Page 55 - QDG 2023

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards 53
Exercise LONGLOOK 22-23
In October 2022 Capt Maltman and LCpl Allen were fortunate enough to begin their working holiday visa programme: oops no, sorry, I mean a demanding interoperability and Defence Engagement exercise with the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Still relatively fresh back from Op NEWCOMBE 2 it provided an excellent opportunity to share recent opera- tional experience with the NZDF, and to learn and experience new methods and skills from our colleagues ‘down under.’ The visit was kindly sponsored by The Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles (QAMR), the cavalry Regiment of the NZDF. Later in the exchange both LCpl Allen and Capt Maltman were hosted by the Reconnaissance and Sniper Platoon (R&S Pl) of 1 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (1 RNZIR). The exchange was centred on the main NZDF garrison location of Linton Camp, Palmerston North in the southern half of the North Island. However, there was also plenty of opportunity for travel to see and expe- rience the beauty and welcome of the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ This was thanks in part to some careful planning to ensure that the deployment ran through into Feb 23 and thereby ensured that Christmas Leave (during the southern summer) was captured and taken while in theatre.
From Oct to Dec 22 the focus was on
mounted work with QAMR. This began with both QDGs each being individually on the receiving end of a Regimental level welcome Haka, a formidable experience that was taken with a tradi- tional British wooden awkwardness. Military training began with familiarisa- tion on the NZ LAV platform including a crash course in turret command and gunnery drills. The training was essential preparation for deployment on Ex PHAMTOM MAJOR, the largest NZDF combined arms exercise post COVID and which was designed to test the next generation of Combat Arm sub-unit commanders. Training then progressed to Ex BEERSHEBA which was the Unit’s mounted, tactical live fire training phase. During this period LCpl Allen also fostered a relationship with the Sniper Platoon of 1 RNZIR so that, post Christmas / summer leave and many a road trip later, both Dragoons’ attention turned to embedding with 1 RNZIR R&S Pl. This allowed for partic- ipation in multiple range packages focusing on long range shooting tech- niques.
LCpl Allen returned home in Feb 23 for courses but Capt Maltman with some quite open begging to both QDG RHQ and NZDF extended until the end of March 23. Remaining in country for the full six months allowed participation in further essential events including working with the Recce Pl
Cadre, gaining an insight to operating in close country, assisting on the Sniper Selection Cadre and attending the Anti-Material rifle course. All of which just happened to coincide with the start of the stag rut and the stalking season and also gave more time for Capt Maltman to grow out a popular southern hemisphere hair style... During the exchange both QDGs were hosted fabulously well, attending regular Regimental and Army social events, but also made hugely welcome at a personal level by the Soldiers and Officers of the NZDF - creating many lasting friendships.
Chur brothers!
BM