As a Navy Airborne Tactical Officer (TACCO) you will coordinate and operate systems and weapons on the Kaman SH2G Super Seasprite.  As the ship’s TACCO you are responsible for all tactical aspects of helicopter operations including aircraft navigation, communications, sensors and weapons. While the pilot flies the aircraft, you manage and fight the helicopter.

The TACCO role is for Officers aspiring to challenge and push themselves to new levels. Whenever the Seasprite is launched, the TACCO is responsible for managing and coordinating the mission. With state of the art radar and computer equipment coupled with the core navigation and tactical skills learnt, the TACCO directs and controls the employment of sensors, weapons and crew (pilot and crewman) in the achievement of the mission goals. Whether it is to engage a hostile vessel in the aircraft's key anti-surface warfare role or to attack a submerged submarine under the direction of a warship or another aircraft, the TACCO makes up a key part of the Navy helicopter crew.

Other roles that you could be expected to be involved in are: to carry out an urgent search and rescue mission, or to carry personnel and equipment from ship to shore or between ships mid ocean.

TACCO’s are selected from civilian applicants or you can enter the Navy as a Seaman Officer, train as a Bridge Watch-keeper and then change over to TACCO after four to seven years.

Job on Base

On completion of Junior Officer Common Training, Bridgewatching and Flight training you will be posted to 6 Squadron at Whenuapai Air Force Base. Once there you are responsible for the ongoing development and training of all flight crew to ensure the operational readiness of 6 Squadron.

Job on Deployment

Naval Aviation is an integral part of any Ship’s deployed capability.  Recent deployments in the last ten years, beyond the standard ship deployments to SE Asia, have included peace keeping operations in Timor Leste, deployments to the Arabian Gulf as well as disaster relief deployments in the South Pacific and EEZ patrols to the Southern Ocean.  Additionally, there is the potential for deployment as a military officer to any one of the numerous overseas operations the Defence Force is committed to.

Being a TACCO is a full time vocation that will provide you with world class training, a varied and exciting working environment and outstanding opportunities for travel.

Career Progression

Once qualified, you will serve at sea on Naval ships and ashore at 6 Squadron, Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Auckland in various tactical and strategic roles. As you career progresses, you can expect promotion to Flight Commander. As the Flight Commander onboard a ship, you will be responsible for all aspects of the ship's helicopter operations for extended periods away from New Zealand. A ship's flight crew usually consists of eight RNZAF technicians, the TACCO, the pilot and a helicopter crewman. The level of responsibility on your part is substantial as you will act as the ship's Aviation Officer, advising the Captain on all aviation matters. You will also act as the ship's Meteorology Officer and be responsible for the well being of the flight deck crew.

The minimum remuneration you will be paid from day one is $33,256. Your remuneration will increase upon graduation of your recruit course to $40,500 and will continue to increase on promotion and seniority.

• You must be at least 17 years of age.

• You must be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in New Zealand for five years.

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

• You must be free of any criminal convictions.

• You must have completed at least three years at secondary school.

• Minimum of 60 credits at level two over five subjects.

• Minimum of 12 credits at level one mathematics.

• Minimum of 12 credits at level one in English.

• Be medically fit for service.

• No decreased colour perception.

• You must be between 193cm and 165.6cm tall.

Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On completion of your training, you will be contractually obliged to carry out a return of service to the Navy for 10 years.

Whilst under JOCT you will be based at Devonport Naval Base. On completion of your OOW (B) course you will head to Melbourne Australia for 12 months returning to 6 squadron, Whenuapai where you will be based unless posted to sea.