Indefensible New Zealand S2E4 - Defence Force Sacred Cows

The New Zealand Defence Force has a number of well documented problems. Even at full strength, it lacks the mass, firepower and sustainability to engage in medium to high intensity conflict. However, at the moment it also has significant recruitment, retention, morale and mental health problems. The latter extends to the veteran community as well. All service chiefs are due for replacement in the next few weeks and months. With a new defence (Hon Judith Collins) and associate defence minister (Hon Chris Penk), the time is right to consider the best trajectory for rebuilding the NZDF for the future. Trying to rebuild it in its current form is a mistake. However, the hardest part of implementing new ideas in Defence is getting the old ways out. Organisational disobedience is a strong part of the NZDF culture. This longer than usual podcast looks at some of the sacred cows that need to go in order for the NZDF culture to position itself for the strategic environment it will next fight in. Simon discusses rank modernisation, reduction in the number of headquarters, independent sub units, private military companies, the defence estate, accrual accounting and legislative changes amongst other topics It is not a comprehensive lists of changes. There will be other episodes on change required. You can also listen to the audio-only version of this episode on all major podcast platforms. Do you care about New Zealand's national security? Here's a few ways you can be involved: Become a patron and financially support the development of an independent NZ national security think tank. Much of my detailed data attained through Official Information Act requests and consolidation of OSINT will be published there. If you’re not ready to become a patron but like this article, you can buy me a whisky here. Subscribe and follow my FREE national security blog at www.unclas.com "Indefensible New Zealand", is my FREE national security podcast available on all major providers like YouTube, Spotify, Apple and Google podcasts. Follow me on social media Instagram: @simonej1960 - YouTube: @SimonEwingJarvie or LinkedIn Enjoy military fiction? Then why not try mine at: https://www.amazon.com/author/simonroberts Just $1 (USD) gets you a ripping good yarn!