Army Rifleman

Tasks & duties

Army riflemen may do some or all of the following:

• use firearms and explosive devices such as rifles and grenades
• maintain weapons and ammunition
• help within the community as part of disaster relief efforts, in searches or in other civil emergencies
• take part in peacekeeping operations as part of a United Nations force
• apply first aid to a combat casualty
• perform navigation
• operate combat radios

Specialisations

Army riflemen specialise in one of the following areas:

Army Rifleman (Assault pioneer)

Assault pioneers complete engineering tasks such as bridge building and demolition.

Army Rifleman (Mortar)

Mortars fire and use mortars to provide fire support for troops.

Army Rifleman (Reconnaissance)

Reconnaissance work near enemy positions.

Army Rifleman (Signal)

Signals communicate by voice without the enemy listening.

Army Rifleman (Sniper)

Snipers do sniper shooting, camouflage and map reading.

Skills & knowledge

Army riflemen need to have:

• knowledge of tactics and standard operating procedures
• knowledge of the operation of weapons and explosives
• knowledge of camouflage
• knowledge of radio and other communication methods
• knowledge of NZ Army regulations
• basic engineering skills
• map reading skills
• communication skills
• leadership skills

Entry requirements

To join the NZ Army you must be:

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. All NZ Army recruits need to complete the 12-week All Arms Recruit Course (AARC) at Waiouru Military Camp before starting training for their specific trade.

Army riflemen must then complete a 12-week course at Linton or Burnham Military Camps before going on to train in mortars, signals, assault pioneers, reconnaissance or sniper.

Useful experience

Useful experience for army riflemen includes training in the Territorial Force or involvement in youth organisations or team activities with a regular fitness programme.

For more information, please refer to Career Services.