Part-time soldiers take a bigger role in Solomons peacekeeping

Phil Goff

Three-quarters of the Army's next deployment of troops to the Solomon Islands will be volunteers from the part-time Territorial Force.

The ratio is much higher than normal. Minister of Defence Phil Goff yesterday said the Territorial Force would provide the majority of personnel deploying to peacekeeping roles in the Solomon Islands in the next 12 months.

The Territorials come from a wide range of professions as well as students. They commit a minimum of 21 days a year to training, and their deployment overseas is likely to put pressure on employers.

A total of 33 of 45 personnel in training at Burnham Military Camp, near Christchurch, for the next deployment were from the Territorial Force. They will depart next month.

Personnel were chosen on their experience and ability to commit to a four-month deployment and the pre-deployment training period.

Captain Rachel Riley, of Army public relations, said troops from the Territorial Force had been on overseas deployments before, particularly to East Timor where up to 15 per cent of personnel were from the force.

The Chief of the Army, Major General Lou Gardiner, said he was confident the team currently preparing would do well. "This kind of deployment is ideal for the Territorial Force.

"The mission in the Solomon Islands requires strong infantry skills and an ability to get on well with the local people.

"Territorial Force soldiers have the best of both worlds, robust infantry training and good people skills from their civilian lives."

- NZPA