New Zealand Army Engineers Showcase Skills in Dragon’s Tooth Exercise

The New Zealand Army’s engineers demonstrated their diverse capabilities during the demanding two-week training exercise known as Exercise Dragon’s Tooth, held at Waiouru. This intense program provided a unique opportunity for combat engineers to engage in a variety of essential tasks, ranging from constructing fortified bunkers to executing demolitions and ensuring access to safe drinking water.

The exercise involved 50 sappers from the 2nd Field Squadron and 2nd Engineer Regiment. According to Major Cameron Allan, officer commanding the squadron, this event allowed engineers to practice a comprehensive range of their skills in a single, cohesive effort. “Development of force protective infrastructure to keep our soldiers and equipment safe in hostile environments is an essential task for engineers,” he stated.

Among the activities performed, the team focused on logistics, collaborating with personnel to transport and construct fortified concrete bunkers. This aspect of the exercise was crucial for practising the logistical support requirements that engineers encounter in real-world operations.

Technical Skills and Demolition Operations

A highlight of Exercise Dragon’s Tooth was the technical demolition of a five-tonne tactical steel kitset bridge that had reached the end of its operational life. Engineers placed up to 83 kilograms of charges and utilized 120 metres of detonating cord to execute a precise demolition. “We attacked the bridge using multiple methods, employing moulded charges for clean cuts through the steel and strategically placed smaller charges to eliminate key structural components,” Major Allan explained.

In addition to demolition, the engineers showcased their capacity to locate and treat potable water. They sourced water from the vicinity of Lake Moawhango, employing on-site treatment techniques. This capability is vital for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, which the engineers frequently undertake both domestically and internationally.

Collaboration and Advanced Technology

The exercise also included the construction of a three-tonne medium girder bridge, designed to support various military vehicles, including a new 35-tonne wrecker. The Royal New Zealand Air Force’s No. 3 Squadron participated in the exercise, working alongside the engineers to practice both daytime and nighttime extractions using NH90 helicopters.

Throughout the exercise, explosive detection dogs were deployed alongside new uncrewed aircraft systems. These tools aided in clearing a six-kilometre route within the training area, facilitating a simulation of a significant medical evacuation.

Exercise Dragon’s Tooth exemplifies the extensive skill set of the New Zealand Army engineers and their readiness to respond effectively in various operational scenarios. The range of tasks performed not only highlights their technical expertise but also underscores their commitment to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of military operations.