Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR)

The Role

Feeding the Army is a complex task. As a chef, you will help provide the catering for all the dining facilities in a camp with numbers varying from 80 to 800. Out in the field, you will be cooking using the Army's mobile tactical field kitchen and feeding hungry troops for anything from a couple of days to a couple of weeks.

Post Recruit Training

First you will attend a four week basic course that will familiarise you with the vehicles and equipment used by the Royal NZ Army Logistic Regiment. You may also begin training to gain your heavy trade, forklift, and other licences. You will then spend nine weeks at the Joint Services Catering School in Waiouru. There you will learn basic food preparation, food hygiene, knife skills and how to operate the Army's field catering equipment. Then it's back to the Camp Kitchens to put into practice the skills you have gained.

Your next formal training courses will see you back in Waiouru where you will be taught bakery, butchery and advanced dishes. You will also get to lead a team of cooks in the field providing meals for troops. These courses will give you the opportunity to gain internationally recognised cookery qualifications. Chefs are currently awarded the London City and Guilds Institute Certificate in Food Preparation and Cookery, as well as any awards achieved at national or international culinary competitions.

Posting/Where You Will Work

Initial posting

To start with, you will go to Waiouru Military Camp to begin your soldier training.
In New ZealandAll chefs can be posted to Trentham Military Camp, Linton Military Camp, Burnham Military Camp or Papakura Military Camp.

Overseas

Chefs deploy on a variety of overseas deployments and missions primarily in support of other units and contingents. These can be New Zealand or multinational forces.

Getting Started

Army Support Career

Chef

• 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 restricted driver's licence is recommended, but
  is not compulsory.
• Additional Information: Cooking experience or a background in catering 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.