There are two parts to the NZ Army, the Regular Force and the Army Reserve.  Each provide different opportunities to people whether they are looking for full-time employment or something to complement their current lifestyle. 

Regular Force (RF)

The Regular Force is the full-time component of the New Zealand Army, comprising around 4,400 Officers and Soldiers. Regular Force personnel can be posted to locations around the country, including Waiouru, Linton, Trentham and Burnham Military Camps.

There are a variety of options available to people wanting to join the Regular Force.  We have over 25 Soldier trades available in four categories: combat, support, apprentice and specialist.  Generally speaking, individuals choose which trade they would like to join when they complete an online application.  This is determined by career interests, discussions with recruiting staff and meeting our recruitment standards. 

Selection for trades is based on merit and comprises the following areas:

1. the candidate meeting the minimum academic standard for the trade chosen,
2. successfully completing our aptitude testing and
3. meeting our medical, security and fitness standards. 

A number of trades are competitive due to the number of applications exceeding the number of vacancies; therefore some applicants may miss out on selection even though they meet the recruiting criteria. 

All soldiers will complete an All Arms Recruit Course in Waiouru when they enlist. The end of each All Arms Recruit Course is marked with a graduation parade which the training provider in Waiouru will provide details of once the intake has started.  Also, there is generally at least one ‘Visitors Day’ during the course, where recruits can catch up with family and friends in Waiouru.  This is normally about half-way through the course and is advised separately by the training provider.

Once the course finishes, soldiers are then posted to their new unit and complete further specialised training.  Each trade has its own School, where soldiers will return to throughout their career as either a student or an instructor.  For most of our apprentice trades, the Schools are aligned to polytechnics who deliver industry training on our behalf.   

It takes soldiers about 6 to 12 months to complete their initial training, depending on what trade they have joined.  Once finished, they will return to their unit and put their new skills into action. 

All Officers complete the New Zealand Commissioning Course, which is one year in duration.  They may be selected to attend the Kippenberger Scheme, a university based programme at Massey University, for up to three years prior to the New Zealand Commissioning Course.    

Army Reserve (AR)

The Army Reserve is the part-time component of the New Zealand Army, comprising around 2000 Officers and Soldiers. It provides the Regular Force with support and personnel for training, exercises and operations. AR Soldiers and Officers generally have other careers or studies, and use the AR as a way to gain valuable training and experience while also enjoying the excitement of Army life.

They are expected to work at least 20 days a year, usually one weekend and two evenings per month. There is also the opportunity to work for longer periods during exercises or activities. Once fully trained, they are also eligible for operational deployments.

Their are six regional based Army Reserve units which members belong to once attested.