Thanks for the tips! Feeling nervous but looking forward to it :) I'm going to be off to the recruit course in a couple weeks but worried about my cardio. Do you have any tips for the 20kg 5km March?
Hi Victoria, I’m going on R1/22 too! Definitely feeling the nerves, but really excited! I’ve practised the march a couple of times, and, though I only have a 15kg vest, I was on flat gravel, wearing my own sports gear, and had music playing (so it could change with different circumstances when we get down there) I managed to get to 5km in a good pass time just through walking quickly and jogging like 200/800m, so I don’t think you need to worry about running the whole way.
@@breannabrooker5511 Hey Breanna, nice to meet you! Oh amazing thank you, that's helpful to know. I only had a backpack with 10kg which I found pretty hard to keep a running pace the whole time. All the best, and I guess I'll see ya soon :)
Hey Victoria, how exciting! All the best to you! When I do the march I tape my hips because if you are a smaller framed female the jacket and waist band can rub and bounce up and down causing chaffing. I held it at my shoulders to stop the bouncing as much as possible. Try and not stop if you can even if you go slow. And never look back!! Look at the pass requirements, they are fairly lenient. Good luck!
Well this is a bit late for R1/22 and we did RFL on R3/99 - the best training is to do do the distance with a slight overload ie a 25kg pack and get to the point with time to spare. This is the Train hard to Fight easy mentality and will make the nervous delays that you will get have minimal impact. Don't sweat about the do or die requirements - they know some people don't pass on the first attempt due to unforeseen events like the flu or injury so while not the best can do Remedial.
good question! I’m not sure if you can be a load master right away. Perhaps you can - you would have to ask the recruiters about that. Otherwise start with another trade and then remuster. Logistics is an easy place to start where you can do airmoves - will help with load master. Best option is if you can get straight to load master though. Good luck!
No not crucial. My room mate was 17. Bascially you move up the ranks by doing your time and doing your best. You’ll learn a lot of great life skills and make good friends. Good luck and try have fun!
Thanks for your video, I have a question. I am 28(M) atm turning 29 soon and have cleared everything just an interview part is left which will be in 2 weeks. I have chosen two trades: - Aircraft technician and electronics technician (Aviation). I am single earning more than 80k already but not happy with current work, I want to know if I join RNZAF now, and hopefully become skilled in either one of those trades and maybe down the line I can join private aviation sector for long term career goals. What you reckon should I give it a go? My only reason of joining RNZAF is they train you with high standards as I learnt from their website or another platform. I have no idea about anything atm about aircrafts, but I feel in my guts that if you are a skilled technician in Aviation there are enormous opportunities around. Note:- I am single, no house or no debt at all, just want to be a better skilled person in something. Sorry writing this long essay more questions popping up in my mind so I hope you will be generous enough to answer this little one too. Do you get to choose if you want to stay in one city after your trade course? I know it's not feasible, but do we have to stay away from home all serving period? haha sorry for long question, hear soon
@@theyoungindian4247 Hello, thanks for your questions, how exciting you are going into a new experience and hopefully you can find a career you enjoy. In regards to your first question about transferrable skills it all depends on what trade and what courses they train you in. My partner can comment as they are a pilot who also works for the airport now and says that the pilots quals are not recognised outside of the RNZAF and they have to convert them at their own cost. Im sure a technician would be different but I can’t answer exactly unfortunately. Your best bet would be to ask someone who is a technician. I’ll ask my mate and let you know in another post to you. You will definitely drop in salary and probably won’t see 80K again for another 5-10 years but if you decide to leave the RNZAF you have to also check the length of the return of service which also depends on your training time. If you arent happy with your trade you can also try and remuster once you are in and have found out more information this makes it easier to choose what you want to do. Also once you have finished your trade training (usually in Blenheim) then you will be posted to either Blenheim, Ohakea or Auckland. Unfortunately as you are single and dont own a home you may end up being posted where you dont want to be. You can request but it depends where the rest of your trade request and who has partners etc will trump your request. I think you do get moved around but it may not be for a few years at a time. Again all depends on other factors. Anyway I think it’s worth it, I loved my experience and I would have stayed longer if it wasnt for other reasons. Good luck!
