Sarah Thomas attended the Limited Service Volunteer course at Burnham Military Camp from 24 March – 3 May.
The course is run by the New Zealand Defence Department, Ministry of Social Development and WINZ and is highly recommended for young people aged between 18 and 25. It aims to promote core values and encourage and promote teamwork and life skills while improving self-motivation, self-confidence, trust, job prospects and initiative through a series of lectures, workshops and activities.
The course appealed to Sarah – who already has a diploma in outdoor leadership and management – especially the physical challenges. These included river crossing, touch rugby, inter-platoon challenges, army regulation fitness programmes, rock climbing, abseiling, tramping and lectures. They also stayed in tents at Godley Head for three days, helping to rebuild the track and working on other projects in conjunction with the Department of Conservation.
While attending the course, they came under military law and as such, were expected to comply with service laws, customs and regulations.
It is an open programme and any young people who fit within the age criteria can apply to attend, even if they are not on a Work and Income Benefit, providing they pass both medical and police checks.
For Sarah it was six weeks of total satisfaction and enjoyment and she excelled in a number of areas including the knot-tying competition against the instructor and the indoor rock climbing speed challenges. In the ‘Beep Test’ Sarah achieved a score of 11.3, which was significant considering the female requirement to enter the army is around 7.4. She later scored 12.
During the course Sarah was recognised with a number of awards including the platoon top student award for 2 Platoon, New Zealand Army regulation fitness level (RFL) first female and the New Zealand Army RFL 2.4k run for females under 12.20 minutes requirement. She was also awarded a certificate of merit, which is the top achievement level for the course; and she gained a First Aid certificate. Her most special honour though, was on ANZAC Day, when she was chosen to lay a wreath alongside the OC Youth Development Unit South, Major Lattimore, at the ANZAC Day parade.
Willie Apiata VC came to speak to the course members and also attended the final parade, where he chatted to graduates and members of the public. After having met him I can only say that he is one of New Zealand’s true gentlemen and a person with great mana.
Nā Graeme Thomas.
Sarah being presented with one of her awards at final parade by the Course Patron Hon Michael Woodhouse MP.
Sarah with Willie Apiata VC who stopped his vehicle to wish her well and have his photograph taken with her.
Sarah Thomas with her two awards – New Zealand RFL First Female and Woodhouse Class Platoon Top Student Award 2 Platoon.
Rebekah Thomas with Willie Apiata.
Sarah’s 2 Platoon.