Soldiers heading to a training exercise in North Hokianga experienced some real action when they were among the first on the scene at a road crash.
The convoy of light armoured vehicles (LAVs) left Linton camp near Palmerston North on Wednesday, and was just outside Taupo when a car ran off
the road.
Captain Jon Teare said troops used a winch on one of the LAVs to pull the wreckage aside, while other soldiers kept traffic flowing.
"It was a minor supporting role and we were pleased to assist before police arrived," he said.
The soldiers will be taking part in exercises across Northland to test their abilities in isolated areas.
The eight armoured and supporting vehicles stopped briefly in Whangarei yesterday morning before continuing to North Hokianga where a territorial force team is waiting.
Captain Teare said the territorials would act as the enemy during the exercise as they were familiar with the terrain.
The exercises would include vehicle checks, crash searches, raids and a night out in the forest.
The troops will be in Waitangi today, Puketi Forest tomorrow and back in Whangarei on Sunday.
The Government bought 105 LAVs from Canada for $672 million two years ago.
