What does an Officer do?
Officers are the leaders of the Defence Force. They’re the ones who can take control of a situation, command people and resources efficiently and make the necessary calls under pressure. They’re driven, ambitious and passionate about what they do. And their expertise is second to none.
Your kind of career
Officers cover a huge range of specialties across the Navy, Army and Air Force – so no matter your interests, you’ll be sure to find an exciting, diverse career in a field that’s relevant to you.
What being an Officer can involve
01Doing
Doing
- Stepping behind the controls of a frigate or aircraft carrying people, equipment and crucial supplies
- Commanding high-tech equipment and technology worth millions of dollars.
02Leading
Leading
- Leading search and rescue operations in New Zealand and overseas
- Leading operations in extreme environments, such as Antarctica.
03Training
Training
- Training and mentoring other personnel in a wide variety of specialist roles.
04Strategy
Strategy
- Formulating high-level strategies and tactics
- Implementing peace efforts in unstable and politically-charged environments.
05Managing
Managing
- Managing hundreds of personnel on base or camp, or teams of 30+ out in the field
- Managing the maintenance of one of New Zealand’s largest and most complex computer networks.
06Co-ordinating
Co-ordinating
- Coordinating the protection New Zealand’s borders from both external and internal threats, such as illegal fishing
- Being one of the first people on the ground to help plan and run disaster relief efforts, at home and abroad.
Leading from day one
You don’t have to work your way up to an Officer position – you can enter as one straightaway. This means you’ll get to take on real responsibility from a young age.
If you join as an Officer in the Navy or Air Force, you’ll start training in your specific Officer role from the outset. In the Army, however, you’ll first complete your initial officer training as an Army Officer, before moving into one of our specialist roles:
- Combat
- Engineering
- Intelligence
- Communications
- Logistics
Why become an Officer?
No matter whether you choose an Officer role in the Navy, Army or Air Force, you’ll get more benefits than most careers in the civilian world – or even in other Defence Force roles. From being surrounded by other like-minded individuals to gaining leadership experience overseas, to hands-on, tailored career management, it’s a career – and a lifestyle – that’s truly unique. Check out some of the many reasons to become an officer below:
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Salary and benefits
Not only are officers paid to train, but our salaries are competitive with the civilian world too. There’s even the opportunity to work your way up to a six-figure salary in some of our roles. And there's a lot more additional benefits too:
- world-class training
- partnered study
- subsidised food and accommodation on base
- free uniforms and job-related clothing
- access to gym, clubs and leisure facilities
- free medical and dental care.
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Early responsibility
Officers don’t start from the bottom. You’ll quickly take on the task of leading teams of trained professionals and making real decisions. That means you’ll get practical experience from a young age that you’d otherwise spend years working towards in most other jobs.
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Job variety
You’ll get the chance to move around leadership roles easily – so you don’t have to be afraid that you’ll be stuck in the same job for long. Our hands-on career-management team can work with you to help tailor your roles to your specific career goals, meaning that you can apply to move where you want throughout your career – and gain as many diverse job experiences as you desire.
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World class leadership skills
With our specialist training, you’ll quickly become an expert in your field – and with the opportunity to train and update your leadership skills overseas, you’ll soon be at a world-class level. The skills you learn won’t just be relevant in your officer role either – they’ll be real-world skills that every employer will look for, but that only the best candidates will have. Best of all, you’ll be paid to train, so you’ll gain these skills without the hefty student loan.
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Partnered study
Whether you want to take on an undergraduate degree, diploma or even post-graduate study, we can help you get there – through subsidised or fully-funded course fees and even paid study leave.
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Deployments and training
From operations in Antarctica to exercises on the other side of the world, travel will be a major component of your career. Your experiences working alongside people of other cultures and in unfamiliar environments will add unique skills to your CV, and give you personal insights into other cultures that most people will never see. You may even get the chance to train in world-class facilities across the globe, or participate in exchange programmes with other militaries, including those in the UK, US and Australia.
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Personal travel
Your travels won’t just be all work and no play. With plenty of downtime, you’ll get the chance to explore places outside of hours too – meaning you’ll get experiences after work and on weekends that others can only dream of. Plus, since you’ll already be overseas, many of your travel costs will already be covered.
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A network for life
A career in the Defence Force means setting yourself up with a wider network – not just of friends, but with a team of some of the most knowledgeable, specialised experts in the country. As you complete your initial officer training on base, you won’t just be surrounded by other like-minded individuals at work, but after hours too – so you don’t have to be worried that you’re in it alone. There’s also the opportunity to be involved in the wider community outside of base too, with officers often invited to represent the Defence Force in community events.
