Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR)

The Role

As an Ammunition Technician, you are in charge of keeping the Army armed. You will be responsible for the inspection, bulk storage and maintenance of all ammunition and explosives used by the Army. You will also conduct technical trials on new ammunition, conduct investigations into ammunition incidents and dispose of unserviceable ammunition. Ammunition Technicians also work closely with the NZ Police on the disposal of explosives, stray ammunition and bomb disposal tasks.

Post Recruit Training

• RNZALR Basic Course, Trentham Camp

During this four week course you will learn the intricacies of Combat Services Support, how to operate in a camp environment, how to operate in a field environment and learn about Corps history.

• Post RNZALR Basic Course

The Junior Ammunition Technician Course is conducted yearly at the Trade Training School, Trentham. You also gain experience in warehousing, occupational safety and health, movement of hazardous goods and other logistic functions that are elements of the RNZALR. New Zealand Army Ammunition Technicians are well trained and sought after. You will gain marketable civilian qualifications that could later lead to positions with:

• New Zealand Police/overseas Police forces
• United Nations de-mining missions
• United Nations weapons inspection teams.

Postings/Where You Will Work

Initial posting

Your first posting will be posted to Trentham where you will spend your time under training.  You will attend the RNZALR Basic Course, Ammunition Handlers Course and the Junior Ammunition Technician Course. On successful completion of these courses you will be posted to the Ammunition Depot in Waiouru.

In New Zealand

Once you are qualified as a Lance Corporal, you could then be posted to the Ammunition Depots in Auckland or Glentunnel (just out of Christchurch), or to an operational Improvised Explosive Device Disposal Team in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

Later on

As a Sergeant, you will have the opportunity to be posted as an instructor at the Trade Training School in Trentham.

Overseas

Ammunition Technicians deploy on a variety of overseas exercises and deployments in support of operational units and activities.

Getting Started

Army Support Career

Ammunition Technician

• Minimum age 17
• Year 11 completion
• School Qualifications: A proven ability in English, Maths and Science at NCEA Level 1 (12 credits per subject) or equivalent.
• Additional Information: 100% visual colour perception required.

All Arms Recruit Course (AARC):

For the first 16 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. All Ammunition Technicians undergo the Royal NZ Army Logistic Regiment Basic Course.

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 16 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.