| Defence Careers

What is a Return Of Service Obligation (ROSO)?

A Return Of Service Obligation (ROSO) is a contractual commitment by yourself to remain in the NZDF for a specified period of time. ROSOs are associated to courses or training that require a significant investment of funding or resources by the NZDF, for example our Pilot Course and Tertiary Scholarship Schemes. Prior to joining, you will be informed if the initial training and career pathway you intend to conduct has any associated ROSOs. The details of your ROSO will be stated on your Offer of Service.

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Airforce

Air Force

Air Force - Air Warfare Officer

Aboard the long-range surveillance P-8A Poseidon aircraft, you will learn to operate and manage the complex hi-tech systems used to conduct a wide variety of missions including anti-submarine warfare, resource protection and search and rescue.

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Will I always have to do physical training?

The NZDF requires its personnel to maintain a good level of fitness, but encourage its members to maintain an excellent level of fitness, and allows some flexibility regarding exercising during working hours to support this. Some trades have compulsory PT multiple times per week (Diver, Infantry etc). For other less physical trades, it is your responsibility to maintain at least the minimum level of fitness required for your service, age and gender to pass annual or biannual fitness tests, so that you are ready and able to perform if you are called upon to deploy on operations.

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Navy

Navy - Reserve Chaplain

You are the Navy’s spiritual anchor, providing ministry, friendship, comfort and guidance to military and civilian personnel, and their families.

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I'm applying from overseas. Can the Offer of Service change?

An Offer of Service (OOS) from the NZDF is an indication that we wish to employ you and that we would like to employ you as soon as possible. The OOS will contain information such as your new branch, trade, rank, seniority, unit, appointment, salary, engagement timeframe, annual leave scale and any courses required. The OOS is subject to you gaining the required medical and security clearances and on gaining a NZ Residence class visa. In rare circumstances the OOS may change. Please be aware that the NZDF reserves the right to alter your actual posting due to operational or administrative purposes. We may have to alter the OOS if you are unable to commence employment within the required timeframe agreed in your OOS.

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Army

Army - Combat Driver

Get behind the wheel of vehicles you wouldn’t drive in any other career. Take your driving skills to some of the world’s most interesting places.

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Navy

Navy - Electronic Technician

As an Electronic Technician you will be the ship’s electronic expert. You will learn to maintain a wide range of cutting edge technological systems. Or you may specialise as a Weapon Technician, maintaining the ship’s arsenal of weapons and systems.

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Terms and conditions

Air Force - Learning and Development Officer

Take your knowledge and skills to new places.

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Army

Army - Combat Engineer

With the motto of 'Ubique' meaning 'everywhere', military engineering is a varied and exciting trade. It includes bridge building, small boat handling and explosives handling among many skills.

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If my child is sick can I get the day off?

There is flexibility around leave if you need to care for a sick child.

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Army

Army - Logistics Specialist

Logistics Specialists ensure our soldiers have enough equipment and supplies to successfully complete any task in both peacetime and on operations. From ammunition and fuel, to spare parts and clothing, it will be your task to ensure the Army has everything it needs to get the job done.

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Airforce

Air Force - Armament Technician

From guided missiles to explosives, this is your opportunity to understand and maintain some of the world’s most awesome weapons systems.

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Can I speak directly to a member of the NZDF about general service life?

We hold regular Force Information evenings all around New Zealand. These are free open information sessions for yourself and your family to find out more about the Defence Force and ask questions of our uniformed personnel. You can view upcoming dates and locations on our website and on our Facebook page.

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Navy

Navy - Chaplain

As a Chaplain of the Royal New Zealand Navy, you are appointed to provide ministry to Navy personnel (both military and civilian) and their families.

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