In July 2009 I joined the Navy as an Ordinary Diver. Originally from Tauranga, I’d dived recreationally, so joining as a diver was a natural step. The first part of my Navy career was Basic Common Training (BCT). BCT is hard at times but you make good mates along the way. After BCT I completed the Defence Divers Course. Dive Course tests you physically and mentally and forces you to push yourself to the limit. It’s amazing what your body can do when you have your ‘second dickie’ offering you extra exercises if you don’t make a timing, or don’t get a question right.

I’m currently posted to HMNZS TE KAHA, where I have been carrying out basic seamanship tasks, man overboard recoveries and a dive on the ship’s hull.

There’s a certain buzz in the air as TE KAHA‘s Ship’s Company gets excited about the coming trip to ports such as San Francisco, Vancouver, and Hawaii along the way. I am grateful that I have been a part of TE KAHA’s journey, and even more grateful that I am in the Navy. Visit www.navyjobs.mil.nz.

0800 NZ NAVY (0800 696 289).

NZ Army

PTE John Robson, Electronics Technician

It’s no surprise that self-confessed “action fiend” Private John Robson ended up as an Electronics Technician in the NZ Army. He’s always had a passion for electronics and his high school mates knew he was keen for a career in the Army. As an Electronics Technician, John works on a range of things—from battery chargers to night vision goggles, bomb disposal units to LAVs.

He also gets to interact with a range people from different units. John thrived in the workshop environment early on. “When I first turned up. I wasn’t sure what I’d gotten into, but luckily a couple of Elec Techs showed me the ropes of being in a workshop environment.“ The possibility of travel also excites Robson. “I’m looking forward to being deployed overseas as an Elec Tech, hopefully in armoured vehicle electronics.” When he’s not working, Robson says he’s just a regular guy. “I go see my girl and my mates, catch up with family, play sports and enjoy myself. Life is short!” View PTE Robson‘s video profile at www.youtube.com/officialNZarmy/.

0800 NZ ARMY (0800 629 769).

Air Force

CPL Ruan Heynike, Air Warfare Specialist

Three years ago I joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force as an Air Warfare Specialist, and I haven’t had a dull moment since. As an Air Warfare Specialist I operate electronic sensors onboard the P3-K Orion. My favourite sensor to work on is the radar station. Sitting at the radar station I can detect surface vessels and safely direct our aircraft towards them. The radar is also used for land avoidance and weather avoidance making it a useful tool to have onboard. 5 Squadron operates six P3-K Orion’s based out of RNZAF Base Whenuapai. The P3 is ideal as a long range maritime patrol aircraft, giving us the capability to span the oceans and conduct international operations. Recently I went to Antarctica to conduct fishery patrols in the southern waters. We stayed at Scott Base and managed to get a bit of down time to explore the amazing things Antarctica has to offer. To learn more about my squadron and my trade please visit www.stepup.mil.nz.