@@theyoungindian4247 Hello, my mate (currently avtech in rnzaf) says: “Na we don't get civil qualifications off the bat but work will pay for AMEL exams. But only 2 or 3 per year.” Hope that helps!
You join the airforce by applying through the defense careers website. You need to pass medical, fitness, and some english and maths tests. You also need to have passed highschool, Im not sure exactly what as I had a masters when I joined so my highschool grades didnt matter. If you get in touch with a recruiter you can find out what you need depending also on what trade you want to do. I also recommend Force Fit which helps you train for the fitness part of it. Good luck!
Hey, thanks for posting the tips. Have you got any tips for joining the RNZAF or RNZN as a helicopter pilot? I am aiming to join the RNZAF as an NH90 pilot. I am thinking about applying at the end of next year (I turn 17 next year). Would you have any tips or suggestions that would boost my chances of getting in as a Helicopter or NH90 pilot?
I don't think there are really any major tips anyone can give except for: Being very physically fit (scoring competitively on the physical tests) and having good academic scores. Because the pilot jobs are very sort after and you'll want to distinguish yourself. I'm planning to apply next year (as a fixed wing pilot) when my academic results are released. Best of luck to ya!
Heya thanks for your question. You’ll have to apply for officer training unless you are planning to remuster after some time which could take years. I imagine there will be requirements both medically and intelligence wise but I couldnt say what these are. Sorry I don’t have much advise, it would be good to find some current pilots to talk to to find out the process/tips etc
No I left in 2017 for financial reasons (bought a house and AC salary doesnt support those mortgage payments!) But I loved my time there and if I would do it again I wouldve joined at a younger age as the ranks correlate a lot to your life stage so joining at 34 doesnt really match with leadership opportunities and salary etc
I want to join but im really shy its rare for me to ever talk in big groups especially when i dont know anyone and i only like either up&go’s or some cereal’s so i dont think i will be joining for a very long time
I think it’s ok to be shy, I dont think you have to talk in big groups very much. You will work in small groups of about 6-8. But you get to know your group really well. Then you have your dorm area which is about 4 of you. You don’t have to have up and go or cereal. Have toast!
@@Acowonabike NZDF is all about teamwork and being together, especially during recruit course and in some trades as well. Especially if you were to go on exercises or operations. Might be something to think about then! But if you are young, remember your confidence can grow as you move up the ranks and get more skills and life experience etc
Thanks for posting! I'm aware the NZRAF doesn't really have fighter jets more so do you any advice for courses to choose that are similar to training to fly fighter jets? Apologies if the question didn't make any sense haha.
Hey thanks for your question. I don’t have any advice for you around courses for fighter jets. The NH90s do tactical air operations but if you arent into helicopters then the p3 orien would be cool to fly as well as the hercules. But NZ doesn’t offer fighter jets now. They may have some pilot training but probably no capability. Sorry!
Hello, depends on what trade you choose as to what your trade training is like. You usually stay in Blenheim for your trade course which also consists of room inspections, parades and PT. But it's way cruiser, like you get free time once your course is finished for the day and you get weekends off etc which is different to Recruit course. Depending on the length of your training, most courses are between 3 months and 2 years and are in Blenheim. BUT after trade training, once you are posted to a base, life becomes more normal and much better! It is more like a job but also you get to do PT/go to the gym on work time, you get to join sports clubs and go away for sports, you get to do all your appointments during work time and you can sign up for extra things which means you get breaks from work and it looks good for your professional development. The lifestyle is sweet, they really look after you. If you go away on exercises or trips then you get time off when you return. SO you just have to get through Recruit course, play the game, do your best, try and have fun. Everyone always looks back at their recruit course as a special time, a time to bond with your comrades and enjoy the experience!
And also if you are good with people you can get so many extra things - like free sky diving with the parachute jump instructors, make friends with the americans and go flying in their cargo planes which are way bigger than ours! You know how it is.
