Navy
LT Warren McLuckie Weapons Engineering Officer
LT Warren McLuckie
A Navy’s effectiveness as a modern fighting force depends on its ability to respond quickly to changing situations. To do this, its communications, sensors and weapon systems must be maintained to the highest possible standards.
It is the Weapons Engineering Officer’s (WEO) responsibility to ensure these systems are ready to operate when needed. The WEO is responsible for the ship’s weapons (guns, missiles and torpedoes), sensors (RADAR, Sonar, and Electronic Support Measures), communications (radio, satellite and the onboard computer network), explosives, and combat management systems. Of his career as a WEO, LT Warren McLuckie says. “The most important part of the Navy is the people. Comradeship, while just a word on paper, means more than you can imagine when serving overseas on a frigate. My best mates are still the people I joined with. The travel is great! As far as I’m concerned the best thing about the Navy is that you get a new job every eighteen to twenty-four months. In the last five years I’ve been a Deputy Head of Department onboard HMNZS TE KAHA, an instructor for new recruits, and now a Project Manager for big budget projects. That’s variety! Although I’m currently working in Wellington, my next post might be in Auckland or in Washington. The opportunities are endless. A career goal of mine is to go back to sea as the Head of Department of the Weapon Engineering Branch. It’s a lot of responsibility, but the sense of achievement will be immense.”
0800 GO NAVY (0800 696 289).
NZ Army
LT Bethy Turton Dentist Officer
LT Bethy Turton
“One of the major differences between being a dentist on Civvie Street and being a dentist in the NZ Army is that we don’t have to send out bills. This means the treatment we provide is based on what’s best for the patient and not on what the patient can afford, which creates quite a pure form of dentistry which strives for excellent clinical outcomes. The Army recognised my needs as a graduate and provided a mentorship scheme, which meant I developed a positive relationship with my senior colleagues that will empower me throughout my career. I enjoyed having three weeks learning from an oral surgeon as I have a particular interest in that area and benefited from that one-on-one tutorship.
In 2008 I deployed to the Cook Islands as part of a dental team which set up a mobile clinic at a high school. In two weeks we saw 150 patients and provided basic dental care such as extractions and direct restorations. That was an exceedingly rewarding exercise to part of. I really enjoy the Army lifestyle. There are numerous clubs, groups, and sports I can join on camp, and a great bunch of people to spend time with. They’re healthy, motivated, dynamic individuals; I have a lot of respect for my colleagues and for the skills they bring to the Army.”
0800 NZ ARMY (0800 69 2769).
Air Force
F/S Tony Fry Avionics Mechanic
F/S Tony Fry
“I joined the RNZAF in 1989 to train to be an Avionics Mechanic and I haven’t looked back. It’s been a jam-packed 20 years, but it seems more like five” says Flight Sergeant Fry.
“I’ve experienced amazing comradeship that I’d be unlikely to find outside the Air Force. I’ve been on search and rescue missions, fishing patrols and submarine hunting exercises. I’ve spent six months in the lush jungles of Timor-Leste and have travelled the world.
As the ‘trucking end’ of the business, the RNZAF’s 40 Squadron often use Boeings or a Hercules to transport things to destinations. Since 40 Squadron technicians must support the aircraft, I get to go to unique destinations. I’ve managed to visit many of the Pacific Islands, as well as Europe, Antarctica and Afghanistan. I was lucky enough to be picked for the team that uplifted the new B757s from Ireland and I lived for three years in Alabama, helping turn civilian passenger jets into multi-role military platforms.
There’s still stuff I haven’t managed to do yet, and with the new technology coming into service, I’ll have the chance to learn even more. The Air Force is really moving ahead and it’s an exciting place to work. I could retire now, but I think I’ll stick around for a little longer and enjoy the ride!”
0800 AIR FORCE (0800 247 367).