Royal New Zealand Army Logistic Regiment (RNZALR)

The Role

As a Movement Operator, you could be loading and unloading cargo from supply ships and aircraft; planning and implementing the movement of personnel and equipment; or packing and preparing equipment and supplies to be dropped by aircraft. Movement control is about logistics planning such as how to move a unit of 250 people, with equipment, from North Cape to Bluff or an overseas destination. Personnel, transport, equipment, supplies, and travel arrangements are all planned and co-ordinated by Movement Operators.

View a short video clip of this role:

• View movement operator video [3.5mb .swf file]
• Download movement operator video [3.4mb .wmv file]

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This video shows LCPL Ben Stevens is a NZ Army movement operator on HMNZS Canterbury. LCPL Stevens, based at 2LOG in Linton talks about his role on board HMNZS Canterbury and his role in the NZ Army. LCPL Steven says that it is very different working on board the ship to what he's used to at Linton.

Post Recruit Training

In the first 12 months of service, you will complete three courses. First of all, you will attend a basic course that will familiarise you with the vehicles and equipment used by the New Zealand Army. You may also begin training to gain your heavy trade, forklift and other licences. After this training, you will complete a Junior Driver's Course, which is comprised of practical tasks and vehicle driving. Once you have learnt to drive all the vehicles required you will commence a Basic Movements Course. This will teach you about working with aircraft and ships. After you have been in the New Zealand Army for approximately 18 months, you will then attend a Junior Movements Course. This course prepares you for more leadership and supervisory positions within your trade. You will be eligible to attend an Intermediate Movements Course after completing approximately two years service. The course involves further training in the movements field as well as additional management and leadership training.

Postings/Where You Will Work

Initial posting

To start with, you will go to Waiouru Military Camp to begin your soldier training.

In New Zealand

All movement operators are posted to Linton Military Camp. However, you will find yourself working throughout New Zealand and overseas,wherever the Army goes, and you will also be working closely with the Air Force and the Navy.

Overseas

As you progress in your training, you may find yourself working in Antarctica, Australia and the Pacific Islands. As you spend more time in the New Zealand Army, you will become employable in a wider variety of roles and may travel to places such as South East Asia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Getting Started

Army Support Career

Movement Operator

• Minimum age 17
• Year 11 completion
• School Qualifications: A proven ability in English, Mathematics and one other subject at NCEA Level 1 (12 credits per subject) or equivalent.
• Driver's Licence: You will need a Class 1 restricted driver's licence with no traffic convictions. Heavy trade practical or theory licences are preferable.
• Additional Information: 100% visual colour perception required.

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.