Cambridge firefighter joins Royal New Zealand Air Force to provide military security

The Cambridge volunteer firefighter is now taking on a role in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) where he’ll be providing security for military air bases at home and on operations.

The 23-year-old former Hamilton Boys’ High School student, has always had a desire to help people.

His sister joined the RNZAF last year, inspiring him to also enlist and pursue a career in the Security Force trade. “I have wanted to be a part of the military for a long time. I’ve always wanted to help people and be someone who makes a difference. 

“I knew by joining the RNZAF I would be able to do that on a broader scale than what I was currently doing at home,” he said.

Part of one of the largest recruit courses in recent years, Aircraftman Phillips graduated with nearly 90 fellow recruits after completing the 12-week course.  Sixteen of the graduates are Security Force operators, who will begin their training this month.

A Security Force operator has a varied job. Tasks range from providing the security and defence of airfields on operations to preparing the wider Air Force for individual combat readiness, including weapons training and airfield defence.

Security Force Trade Sponsor, Squadron Leader Deane Wilson said, “In the current operational and geopolitical environment, the Security Force trade is in high demand. The trade delivers a broad range of operational and training outputs which requires our personnel to be highly adaptable and ready to deploy.

“Our operational tasks often occur at short notice, which means our people must have the ability to transition quickly from day-to-day duties in New Zealand to then be on an aircraft ready to carry out overseas taskings.”

The recruit course at Command and Recruit Training Squadron based at RNZAF Base Woodbourne is designed to transition civilians into aviators. The course covers basic military skills, including military drill, weapons training, field survival skills, first aid and physical fitness.

During recruit training, Aircraftman Phillips enjoyed being pushed beyond his own expectations, mentally and physically.

“To see what I can actually achieve has been a highlight for me and makes me realise that I can achieve so much more when push comes to shove,” he said.

Working as a team is instrumental in the Security Force trade, with many dynamics to consider.  Recruit training begins to build strong foundations in teamwork, that are carried into the workplace.

“There are a lot of people who come from various walks of life and this course makes you work alongside each other – working to achieve a common goal made it easier,” he said.

Flight Commander Operational Development of recruit training, Squadron Leader David Lee said recruits are trained to develop the discipline and mindset required to operate in military environments.

“Recruits leave with increased levels of personal discipline and pride, along with being more physically fit and mentally resilient.   There are also requirements to be technically competent in areas such as weapon handling,” he said.

Aircraftman Phillips said he enjoyed creating new bonds and friendships on recruit training.

“Going through the same adversities has brought us closer –these are easily friends for life.”