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Navy

Airborne Tactical Officer (Observer)

The Airborne Tactical Officer or “Observer” acts as mission commander for the aircraft and is responsible for its sensors, communication systems and weapons. You’re the key link between aircraft and ship, evaluating sensor information and performing tactical analysis to employ the helicopter in the best way to accomplish the mission. Be it warfare operations, search and rescue, delivering aid and more.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

  • Entry type

    Officer entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

As an Observer your primary roles will be mission planning and warfare and you will be expected to be an expert in both areas. At sea you will be briefing both ship’s Commanding Officer and the embarked flight on missions and the best way to employ the aircraft to ensure success.  When conducting warfare you can expect to take command of the battlespace as the Observer utilising all of the aircrafts sensors, communications systems and weapons to ensure optimal tactical employment of the aircraft.

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 and Officer Selection Board 

Fitness & Medical

  • You must be medically fit for service.
  • You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.
  • Height limits will apply with the introduction of new or upgraded training aircraft. Individuals will be assessed for height limits as part of the application process.
  • Colour perception restrictions may apply.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain 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 completion of your training, you will be contractually obliged to carry out a return of service to the Navy for 10 years.

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.

Meet Harry

“There are a bunch of aircraft sensors that the Observer is responsible for. Underneath the aircraft, the large radar acts to extend the eyes and ears of whatever ships you're working with, so you can ”

Harry

Airborne Tactical Officer/ Observer

  • Job on base

    On completion of Junior Officer Common Training, and Flight training you will be posted to 6 Squadron at RNZAF Base Auckland in Whenuapai. Whilst there your duties and responsibilities revolve around daily flying, consisting of operational flights and training flights, and administrative duties all Officer roles entail. You can expect to fly most days of the week in many different environments working with external agencies throughout New Zealand.

  • Job on deployment

    Naval Aviation is an integral part of any Ship’s deployed capability and for any significant deployment of an aviation capable Ship, a SH-2G(I) can be expected to deploy. The role of the  SH-2G(I) on board a RNZN Ship varies from being the primary weapons system on an ANZAC class Frigate conducting Warfare roles and Airborne Use of Force, to resupplying an island off the coast of New Zealand in support other Government Agencies.

     

    A Ship's flight crew usually consists of eight RNZAF technicians, the Pilot, the Observer and a Helicopter Loadmaster. Your role as the Observer is to operate all of the SH-2G(I) systems and to employ your tactical and warfare knowledge to achieve the mission. You will work alongside the pilot providing guidance and tactical information to ensure that the aircraft is positioned correctly and is operated as required for the mission. On board the Ship, you will have duties to conduct, such as advising the Commanding Officer on all aviation matters, conducting Meteorological briefs and training the Ships Company in Aviation procedures.

     

    Recent deployments have included Operations in the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief deployments in the South Pacific and multiple Military Exercises throughout the South Pacific and South East Asia.

Training and career progression

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 Navy 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

    $142,000

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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.

Medical & Fitness
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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 Navy career?

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