FAQs

Request a review form from your Candidate Engagement Facilitator and send it to the address enclosed with supporting documents (Note: you can only request this form after the reconsideration form was declined, it must be received within 4 weeks of the day you were notified the reconsideration was declined, and you are responsible for any costs associated with your own medical reports). A board of Senior NZDF Medical Officers will review this application at their next medical reconsideration meeting held four times per year. If this application is denied you may be unable to reapply, or be given a stand-down period before you can reapply.

We typically require 3 months’ notice if you decide to resign. However, during times of increased operational activity, or if you are required to complete a return of service obligation, you may be required to continue serving until you have completed your required duties or service period.

No. However, when renewing your Offer of Service after your period of engagement (usually 15 years), this may be included in your new Offer of Service.

The location of your inital training depends on your service.

Army

All initial training is conducted at Waiouru Military Training Facility.

Navy

All inital training is conducted at Devonport Naval Base.

Air Force

All inital training is conducted at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

Trade and/or Corp Training

After your initial training is complete, you will continue on with your trade-specific or Corp training. The location of your trade training varies depending on your trade.

Check your trade page on our website for the location of initial trade training. For further clarification contact your Candidate Engagement Facilitator or call 0800 1 FORCE (0800 136 723).

Tattoos, including large and highly visible cultural tattoos are acceptable provided they are appropriate for a military environment and are complementary to the NZDF’s values and image.

There are multiple intakes each year for both Recruits and Officers.

Check out our Upcoming Intakes.

Make-up can be worn provided it is appropriate for a military environment. Each service has clear guidelines for what is appropriate, but in general, make-up should be light and natural.

You are able to wear a plain signet ring, engagement ring and/or wedding ring, plus one other ring.

You can also wear one pair of earrings, which must be plain studs or sleepers. No other visible piercings are permitted.

You can wear a wristwatch, and it is recommended that you get a sturdy, waterproof wristwatch for when in field environments.

Yes. Although you will need to hand your cellphone in for field exercises while on your recruit course, and for most of the early stages of training, you will be given reasonable opportunity to communicate with your family and friends by mail or cellphone. There are channels in place for your family to quickly contact you in case of a family emergency. These contact details will be sent to you prior to your initial training to be passed on to your family.

Each service has a slightly different policy on appropriate hairstyles for men and women.

In general, hair is to be neat and tidy. Fringes should not fall below the eyebrows, and hair length (if untied) should not extend below the lower edge of a button-up shirt collar. Longer hair should be tied up off the collar in a bun or plait.

You can wear plain hair-ties, clips and hair-nets similar to your hair colour. Brightly coloured hair ornaments such as ribbons, headbands or scrunchies are not permitted.

Hair colour should be complementary to your natural colouring, so extreme colouring, bright contrasting or multiple colours are not permitted.

Your Candidate Engagement Facilitator will give you more information on appearance standards prior to your intake.

In the Navy, men are permitted long hair. It must be tied up off the collar.

Men are not allowed long hair in the Army or Air Force.

You will be very busy during your initial training, so we recommend organising your personal life before the first day of training. This will allow you to focus on your course without distractions, and enable you to enjoy time on leave rather than conducting personal admin.

Improving your general fitness, running, strength, and endurance will help your team during physical aspects of training. Ask your Candidate Engagement Facilitator about your nearest Force Fit programme. Force Fit sessions are a great way to increase your personal fitness and build relationships with other people that may be on your intake.

Your Candidate Engagement Facilitator will provide you with an equipment list, and more information about what to expect during training. Feel free to ask questions at your Induction day.

Tattoos, including large and highly visible cultural tattoos are acceptable provided they are appropriate for a military environment and are complementary to the NZDF’s values and image. Each service has clear guidelines on getting new tattoos.

After you have graduated from your initial training, you’ll either start initial trade training immediately or undertake a short period of on-the-job training at your new work unit prior to your initial trade training. When your initial trade course is complete, you’ll start doing the job you have trained for.

The NZDF is committed to ensuring a balanced workforce and an inclusive culture. This means that all members are able to participate, compete and be rewarded fairly regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, beliefs/opinions, or family circumstances.

We are committed to ensuring that our workplaces are safe and free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying because we recognise the effects of personal-wellbeing on our operational effectiveness. We make an effort to recruit good people, and install a positive culture early in initial training. Robust support processes are in place to deal with any alleged incidents sensitively, appropriately, and quickly.

Leadership roles are available to all trades in every service. As the NZDF is relatively small compared to other militaries, leadership skills are taught early because we need our personnel to be flexible and capable of leading, sometimes at junior ranks.

Our core values are:

• Courage | Tū Kaha - Taking action despite your fears.
• Commitment | Tū Tika - Giving your best.
• Comradeship | Tū Tira - Respecting and looking out for each other.
• Integrity | Tū Maia - Doing the right thing – always.

Yes. Typically your first year in the NZDF is very busy with training, so we don’t recommend studying during this time, but you can spend your spare time as you wish. If the study is related to your trade, you can apply for the NZDF to pay for it or subsidise your course fees. You may even be allowed to spend work time studying depending on the course and the demands of your job.

Find out more on our website, look up Education and Training, in the Lifestyle and Salary section for each service.

Promotion is based on eligibility requirements that include completing trade specific courses, seniority (how long you have held your current rank), and performance.