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Air Warfare Specialist

Job Group

  • Airman

Job Availability

  • Full Time

The Role

As an Air Warfare Specialist your primary role is to utilise the P-3K2 Orion’s highly advanced sensor systems to collect and analyse information in the aircraft’s area of interest. To achieve this, you’ll be responsible for the effective operation of a number of high-tech onboard systems including the radar, electronic surveillance, electro-optics, magnetic anomaly detector and acoustic sensor systems.

Your role will include processing, analysing, classifying and filtering the information gathered prior to it being used by your fellow crew members to aid in the tactical employment of our aircraft and to guide civilian and military response units. You will be involved in a range of tasks including Search and Rescue Operations, Military Operations, Fisheries Patrols, Airborne Surveillance and Military Exercises.

You will also be expected to carry out tasks common to all aircrew positions, including flying support, human and crew resource management, teamwork, mission support, and aircraft-related tasks such as monitoring of aircraft systems and emergency procedures.

Pay & Benefit Details

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one is $33,256. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $40,869 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

General Requirements

You must be 17 years or older.

Educational Requirements

A minimum of 12 NCEA Level 2 credits in English, Maths and a Science subject, preferably Physics

Fitness Requirements

Eyesight restrictions apply.

Training

Basic Training

Upon successful enlistment into the Air Force you’ll be posted to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). Here you’ll do 12 weeks of basic military training to find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and learn various subjects including:

  • Organisation and Administration

  • RNZAF Customs and Protocol

  • Drill and Parades

  • Military Field Skills and Weapon Training

  • First Aid, and Search and Rescue Techniques

  • Physical Fitness

Job Training

Following 12 weeks basic military training at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, you’ll be required to pass a four-week Corporal Qualifying Course to confirm your rank as Acting Corporal. You’ll then attend an eight-week Combined Non-Commissioned Officer Aircrew Course, primarily at RNZAF Base Ohakea, before beginning training in your specialist role.

The Air Warfare Specialist Course begins with a seven-month residential course covering electronic and airspace theory, computer management, aircraft emergency procedures, security, general aircraft systems, data handling, radar systems and electro-optics. Your flying is carried out on both the Kingair and Orion aircraft. The second phase of training is a five-week operationally focused course on board the Orion with other aircrew to help you form a well-coordinated team focused on Orion operations.