Page 29 - Chiron Winter 2020

capability was conceptually new and still relatively unknown within the NZ Defence Force, it primary focused of Unit and forma on commanders to demonstrate and integrate at every opportunity. The aim was to brief and demonstrate the TkDs capabilities, limitations, Standard Operating Procedures, and methods of employment in combating and deterring the enemy in the wider battle space, especially in the Close Combat environment.
Tracker Dogs teams can track single or numerous persons via human scent, whether it be a “hot track” (where the quarry may still
be on the move), or a “cold track” (were the track may have aged significantly). The aim was to complement the visual tracker as part of a CTT or utilizing the Tracker Dog team as a standalone capability. It has been highlighted that the VT has a reduced operational capability
during the hours of darkness, in the urban environment and to move at speed.
This was where the Tracker Dog provided closure and enhanced the success rates of completing the mission.
During the Tracker Dog interim training capacity a number
of additional attributes were highlighted that could enhance the operational effectiveness, outside
of just the tracking role, these included a “Less Than Lethal” capability (apprehension of a suspect by biting) and enhanced situation awareness (using natural sense and technology). It was decided that
the capability was now greater than tracking and was re-branded as the Infantry Support Dog in 2015 when the project was moved to 1RNZIR Reconnaissance Platoon.
The unit has concentrated of the new roles highlighted and
developing the respective infill mechanisms that would be required. Since the initial training the unit has trained additional handlers, pending its endorsement. They have supported a number of New Zealand based Brigade, Unit Exercises and NZ Defence Forces Special Forces.
REFERENCES
1 Several handlers had previously served
in the Infantry and training was organized with Infantry and NZSAS cadre staff to assist in field skills.
2 Mick Martin is regarded as the father of the NZ Military Dogs, imported from the British Army RAVC in the late 1970s.
3 Force Protection team, your specialised trade group contributes directly to preparing RNZAF personnel for operational duties, and protecting Air Force aviation assets, whilst both on the Military Air Base at home and deployed overseas.
4 Patricia Stroud wrote a book about his
life ‘Caesar the ANZAC Dog” which was illustrated by Bruce Potter.
5 Alan Inkpen Military Working Dog Capability Manager – Land (MWD Cap Mgr Land Combat Capability Working Group Capability Branch HQ NZ Defence Force
ILetters to the Editor
much enjoyed reading the thought I would not be up to the task obituary of Brigadier Clifford of commanding the Army Dog Unit in the last edition, as it brought there and his robust reply.
the magazine feel free to do so, and if there is anyone who still remembers me, it will be good to hear from them.
AW Pickles
Colin Bickerton
(23242395 ex-Cpl RAVC)
Whilst sifting through my boxes
of nostalgia I came upon my Life Membership Card, dated 1958, of the RAVC Old Comrades Association, a Conditions & Rule Book dated 1978, 6 Corps Journals 1956-1958 and my Certificate of Service book. I served with the RAVC from June 1955 to June 1958, with four years on the reserve. I was posted to Kenya in December 1958 and, together with Capt Jim Tear, was last man out when the unit closed in April 1957.
I was then Chief Clerk. I moved
to Cyprus and was there, in the Company Office, until I went home for demob in April 1958.
I would be interested to know if you have knowledge of any other Corps members of my vintage who served in either of these two sectors whilst I was there.
Colin Bickerton
back happy memories but I also felt his contribution to the integration of women into the Corps had been omitted. Please see the note below.
Brigadier Robert John Clifford
I remember Brigadier Robert John Clifford as my first Commanding Officer when he was Commandant of the then RAVC Training Centre. Brigadier John Spurry may have recruited me as the first female officer in the Corps but it was Brigadier Clifford who supported me against those few members of the Corps who were highly critical of admitting women to their ranks.
As Director he took the first step in creating a Regular career for women officers by opening up the Special Regular Commission to women as a way of easing us in without upsetting the remaining diehards. I was working at Droitwich at the time and cherish the memory of being called to his office to be shown a letter from a staff officer at HQ Cyprus who
If this seems extraordinary to women serving now, it should be remembered that in 1973 I was in the last veterinary undergraduate intake at Edinburgh where a quota of 20% was imposed on female students. The following year changes in legislation meant that they had to select on merit alone.
Colonel Julia Kneale MBE
Dear Colonel DuBaree,
Thank you for your reply to my letter about the entries in the Corps Magazine which I very much enjoy reading.
By all means do
publish my letter if you consider it worthy. You request for a handsome picture is not an easy one to find, but I have however, enclosed a photo of myself taken a couple of years ago. Once again, if you wish to print in
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