Skip to section: About the role Training and career progression Salary and benefits Entry requirements The Airborne Tactical Officer or "Observer" acts as mission commander for the aircraft and is responsible for its sensors, communication systems and weapons. You're the key link between aircraft and ship, evaluating sensor information and performing tactical analysis to employ the helicopter in the best way to accomplish the mission. Be it warfare operations, search and rescue, delivering aid and more. Service Aviation Location Starting Trade Training $65,075 About the roleAs an Observer your primary roles will be mission planning and warfare and you will be expected to be an expert in both areas. At sea you will be briefing both ship's Commanding Officer and the embarked flight on missions and the best way to employ the aircraft to ensure success. When conducting warfare you can expect to take command of the battlespace as the Observer utilising all of the aircrafts sensors, communications systems and weapons to ensure optimal tactical employment of the aircraft.Job on baseJob on deploymentThere are a bunch of aircraft sensors that the Observer is responsible for. Underneath the aircraft, the large radar acts to extend the eyes and ears of whatever ships you're working with, so you can find targets and build a tactical picture. We're also used in Search and Rescue, using sensors to find people or ships that have got themselves into strife.Harry, Airborne Tactical Officer/ ObserverOnce you complete the Junior Officer Common Training you will conduct Observer training at RNZAF Base Ohakea in the Manawatu, on completion of basic Observer training you can expect to return to Auckland to conduct conversion on to the SH-2G(I). Once fully qualified on the SH-2G(I) Helicopter, you can expect to fly as core member of a flight gaining experience ashore and embarked on RNZN Ships. Once you have gained sufficient experience as both an Observer and Naval Officer you will advance to the role of Flight Commander. This role means you will be responsible for all aspects of the Ship's helicopter operations.Once you are suitably experienced you can also expect to conduct instructor training either down in Ohakea or at 6 Squadron. At Ohakea as an instructor you would be instructing Aviation Warfare Officer Course (AWO) which is a combined Air Force and Navy course teaching the basic principles of the trade. At 6 Squadron as an instructor you will be teaching students on Aircraft Conversion Course and Operational Conversion Course how to fly and how to effectively employ the SH-2G(I)Additionally, there is the potential for deployment as an Officer to any one of the numerous overseas operations the Defence Force is committed to.Salary and benefits Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly. $50,597Under Initial Training$65,075Starting Trade Training$169,941Future Potential EarningsFigures updated on July 1st 2023Military factorEarn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:Access to your Service marae or turangawaewaeSponsored tertiary study programmes at all levelsFree access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and basesOpportunities to travelFree and subsidised medical and dental careSubsidised food and accomodation on camps and basesFree and subsidised insurance coverHelp to buy a home and save for retirementEntry requirementsBasicsEducationFitness and MedicalCitizenship and securityPeriod of Service Be a minimum of 17 years of age upon entry. Be free of any criminal conviction for the previous two years. You can also browse jobs by specialisation to narrow down your search. #J-18808-Ljbffr
