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NZ Army soldiers training valuable skills in Korea

New Zealand Defence Force

New Zealand Army soldiers are putting their years of training to the test in the challenging environments of Korea, from dense jungle conditions to urban environments.

11 September, 2025

The NZ Army infantry platoon has now spent over a month in the Republic of Korea, training alongside Korean and US Army units including the 2nd Infantry Division - a combined Korean-US Division, and the last remaining permanently forward-stationed division of the US Army - and 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team from the US Army's 4th Infantry Division.

So far they have tested their combat first aid, casualty evacuations, leadership, communication, security, platoon tactics, navigation, concealment and all-round combat skills in both urban and close-country (jungle) environments.

This ground work has also helped prepare the soldiers for a field training exercise at the Korea Combat Training Centre, a world-class facility where they have been conducting a range of warfighting manoeuvres over about two weeks, culminating in a 96-hour tactical phase where the platoon performed to a very high standard.

United Nations Command (UNC) Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Derek Macaulay said New Zealand's decision to deploy forces underscores its enduring commitment to the Republic of Korea, and the mission of United Nations Command to maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

"New Zealand was among the first nations to join United Nations Command at the outbreak of the Korean War 75 years ago, and New Zealand continues to support UNC today," he said.

"To see the New Zealand Defence Force deploy one of the first consolidated contingents in recent memory, and for such an extended period, highlights not only the value New Zealand places on its commitment to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, but also the vital role of UNC—both then and now."

The Senior National Officer for the New Zealand contingent, Lieutenant Colonel Steve MacBeth, says the training is proving rewarding at many levels.

"Our integration training in the Republic of Korea has been an outstanding opportunity for our soldiers so far. The value goes well beyond tactics and field skills — it is about building trust, understanding different approaches, and strengthening bonds with our US and Korean partners. The cultural exchange has been every bit as important as the military training, and our people have learned as much from shared experiences off the training ground as they have on it. This integration reinforces the strength of partnership, demonstrating that adaptability and respect are at the heart of effective cooperation."

The Platoon's personnel are also taking time to reflect, travelling to Busan to honour fallen Kiwis from the 1950-1953 Korean Conflict at the United Nations Cemetery.

The deployment will conclude with live-fire activity, airmobile training, and urban operations, marking the culmination of three months of intensive preparation alongside international partners.

"New Zealand originally stood alongside Korea and the United States under the United Nations Command as a part of international collective security goals in 1950 — today's training carries forward that legacy of shared sacrifice and enduring partnership," Lieutenant Colonel MacBeth said.