Posted on 09/29/2005 3:56:31 AM PDT by Dundee
NZ forces may need a decade to rebuild
WELLINGTON: It may take a decade to bring the New Zealand Defence Force up to full strength because of problems finding recruits in a strong jobs market, the armed forces chief says.
"The recovery of personnel numbers will be a high priority over the next three years, although it is recognised that growing the NZDF personnel numbers to the desired strength with the required skills and experience is likely to take up to 10 years," Air Marshal Bruce Ferguson said in the Defence Force annual report, seen Wednesday.
"We continue to face significant challenges with recruitment and retention."
Ferguson said the shortfall was affecting all the services but the army was the worst hit.
New Zealand's Defence Force numbers have fallen from 16,840 to 12,893 over 10 years up to the end of June.
The government said in May it would boost defence funding by NZ$4.6 billion over the next decade, with most of the new money going to the recruitment and training of 2,000 new personnel.
Ferguson said it was difficult to find new recruits because of a strong job market in New Zealand but it was hoped improved pay and conditions would attract more.
The decline in personnel stabilised over the last year but shortfalls in junior to mid-level ranks still ranged from 24 per cent to 40 per cent.
New Zealand has cut back its air force and naval forces in recent years to focus on creating a well-equipped infantry.
Most of the army's overseas missions are for peacekeeping and reconstruction, although about 50 special service troops have been in Afghanistan ahead of the recent parliamentary elections.
I weep when I see what has happened to a once proud nation.
It is well on the way to becoming just another Pacific Island state. The last bus stop to nowhere.
When a country gives up fighter planes - the first and most important line of defense - it's obvious what goes on. NZ can't take care of itself anymore. Even leftist politicians in Norway, a country very similar to NZ in climate and population, are considering not to purchase new figher planes. The F-16's is 30 years old now - the plan was to buy 48 new JSF's or Eurofighter Typhoon's. And Norway has billions of dollars in the oil-fund!!! The question is: is it to expensive to have armed forces or is it the will to defend oneself that doesn't exist anymore?
Could someone tell me why an island nation like New Zealand would downgrade the Navy and Air Force and try to build and infantry force?
Because navies require ships and air forces require airplanes. Infantry require rifles. Although they really no longer have any military, they aren't ready to completely admit it yet.
I suspect the infantry is for deployment with the UN....believe me NZ can't get enough brownie points from the UN.
Becuase you can declare your infantry is designed to meet UN "peacekeeoing" roles, while a Navy or AirForce is clearly intended to kill people and break things.
Oh, we're still a proud country, mate. I wouldn't weep too many tears.
Yes, the current Labour Government thinks that tree-hugging for Kofi Annan is the only suitable activity for a defence force (funnily enough, it doesn't seem to play as a recruiting slogan).
And yes, the previous National Government (equivalent to your Liberals) woefully neglected the defence force.
But you might like to think over how the Aussie mission in East Timor would have gone without the Kiwi troops - there quickly, well-trained, and for several battalion rotations. After all, Australia isn't exactly flush with infantry itself. On that score, I note you haven't posted The Australian's report on the Aussie army's recruiting "challenges". Maybe both countries are facing the strain of booming economies, higher wages in the civilian sector, and low unemployment.
Now for some good news. Both Labour and National have promised spending packages to rebuild the NZ armed forces. Better late than never, I suppose. And there are signs that the US and NZ are about to start work on where-do-we-go-to-now discussions. The US recently invited NZ to participate in the Proliferation Security Initiative, and Ambassador Swindells gave a careful speech on closer ties. It's worth a read on the US embassy website, www.usembassy.org.nz (sorry, I don't post often and haven't figured out links.)
Enjoy the NRL final. Cheers.
To be fair, though, Norway has a pretty strong army considering that there are less people in Norway than there are Tennessee. For example, they have a mandatory service requirement, as well as healthy, home-grown defense/R&D industries. They are also trying to step down from the Cold War footing, where they were preparing to fend off a Soviet invasion of the north.
Without the Soviet threat, I guess Norway figures that it can depend on NATO for air cover as long as they keep their ground forces in good shape.
In short, Norway could kick New Zealand's butt. :)
(don't get to say that every day...)
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