Air Force Administrative Specialist

Tasks & duties

Air force administrative specialists may do some or all of the following:

• prepare documents, letters and reports
• keep staff records up to date
• maintain filing systems
• keep classified information private
• manage the transportation of documents between bases
• advise staff on promotions, leave and other information
• carry out filing, typing and photocopying tasks
• process incoming and outgoing mail
• prepare identity cards and documents
• help organise travel arrangements
• process conduct and assessment reports
• process pay and allowances.

Skills & knowledge

Air force administrative specialists need to have:

Entry Requirements

To enter the Royal NZ Air Force (RNZAF) you must be at least 17 years old. You must be a New Zealand citizen (or have New Zealand permanent residency if you are a citizen of the UK, USA, Australia or Canada).

You need to pass a series of tests, including a medical exam and fitness test, and interviews. You also need to be given security clearance, so any criminal convictions you have will be looked at. It is preferred that you have held a Class 1 driver's licence for at least six months. 

The minimum requirement to become an air force administrative specialist is 12 NCEA Level 1 credits in English and maths. 

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. A basic military training recruit course is followed by an administrative specialist course.

After completing this primary trade training, administrative specialists spend between 18 and 24 months working at an Air Force base. During this time, they may choose to study for a Business Studies Level 5 Diploma. After two years, they take advanced trade training.

Useful Experience

Experience working in an office using computers is useful for air force administrative specialists.

Related courses

Secretarial and Office Studies

For more information, please refer to Career Services.