Army Physical Training Instructor

Tasks & duties

Army physical training instructors may do some or all of the following:

• design training programmes for soldiers and other army personnel to help them gain and maintain fitness and strength or recover from injury
• work with specific military camp units to ensure people working in those units are fit to perform their duties, whether in combat or at camp
• prepare and run training classes
• instruct other forms of physical training such as circuits, running, sport, weights, swimming and battle fitness
• test soldiers and other army personnel for fitness levels and battle efficiency
• train people for sports events
• advise people on diet and nutrition
• accompany soldiers on deployments and exercises in New Zealand and overseas to carry out physical training in the field
• train people in adventure sports such as rock climbing, mountaineering and kayaking
• teach life skills
• work with school groups

Skills & knowledge

Army physical training instructors need to have:

• knowledge of the principles of physical training and fitness
• knowledge of anatomy and physiology
• knowledge of how to plan and lead safe, effective exercises and training sessions
• knowledge of fitness assessment techniques
• knowledge of how to use gym equipment
• good planning skills
• decision-making and leadership skills
• good communication and people skills
• first aid skills

Entry requirements

To join the NZ Army you must be at least 17 years old, a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and have no criminal convictions.

Army physical training instructors are recruited internally. The selection course to become a physical training instructor lasts one week. Applicants are assessed on areas including endurance, strength, co-ordination, public speaking, teamwork, leadership and communication skills.

Those who pass the selection course can attend the eight month Primary Physical Trainers course in Blenheim. Instructors are then posted to a military camp gymnasium for 18 months of training on the job, followed by the five month Advanced Physical Trainers Course.

Physical training instructors will then be qualified to apply for the Joint Services Diploma in Physical Education and Recreational Training.

Secondary education

At least three years of secondary education is required to join the NZ Army.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job, and army physical training instructors can attend further courses in a variety of areas including rehabilitation and adventure training.

Useful experience

Useful experience includes training in the Territorial Force, coaching a sport, playing a sport or participating in any other physical fitness activity.

Related courses

Human Movement and Sports Science

For more information, please refer to Career Services.