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Army

Armoured (Combat Specialist)

There is no other trade like that of being Armoured. You will be trained to operate and fight from within an armoured vehicle and trained in mounted reconnaissance.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Combat & Special Operations

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Linton | Palmerston North

For future intakes, you will join the Army as a Combat Specialist and operate in a range of different environments. You will be introduced to the strategy and skills for combat, before branching into Armoured, Infantry or Gunner towards the end of basic training.

As an Armoured soldier you will train to operate the New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle. The NZLAV is a highly mobile eight wheeled armoured vehicle fitted with a modern hi-tech fire control system, optics that allow the vehicle to be used by day and night, early warning systems that enhance survivability, and communication equipment to receive and share information.

As part of a tight-knit crew of three, you will operate the NZLAV in a combat role, providing the Army with a light armoured vehicle capability. Your crew tactically manoeuvres the vehicle to directly engage with an enemy, gather information and provide protected mobility to soldiers from other trades across the Army. NZLAV crews can be part of ‘combined arms’ teams - groups of soldiers with the common goal of winning on operations, often in high threat situations.

You will train in the skills required to operate the NZLAV in a wide range of situations, from supporting NZ Police and civil authorities, to peacekeeping and war-fighting. You must be able to operate in the confined space of the vehicle, for extended periods, at all times and in all environmental conditions. You must also be able to quickly process and react to all that you see and hear, under challenging operational conditions.

You will begin as either an NZLAV gunner or driver, eventually being trained to do both. As you complete further training and gain experience you will become a Crew Commander. Throughout your career, you will maintain your skills as a combat soldier.

Accepting Applications

  • Recruit Regular Force 417, starts 07 Jul 2025 Apply by 24 Mar 2025

    Apply Now

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.

Education

  • 3 years secondary school.

Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

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.

New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicles

Watch our Light Armoured Vehicles in action on the battlefield.

  • Job on base

    At Linton Military Camp (Palmerston North) you will conduct routine training to maintain trade competence and proficiency. Simulation (virtual battle space) can be used to assist with this, as well as regular and rigorous physical training. You will often train in Waiouru, and around New Zealand.

     

    As a Driver, you will train to safely and confidently operate the NZLAV in all kinds of conditions and over all kinds of terrain. You will also learn basic vehicle maintenance and recovery, and many other skills required to perform your job.

     

    A Gunner is primarily concerned with the operation of the turret. You'll train to safely and proficiently operate the 25mm cannon, the 7.62mm machine gun, night-vision and other specialised optical equipment.

     

    As a Crew Commander you are in overall command of the vehicle, and you are responsible for your crew and any passengers being carried in the vehicle. At Linton, this will include some personnel management and administrative responsibilities.

  • Job on deployment

    Armoured soldiers are deployed overseas whenever the need arises, predominantly in vehicle mounted operations. The most recent examples were deployments to Afghanistan and the Sinai. Armoured have also deployed in support of overseas training exercises conducted in countries such as Australia, Malaysia, Canada and USA.

army armoured half img 20220905 v2

Switching on as an Armoured Vehicle driver

“I didn’t want to spend the rest of my adult life sitting behind a desk, nine to five. I was looking for some action. Something exciting. Something I could wake up every morning and be proud of. ”

Trooper Nadia Amaral

Read more

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Career 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 Army 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

    $98,000

20220909 NZDF R1055140 008 v2

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
NZA soldiers 20230512 012

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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Tūranga whaipānga

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