Revolutionising New Zealand Army Training Methods

Sysdoc partnered with the New Zealand Army (NZA) to revolutionise their training methods and enhance soldiers’ technical proficiency. This initiative marked NZA’s first steps towards adopting a distributed learning model, central to which is the transformation of the P99 Doctrine.

The NZA traditionally relied on face-to-face training, with instructors facilitating knowledge transfer and referencing the NZA Doctrine. However, as part of its strategic plan, the NZA recognised the value of embracing change and exploring innovative training approaches. This presented an opportunity to modernise training methods and enhance proficiency.

Sysdoc commenced the NZA Learning Aids project in 2021, collaborating closely with NZA teams. Initially we were tasked to develop a series of 16 weapon system learning aids to support the Technology Enhanced Learning initiative. Over time, the scope expanded to include learning aids for combat theory, offensive operations, urban operations, simulation, training, and instruction. This expansion continued through to 2024, resulting in the development of over 50 learning aids.

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Approach

Sysdoc worked closely with NZA, engaging extensively with soldiers to understand their learning needs, which enabled rapid prototyping and exploration of best practices. We converted the sixteen manuals into accessible, user-friendly online learning aids for each weapon system. This transformation made the content available on-demand to all NZA soldiers and provided significant support for instructors.  

The content was rewritten in plain English to enhance comprehension and searchability. We identified and developed content enhancements through collaboration with NZA stakeholders to clarify complex tasks, reinforce safety and add value for soldiers. These enhancements included videos, photography, animations and graphic development, which brought training materials to life and enabled soldiers to visualise and mimic best practices.

Applying key design principles, Sysdoc deliverables of learning aids included eLearning modules with video capture, photography, graphics and animation. Each had a standardised content structure, easy accessbility and user-freindly aids to support soldiers' technical proficiency.

A tiered approach was implemented to develop each training aid. Each tier involved robust quality assurance, approval and sign-off processes

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The Result

Easy access to these learning aids has empowered soldiers with accurate information and enhanced technical proficiency, which received positive feedback and widespread adoption. Detailed and interactive content has helped soldiers understand and apply complex technical information in practical scenarios, which is crucial for maintaining high safety standards.

Soldiers are exposed to the library's resources through formal training initiatives, returning on average four additional times for non-directed use. Positive feedback from both soldiers and leadership highlighted the project’s success and lasting impact.

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