The chance to get up close and personal with some of the vehicles that have invaded Stratford over the past few weeks came with an open day on Sunday.
As the War Memorial car park filled up with military personnel and army vehicles, a steady stream of visitors came through, taking the opportunity to ask questions and have a closer look at some of the equipment.
Paerau Dillon (6) enjoyed looking down the sights of some of the guns and rifles on display. His mum, Te Aorangi, says that he has loved seeing the army in town.
"He told me we had to take some kai to the soldiers the other day. I told him I wasn't sure we would be allowed, and he just said, 'but you're a mum, of course you can bake for them'. It has been great having them all in town, it is great for the community to see what the army does."
Paerau has always wanted to go farming but Te Aorangi says "this has opened up a new world for him and he sees there are other things he might like to do as well".
A news crew from the American Forces Network (AFN) were in Stratford for the day, capturing some of the excitement for broadcast network in the US.