Back
RNZAF CISO MTP 1

Airforce

Communications and Information Systems Officer

As a Communications and Information Systems Officer (CISO), you will be responsible for leading personnel and Information Communication Technology (ICT) systems to support operations wherever the RNZAF is deployed.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Intelligence, IT & Communications | Officers & Management

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Auckland, Palmerston North, Wellington, Blenheim

Effective employment of Information Communication Technology (ICT) can offer a military force a significant operational advantage. Communication and Information Systems Officers (CISOs) are experts in the employment of high-tech IT systems designed to interconnect elements of a military force.

As a CISO you will be responsible for leading personnel and ICT systems to support operations wherever the RNZAF is deployed.

Requirements

Basics

  • You must be at least 18 years of age at the completion of your RNZAF Officer Commissioning Course (ROCC)
  • Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain TSV security clearance for this trade.
  • Full Drivers Licence but consideration given for Restricted.
  • Pass an Officer Selection Board.

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Electronics and Computer Technology, Telecommunications or Business Information Systems (or similar).

Scholarship Entry: The Air Force offer undergraduate scholarships for candidates who demonstrate the qualities required to become an Air Warfare Officer.

The scholarships are:

  • RNZAF Undergraduate Scheme: Study at an approved university institution of your choice while the Air Force covers your fees and a living allowance on a 'year for a year' return of service basis.

View our Scholarship programs.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required 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. Once you have graduated as a Communications and Information Systems Officer, you’ll be contractually obliged to spend another two years in the Air Force.

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.

Exercise Tunex

“To know you can talk up to almost 3000 kilometers away on a piece of wire is really rewarding.”

Nicky Logan

Leading Aircraftman

  • Job on base

    At an Air Force Base, CISOs command teams of specialist CIS Technicians. These teams provide communication support to RNZAF aircraft using satellite and radio systems to pass information between the aircraft and ground-based IT networks.

    You will be responsible for ensuring your team is ready to deploy whenever needed, ensuring equipment is serviceable and personnel under your command are trained and ready to perform their duties.

  • Job on deployment

    A CISO can expect to be one of the first to deploy, arriving ahead of the main force. You will be required to manage your team in order to establish vital communication with headquarters (HQ) and to set up other critical information systems for use by the deploying force.

    While deployed, a CISO will direct the establishment of IT, satellite and radio networks that support the functions of command and control, intelligence, logistics and communications. Once setup, these networks need to be protected from cyber threats, jamming and interception by adversaries. Your knowledge of cyber-defence and electronic warfare will be critical to safeguarding our operationally sensitive information. You’ll engage with other divisions of the military and Other Government Agencies in order to ensure the successful fulfilment of the mission.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Specialist Training

05Career 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 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.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $140,000

20220909 NZDF R1055140 005

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.

Air Force Application Process 20240920

The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

airforce generic base for roles

Ready to start your Air Force career?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

Related Roles

af engineering officer square 20240222

Airforce

Engineering Officer

Engineering & Technical trades | Officers & Management

Officer entry

As an Air Force Engineering Officer you will lead teams of highly skilled technicians operating in a fast paced and dynamic environment.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $140,000

  • Location

    Varied

af intelligence officer 07 square tn

Airforce

Intelligence Officer

Intelligence, IT & Communications | Officers & Management

Officer entry

Military intelligence is a fascinating area of our operations and you will be at the heart of it, interpreting intelligence data on a wide range of missions at home and overseas.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $140,000

  • Location

    Auckland, Ohakea, and Wellington

af logistics officer square 20230926

Airforce

Logistics Officer

Logistics & Administration | Officers & Management

Officer entry

Moving and managing military hardware, supplies and personnel requires quick thinkers and cool heads. Take the lead in this role that offers travel and challenges.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $140,000

  • Location

    Varied