The New Zealand Contingent (NZCMFO) has been a member of the MFO since its inception. Participation by New Zealand originally took the form of Rotary Wing Air Support and subsequently evolved to its present form. New Zealand increased its participation in 1998 to its current strength of twenty-six personnel. The primary tasks of the NZCMFO are to provide a transport section of twelve personnel under the operational control of the US Army Support Battalion to operate and drive vehicles as required by the Force and to provide a Training and Advisory Team (NZTAT) of eight personnel.
The NZTAT establishes, conducts, maintains and evaluates training courses common to the MFO based on MFO Standard Operating Procedures as well as providing driver training and MFO license qualifications testing. Additionally the Contingent provides selected personnel for staff appointments within the Force and Contingent Headquarters. The Contingent is involved in a wide range of MFO activities from the soldier level within the Force logistics organisation to involvement in key staff roles and functions in the Force Headquarters.
On average the New Zealand drivers annually drive over 356,630 kilometres. The Sinai provides a particularly challenging driving environment that is unique in the world, so the skills of these professional drivers are tested on a daily basis. The knowledge and high standards they display in the operation of heavy lift vehicles are shared with other drivers within the Force transport organisation via an effective driver-training program.
The NZTAT Driving Instructors provide a high standard of customer service to Force units, consistently demonstrating flexibility, commitment and professionalism in accomplishing allotted tasks. On average, they annually train and test over 1,800 personnel from the eleven nations represented within the MFO. The operations instructors also train over 325 students and organize and conduct the annual Force Skill at Arms competitions.
Complementing the achievements of the NZTAT and the driving section, New Zealand holds several other high profile Force Staff appointments. The Force Engineering Office (FEO) benefits greatly from the efforts of the two New Zealanders who fulfill the Facilities Engineer (North) and the Facilities Engineer Officer Remote Site (North) responsibilities. These efforts include assuming the duties as Force Engineering Officer to cover that officer 's absence. Another key appointment filled by New Zealand is that of the Force Commander's Aide-de-camp. A mixture of diplomacy and a firm understanding of the nature of the multinational environment are a necessity for this appointment.
The New Zealand Contingent also provides a Staff Officer in the Operations Branch, a Liaison Officer and the Clerk to the Liaison Branch. Also part of the Operations Branch, New Zealand contributes an Officer to fill the position of Deputy Chief of Operations (DCOP). He is responsible for the coordination of MFO operational activities and assumes the position of Chief of Operations during times of that officer's absence. The DCOP is also responsible for the conduct of Operational Readiness Checks and inspections that assist Force Units in maintaining an effective and efficient contribution to the MFO mission.
The Officer fulfilling the role of DCOP is also the Commanding Officer of the New Zealand Contingent. He is assisted in this role by a NZCMFO staff of two personnel. This small staff deals with all the national administration aspects of the New Zealand Contingent and also provides additional stores and administrative support to the Norwegian Contingent.
The NZCMFO of twenty-six personnel has a significant involvement in a wide range of key areas within the Force. As such, the achievements of the Contingent within the Force are linked directly to the success of others and to the organisation as a whole.
In addition to their operational mission duties, New Zealand personnel participate across the range of military, cultural and sporting activities offered by the Force. Despite the relatively small size of the contingent, NZCMFO enjoy notable success in many of the sporting and Force Skills competitions.
Links: www.nzdf.mil.nz - www.parliament.govt.nz