November 30 2007

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The New Zealand Army's newest officers have graduated from Officer Cadet School during a ceremony attended by the Governor General Honourable Anand Satyanand at Waiouru Army Camp today.

Forty cadets graduated from the eleven-month course. The graduates come from across the cities and provinces of New Zealand as well as students from Australia, Singapore and Papua New Guinea.

During their training the cadets spent around 100 days in the field on exercise, and the rest of their time either in the lecture room or learning the essential military skills required of all members of the New Zealand Army.

Chief of Army Major General Lou Gardiner, who also attended the ceremony, said the young leaders had committed themselves to serve New Zealand honourably and loyally in the proud traditions of the army. According to tradition the 40 graduates will become newly commissioned officers at midnight tonight when they will have their pips (shoulder-worn rank) pinned on by those who have supported them throughout their training.

In January 2008 the graduates will move to their chosen corps within the New Zealand Army for ongoing training and could face deployment on overseas operations within a year of graduating.

ENDS

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