Originally from Hamilton, the 22-year-old joined the Territorials in Dunedin when he moved to study physical education at the University of Otago.
Now in his third year as a reserve soldier, 2Lt Sams said he would recommend a stint in the force to anyone.
"The skills you learn in the Territorials are hugely beneficial to civilian life. You have to operate in a team, deal with different personalities, develop leadership, integrity, comradeship and commitment skills and even basic hygiene.
"Those are things you don't necessarily learn before you leave home, and for the 18-22 age bracket it really helps," he said.
Strong family ties to the military prompted 2Lt Sams to join the Territorial force, which he knew would provide the mental and physical challenges he sought.
He was considering a progression into the Regular Force, but in the meantime was enjoying what the Territorials had to offer.
"As the saying goes, I reckon it's definitely about having the best of both worlds.
"It's hugely beneficial to be able to cross over leadership and management skills into my civilian life, and having that background with physical education helps with my military life.
"It is a huge advantage to have experience in both worlds because they are so completely different," he said.