Hi Phil, I joined at 34 years old. It was a fun experience, but obviously most were 18, 19 years old, some in their 20’s. Yes I was the oldest. The military works better when you join younger as you put the time in and move up the ranks and get more leadership experience as you go, and obviously get paid better higher up the ranks. So I knew a flight sergent who was my age earning $70k+ There is some opportunity to show leadership and be promoted before your time, but mostly you have to put the time in. With owning a house and having a mortgage, my AC income was not sustainable and so I had to leave. Although I loved my time there, my situation changed and so went back to my other career which I had already established and paid better. The benefit of joining older is mental strength. You know it’s a game you have to play. You can push yourself harder and be more determined. And you don’t get caught up in as much drama!
@@philohara2521 Well I am sure if your medical is fine, and you start prepping beforehand, you will be okay! Mind always overcomes body so you will still do okay if you prep and push yourself. Plus remember recruit course is short term and much better on base and during training. Good luck!
Thanks for posting! Thinking of joining the rnzaf and becoming a medic. Is there anything you know about this trade that would be useful for someone starting out?
Hey thanks for your question. I believe medic training is tri service. From what I saw on base there was a lot of working on base and not a lot of “action” or being in the field. However they may have recognised this and started to make changes. This is just from an RNZAF perspective and from what some of the medics told me. But if you work hard and show outstanding potential then I am sure you will get lots of variety and opportunities :-)
Thanks for the tips! Feeling nervous but looking forward to it :) I'm going to be off to the recruit course in a couple weeks but worried about my cardio. Do you have any tips for the 20kg 5km March?
Hi Victoria, I’m going on R1/22 too! Definitely feeling the nerves, but really excited! I’ve practised the march a couple of times, and, though I only have a 15kg vest, I was on flat gravel, wearing my own sports gear, and had music playing (so it could change with different circumstances when we get down there) I managed to get to 5km in a good pass time just through walking quickly and jogging like 200/800m, so I don’t think you need to worry about running the whole way.
@@breannabrooker5511 Hey Breanna, nice to meet you! Oh amazing thank you, that's helpful to know. I only had a backpack with 10kg which I found pretty hard to keep a running pace the whole time. All the best, and I guess I'll see ya soon :)
Hey Victoria, how exciting! All the best to you! When I do
the march I tape my hips because if you are a smaller framed female the jacket and waist band can rub and bounce up and down causing chaffing. I held it at my shoulders to
stop the bouncing as much as possible. Try and not stop if you can even if you go slow. And never look back!! Look at the pass requirements, they are fairly lenient. Good luck!
Good luck Breanna!!!
Well this is a bit late for R1/22 and we did RFL on R3/99 - the best training is to do do the distance with a slight overload ie a 25kg pack and get to the point with time to spare.
This is the Train hard to Fight easy mentality and will make the nervous delays that you will get have minimal impact. Don't sweat about the do or die requirements - they know some people don't pass on the first attempt due to unforeseen events like the flu or injury so while not the best can do Remedial.
Great video! I’m going into R1/22 recruit course next month and I’m so excited. Your videos have given me some good information. Thank you.
See you there then
@@williammiddleton4088 👍
you are welcome! have a great time :-)
see you there!
@@tristinpalmer4514 aaaaahhhh you wannna here the story of my life????
Thank you so much for your vdo, it’s awesome 👏
You’re welcome! Did you join?
I wish there was one for boys
Sorry! Some of this still applies to boys though
Oh that’s fine 😊
That's woodbourne
yep
how do you become a loadmaster for the nh90?
good question! I’m not sure if you can be a load master right away. Perhaps you can - you would have to ask the recruiters about that. Otherwise start with another trade and then remuster. Logistics is an easy place to start where you can do airmoves - will help with load master. Best option is if you can get straight to load master though. Good luck!
Would you say that having previous work experience is crucial to being accepted? Im 17 and haven’t had a job yet, so just curious.
No not crucial. My room mate was 17. Bascially you move up the ranks by doing your time and doing your best. You’ll learn a lot of great life skills and make good friends. Good luck and try have fun!
