Recruit Training

Your training will begin with 12 weeks of Recruit Training, where you will learn the values and ethos we hold as a team as well as the basic ropes of Air Force life. During the Air Force basic military training you will find out if you have got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:
 

• Organisation and Administration
• RNZAF Customs and Protocol
• Drill and Parades
• Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
• First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
• Physical Fitness
   

During this time you will be based at RNZAF Base Woodburn near Blenheim. Although you will find life on base very different to civilian life, you will soon adjust to the challenging and rewarding lifestyle, knowing that you are on your way to a great Air Force career.

At the conclusion of your course there will be a graduation ceremony where you will get to celebrate the end of your Recruit Training, and where some cadets will be awarded trophies for outstanding academic and practical achievement. You will then move onto trade training, which will give you the chance to excel even further by proving yourself in your chosen specialist field.
 

Officer Training

First you will complete the 22-week Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC) at RNZAF Base Woodbourne. The first half of this course is similar to the recruit training above and the second half is leadership development. You will be exposed to various subjects and find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force!
 

The following are just some of the subject areas covered on IOTC:
 

• RNZAF customs, drill and parades
• Military law
• Military field skills and weapons training
• Defence and strategic studies
• Communication skills
• Command, leadership and management