Even with their multi-terrain camouflage uniform, there was no hiding the fact that the Queen Alexandra's Mounted Rifles were at Stratford High School on Thursday.
The school was the regiment's last stop on a tour around the region celebrating its 150-year anniversary.
Sergeant David Priore, who has been in the army for 11 years, says visiting schools is a great way for students to get first-hand experience of what the military can offer as a career.
"It offers them a chance to travel, to be part of something, as well as teaching them discipline and a trade or skill."
With some of the students already seriously considering careers with the New Zealand Army, the morning gave them the opportunity to ask questions of those who are actually serving.