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About the role
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Specialisations
Flight operations | Intelligence, IT & Communications
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Entry type
General entry
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Under training
$69,833
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Location
Ohakea
As an Air Warfare Specialist your primary role is to operate the P-8A Poseidon’s highly advanced sensor systems to collect and analyse information. This involves the effective use of the specialised on board systems including; the Radar, Electro-Optics, Electronic Warfare suite, and Acoustic Warfare suite.
Your role will include processing and analysing information gathered from the sensors before presenting it to the crew to aid in the tactical employment of the aircraft. You will be involved in a range of mission types including; Search and Rescue, Fisheries and Border Patrols, Airborne Surveillance, Military Operations, and Military Exercises.
You will also be expected to carry out a number of on board aircrew duties including; human and crew resource management, mission support, stores loading and employment, system fault-finding, and emergency procedures.
Accepting Applications
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Recruit 3/26, starts 22 Sept 2026 Apply by 08 Jun 2026
Apply Now
Requirements
Basics
- Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
- Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
- Pass an Aircrew Selection Board.
Education
Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.
Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements.
Fitness & Medical
Citizenship
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Period of Service
Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation, you will be required to serve 2 years in the Air Force. This helps the NZDF make the most of the skills and knowledge you’ve built during your training.
We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.
“I wasn't too keen on going to uni. So, joining the Defence Force, I could get more hands-on straight away.”
Nikita Crookbain
Corporal
Career progression and training
01Basic Training
Basic Training
Recruit Course
(12 weeks) Location: RNZAF base Woodbourne
The aim of this course is to induct aviators into the RNZAF and develop the necessary values, knowledge and military skills to enable them to fulfil their military responsibilities. This course will cover various subjects including:
- RNZAF culture, customs and protocol
- Organisation and administration
- Drill and parades
- Dress, grooming and hygiene standards
- Military law and the Military Justice system
- Air Power
- Military field skills
- Field craft skills
- Weapon training
- First aid
- Physical fitness and resilience
- Leadership at the Lead Self level
02Job Training
Job Training
Following 12 weeks basic military training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, you’ll be required to pass a Corporal Qualifying Course to confirm your rank as Acting Corporal. You’ll then complete Aviation Medicine, and Aircrew Survival courses before posting to 42 Squadron to complete a 5 week Combined Non-Commissioned Officer Aircrew Course, covering generic aircrew subjects. You will then be posted to 5 Squadron to begin training as an Air Warfare Specialist.
As part of the Operational Conversion Course, your training as an AWS will consist of a 10 month course at RNZAF Base Ohakea covering; general aircraft safety precautions, security, communication systems, Radar theory, and system operation. The training consists of both ground and flying based instruction, and culminates in a ‘First Voyage’ consolidating the course’s training. Upon completion of the Operational Conversion Course you will be awarded your Air Warfare Brevet and begin operational flying aboard the P-8A Poseidon.
Benefits & allowances
Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.
In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
- Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
- Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
- Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
- Opportunities to travel
- Free and subsidised medical and dental care
- Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
- Subsidised insurance cover
Salary & benefits
Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.
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Under training
$69,833
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Future potential earnings
$98,000
Am I fit enough?
If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.
Medical & Fitness
The application process
Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.
Application process
Ready to start your Air Force career?
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