Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR)

The Role

As a driver in the Army, you will be a member of a tightly knit section of four to six vehicles, operating within a Combat Service Support organisation. You will be trained to operate your vehicle by day and night, anywhere in the world, and in all weather conditions and terrain. You will be driving, operating and maintaining General Service vehicles and you will gain a range of licences, licence endorsements, and NZQA unit standards towards New Zealand Road Transport Industry National Certificates.

Post Basic Training

• Driver Licensing and Vehicle Operator Course

A six-week driver training course where you will be taught such skills as on-road convoy driving, defensive driving, vehicle dynamics and off-road driving in a light 4WD and Unimog truck. You will finish this course with a Full Class 2 (truck) licence.

• RNZALR Basic Training

A four-week course at the Trade Training School (Trentham), where you will be introduced to basic RNZALR skills. These skills include having to understand operational Combat Service Support concepts as well as operating in-service communications equipment, camouflaging, concealing equipment and operating vehicle recovery equipment. You are also taught about military vehicles and their functions.

• RNZALR Junior Transport

A six-week course at the Trade Training School, where you will be introduced to advanced RNZALR driver skills, including deployment as part of a transport organisation, helicopter underslung load procedures, navigation using in-service navigation aids, camouflage and concealing vehicles and participation in Combat Service Support distribution procedures.

Postings/Where You Will Work

Initial Posting

You will be posted to one of the two logistic battalions, either in Linton Military Camp or Burnham Military Camp.

In New Zealand

As your career progresses, you will gain experience in the different positions within the
driver trade. Initially you will train as a driver and then progress to driving instructor and section commander positions.You can also be posted as a driver to an engineer regiment, 1NZSAS or a stand-alone appointment to a unit as a Driving Instructor.

Overseas

Drivers deploy on a variety of overseas deployments and postings whenever the need arises.
That could mean as part of a United Nations deployment or Multinational Observer Force.

Getting Started

Army Support Career

Driver

• Minimum age 17
• Year 11 completion
• School Qualifications: A proven ability in English and Maths at NCEA Level 1
  (8 credits per subject) or equivalent.
• Driver's Licence: You will need a restricted Class 1 driver's licence and should have no traffic convictions. Any other licence is an advantage i.e. motorbike.
• Additional Information: 100% visual colour perception required. Being able to show that you are a team player and have some mechanical ability will make you a more competitive applicant.

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.

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.