After initial training, Reservists commit to a minimum cumulative total of 20 days’ service each year for professional development and operational delivery.  This is made up of a minimum of 14 days of full-time training, exercises, operational activity and/or supplementation to the Regular Force plus weeknight and weekend training (which may include Friday evenings).  An additional 20 days is available for supplementary activities that benefit both individual Reservists and the NZDF.

Naval Reservists receive an hourly rate of pay, up to a maximum of eight hours per day, commensurate with their rank and experience.  This also encompasses travel time required to attend training.

During your first eight months in the Navy, you will be taught core military and mariner skills, in order to be an effective rating in the Navy.  This initial training is known as Basic Common Training (BCT) and begins with nine days at Devonport Naval Base and the Tamaki Leadership Centre in Whangaparaoa.

BCT continues once you return to your home Reserve unit, with weekend training once a month, one evening of training each week, and self-study.  BCT finishes with four days of experiential training in August.

Reserve ratings receive the same initial training as their Regular Force counterparts.  This includes parade training (drill), an introduction to the laws of armed conflict, first aid, naval customs and ceremonies, communications, an introduction to damage control, and small arms.

Following completion of Basic Common Training, you will begin “on the job” training with the RNZN Band as an Ordinary Musician (OMUS).  You will also start the Able Musician task book, which is your professional qualification for promotion to Able Musician.

Professional training for promotion to Able Musician, Leading Musician and Petty Officer are through the completion of task books which assess your retained knowledge and competence in the required skills.  The professional qualification for promotion to Chief Petty Officer and Warrant Officer is the successful completion of a course with the Royal Marines Band Service (UK).

Your hard work, experience and training accomplishments as a Musician are rewarded by promotions and increases in salary.

You will be eligible for promotion to Able Musician once you have completed 18 months’ effective service, the Able Musician task book, and one Regular Force course: Sea Qualifying Damage Control (two weeks).

Further promotions are based on merit, efficient time at each rank, the completion of the required task book or professional course, and completion of the development (leadership) course at each level.

It is a requirement for all promotions that you be medically and physically fit.  For promotion to Leading Musician, Petty Officer, and Chief Petty Officer, you must also be approved for promotion by the Naval Ratings Promotion Board.

You must have obtained at least 10 credits at NCEA level 1 in both Literacy and Numeracy.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements

Proficiency with instruments is the main criteria for entry as a Musician. You must be a competent performer/soloist on at least one military band instrument.  A tertiary qualification is desirable but not mandatory.

Entry into the Navy Band is by audition and interview with the Director of Music (DoM) and a selected panel of senior musicians from the RNZN Band. Should this audition and interview be successful, the DoM, in conjunction with the Navy recruiters, will put forward a candidate for selection into the Navy (provided general recruitment requirements are met).

• You must be medically fit for service.
• You must meet the minimum entry fitness standards.
• Colour perception restrictions may apply.

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the SV security clearance required for this trade. You must be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years.

Find out if you’re eligible here.