Army Gunner

Tasks & duties

Army gunners may do all or some of the following, depending on their area of specialisation:

• maintain, check, load and fire weapons
• provide support to frontline troops
• use specialist NZ Army equipment to select and identify targets
• communicate with NZ Army personnel using communication equipment
• plan, lay and maintain communication lines
• record and log information
• advise on how conditions might affect the path of weapon fire
• record data such as wind speeds, weapon types and weight of ammunition
• gather and record information on weather and land features
• enter the information into a computer to produce the aiming instructions
• evaluate the target range and accuracy of weapons

Specialisations

Air defence operator

Air defence operators engage enemy aircraft using the Matra Mistral Surface-to-Air Missile System, and learn aircraft recognition skills.

Command post operator

Command post operators use computer systems to produce firing data, enabling guns to be fired at the right target and time, and using the right number of rounds.

Field gunner

Field gunners operate and maintain the L119 light gun, ensuring the target, the time at which it is hit, and the number of rounds used, are all correct.

Signaller

Signallers are responsible for communications within the NZ Army. They use the SINGARS radio system and maintain the Vanguard computer.

Skills & knowledge

Army gunners need to have:

• knowledge of NZ Army regulations
• knowledge of tactics and standard operating procedures
• knowledge of communication methods and how to interpret coded messages
• knowledge of how to use and repair communication equipment
• good communication skills

Depending on their area of specialisation, army gunners may also need to know about:

Entry requirements

To join the NZ Army you must be:

• at least 17 years old
• a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident staying in New Zealand for at least five years
• have no criminal convictions for the previous two years
• be medically fit for service

To become an army gunner you need to have NCEA Level 1 (8 credits per subject) English and maths, or School Certificate equivalent. Advanced mathematics is needed to progress into some of the technical positions.

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 gunners must then complete a two-week Regimental basic course. After this, army gunners will train in one of the specialised gunner trades. Depending on aptitude and vacancies, they will train in either field, signaller, command post operator or air defence operator trades.

These courses are between four and eight weeks and are held at the School of Artillery, Waiouru.

Useful experience

Useful experience for army gunners 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.