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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements As a Combat Systems Specialist (CSS) you will work in a team to operate military radars and sonars to understand what ships, aircraft and submarines are in the vicinity of a warship, whether threat or friendly force. If necessary, you'll operate remotely controlled weapons systems to defend and defeat the enemy. You'll also act as a crucial communications link between maritime helicopters and home plate (the Ship). Service
Navigation, Combat and Security
Location
Starting Trade Training
$64,177
Life as a Navy Combat System Specialist A glimpse into a typical day as a Combat Systems Specialist (CSS) aboard the HMNZS Te Mana, an Anzac class frigate. See what it's like to live on a Navy ship, launch torpedos, detect targets and threats, be the heartbeat of the war-fighting effort and so much more.
As a Combat System Specialist, you will work with a large team in Ships Operations Rooms using military radar and information systems to build a picture of the environment surrounding a warship. You will locate, track and classify surface ships, submarines and aircraft to inform action - whether to intercept pirates or drug smugglers, check fishing boats for quota compliance, conduct a search and rescue, hunt terrorists and weapons smugglers or let the whale pass by.
Combat System Specialists are integral to protecting the Ship through successful engagement of targets with both shipboard and airborne weapons. A key part of the role is operating remotely controlled weapons systems, including the Phalanx CIWS, Typhoon and Mini-Typhoon heavy machine gun to defeat threats. You'll also be responsible for directing Maritime Helicopters in tasks such as Search and Rescue or anti-submarine warfare.
In this role, you'll contribute to the daily operations of the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and take part in missions such as boarding fishing vessels in the Ross Sea (Antarctica) or ensuring maritime trade routes remain open in the South China Sea, Malacca Straits and Arabian Gulf. As you operate in these areas, you'll become familiar with many ports and cities, especially those of Sydney, Freemantle and Singapore where the RNZN spends a lot of time.
Job on base Job on deployment Career progression and training Basic Training Job Training Ongoing Training On completion of basic trade training, you will become an Able Combat Systems Specialist (ACSS) Phase One and post to a Patrol vessel to consolidate your learning and put your sailor skills to practice.
After 12 to 18 months on a Patrol vessel you will conduct your ACSS Phase 2 course to learn the specialised Anzac Frigate systems, before posting to HMNZS Te Kaha or HMNZS Te Mana.
After an additional two years, you will conduct the Leading Hand Combat System Specialist Course (LCSS). This covers more in-depth areas of warfare and how to combat threats to the ship to ensure success of the mission. On this course, you will deepen your knowledge of the Frigate Combat Management System, gain supervision and leadership skills, and learn to direct Ship's helicopters in missions such as search and rescue or anti-submarine warfare.
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.
$50,597 Under Initial Training
$64,177 Starting Trade Training
$122,331 Future Potential Earnings
Figures updated on July 1st 2023
Benefits and allowances Earn 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 turangawaewae Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases Opportunities to travel Free and subsidised medical and dental care Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases Free and subsidised insurance cover Help to buy a home and save for retirement Entry requirements Basics Education Fitness and medical Period 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 .
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