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RNZAF Security Forces

As a member of our Security Forces staff you will help protect our personnel and equipment, from delivering readiness training to service personnel to providing force protection measures against a range of threats.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Operational support | Safety Management & Emergency Response

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Varied

As a member of our Security Forces team, your specialised trade group contributes directly to preparing RNZAF personnel for operational duties, and protecting Air Force aviation assets, whilst both on the Military Air Base at home and deployed overseas.

Protective Security activities and tasks will see you responsible for include identifying and mitigating threats to air operations, providing airbase protection (ground defence) and physical security at Air Force sites. The other part of your role is to prepare RNZAF personnel to ensure that they achieve and maintain their individual combat readiness to effectively support Defence Force operations.

Your role is challenging and varied in that your tasks range from being an instructor to performing protective security patrols across all weather and environmental conditions. Some Security Forces personnel may also specialise as Military Working Dog (Patrol Dog) Handlers, using this capability both at home and abroad.

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.
  • Hold a Restricted Class 1 Drivers License.
  • While not an entry requirement to the RNZAF, Security Forces personnel will be required to pass an RNZAF Aircrew Swim test during your RNZAF Recruit Course. Failure to do so may impact your ability to progress through your trade-specific training.

Education

  • 3 years secondary school.

Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

Upon completion of the Security Forces Advanced Course, there is a 12 month return of service obligation.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

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.

“We have a term in our trade; trust your dog.There’s always something to do. You might be doing a display for someone, or you might be doing night patrol, you might see me round the fence line helping ”

Thomas Olsen

Leading Aircraftman

  • Job on base

    On the Military Air Base you’ll be responsible for a variety of force protection and protective security tasks.

    You will provide real time security of the RNZAFs aviation assets, conduct protective security patrols, and provide airbase protection (ground defence) and the physical security for aircraft, sites and personnel. You’ll also be part of a team that is trained and equipped to respond immediately to security incidents. Selected personnel can go on to train as Military Working Dog (Patrol Dog) handlers in the Military Working Dog (Patrol Dog) units, providing a unique and important protective security function at Air Force sites.

    A large part of your role is instructing RNZAF personnel in individual combat readiness or core military skills. This includes weapons training and live firing, survival skills, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defence and conducting pre-deployment and other military training required for success on operations. In addition, at some stage you will be involved with the general military training of recruits and Officers at RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim) as they start their own careers in the RNZAF.

    Security Forces personnel maintain the centre of excellence for all drill and ceremonial requirements in the RNZAF. They provide advice and instruction to the wider Air Force on parades and ceremonial activities.

  • Job on deployment

    During operational deployments your responsibilities will be to provide airbase protection (ground defence) and physical security for Air Force installations, aviation assets, aircraft and personnel, including incident response.

    All Security Forces personnel are able to deploy in this Airbase Protection (Ground Defence) role. Security Forces personnel will often work in a small team to achieve these tasks. Teamwork is essential for success. During some overseas deployments and exercises you will also work alongside militaries from other nations.

    RNZAF aircraft travel domestically and internationally on a regular basis. This often requires Security Forces personnel to travel on board to protect the aircraft, passengers, crew and cargo in various environments. You can expect travel to many different countries around the world.

Career Progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Specialist Training

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
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

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.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

20220909 NZDF R1055140 005

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
Air Force Application Process 20240920

The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

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