Exercise Silver Warrior, currently underway in the North Island, has an additional challenge for the soldiers taking part.

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Lieutenant Colonel Daryl Tracey faces the camera during Exercise Silver Warrior.

In recognition of the growing importance of media in military operations, “Simulated Press”, called Simpress, have been included in the exercise scenario to test the soldiers in their ability to interact effectively with the media.

Already under the spotlight have been the Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Daryl Tracey, and soldiers at rest in their Waiouru operating base preparing for their upcoming deployment to Ohakea.

The Simpress, who are all New Zealand Defence Force employees, will approach the officers and soldiers of the motorised battalion in the same manner as national and international media could be expected to if this was a real operation.

Exercise Silver Warrior runs until 26 November and is designed to test the Army’s new motorised battalion in a number of different scenarios. The exercise will be conducted in the Manawatu, Rangitikei and South Taranaki regions, and is based on a fictitious United Nations Mission.

ENDS

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