NZDF Aviator of the Year turns corporate training into warfighting realism

Auckland’s Sergeant Jess McShane, a senior intelligence specialist, earned the honour for being “an exceptional aviator whose sustained performance, leadership and selfless commitment to others sees her operate well above the expectations of her rank”. 

Intelligence specialists provide accurate intelligence for preparing and planning military air operations. It’s a vital role supporting the deployment of RNZAF aircraft into what can be dangerous environments.

A focus of her nomination was during her two-year posting to Leadership Development Flight at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, where she worked on improving all professional development courses for non-commissioned officers. 

Using her intelligence background, she said she applied a warfighter ethos to what she described as “corporate-style” lesson plans. 

This included field deployments to create real-world situations against ‘realistic adversaries.

Her ability to translate operational requirements into meaningful training showed a professional maturity and foresight well beyond that of a sergeant, her superiors noted.

Sergeant McShane said she wanted to get trainees used to the idea of how fast conflict can move, and how they had to lead teams in very complex environments. 

“When I first saw the coursework, it was civilian in its style, rather than military,” she said.

“So I changed it to a warfighting theme, with all exercises being intelligence-led, describing what the enemy was doing, and using up-to-date events to create a contemporary operating environment. 

“That included moving them out into the field. I wanted to take them to environments where they have contact with the enemy and operate from a tented camp as they might be on deployments.”

She said people often thought of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. 

“But everything we do, in our day-to-day operation, is all part of building our ability for military effect where it matters. That’s the most important part of being in the military.”

Sergeant McShane has recorded other achievements over the years, including a Graduate Diploma in Communications (Public Sector), a post-graduate degree in security and named Intelligence Person of the Year 2025.

Originally from Australia, she moved to Auckland when she was 16. She joined the Royal New Zealand Navy as a Maritime Trade Operator rating in 2013 before transferring to the RNZAF in 2016.

Her current role was “completely off course to what I originally thought I’d do in the Defence Force”. 

“But I love the role and I love the people. It feels like a long time ago, but my motivation for joining back then was that community – it was something I wanted to be part of.” 

She said there was no “perfect fit” in the military.

“I wasn’t the perfect fit at the start. There’s a place for everyone to give a lot of themselves and try their hardest – it’s an awesome path for anybody.”

Sergeant McShane is now also a finalist for the NZDF Person of the Year.