HEADQUARTERS JOINT FORCES NEW ZEALAND
MINUTE 157/2022
Jul 22
DDMS-R/OE/03-1003/28
CDF
For Info: CA
For Info: AC SCE
1982
OP TIEKE – ‘TRAINING AT SCALE’ – SUPPORT TO UK OP INTERFLEX TRAINING OF
UKRAINIAN ARMED FORCES ARMY PERSONNEL – REVISED OPERATIONAL ADVICE Act
References
A.
UK CJOPS letter to COMJFNZ dated 27 June 2022
B.
UK Asst Chief Defence Staff letter to IDCC Policy Partners dated 30 June – Training
Support by IDCC Nations to the UAF
C.
CDF CUB 01 July 2022 (
s6(a)
)
D.
CDF Weekly Ops Update 05 Jul 2022 (
s6(a)
)
E.
Cabinet Paper – NZ Assistance for Ukraine; Options for Further Support – approved by
Cabinet 12 June 2022
Information
F.
Op INTERFLEX 21 day training schedule (as provided by SNO Op TIEKE,
s9(2)(a)
27 June 2022)
G.
Email NZDS MA/XO LCC dated 2 Jul 22
Purpose
1.
This minute provides CDF with operational advice for OP TIEKE, specifically the
Official
potential NZDF support to the UK led Op INTERFLEX training. Op INTERFLEX training will be
delivered to Ukrainian Armed Force (UAF) Army personnel to accelerate Ukraine (UKR)
forces deployment, rebuild their forces and scale-up their resistance1. Op INTERFLEX is a
the
sub-set of Op ORBITAL2, the overarching operation under which the recent NZ Artillery
Training was conducted. This minute supersedes Minute 154/2022.
Recommendation
2.
s9(2)(g)(i)
under
Released
1 Taken from President Zelensky comments to UK PM on 20 June 2022.
2 Op ORBITAL (UK mission to Train, Advise and Assist the UAF) in one shape or another has been in place for 8
years.
2
Background
3.
Reference A offered an opportunity for the NZDF to support ongoing UK Op ORBITAL
efforts through a condensed and accelerated training programme desiring to train 10,000
UAF troops before the end of 2022. The aim of this training is to achieve the rapid
generation of Battle Casualty Replacements (BCR) for the UAF. The BCR training has been
designated Op INTERFLEX, a sub-set of Op ORBITAL. Reference B3 reaffirmed this
opportunity, welcoming the contribution from any nation currently committed to the
International Donor Coordination Centre (IDCC) to participate in the overall training system.
The current UK Armed Forces 21 day training programme is at reference F. The outcome of 1982
this training is that UAF soldiers/BCR are trained to ‘shoot, move, communicate, medicate’
up to Section and possibly Platoon level. The British Army is and will continue to lead the
delivery of training for Op INTERFLEX.
Act
4.
Reference E states that due to the size of the NZDF, NZ stands to benefit most from
committing small, high-value contributions of personnel to fill specific or in-demand roles. It
also directs that NZ responses will be weighted to reflect Ukraine’s priority needs. The
proposed operational contribution contained in this minute nests within the guidelines and
principles of reference F and current strategic direction4. Additionally this proposal
corresponds to several of the framework criteria required by Cabinet for consideration
(explored further at para 6(f)).
5.
s6(b)(i)
Information
s6(b)(i)
Official
s6(a), s6(b)(i)
the
Such combined
options are outside of the scope of this operational advice.
under
3
s6(b)(i)
4CDF Operational Directive 12/2022– NZDF Support to Ukraine’s Self-Defence (to FRAGO 001)
Released
5
s6(b)(i)
6
s6(b)(i)
3
Factors Considered for Op INTERFLEX support
6.
The options for a contribution to Op INTERFLEX are influenced by the following key
factors:
a.
Definition of mission success. Success in this task would be gauged as per the
UK measurement of quantity of UAF soldiers trained. If NZDF were to provide a
complete Training SU (SU - a 52 person Sub Unit commanded by a MAJOR) for a
120 day period this could see NZDF training 600 UAF Soldiers. This is considered
a realistic and viable goal.
1982
b.
Timeliness. The summer fighting continues unabated as Ukraine battles for its
survival.
s6(a)
Act
s6(a)
c.
Impact on NZDF ability to respond to domestic or regional contingencies. LCC
has stated this contribution would not impact on directed outputs.
s6(a)
Information
d.
Impact on regeneration of NZ Land Component capabilities.
s9(2)(g)(i)
Official
the
e.
s9(2)(g)(i)
under
Released
7
s6(a)
8
s9(2)(f)(iv)
4
f.
Policy Alignment. This advice is operationally consistent with the framework as
directed by NZ Government for any future contributions to the defence of
Ukraine. Specifically it is:
(1)
s6(a)
(2)
1982
(3)
Act
(4)
(5)
Assumptions
7.
The following planning assumptions have been made when scoping this operational
Information
advice:
s6(a)
a.
Official
b.
the
c.
under
d.
e.