Thanks for your video, I have a question. I am 28(M) atm turning 29 soon and have cleared everything just an interview part is left which will be in 2 weeks. I have chosen two trades: - Aircraft technician and electronics technician (Aviation). I am single earning more than 80k already but not happy with current work, I want to know if I join RNZAF now, and hopefully become skilled in either one of those trades and maybe down the line I can join private aviation sector for long term career goals. What you reckon should I give it a go? My only reason of joining RNZAF is they train you with high standards as I learnt from their website or another platform. I have no idea about anything atm about aircrafts, but I feel in my guts that if you are a skilled technician in Aviation there are enormous opportunities around. Note:- I am single, no house or no debt at all, just want to be a better skilled person in something. Sorry writing this long essay more questions popping up in my mind so I hope you will be generous enough to answer this little one too. Do you get to choose if you want to stay in one city after your trade course? I know it's not feasible, but do we have to stay away from home all serving period? haha sorry for long question, hear soon
@@theyoungindian4247 Hello, thanks for your questions, how exciting you are going into a new experience and hopefully you can find a career you enjoy. In regards to your first question about transferrable skills it all depends on what trade and what courses they train you in. My partner can comment as they are a pilot who also works for the airport now and says that the pilots quals are not recognised outside of the RNZAF and they have to convert them at their own cost. Im sure a technician would be different but I can’t answer exactly unfortunately. Your best bet would be to ask someone who is a technician. I’ll ask my mate and let you know in another post to you. You will definitely drop in salary and probably won’t see 80K again for another 5-10 years but if you decide to leave the RNZAF you have to also check the length of the return of service which also depends on your training time. If you arent happy with your trade you can also try and remuster once you are in and have found out more information this makes it easier to choose what you want to do. Also once you have finished your trade training (usually in Blenheim) then you will be posted to either Blenheim, Ohakea or Auckland. Unfortunately as you are single and dont own a home you may end up being posted where you dont want to be. You can request but it depends where the rest of your trade request and who has partners etc will trump your request. I think you do get moved around but it may not be for a few years at a time. Again all depends on other factors. Anyway I think it’s worth it, I loved my experience and I would have stayed longer if it wasnt for other reasons. Good luck!
@@theyoungindian4247 Hello, my mate (currently avtech in rnzaf) says:
“Na we don't get civil qualifications off the bat but work will pay for AMEL exams. But only 2 or 3 per year.”
Hope that helps!
how do you join the air force? and what were the requirements.
You join the airforce by applying through the defense careers website. You need to pass medical, fitness, and some english and maths tests. You also need to have passed highschool, Im not sure exactly what as I had a masters when I joined so my highschool grades didnt matter. If you get in touch with a recruiter you can find out what you need depending also on what trade you want to do. I also recommend Force Fit which helps you train for the fitness part of it. Good luck!
Hey, thanks for posting the tips. Have you got any tips for joining the RNZAF or RNZN as a helicopter pilot? I am aiming to join the RNZAF as an NH90 pilot. I am thinking about applying at the end of next year (I turn 17 next year). Would you have any tips or suggestions that would boost my chances of getting in as a Helicopter or NH90 pilot?
I don't think there are really any major tips anyone can give except for: Being very physically fit (scoring competitively on the physical tests) and having good academic scores. Because the pilot jobs are very sort after and you'll want to distinguish yourself. I'm planning to apply next year (as a fixed wing pilot) when my academic results are released. Best of luck to ya!
Heya thanks for your question. You’ll have to apply for officer training unless you are planning to remuster after some time which could take years. I imagine there will be requirements both medically and intelligence wise but I couldnt say what these are. Sorry I don’t have much advise, it would be good to find some current pilots to talk to to find out the process/tips etc
Are you still in the airforce
No I left in 2017 for financial reasons (bought a house and AC salary doesnt support those mortgage payments!) But I loved my time there and if I would do it again I wouldve joined at a younger age as the ranks correlate a lot to your life stage so joining at 34 doesnt really match with leadership opportunities and salary etc
I want to join but im really shy its rare for me to ever talk in big groups especially when i dont know anyone and i only like either up&go’s or some cereal’s so i dont think i will be joining for a very long time
I think it’s ok to be shy, I dont think you have to talk in big groups very much. You will work in small groups of about 6-8. But you get to know your group really well. Then you have your dorm area which is about 4 of you. You don’t have to have up and go or cereal. Have toast!
