All Corps & The Role

Without Administrators, an organisation as large as the Army would inevitably grind to a halt. As an administrator, you will be responsible for a diverse range of duties from pay, allowances and claims, to travel and personnel administration. Your job is to ensure that anything concerning personnel is actioned efficiently and effectively using the Army's modern communication and network systems, enabling other units to do their work and achieve their missions. You will also complete all soldier, weapon and fitness training providing you with a further rewarding challenge. In addition you could be deployed on unit exercises and work in field conditions.

Post recruit Training

• Basic Administrator Course

After initial training, you will attend this course, held in Waiouru, which focuses on providing you with the skills you need to start working as soon as you are posted to an Admin Centre. You will learn and develop knowledge in a variety of software packages as well as how to input data into the NZ Defence Force HR administration database (known as ATLAS). Other skills that you will learn include how the Registry functions, and what's involved in assigning travel, pay and allowances, engagements, leave, discipline and release.

• Further Qualifications

All Administrators work through an NZQA Logbook for their trade. You can also study in supervisory management (obtaining a diploma through the NZ Institute of Management) and can study Communications and Business Skills certificates through the Open Polytechnic.

Postings/Where You Will Work

Initial posting

Your initial posting could be at any one of the Army's Admin Centres in Auckland, Waiouru, Linton, Trentham and Burnham.

In New Zealand

You could be posted to other Admin Centres and there are opportunities to work at the
Defence Computer Support Bureau and at the Army General Staff HQ in Wellington.

Overseas

Administrators have previously deployed in operational roles in places such as Sinai, Afghanistan, East Timor to name a few.

Getting Started

Administrator

• Minimum age 17
• Year 11 completion
• School Qualifications: A proven ability in English and Maths at NCEA Level 1 (12 credits per subject) or equivalent.
• Driver's Licence: A Class 1 driver's licence is recommended, but is not compulsory.
• Additional Information: Practical experience in the use of computers and typing skills will make you a more competitive applicant.

All Arms Recruit Course (AARC):

For the first 12 weeks you will attend recruit training in Waiouru where you will adapt from civilian to Army life and learn to be a soldier. Once this is completed, you will be ready to start learning your trade.

Things To Know About The Army Before You Join

Have you got what it takes?

1. Be medically and physically fit.
   Before you undertake AARC (All Arms Recruit Course) it is essential that you are reasonably fit and free of injuries and medical problems. To give yourself a head start, you should aim to achieve the Army's minimum standard of fitness before you start AARC Training.
2. Be a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident.
   To be enlisted into the New Zealand Army, applicants must either be New Zealand Citizens or hold a Permanent Residence Visa. Upon enlistment, non-citizens must sign an undertaking that they will apply for New Zealand Citizenship when eligible.
3. Be free from criminal convictions.
   The Army has a high dependence on trust and use of technical equipment and weapons, and looks for recruits who are trustworthy and reliable. For this reason, all applicants undergo a police records check, and any convictions are assessed on the severity of the offence.
4. Be 17 or older to join.
   Applicants must be 17 years of age or older to enlist into the New Zealand Army. You can however start your application prior to turning 17 years old.
5. Satisfy the Army's standards of dress and presentation.
   There are a few rules in regards to dress standards in the Army. For instance, there are provisions as to what jewellery you can and cannot wear and also how long/short your hair should be.
6. The Armed Forces expects a high standard of personal conduct and self-discipline.
   It may take a bit of getting used to at first, but once you settle into the routine of Army life, your confidence and self discipline will enable you to handle any situation.
7. A career in the Army is more than a job - it's a lifestyle.
   One of the key things about life in the Army is that your job will vary and you'll be doing many different things. While you are in an Army Camp, your job is pretty much like any other 9 to 5 job, but you'll also spend time training overseas or elsewhere in New Zealand.
8. The Army offers a competitive income.
   As you complete training courses and your time in the Army increases, your salary increases with it. The cost of living in an Army Camp is low, giving you more disposable income to spend as you wish. And with access to recreational facilities and benefits provided by the Army, your final overall salary package is very competitive. The Army also provides, amongst other things, free medical and dental services, a Government subsidised superannuation fund and accommodation subsidies.
9. Testing areas for specific trades.
   The Army's selection process includes a series of basic aptitude tests on subjects ranging from spelling and mathematics to test areas specific to your chosen trade. For details on the process, including practice tests, visit our Test Preparation section.

These are the basic elements involved in joining the Army. For a more detailed outline, check out our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section or the Joining Requirements section.

• You must do medical, fitness and aptitude tests to check that you are fit, healthy and suited to a career in the Army
• See your local recruiter or visit our website to obtain a copy of our fitness planner
• You will also be interviewed and have to attend Assessment Days, which include career counselling, physical activities and preparation training
• If you make the grade and are accepted into the Army, you will either go on to do 12 weeks basic training for full-time service, or attend a shorter course (three weeks) for Territorial Force service (part-time). This will prepare you for military life
• Once you have completed the basic training, you will go to a unit and join your Corps.