First you’ll complete a 21 week Initial Officer Training Course at RNZAF Base Woodbourne (near Blenheim). This will commence in either January or July. Here you’ll find out if you’ve got what it takes to be in the Air Force, and will cover various subjects including:

• RNZAF Customs and Protocol

• Drill and Parades

• Military Law

• Military Field Skills and Weapons Training

• Defence and Strategic Studies

• Personnel Administration

• Communication Skills

• Command, Leadership and Management

• First Aid

Supply Officer Training

After successful completion of your Initial Officer Training Course, it is likely you will gain experience in the Junior Supply Officers Course after Initial Officer training, you’ll be required to complete the Junior Supply Officers course. This training builds on your relevant diploma or post-graduate civilian qualification and prepares you to discharge the basic duties of a junior Supply officer and is conducted at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

The course is two months long, and the content includes logistics and supply fundamentals such as airworthiness controls, aeronautical supply, inventory management, procurement, material handling, and organisation and policy.

Management Course

Once you have completed your logistics induction training and gained on the job experience you will be required to complete a six week logistics management course. This full-time residential course covers material crucial for your ongoing development as a Supply officer. Subject matter includes financial management systems, supply chain principles, procurement systems, material management, operational logistics, acquisition and capability planning systems.

Postgraduate Training

Supply Officer Development Course (SODC) Some Supply officers will also have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate training. The SODC is designed to give you a wealth of knowledge on logistics and procurement matters and expand on your professional knowledge.

Throughout your career you’ll undertake a wide variety of military logistics supply chain management, contracting and procurement to ensure you remain thoroughly prepared to undertake the various opportunities and challenges that will come your way.

Professional Body Membership

As part of your professional development, the Air Force actively encourages you to be a member of a professional body such as the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, or the Institute for Supply Management, paying for membership fees and participation in professional body education programmes.

Command Training

As well as the courses listed above, at some stage during your career you will be required to complete a Flight Commanders Course. This course lasts two weeks at RNZAF Base Woodbourne and continues your training in command, leadership and management. To become a Flight Commander, all officers are required to complete further courses covering service writing, staff skills and professional military education before being eligible for promotion beyond Flight Lieutenant.

There are also two advanced training courses at the New Zealand Defence Force Command and Staff College at Trentham Military Camp (Wellington).
Both courses comprise a mixture of visiting lecturers, tutored discussion groups, visits and individual study to give you the skills you need to progress your career.