A chance to serve the nation

The best things about a career in the armed forces: the camaraderie and the variety.

That's the opinion of Commander Shaun Fogarty, who says recruiting for the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is in full swing.

At present, the army is staffed by some 4700 uniformed personnel, with the airforce numbering 2500 and the navy 2000.

"There are specific shortage areas, many of which are connected to the technological advances of equipment used by the NZDF. Critical trades include avionics technicians, marine engineer technicians, communications and IT experts and ammunition technicians."

New recruits either join the armed forces as an officer or a junior ranked private. Potential officers face in-depth interviews and panel assessment boards, and can expect to become an officer six to nine months after an initial enquiry. Junior ranks can expect a three month process.

Whether an officer or a junior, all have to go through basic training - 12 weeks of tough physical and mental training in preparation for a career in the armed forces.

"It's actually a lot of fun, as well as being demanding," says Fogarty. "You end up forging strong bonds and making lifelong friends."

But it's not for everyone. "People need to be team players, have good leadership abilities, a sense of humour and a level of physical ability and fitness. You need to be able to operate in harsh and trying conditions - the winter in Afghanistan, for example. However, the average fit young kiwi, the military is the ideal career."

Fogarty says pay in the NZDF is now commensurate with that of the private sector. "We recently had a major review of remuneration, benchmarked against the public and private sector. There is now a lot more parity in what our service men and women earn. Of course there are the added bonuses such as travel and study."

Contrary to popular belief, staff are not bound to the NZDF for years. "Unless someone attends an overseas training course, for which we require a year of service, the NZDF is very flexible in this regard."

Fogarty also says the career prospects are excellent for those who seek to achieve.

Underlying a career in the armed forces is the sense of duty. "The sense of doing a public service to the nation is a special one, especially when you are overseas, be it in Afghanistan, East Timor or wherever - there is a real sense of pride."

Currently 806 New Zealand Defence Force personnel are deployed on 14 operations, UN missions and defence exercises around the world, in places such as Antarctica, Afghanistan, Timor- Leste, Solomon Islands, and Sudan.