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Army

Movement Operator

You make the Army an effective force by getting them from A to B efficiently. Organise the transport of troops, equipment and vital supplies to places worldwide, including Antarctica, South-East Asia, the Pacific Islands and the USA.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Logistics & Administration

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Auckland, Linton, Burnham

As a Movement Operator you will work with all three services to enable the movement and support of our forces. The Movement Operator trade includes three specialist areas which you will be cross trained in:

Movement control is about planning and executing the international and domestic movement of personnel, vehicles and equipment by road, sea or air, by either military or civilian means.

Terminal Operations include facilitating the loading, unloading and transit of forces by various means (road, sea and air). This includes stevedoring and port operations, being a member of the Amphibious Beach Team (ABT) and also being part of the Ships Amphibious Load Team (SALT) on board the Navy’s HMNZS Canterbury.

Aerial Delivery involves working closely with the Air Force to ensure stores and equipment are prepared correctly to be delivered to ground forces. This can include rigging stores for parachute air drop from planes or external lift underneath helicopters.

Accepting Applications

  • Recruit Regular Force 417, starts 07 Jul 2025 Apply by 24 Mar 2025

    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.
  • Heavy trade practical or theory licences are preferable.

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 CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

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.

  • Job on base

    As a Movement Operator you perform a variety of roles whilst on base, including:

    • Planning and executing the movement of personnel and equipment,
    • Liaising with units and outside agencies (customs, biosecurity etc) to enable movement plans,
    • Preparing forces for movement, including doing freight and personnel checks, and
    • Preparing equipment and supplies to be dropped by aircraft or lifted by helicopter.
  • Job on deployment

    As you progress in your training, you will find yourself working throughout the world, however most visited locations include Antarctica, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Wherever the Army deploys to, Movement Operators help to get them there and back.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

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 Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

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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.

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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
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Ready to start your Army career?

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