Gunners are responsible for providing the indirect fire support for the New Zealand Army. To achieve this, you will be part of a professional team of soldiers, dedicated to providing safe, accurate and timely support to our troops. This involves the effective operation of the L119 105mm light gun and the Mistral Surface to Air Missile Defence System, a very modern piece of military equipment.
You will be trained in all aspects of soldiering including Infantry tactics, driving and specialised Gunner trades such as:
Operation and maintenance of the L119 Light Gun to ensure the right number of rounds hit the right target at the right time. You may also work as a Mortar Operator, within a Mortar detachment where you will be required to operate and maintain the 81mm Mortar.
Responsible for communications within the RNZA by using the modern SINGARS radio system and maintaining the Vanguard computer.
Assists in producing firing data from a computerised system, enabling a gun to fire at the right time, with the right number of rounds and on the correct target.
Uses the ultra modern Matra Mistral Surface to Air Missile system (SAM) to engage enemy aircraft. You will learn aircraft recognition skills.
As a Gunner you are trained in a wide variety of skills. This makes the Gunner a very deployable soldier. Gunners have been peacekeeping in Bosnia, East Timor, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bougainville and the Solomon Islands. Overseas exercises with allied countries also happen regularly.
During the early stages of your career once you have completed one of the Specialised Gunner courses, you will act as an Operator in either the Command Post or Gun Line. Over time you will enhance your knowledge of other skills within the Gunner trade. Eventually you will move into command positions within these areas. Also later in your career you may have the opportunity to become a Forward Observer, who works directly with the infantry to call for all types of indirect fires.
A proven ability in English and Mathematics at NCEA level 1 (8 credits per subject).
Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:
All gunners complete a two-week Regimental basic course. This gives a new gunner the skills to operate in a field battery, knowledge of human resource issues, history and traditions of the RNZA and familiarisation of artillery equipment.
Depending on aptitude and vacancies, you will train in one of the specialised Gunner trades.
A four-week course is conducted at the School of Artillery, Waiouru.
All new Gunners work within 16 Field Regiment based in Linton. This camp will be your base for most of your Army career.