The Regular Force Cadet Association
A Favoured Few -- New Zealand's Boy Soldiers 1948 - 1991
About J.J.
| Name | J.J. Gielen |
| Class | Bennett (1963) |
| Whereabouts | Not known |
J.J. says...
Milestones; *marched in to Cadet schools Jan 1963 as a FUT, signed up as one of the first Apprentice Plumber drainlayers who started training as plumbing apprentices at the RNZE wing of the school with; Brent Birchall, Derek Staines and Bryce Cutler who went on to become the first of the Cadet school's Cadet RSMs to wear a Sam Brown belt. The Bennett class had the distinction of being the last class of junior class (1963) cadets under the one A company structure and as the first Senior class (1964) under the two A and B company. Met humanities' best and worst, and became more world wise as a result. survived cadet schools and with persona intact marched into; 1 Const Sqdn, RNZE, Papakura Jan 1965.Got married, got my trade cert, and got out of the Army with life skill experiences that stood me in good stead ever since. Made life time friends with "the few" regrets? none.