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NZARMY SOLDIER GENERIC SNIPER

Army

Infantry (Combat Specialist)

As Infantry, you are a front line soldier, and the backbone of Army service.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Combat & Special Operations

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Palmerston North and Christchurch

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 Infantry, Gunner or an Armoured soldier towards the end of basic training.

As Infantry, you are a front line soldier, and the backbone of Army service. You will be expected to be physically fit and will have to maintain a high level of both physical and mental stamina throughout your career. You will be trained and expected to operate in a range of different environments around the world and will receive advanced training in combat skills. You will become proficient in navigation, weapon handling, field-craft, survival and marksmanship throughout your career. You will be expected to carry out your duties regardless of weather, season or terrain.

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.

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 Black Bayonet 2023

“Having the opportunity to get out the door and train in this part of the country is great for the battalion.”

Lieutenant Tony Calder-Steele

  • Job on base

    As Infantry, you will spend a vast majority of your time transitioning between a camp and field environment. While in camp you will continue to enhance your infantry core skills such as fieldcraft, weapon training, navigation, communications, marksmanship and physical fitness. When you move into the field environment you will put all your skills into practice during realistic training scenarios in a variety of different environments.

  • Job on deployment

    A deployment is when you travel to another country to assist them in a variety of roles. These can either be combat or non-combat deployments and as Infantry you will deploy in your primary role. Your main focus will providing security by conducting patrols within your area of operations. As you move through the ranks this focus can shift towards a training, advisory and or an observatory role. The Infantry have a vast and proud history of serving overseas and currently they deploy on a variety of overseas operations.

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

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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 Army career?

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Tūranga whaipānga

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