Released
9 Detailed costings for either of the options presented have yet to be derived. The C-130 contribution of a 50
person detachment for 9 weeks operating from the UK was $3.977m. The costs of the Artillery Training Team
comprising 27 pers operating within the UK for 35 days was $1.205m. NB: these total costs included aviation
fuel, 105mm ammunition; significant costs that will not be required for support to INTERFLEX.
10 These will be available in the Training Management Plan (TMP) which the UK Armed Forces will have
designed.
5
s6(a)
f.
g.
h.
1982
i.
Act
Discussion
The NZDF can accomplish this task.
8.
NZ Land Component initial scoping indicates a Training Sub Unit based on an existing
combat Sub Unit is a viable, realistic, and for at least two rotations, a sustainable
contribution. NZ Army experience with Partner Nation (PN)11 training audiences stands us in
good stead for conducting and achieving this style of mission. Detailed planning,
complemented by an information gathering visit (as is being conducted by
s6(b)(i)
) will prepare us to an equal standard of other contributing nations.
Information
Tempo for this style of training is high; its design is evolving.
9.
s9(2)(g)(i)
Official
the
Lessons learned tell us to use an existing structure as the core for the Training Delivery Unit.
10.
s6(b)(i)
basing Training SU on an existing
under
combat Sub Unit increases the likelihood of success of this mission.
s6(a)
This is
assessed as reducing unnecessary burden on the Host Nation at a time when their focus is
on the Op INTERFLEX objective of training 10,000 UAF BCR’s.
Released
11 In particular our training with Iraqi Security Forces as demonstrated in Op MANAWA, training of Afghan
National Army Officer Academy through Op RUA, and our training teams through out the SW Pacific.
6
Options
11. Due to the constant flow on UAF trainees (i.e. a new training audience commencing
every week or more frequently) NZ Land Component have two feasible options for fulfilling
this operation:
s6(a), s9(2)(g)(i)
a.
1982
Act
b.
Information
c.
Official
the
under
Released
12 Further detail provided in Ref G.
13
s6(a)
7
d.
s6(a), s9(2)(g)(i)
1982
e.
Act
d.
Sequel plan: The future of Op INTERFLEX beyond the final trg delivery date (final
course concludes on 25 Oct as per current schedule) is uncertain. NZDF possible
Information
contributions to an extension of Op INTERFLEX will be incorporated into future
options developed at both HQJFNZ and HQNZDF.
Option Comparison
s6(a), s9(2)(g)(i)
Official
the
under
Risks
13. The following risks have been identified:
s6(a)
a.
Released
8
s6(a)
b.
c.
1982
Summary
Act
14. The NZDF Op TIEKE contributions have been highlighted by our partners as key
contributions to the efforts to support Ukraine. Previous support from the C-130, Logistics
specialists, the Intelligence teams and the Artillery training team have each filled critical
roles. This potential contribution is seen as a continuum of these largely personnel-centric
contributions.
s6(a)
15. This proposed contribution, if delivered in a timely manner, will serve as a
proportionate yet much valued element of support to the UAF in their continued fight for
Information
their homeland. Training 3-5% of the UAF BCR’s, in skills which the NZ Army has proven to
be competent in delivering, would be seen as both meaningful and valued;
s6(a)
s9(2)(g)(i)
16. Noting Op INTERFLEX is currently scheduled to conclude trg of UAF BCR on 25 Oct 22,
an earliest operational contribution is recommended to be the most successful in meeting
Official
the demands of the UAF and supporting Op INTERFLEX mission objectives.
Recommendations
the
17.
It is recommended that CDF:
a.
Note that an NZDF contribution would meet a priority requirement from the
UAF.
b.
Note that the UK (at both an operational and strategic level) welcome an NZDF
under
contribution toward Op INTERFLEX.
c.
Note that s6(b)(i) Canada, Denmark and Finland are considering contributions
to Op INTERFLEX.
d.
s9(2)(g)(i)
e.
Note that an NZDF contribution does not compromise our existing domestic or
Released regional contingencies.
f.
Note detailed costings are yet to be developed for this Op Advice.
g.
Note that Land Component regeneration is not adversely affected by a
proportionate and small-scale contribution.
9
h.
s9(2)(g)(i)
i.
Note that if directed this contribution would be reviewed based on demand
signal from the UAF, need from the UK MoD, and impact on NZDF existing
outputs.
j.
Approve the deployment of a reconnaissance team as soon as is practicable.
k.
Endorse HQJFNZ conducting prudent planning (including detailed financial
assumptions) for the earliest possible contribution through a JOPG process.
1982
l.
s9(2)(g)(i)
Act
J.L. GILMOUR
Rear Admiral
Commander JFNZ
Information
s9(2)(a)
Annexes
A.
Indicative ORBAT and options for NZDF contribution by month for support to Op INTERFLEX
Official
the
under
Released
10
Annex A to
HQJFNZ Minute 157/22
1982
Dated 22
INDICATIVE ORBAT14 AND SUPPORT TO OP INTERFLEX OPTIONS 1 AND 2 FOR NZDF CONTRIBUTION SHOWN BY MONTH
Act
s9(2
)(g)
(i)
s9(2)
s9(2
s9(2)
s9(2)
(g)(i)
)(g)
(g)(i)
(g)(i)
s9(2)(g)(i)
Information
Official
the
under
A1
Released
