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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements
With excellent training in the operation of sophisticated computer systems, this is an IT job unlike any in the civilian world.
As part of your training you will initially receive a Diploma, and later a Bachelors in Information and Communication Technology.
All while getting paid and experiencing the best the Army has to offer.
Service Army
Specialisation Intelligence, IT and Communications
Location Palmerston North Christchurch
Starting Trade Training $64,177
About the role
For future intakes, you will join the Army as an IT Specialist, before branching into a specific trade towards the end of Signals Corps training: Either Information Systems Operator, Electronic Warfare Operator, Information Management Specialist, Radio Frequency Technician or Systems Engineer.
As an Information Systems Operator (ISOP) your role is to provide technical IT support to the NZ Army's Communication Information Systems (CIS) fleet.
In this role, you will work in a team environment, often in high pressure situations. You will ensure integral communication systems are established and maintained to support our personnel in achieving their tasks.
During your training you will be taught to establish and maintain computer networks. From client laptops and user support, to local area networks and server hardware, you will be able to design, build, configure, and maintain the IT equipment used by the Army.
Job on base
Your day to day activities will involve working as a member in a Communications Access Node (CAN) Detachment. You will be responsible for installing and administrating operating systems on laptops, computers, servers, and networks.
Additionally, as an applications specialist your role may see you working face to face with users or over the phone from a support desk.
You will also conduct training to stay proficient in soldiering skills such as physical fitness, weapon handling, first aid and general teamwork.
Job on deployment
Deployments of NZ Army personnel will almost always require our own communication networks. As such, Information Systems Operators are highly deployable, and are deployed in a variety of overseas missions and exercises.
Whilst on deployment you can expect to work alongside personnel from other nations militaries, as well as the Navy and Air Force.
You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the NZ Army's computer networks and equipment and providing support to users when required.
Career progression and training
Your trade training includes a mixture of Army courses, on the job training and tertiary study, spanning over an approximate seven year period.
Courses to progress your career will vary in content. Trade specific coursing will focus on your individual technical skills as an ISOP.
Promotion coursing will focus on your personal communication, decision making and leadership ability. Further coursing will develop your ability to make technical and tactical decisions so that you can provide the right communications solutions at the right time, to the right people.
Your training will also include tertiary study at Universal College of Learning (UCOL) in Palmerston North. You will initially receive a Diploma in IT Technical support.
Later in your career, a Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology, majoring in Systems Administration.
Your initial posting location will be to Linton Military Camp, Palmerston North. You will spend your first year conducting Army specific training and communication coursing, prior to studying for two years at UCOL.
Upon receiving your Diploma, you will return to the Army and apply the skills and knowledge you have learnt within the organisation.
Upon enlistment into the Army you will be posted to the Waiouru Military Camp. Here you will complete 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army.
The training will include :
Organisation and Administration
Army Customs and Protocol
Drill and Parades
Military Field Skills and Weapon Training
First Aid
Physical Fitness
Salary and 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.
$50,597 Under Initial Training
$64,177 Starting Trade Training
$129,061 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 turangawaewae
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
Period of Service
You must be at least 18 years of age upon completion of recruit course (basic training)
You must have been a NZ Citizen for a minimum of 10 years
Complete a 10 year background history check that can be checked with the New Zealand authorities to obtain high level security clearance
You must be able to obtain a TSV security clearance (see Citizenship tab)
NCEA Level 2 certificate
You must be medically fit for service.
You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.
Colour perception restrictions may apply.
There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV security clearance for this trade.
On completion of your training, there may be a return of service period for this trade.
Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Engagement Facilitator for more information.
Ready to start your Army career?
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