2/1 RNZIR Top Soldier 2026 | New Zealand Army

Fifty-nine Privates from 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment took part in the annual Top Soldier competition at Burnham Military Camp, facing a demanding day-and-a-half challenge designed to test fitness, resilience and soldiering skills. After spending a freezing night outdoors, competitors tackled 12 stations including a pack march, weapons testing, casualty care scenarios, a battalion quiz and the confidence course. The annual competition is designed to test participants outside their comfort zones while assessing the skills, fitness and resilience required of soldiers in the battalion.