Navy
0800 GO NAVY (0800 696 289).
Lieutenant Scott McGregor, Marine Engineer
Lieutenant Scott McGregor’s fascination with mechanics began at an early age. “As a kid I loved playing with Lego and seeing how things worked together. From a mechanical engineering side, I looked around and saw that all things that work in life were an extension of that.”
Scott had intended to turn his love of mechanics into a career via the University route – but wasn’t sure how he would manage financially. “The economic obligations of study concerned me, and when I was approached by a Navy recruiting officer who told me a bit about what the Navy did, and how they foster leaders, it got me really interested. I’d been a House Captain at school, and captain of the rugby team, so I already had leadership qualities. I thought, ‘Why not?’
“My first year in the Navy I did basic training, and then a sea acquaint. I always felt supported and knew I could go to my instructors if I needed a hand. I also knew it was their job to stop us thinking only of ourselves and build us into a team.”
After basic training Scott did a four-year mechanical engineering degree at Auckland University, then a two-year stint on ship. “I’m now qualified to take a frigate to sea as the marine engineering officer on board. This means I could run a 34-man department, who would report to me, as I would be reporting to the captain.
The duties of a marine engineering officer are varied, ranging from maintaining a ship’s systems and equipment to overseeing the training and management of junior staff. “Each year on the ship we do a six-month deployment overseas. We’ve got our own rugby team and we try to play against local teams wherever we go. I’ve met a lot of people from a lot of different countries now. It’s one of the best things about the job – you make a lot of friends.”
NZ Army
0800 NZ ARMY (0800 69 2769).
Private Michael Maher, Supply Technician
Private Michael Maher, 20, is a Supply Technician with 21 Supply Company, Royal New Zealand Logistic Regiment, and he works in the Bulk Stores Section. He joined the Army in January 2008 and completed his Basic Training (13 weeks) at Waiouru three months later.
Michael says the Army was an appealing career choice for him as he wanted to be challenged and do something out of the ordinary. As a Supply Technician his main responsibility is to ensure there’s enough equipment and supplies to successfully complete any task, but there’s been plenty of variety and opportunities for learning, and his first year in the Army has been busy and interesting.
“I’ve been on several courses - including Logistics Corps Training, Ammunition Handlers, and a Junior Supply Course. I’ve also gained my full Class 2, Dangerous Goods and Forklift licences. Having these licences has meant I have been able to drive Army vehicles on a number of training exercises around the North Island. My goals for the near future are to complete the Intermediate Supply Course and I am hoping to be deployed overseas too.”
Michael is a keen rugby player and played in the 2nd Logistic Battalion Inter-Company rugby tournament last year. In his spare time he likes to make use of the free facilities at the Army camp such as the gym, swimming pool, and camp golf course. He says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time at 21 Supply Company and would recommend the Supply Technician trade to anybody joining the Army.
Air Force
0800 Air Force (0800 247 367).
Corporal Timothy Spencer, Aircraft Technician
Corporal Timothy Spencer joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force in April 2000, and was posted to Base Ohakea as a mechanic after finishing his recruit course and junior trade training (Basic Engineering and Mechanics course). At Ohakea he was given on-the-job training for two years before going on a senior course in Woodbourne.
He was then posted to the Rotary Bay at Ohakea. “Straight away I was part of a tight-knit team who all had a work-hard play-hard attitude, were keen for a laugh (and a few pranks) but who always showed professionalism.”
In 2006 Tim was promoted to the rank of Corporal and posted back to 3 Squadron.
Tim says he has enjoyed the travel opportunities that present themselves through the Air Force: “The past three years have been the most exciting of my career. Soon after my arrival as a Corporal, I travelled to Texas for an engine analysis course; a brilliant trip where we met some larger than life Americans. 3 Squadron has taken me all over New Zealand, to Australia twice, to New Caledonia and to Singapore”
He says his three month deployment to Timor-Leste was the highlight of 2007: “Together with an awesome bunch of comrades (aircrew, ground crew and support crew) we achieved our tasking and maintenance commitments, met some wonderful people and managed to have a whole lot of fun along the way” He counts among his 2008 highlights performing at the inaugural RNZAF Battle of the Bands.