The Tauranga RSA'a new cenotaph, built in remembrance of fallen soldiers, has marble plaques, the rolls of honour from the old RSA, and a water feature.

Taste of army life 'makes a difference'

Young people given 'new tools for living their lives'

“Mothers often see the armed services as organisations that would take their sons away from them. I felt I had already lost my son, the LSV company has returned him to me.”

This letter from the “proud mother of a proud son” sits amongst a pile of notes and cards Limited Service Volunteer company commander Colonel Cate Linton has collected from course graduates, appreciative mums and dads, and other whanau.

“We can see the difference we are making in these young people’s lives in the six weeks they are with us,” says Linton. “I guess what the correspondence confirms is that for many the change isn’t just temporary; we have, in fact, given them new tools for living their lives.”

The six-week, residential LSV programme, which has been run in its present form by the New Zealand Defence Force since 1993, concentrates on developing self confidence, motivation, initiative and teamwork. The philosophy is based on selfachievement, and the belief that success breeds success.

“We work hard on developing pride, and building on even little successes. It’s not a boot camp, but it’s not a holiday either. They have to work hard and consistently to graduate.

“It’s very similar the the basic military training in that they are given a system, a structure, organisation, discipline and standards, and complying with military laws, customs and regulation - and there are clear consequences if you don’t meet these standards.”

Trainees wear military uniform, and operate within the section/platoon/company structure. They are subject to tight behavioural boundaries and to military law.

The programme, which is based at Burnham Military Camp, includes outdoor and physical fitness training, outdoor activities, leadership, communication, health, safety and hygiene, plus life skills such as budgeting, job searches, personal presentation, dealing with drugs and alcohol, anger management, time management, and goat setting.

Participants have to be at least 17, registered as unemployed, looking for a job, and prepared to work. And, while Linton says they are “strongly encouraged” to enrol on the programme, in the end it is their choice.

About 20% don’t make it – first time round. Some come back and, usually because they come with the right attitude, generally succeed. Linton believes the attitude and motivation of many trainees are transformed.

Her view is backed by Work & Income New Zealand statistics, which say about 70% of trainees move from the unemployment benefit to full-time work or trade training courses within two months of completing the programme.

The male-female ratio is three to one, and Linton says young men tend to flourish because they respond well to clear boundaries and rules. She sees some striking changes in attitude over a course, and says most leave with a real sense of self-esteem and achievement.

“The rewards come from seeing trainees bond, and from seeing their confidence and hope for the future grow. It’s a pretty awesome experience to witness,” says Linton, herself a prime advertisement for the scheme.

She applied as a diffident 17-year-old in 1989 because with only school-certificate typing to her name, she felt she “hadn’t done very much very well”. She was surprised to find she excelled, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Youth Court principal judge Andrew Becroft shares Linton’s view. He was invited to an LSV “march-out” parade and was very encouraged by what he saw.

“I had not realised what the modern army could provide, not only in the way of outdoor adventure, but also life skills, mentoring, and in association with WINZ – vocational training,” he wrote in a letter to NZDF chief Lt Gen Jerry Mateparae.

The Government seems to agree, making several significant announcements this year around youth opportunities involving the NZDF.

Its expansion last year of youth pre-employment initiatives specifically included the Limited Service Volunteer Scheme - up to $19m of new funding with the intent of establishing two additional LSV programmes (based at Trentham and Hobsonville, Auckland) to put 1250 more young people a year through the scheme.

Graduates celebrate completion of the Limited Service Volunteer programme. “It taught me a lot,” says one graduate. “Not only about others but more importantly about myself; I realise I have a lot to offer and I’m more confident in what I do.”

LSV customers say...

“Before LSV, I’d sit home watching TV all day, or sometimes I would get up at 2pm. I hung out with the wrong people and got into a bit of trouble with the police. The Limited Service Volunteer Company taught me a lot - not only about others but more importantly about myself; I realise I have a lot to offer and I’m more confident in what I do.”

“My time at LSV was such a challenging but rewarding experience. I learned so much about myself and gained confidence in myself. There were times when I wanted to give up, but with the encouragement and support of LSV staff and the rest of my platoon, I was able to overcome the obstacles that were holding me down. I am now studying early-childhood education. The first few weeks have been quite challenging, but if I put into practice what I learned at LSV, I will get there.”

“Six weeks ago I was lost. When I first entered the gates of Burnham Military Camp I was just another unemployed young adult who didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do with myself or where I was heading in life. I felt worthless. But this course has made me realise my true potential and that I can contribute to our society. You have given me pride and dignity that I never thought I’d have. It’s amazing what a little discipline can do.”