@@kimspain i mean i dont like any more than 2 people in a group
@@Acowonabike NZDF is all about teamwork and being together, especially during recruit course and in some trades as well. Especially if you were to go on exercises or operations. Might be something to think about then! But if you are young, remember your confidence can grow as you move up the ranks and get more skills and life experience etc
Does everyone who joins have to do this?
Yes either Recruit course or officer training which is slightly shorter.
Thanks for posting! I'm aware the NZRAF doesn't really have fighter jets more so do you any advice for courses to choose that are similar to training to fly fighter jets? Apologies if the question didn't make any sense haha.
Hey thanks for your question. I don’t have any advice for you around courses for fighter jets. The NH90s do tactical air operations but if you arent into helicopters then the p3 orien would be cool to fly as well as the hercules. But NZ doesn’t offer fighter jets now. They may have some pilot training but probably no capability. Sorry!
@@kimspain the closest we have to fighter jets are the Texans. But still they aren't armed. Because someone decided to take all out jets one day...
Is there an age limit to join NZAF?
Not sure actually but my roommate was 17. It just meant that there was some things she couldnt do but most of that time you are in training anyway.
I'm not sure if you've made a video on this, but what is life after basic training like in the air force?
Hello, depends on what trade you choose as to what your trade training is like. You usually stay in Blenheim for your trade course which also consists of room inspections, parades and PT. But it's way cruiser, like you get free time once your course is finished for the day and you get weekends off etc which is different to Recruit course. Depending on the length of your training, most courses are between 3 months and 2 years and are in Blenheim. BUT after trade training, once you are posted to a base, life becomes more normal and much better! It is more like a job but also you get to do PT/go to the gym on work time, you get to join sports clubs and go away for sports, you get to do all your appointments during work time and you can sign up for extra things which means you get breaks from work and it looks good for your professional development. The lifestyle is sweet, they really look after you. If you go away on exercises or trips then you get time off when you return. SO you just have to get through Recruit course, play the game, do your best, try and have fun. Everyone always looks back at their recruit course as a special time, a time to bond with your comrades and enjoy the experience!
And also if you are good with people you can get so many extra things - like free sky diving with the parachute jump instructors, make friends with the americans and go flying in their cargo planes which are way bigger than ours! You know how it is.
How old were you during training???
Hi Phil, I joined at 34 years old. It was a fun experience, but obviously most were 18, 19 years old, some in their 20’s. Yes I was the oldest. The military works better when you join younger as you put the time in and move up the ranks and get more leadership experience as you go, and obviously get paid better higher up the ranks. So I knew a flight sergent who was my age earning $70k+ There is some opportunity to show leadership and be promoted before your time, but mostly you have to put the time in. With owning a house and having a mortgage, my AC income was not sustainable and so I had to leave. Although I loved my time there, my situation changed and so went back to my other career which I had already established and paid better. The benefit of joining older is mental strength. You know it’s a game you have to play. You can push yourself harder and be more determined. And you don’t get caught up in as much drama!
@@kimspain I originally went in at 35. I'd like to rejoin at 50 but at that age I don't know if a boot camp would be something I could tolerate.
@@philohara2521 Well I am sure if your medical is fine, and you start prepping beforehand, you will be okay! Mind always overcomes body so you will still do okay if you prep and push yourself. Plus remember recruit course is short term and much better on base and during training. Good luck!
Thanks for posting! Thinking of joining the rnzaf and becoming a medic. Is there anything you know about this trade that would be useful for someone starting out?
Hey thanks for your question. I believe medic training is tri service. From what I saw on base there was a lot of working on base and not a lot of “action” or being in the field. However they may have recognised this and started to make changes. This is just from an RNZAF perspective and from what some of the medics told me. But if you work hard and show outstanding potential then I am sure you will get lots of variety and opportunities :-)