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Gunner

Job Group

  • Soldier

Job Availability

  • Full Time
  • Part Time

The Role

Gunners are responsible for providing the indirect fire support for the New Zealand Army. To achieve this, you will be part of a professional team of soldiers, dedicated to providing safe, accurate and timely support to our troops. This involves the effective operation of the L119 105mm light gun and the Mistral Surface to Air Missile Defence System, a very modern piece of military equipment.

JOB ON CAMP

You will be trained in all aspects of soldiering including Infantry tactics, driving and specialised Gunner trades such as:

  • Gunner Field - Operation and maintenance of the L119 Light Gun to ensure the right number of rounds hit the right target at the right time.

  • Signaller, RNZA - Responsible for communications within the RNZA by using the modern SINGARS radio system and maintaining the Vanguard computer.

  • Command Post Operator - Assists in producing firing data from a computerised system, enabling a gun to fire at the right time, with the right number of rounds and on the correct target.

  • Air Defence Operator - Uses the ultra modern Matra Mistral Surface to Air Missile system (SAM) to engage enemy aircraft. You will learn aircraft recognition skills.

JOB ON DEPLOYMENT

As a Gunner you are trained in a wide variety of skills. This makes the Gunner a very deployable soldier. Gunners have been peacekeeping in Bosnia, East Timor, Egypt, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bougainville and the Solomon Islands. Overseas exercises with allied countries also happen regularly.

CAREER PROGRESSION

The Gunner deploys to support the Infantry. This means you will exercise across New Zealand as part of your training. Later on could see you as an instructor in Burnham or Waiouru, or continue to train within the RNZA.

Pay & Benefit Details

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from enlistment is $31,894. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $40,646 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

General Requirements

  • You must be at least 17 years of age.

  • You must be a NZ citizen (some exceptions apply).

  • You must be of good character – assessed by a study of testimonials and a police record check.

Educational Requirements

  • A proven ability in English and Mathematics at NCEA level 1 (8 credits per subject).

Fitness Requirements

  • You must be medically fit for service.

Training

Basic Training

Upon successful enlistment into the Army you will be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:

    •    Organisation and Administration


    •    Army Customs and Protocol

    •    Drill and Parades

    •    Military Field Skills and Weapon Training

    •    First Aid

    •    Physical Fitness 


Job Training

REGIMENTAL BASIC

All gunners complete a two-week Regimental basic course. This gives a new gunner the skills to operate in a field battery, knowledge of human resource issues, history and traditions of the RNZA and familiarisation of artillery equipment.
 

Ongoing Training

ARTILLERY BASIC COURSE

Depending on aptitude and vacancies, you will train in one of the specialised Gunner trades. A four-week course is conducted at the School of Artillery, Waiouru. 

Location Details

All new Gunners work within 16 Field Regiment based in Linton. This camp will be your base for most of your Army career.
 

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    Gunner

    In the heart of the action, you will provide the indirect fire support for the NZ Army as part of a team operating the 105mm light gun.

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