Citizenship

• I am not a New Zealand citizen. Can I join the New Zealand Army?
  You can be enlisted into the New Zealand Army as a Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth citizen, but soldiers need to be New Zealand citizens eligible to hold New Zealand passports in order to be deployed overseas on operational service.

Fitness

• What is the Army's minimum standard of fitness?
  The minimum standard of fitness for the Army is: Women Must be able to run 2.4km in 12 minutes 20 seconds, Complete 50 curl ups in one set, and Complete 14 press-ups in one set. Men Must be able to run 2.4km in 10 minutes 30 seconds, Complete...
• I think I'm reasonably fit - am I fit enough to join?
  Before you undertake AARC, it's essential that you are reasonably fit and free of injuries and medical problems. Prior to joining, concentrate on cardiovascular work such as running and circuit training; to give yourself a head start, you should aim...

General

• How long can I stay in the Army?
  If you join on a standard engagement, you can serve for a guaranteed period of fifteen years, providing you maintain your medical grading and service efficiency.
• I have a criminal record. Can I join the Army?
  The Army has a high dependence on trust and use of technical equipment and weapons, and looks for recruits who are trustworthy and reliable. For this reason, all applicants undergo a police records check, and any convictions are assessed on the...
• What will my everyday life in the Army be like?
  One of the key things about life in the Army is that your job will vary and you'll be doing many different things. While you are on an Army camp, your job is pretty much like any other 9 to 5 job. But you'll also spend time away from camp, training...
• I really want to travel overseas. Will joining the Army allow me to do so?
  Once you've completed your initial training courses, you could find yourself deployed overseas, either on an exercise or as part of a peacekeeping force. Travel is an exciting part of Army life, and you will get the chance.
• Can I wear my wedding ring, jewelry or body piercings in the Army?
  You are allowed to wear a plain signet ring, engagement ring and/or wedding ring. Only women are allowed to wear earrings, which should be one pair of plain studs only. No other body piercing is allowed. It is recommended that you have a sturdy,...
• I have long hair. Will I have to get a haircut when I join the Army?
  That depends on how long your hair is when you join. The Army has a number of requirements regarding hair length. For women: Short hair should be 15mm above the collar if you have a bob-style haircut Long hair should be tied up so that it sits...
• How much self-discipline is involved?
  The Army expects a high standard of personal conduct, physical fitness, dress and discipline. It might take a bit of getting used to at first, but once you settle into the routine of Army life, your confidence and self-discipline will allow you to...
• Will I be able to stay in touch with family and friends while on my recruit course?
  While you're undertaking your training, you will be given plenty of time to remain in contact with family and friends by mail or pay telephone.
• I have a mobile phone. Will I be able to use it in the Army?
  Mobile phones are used in the Army, but you are not permitted to use them during your All Arms Recruit Course (AARC) Training.
• Can I attend Church while I'm in the Army?
  We have Army chaplains, called Padres, based in every Army camp. Padres take an active interest in the welfare of all soldiers, and our chapels cater for all religions. You're free to attend Sunday church services if you wish to do so.

Leave

• How much leave am I allowed?
  The annual leave entitlement is 21 days per year for all service personnel. In addition to annual leave there are 25 other categories of leave that you can apply for. These include study leave, representational leave, household removal leave, sick...

Pay

• What is the pay like?
  As you complete training courses, receive promotions or gain extra skills, your salary increases. The cost of living in an Army camp is low, giving you more disposable income to spend as you wish. And with access to recreational facilities and...

Sport

• I play sport at a competitive level. Can I keep playing while I'm in the Army?
  If you're playing top-level sports of any kind, the Army will ensure you get the opportunity to compete. The Army has sportsmen and women who compete at national and international level, as well as fulfilling their regular duties.

Training

• If I gain new qualifications while in the Army, can I change to a new trade?
  Definitely - we're keen to see people who have improved their skills take on new challenges. We move a number of internally-recruited people into new trades each year but, in the interest of fairness, they must meet the same minimum entry...
• Can I study for school qualifications while I'm in the Army?
  Your first year or so in the Army is very busy, as you learn the basic things you need to know to perform your trade. Once you've served for 12 months you can apply for Army to fund your study towards many courses at Universities and Polytechs. ...
• Where will my training take place?
  Where you'll train depends on your chosen trade. The Army has trade-training schools in Army camps throughout New Zealand, and we also send soldiers to train at polytechnics and other establishments.
• What will my training involve?
  There are more than 20 trades in the Army, and training is different for each one. Generally speaking, all involve an initial trade training course that begins once AARC Training is complete. This course gives you the essential skills and knowledge...
• Once I've finished AARC, what happens then?
  When your AARC is complete, you'll either start initial trade training or undertake a short period of on-the-job training at your new work unit prior to a training course. When your training course is complete, you'll start doing the job you trained...
• What is All Arms Recruit Course training?
  This course, previously known as Basic Training, is where new soldiers learn the core skills everyone in the Army must know. To make sure you can operate effectively in a team environment, you'll undertake lectures, practical activities and field...
• What skills will I learn in the different trades?
  The Army offers a variety of both civilian and military-based skills for each trade. For example, if you joined as a plumber you would first learn how to complete domestic trade work within a camp environment, just as a civilian plumber would,...