Second Lieutenant Jimmy McEwan graduated from the Officer Cadet Commissioning Course in Waiouru over the weekend.
He was awarded the Governor-General’s Medal for highest combined marks in all subjects, the sergeant major of the army’s prize for best performance in field training and the Australian Chief of Army’s prize for tactics.
2Lt McEwan grew up in Dunedin and had wanted to be a soldier all his life but was also drawn to university.
"It wasn’t until my second year that I realised I could do both by studying during the week and being in the Reserves on weekends.
"My dad is a serving member of the Army Reserves and encouraged me to give it a go," he said.
After graduation, he worked in a marketing and sales role and remained a reservist, where he rose to the rank of platoon commander role.
His experience leading troops spurred 2Lt McEwan to leave his job and enrol in the army full time.
"I love being a soldier and leading others, so this is a perfect fit for me. You’re surrounded by high performing, passionate people that all want to be there, so to receive these ... awards is incredibly humbling."
One of the best experiences he had as a cadet was travelling to Fiji for tactics training, he said.
"Learning the differences in tactics between Kiwi soldiers and Fijian soldiers will help in future exercises or deployments when we’re working alongside each other."
2Lt McEwan will embark on an Infantry Platoon Commanders course early next year and then will be based at 1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. — APL
