Air Warfare Specialist
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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirementsAs an Air Warfare Specialist your primary role is to operate the P-8A Poseidon’s highly advanced sensor systems to collect and analyse information.
- ServiceAir Force
- SpecialisationAviation
- LocationOhakea
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Starting Trade Training$64,177
I wasn't too keen on going to uni. So, joining the Defence Force, I could get more hands-on straight away.
Nikita Crookbain
Corporal
About the role
As an Air Warfare Specialist your primary role is to operate the P-8A Poseidon’s highly advanced sensor systems to collect and analyse information. This involves the effective use of the specialised on board systems including; the Radar, Electro-Optics, Electronic Warfare suite, and Acoustic Warfare suite.
Your role will include processing and analysing information gathered from the sensors before presenting it to the crew to aid in the tactical employment of the aircraft. You will be involved in a range of mission types including; Search and Rescue, Fisheries and Border Patrols, Airborne Surveillance, Military Operations, and Military Exercises.
You will also be expected to carry out a number of on board aircrew duties including; human and crew resource management, mission support, stores loading and employment, system fault-finding, and emergency procedures.
Career progression and training
Basic Training
Job Training
(12 weeks) Location: RNZAF base Woodbourne (near Blenheim)
Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:
- Organisation and Administration
- RNZAF Customs and Protocol
- Drill and Parades
- Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
- First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques
- Physical Fitness
Following 12 weeks basic military training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, you’ll be required to pass a Corporal Qualifying Course to confirm your rank as Acting Corporal. You’ll then complete Aviation Medicine, and Aircrew Survival courses before posting to 42 Squadron to complete a 5 week Combined Non-Commissioned Officer Aircrew Course, covering generic aircrew subjects. You will then be posted to 5 Squadron to begin training as an Air Warfare Specialist.
As part of the Operational Conversion Course, your training as an AWS will consist of a 10 month course at RNZAF Base Ohakea covering; general aircraft safety precautions, security, communication systems, Radar theory, and system operation. The training consists of both ground and flying based instruction, and culminates in a ‘First Voyage’ consolidating the course’s training. Upon completion of the Operational Conversion Course you will be awarded your Air Warfare Brevet and begin operational flying aboard the P-8A Poseidon.
Salary and benefits
Careers in the Air Force 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.
$50,597
Under Initial Training
$64,177
Starting Trade Training
$122,331
Future Potential Earnings
Figures updated on July 1st 2023
Benefits and 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
Entry requirements
Basics
Education
Fitness and medical
Citizenship
Period of Service
- You must be 17 years or older.
- Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain TSV security clearance for this trade.
Minimum: NCEA Level 2 certificate.
Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements
- You must be medically fit for service.
- Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV security clearance for this trade.
Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. Once you have graduated as an Air Warfare Specialist, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another two years in the Air Force.
Ready to start your Air Force career?
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