Life in the Army, Navy and Air Force is a popular subject in films – probably because it’s an exciting subject. The only problem is, they don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story. So let’s bust a few myths about what life is really like.

In the Defence Force you’ll get yelled at a lot

Yelling may make for great movies but has limited place in our modern, professional Defence Force. Of course, we need to be directive from time to time – we can’t muck about with niceties when lives are at risk – but our core values do not allow a culture of yelling at people just for the sake of it.

We’re not at war so there’s no need for a Defence Force. 

Primarily the New Zealand Defence Force is responsible for the defence of New Zealand and its interests. Think of us like insurance; you never know when you are going to need us, but when you do...

As a global citizen we need to support our neighbours and friends in times of trouble – essentially, we’re here to ensure peace, security and prosperity in our part of the world as that results in a better quality of life for all New Zealanders.

In the Air Force the only job worth having is Pilot.

Today’s Air Force is a modern and dynamic part of the New Zealand Defence Force and one that can offer you a range of exciting and challenging careers. It’s not just about pilots, we have a diverse range of career paths from engineers, logisticians, communications, security, aircrew and other skilled trades that make up today's professional Air Force. One thing is common to everyone in our team, we all contribute to delivering military air operations in New Zealand and around the globe.

Only dumb grunts join the Army.

The Army is full of challenging and dynamic roles, including reconnaissance, artillery, engineering, logistics and signals. Today’s soldier can call upon all kinds of kit to assist them – and much of it requires detailed technical knowledge and skills to work with.

Being a soldier is about trust, teamwork, leadership, professionalism, discipline and honour. Soldiers help local communities, assist in peacekeeping duties and provide humanitarian aid, at home and overseas. In this career you're guaranteed to find yourself in a range of challenging and demanding situations.

In addition, the decision-making skills and problem-solving abilities required of people in our modern Army enable them to plan and execute tasks in wide-ranging conditions.

Real women don't put on combat boots.

The Army has plenty of very successful women from all walks of life, across all trades and in all ranks. If you love adventure, variety and keeping fit, the NZ Army could be perfect for you. From getting paid to keep fit and to study, to steady career progression with travel and an amazing social life combined with the choice of over 34 trades and 15 officer entry types, there is bound to be a role that will suit you!

Sailors stay at sea for months on end and never see land.

It is true that our ships are often away on operations for long periods of time. However, they frequently travel from port to port and often stay for days at any given time.  Once duties on board are complete, the crew are able to disembark and visit local towns and cities.

When working with the Army and Air Force on operations, Navy personnel are frequently posted to land based operations where our skills fit with the operation’s requirements.

Accommodation on Navy ships is pretty rough.

Perhaps life on board in Capt. Cook’s days was rough, but not the modern day Navy. Onboard there are modern conveniences including comfortable accommodation, flat screen TVs, DVD players, email access and even the odd Xbox and PlayStation.  And just to be clear, you won’t be sleeping in a hammock. As a general rule, crew share bunk rooms which usually sleep two to three, and when on base accommodation is available in married quarters, barrack accommodation or you can rent privately.  And yes, all options have modern day beds and mattresses!