Step 1 - Assessing you application
On receiving your application we assess your educational qualifications and residency status, to see if you meet our minimum requirements. If you do we will invite you to attend the next available testing session. All Aircrew applicants take three aptitude tests. If you are selected to attend general details of these aptitude tests will be sent to you with your test session information These tests are also used by the Army and Navy and if you have sat the tests before with any of the military services, tell the recruiter, as you may not have to sit them again. In some cases, Officers maybe also required to complete seven aptitude tests at this stage.
After your tests you will be informed of your results. If you don't make the grade, your Recruiting Officer can help discuss possible options with you.
Step 2 - Interview
If you pass the initial aptitude tests you will be invited to attend a formal interview with a Recruiting Officer. You'll get a chance to ask more about life in the Air Force, and we'll be able to find out about things like academic performance, personal qualities and motivation. You'll also be told about your career choices in detail, and what will happen next in the enlistment process.
Shortly after your interview, you'll get a letter telling you if you have been recommended to proceed to the next Officer Aircrew Selection Board. You could still be offered alternative career options at this stage.
Step 3 - Selection for Officer Aircrew Selection Board
If you are selected, your file is sent to the Staff Officer in charge of Air Force Recruiting for final analysis. You'll be assessed on a national basis, and will be informed as soon as possible of any decision. If selected, we'll arrange for you to attend (at our expense) the Officer Aircrew Selection Board.
Step 4 - Officer Aircrew Selection Board (OASB)
Held at RNZAF Base Auckland, Hobsonville, this is a 4-5 day selection process that involves more aptitude tests, including problem solving and leadership skills. You will have more interviews and, if successful, a medical assessment. Your local Recruiting Staff will let you know exactly what to expect and bring if you're invited to attend.
If you're successful at the OASB, your file is forwarded for final review at the Review Board. This panel of specialists makes the final list of those who will be given an Offer of Service (job offer). You'll be informed by letter of any decision within four weeks after the OASB.
Step 5 - Offer of Service
Once selected for the Air Force you will be sent a formal Offer of Service, which is basically your job offer. This will let you know your salary, officer course, trade and rank. Once you have signed the offer, you'll be required to attend an enlistment briefing - your parents, partners and other family members can also attend if you like. This is the place to ask any final questions you may have.
Step 6 - You're in!
We will arrange all your travel to RNZAF Base Woodbourne (Blenheim) where you'll be met by Command Training School Staff. Once all pre-training administration has been completed, you'll be sworn into the Air Force by Oath or by Affirmation, and your career with the Royal New Zealand Air Force will begin.
Important things you need to remember
1. Places in the Air Force are competitive. A recommendation for service in the Air Force is not a guarantee of a job offer.
2. Your application for enlistment may be declined on medical or security reasons.
3. Keep us up to date if you change address. If we cannot contact you, we cannot enlist you!
4. Occasionally, significant periods of time can occur between some of the steps in the enlistment process. We'll do our best to keep you up to date, usually by telephone or letter. If you do have any questions throughout the process, please contact Recruiting Staff.