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Navy

Warfare Officer

Warfare Officers ‘drive’ the warships. You work on the ship’s bridge, control the ship's manoeuvring, are responsible for the safe passage and navigation of the ship at sea, and manage the bridge staff.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Navigation | Officers & Management

  • Entry type

    Officer entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

In the Navy, Warfare Officers ‘drive’ and command the warships. You initially work on the ship's bridge, control the ship's manoeuvring, are responsible for the safe passage and navigation of the ship at sea, and manage the bridge staff and ship routines while on watch. During wartime, or simulated manoeuvres and exercises, you will additionally need to assist in identifying enemy aircraft, submarines and other warships and manoeuvring the ship to avoid their weapons. At these times you will assist the Commanding Officer as part of the ship's warfare team which includes the Principal Warfare Officer who will be in the Operations Room directing fire of the ships weapons.

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 Officer Selection Board.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the TSV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years.

Find out if you’re eligible here.

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.

“The job wants you to be the best you. You don't have to be a certain type of leader, you don't have to be a certain type of person, you just have to work hard and be yourself.”

Joanna Brook

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Specialist 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, 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.

While undertaking Officer Training you will hold the Rank of Midshipman. On graduation from your commissioning course, your rank and pay will increase based on your trade speciality and qualification level.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $142,000

Be Prepared

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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?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

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