Whanganui-based recruiter calling on keen youth for Army Reserves

Reserve recruiter Joseph Hungerford-Morgan in front of the Army base in Whanganui's Maria Place. Photo / Bevan Conley

After several missions around the world with the New Zealand Defence Force, a local recruiter is back in Whanganui calling on the next recruits.

Recruiter Joseph Hungerford-Morgan has been back in town since the start of the year and is looking to bolster the ranks of the Reserve Battalion in the local region.

Hungerford-Morgan started his journey with the Defence Force in 2014. Studying hospitality at UCOL for two years, he applied for the Army in the middle of his studies.

"Once I joined the New Zealand Army I was based in Linton Military camp and was part of the catering trade for around six years"

Hungerford-Morgan has been deployed all around the world, including Vanuatu, Iraq and Australia. He received a New Zealand Defence Force Commendation for his six-month deployment in the Middle East, a high distinction recognising his work.

"The defence force commendation is awarded to soldiers in recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty."

With numbers in the Defence Force dropping drastically over the last twenty years, Hungerford-Morgan is hoping to find some keen locals to help bolster the regions ranks.

"My mission this year is to recruit as many young people and people that suit for the Reserves.

"The Number of reserve soldiers has decreased in last over the last 5 years ".

The Army Reserve is a part-time component of the New Zealand Army and have played a significant role in New Zealands history.

After being accepted and going through approximately seven weeks of basic training, you are on the books as a soldier and do part-time work on the weekends.

"Most of the time it is one weekend a month and we will do a whole bunch of training. Whether it is weapons training, deploying into the field, section assaults and just general Military training. The training is fufulling and is a great place to meet new people, learn new skills and have plenty of fun throughout.

He said the program is mainly targeted at students, as all the summer modules over the university break.

"It's good to save some money for the next year and you can keep earning throughout. It can help equal out whatever potential work you need to take off for the modules."

Hungerford-Morgan said the Defence Force isn't for everyone, but it can be a good change and a way to give back to your community and country.

"We are looking for people who want something out of the ordinary. Someone that wants to take on a challenge on the weekends and challenge themselves physically and mentally. You'll become part of a wider family."

With chemists, doctors and other professions in the ranks, it's never too late for something new.

"They want a change and they want to get out of the office and do something different."

Anyone interesting in finding out more can contact Joseph at 021 960 368.