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Technology and equipment
You’ll get to work with some of the latest and most advanced technology and equipment that can’t be found anywhere else – so your skills will be at the forefront of the ever-changing technological environment.
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Sports
Officers are just as involved in sports as our other personnel. There's plenty of opportunities to further your sporting career, with plenty of teams on and off base from rugby to basketball, volleyball, netball, football, cycling, athletics and more. Our teams often take trips overseas to compete internationally too, with the ability to take special sporting leave or even apply for the Defence Force to sponsor your trip.
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Family life
As a family-focused employer, you’ll be able to work your officer's career around your family, with the ability to take maternity or parental leave as necessary. And just like other jobs, you can also take time away from your role in the Defence Force as you wish – whether to pursue other work opportunities, travel or simply gain different experience – and can apply to re-enlist at any time, in the same or a different role.
You won’t be locked-in
In most instances, you won’t be bound into a period of service. Just like a civilian job, you can leave to take advantage of other career opportunities as you desire. In fact, the only times you’ll face a return of service will be if you either apply for us to sponsor your tertiary education fees, or you undertake training in specific roles such as a Pilot or Air Warfare Officer (these are specified on the individual role pages).
The skills you gain will be well sought after, outside of the military too – with Officers often hunted for positions at the top of the industry they’ve been trained for in the corporate world. And it's not hard to see why, with their first-class knowledge, expertise and leadership ability. So no matter what your career goals are, life as an officer can provide more experience and opportunities for growth than most other jobs.
42 Roles available in the Officers & Management specialisation across All services
Airforce
Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management
Officer entry
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.
Navy
Airborne Tactical Officer (Observer)
Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management
Officer entry
The Airborne Tactical Officer or “Observer” acts as mission commander for the aircraft and is responsible for its sensors, communication systems and weapons. You’re the key link between aircraft and ship, evaluating sensor information and performing tactical analysis to employ the helicopter in the best way to accomplish the mission. Be it warfare operations, search and rescue, delivering aid and more.
Army
Combat & Special Operations | Engineering & Technical trades | Intelligence, IT & Communications | Logistics & Administration | Officers & Management
Officer entry
You are a leader in the Army; you are tasked with planning and executing Operations in difficult situations. Take command of soldiers, equip yourself to lead and inspire others to bring out the best in themselves.
Airforce
Education & Support roles | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
As a Chaplain of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, you are appointed to provide ministry to Air Force personnel (both military and civilian) and their families.
Army
Education & Support roles | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
As a Chaplain of the New Zealand Army, you are appointed to provide ministry to Army personnel (both military and civilian) and their families.
Navy
Education & Support roles | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
You are the Navy’s spiritual anchor, providing ministry, friendship, comfort and guidance to military and civilian personnel, and their families.
Airforce
Communications and Information Systems Officer
Intelligence, IT & Communications | Officers & Management
General entry
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.
Army
Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Be a Dentist in one of the most exciting and unusual surgeries in the world: the NZ Army.
Airforce
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.
Airforce
Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Environmental Health Officers who are described as Force Health Protection Officers, plan, coordinate and implement control strategies to minimise adverse health impacts from the environment and the workplace.
Navy
Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Take the controls of one of the most advanced aircraft in New Zealand, the Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite and experience a diverse and rewarding career
Navy
Navigation | Officers & Management | Operational support
Officer entry
Hydrographic Survey Officers lead teams undertaking survey work in support of everything from beach landings to identifying routes through minefields. You will be trained as a leader, a mariner and a surveyor. Your career will be diverse and challenging with regularly changing roles both within and outside the hydrographic survey trade.
Airforce
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.
Airforce
Learning and Development Officer
Education & Support roles | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Take your knowledge and skills to new places.
Army
Learning and Development Officer
Education & Support roles | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Take your education skills to new places, both inside and outside of the classroom.
Navy
Learning and Development Officer
Education & Support roles | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Take your knowledge and skills to new places.
Airforce
Education & Support roles | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Not many legal specialists get trained to lead teams of people in all kinds of situations, handle weapons and develop problem-solving, adventure and outdoor skills. As a Legal Advisor, your career can vary greatly depending on what appointment you hold, but you could find yourself working in areas such as Military law, military and civilian employment law or human rights and privacy law.
