to receive this award is a real honour as we had some really capable people on the course,” Schweizer, who is a private, said.

Recruits ranged in age from 18 to mid-40s and had various skills and a broad range of life experiences. During the course, they learned a range of foundational soldier skills, including navigation, living in field conditions, firing weapons by day and night and living in close quarters.

Private Schweizer stands at ease while the platoon wait for the command to stand to attention and prepare to march onto the parade ground for the graduation parade. Photo / supplied

Building resilience is a big part of the training, which sets them up for a successful part-time NZ Army career.

Schweizer is studying commerce and law. He enlisted in the Reserve Force because he wanted something meaningful to do during his university holidays and beyond, where he could learn unique skills and give back to the community.

He said highlights of his training were learning how to move tactically, working as a team and digging shell scrapes.

“Our section worked well together and I’ve made some great new mates.

“Although everyone came with different strengths, you need to be taught a certain way so you’re almost beginning from scratch.

“It’s new for everyone, so don’t worry about what you don’t know - if you’re sitting on the fence, I’d say sign up and you’ll learn everything you need to know along the way.”

Schweizer said he was looking forward to attending training as part of 2/4 Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, which is the South Island Reserve Force Battalion.

Colonel Brendon Jull, Assistant Chief of Army (Reserves), presents Private Schweizer the Top Recruit award. Photo / supplied

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 once a week.

Reservists from around the country also take part in the annual Exercise Tauwharenikau, which is a training activity that brings many reservists together to work as part of a NZ Army military operation.

Personnel conduct offensive and defensive operations to hone their skills in safely and effectively using all the weapons and capabilities used by the NZ Army.

It includes operating in and with armoured vehicles, artillery and mortars, technology systems, logistics vehicles and if available helicopters and aircraft from the Royal New Zealand Air Force. It may also on occasion include participants from other regional armies like Australia.

This year Exercise Tauwharenikau is planned for Waiouru in July.

Any Defence Recruiting inquiries can be made by phoning 0800 1 FORCE or visit the  website.