New Zealand soldier shot during exercise
A New Zealand Army soldier suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder during a live field-firing exercise at Tekapo Military Training Facility last night.
FILE PHOTO (October 2017): New Zealand Army soldiers disembark a C-130 Hercules during Exercise Southern Katipo 2017. NZDF photo.
The private, a member of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment’s 2nd 1st Battalion based at Burnham Military Camp, was taking part in a night live-firing exercise when the incident took place.
A New Zealand Defence Force spokesman said the soldier was treated by New Zealand Army medics at the scene, before being transported to Fairlie by a New Zealand Defence Force ambulance, from where he was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital.
“The injured soldier is in a stable condition and is scheduled to undergo surgery,” the spokesman said.
“The soldier and his family are being supported by the New Zealand Army.
“The live-firing component of the exercise was suspended immediately following the incident.
“Strict rules govern live firing on ranges and careful contingency plans are in place, which were immediately carried out.
“The New Zealand Army takes its health and safety responsibilities seriously and an investigation into the incident will be launched.”
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I remember many, many years ago a friend of mine (since school) was in the Scots Guards (served in Ireland twice) was on the range when a 7.62 round (shrapnel) came back & hit him on the shoulder, he mentioned it felt like a searing hot knife & being hit by a sledgehammer at the same time. On a different note we had that one in my squad (RE) who did everything wrong, from saluting with the wrong hand to marching with both arms following the same leg & the piece de resistance, getting his pull through jammed in the barrel with the gas rod stuck inside & that’s just a few of them, there’s the rabbit, boots, etc.