Army
Education & Support roles | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Not many legal specialists get trained to lead teams of people in all kinds of situations, handle weapons and develop problem-solving, adventure and outdoor skills. As a Legal Officer, your career can vary greatly depending on what appointment you hold, but you could find yourself working in areas such as Military law, military and civilian employment law or human rights and privacy law.
Navy
Education & Support roles | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Not many legal specialists get trained to lead teams of people in all kinds of situations, handle weapons and develop problem-solving, adventure and outdoor skills. As a Legal Officer, your career can vary greatly depending on what appointment you hold, but you could find yourself working in areas such as Military law, military and civilian employment law or human rights and privacy law.
Airforce
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.
Navy
Engineering & Technical trades | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Marine Engineer Officers are the Navy’s experts on ship’s structure, propulsion, power generation, hydraulic and habitability systems.
Navy
Logistics & Administration | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Working ashore, at sea and overseas, you will train to become an expert at leading and organising the provision of supplies to our ships, bases and personnel.
Airforce
Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
NZDF health is tasked with maintaining, improving and restoring the health of the Defence Force in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of the NZDF.
Navy
Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
NZDF health is tasked with maintaining, improving and restoring the health of the Defence Force in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of the NZDF.
Navy
Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer
Combat & Special Operations | Navigation | Officers & Management
Officer entry
As a Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer you will lead a team of divers in the water doing explosive ordnance disposal, maritime security and mine clearance tasks.
Army
Healthcare | Officers & Management
General entry
Few nursing careers offer this level of variety. Learn to be a leader and gain outdoor, adventure and soldiering skills.
Army
Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
As a Pharmacist in the New Zealand Army, you will be able to take your existing skills to the next level. The comprehensive training you will receive as an officer will allow you to lead teams of people, in all kinds of situations.
Airforce
Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management
Officer entry
You will understand why this is one of the most sought after careers in the Air Force as you take the controls of the most awesome military aircraft in our fleet.
Airforce
Education & Support roles | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Finding out what makes Air Force personnel tick is just one of the exciting challenges of this role. Develop your psychology skills in the fast moving and exciting military world.
Army
Education & Support roles | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Develop your psychology expertise in unique situations, providing advice at all levels of our fascinating organisation.
Navy
Education & Support roles | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry
A psychology career unlike any other, based ashore, at sea and even overseas. You will have the opportunity to experience a number of areas within organisational and military psychology.
Navy
Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
You are the Navy’s spiritual anchor, providing ministry, friendship, comfort and guidance to military and civilian personnel, and their families.
Navy
Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
Not many legal specialists get trained to lead teams of people in all kinds of situations, handle weapons and develop problem-solving skills. As a Reserve Legal Officer, you could find yourself working in areas such as military law, military and civilian employment law, or human rights and privacy law.
Navy
Reserve Medical Officer (Doctor)
Healthcare | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
NZDF health is tasked with maintaining, improving and restoring the health of the Defence Force in order to maintain the operational effectiveness of the NZDF.
Army
Reserve Medical Scientific Officer
Army Reserve | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Army Reserve
As a Medical Scientist in the New Zealand Army you will function and interface with multidisciplinary medical personnel in both civilian-based hospital and military field hospital environments.
Navy
Navy Reserve | Officers & Management | Operational support
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
Reserve MTO Officers fuse maritime trade related information and experience with expert analysis and assessment in order to support the decision-making processes of military commanders at sea and ashore.
Army
Army Reserve | Combat & Special Operations | Engineering & Technical trades | Intelligence, IT & Communications | Logistics & Administration | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Army Reserve
Navy
Healthcare | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
A psychology career unlike any other, based ashore, at sea and even overseas. You will have the opportunity to experience a number of areas within organisational and military psychology.
Navy
Reserve Public Affairs Officer
Education & Support roles | Navy Reserve | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Navy Reserve
Reserve Public Affairs Officers tell our story to internal and external audiences. You might be telling that story from a base or camp in New Zealand, from a ship at sea, or while deployed overseas in the midst of an exercise or operation.
Army
Army Reserve | Healthcare | Officers & Management
Officer entry, Army Reserve
As a Radiographer in the New Zealand Army you will function and interface with multidisciplinary medical personnel in both civilian-based hospital and military field hospital environments.
Navy
Navigation | Officers & Management
Officer entry
Warfare Officers ‘drive’ the warships. You work on the ship’s bridge, control the ship's manoeuvring, are responsible for the safe passage and navigation of the ship at sea, and manage the bridge staff.
Navy
Engineering & Technical trades | Officers & Management
Officer entry
As a Weapon Engineer Officer you will be one of the Navy’s weapon, communication, sensor and combat management system experts.