RAA Liaison Letter – 2025 / 2026 Edition 66 stories in the mess, the integration felt natural and effortless. This strong sense of cohesion extended into the field, where mixed detachments demonstrated the importance of standardised artillery procedures and shared training philosophies. Despite differences in platforms and national systems, Australian and New Zealand Gunners quickly found common ground, proving once again how compatible the two regiments are in the delivery of firepower. Australian Gunners and CP pose with the ANF in Waiouru Gunline Integration in Waiouru: A Unique Professional Opportunity For the majority of 1 Regt members, the main effort of Exercise BENZCAT took place in the iconic Waiouru Military Training Area, an expansive and often unforgiving environment well known to generations of New Zealand soldiers. Here, Australian Gunline personnel were embedded directly into New Zealand gun detachments using the L119 105mm Light Gun - a system familiar to many Australian Gunners of recent generations, but operated with certain procedural differences unique to the RNZA. The chance to revisit the L119 in an international context proved invaluable, offering insights into how allied artillery systems are employed, maintained, and commanded. Despite having trained primarily on the M777A2 platform, 1 Regt soldiers transitioned onto the L119 with impressive adaptability. Under the guidance of NZ instructors and detachment commanders, Australian Gunners quickly found themselves working at full speed on the Gunline as part of a fully integrated sub-unit. Alongside the gun detachment experience, 1 Regt ACSO personnel were attached to the New Zealand Command Post (CP), where they assisted with fire missions, communications, and the digital architecture that underpins the employment of modern artillery. This provided an excellent opportunity to compare command system structures and approaches to fire planning between the two Regiments. The ACSOs represented the Regiment exceptionally well, contributing to the smooth running of fire support coordination while gaining exposure to RNZA digital procedures and workflows. Sunrise over the gunline: The L119 Light Gun silhouetted at first light in Waiouru Illumination rounds over Waiouru: a night time live-fire sequence during Ex Bencat 25
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