Communication skills important for NZ Army's new focus

The NZ Army has changed in recent years. It has shifted its focus from traditional warfare to conflict resolution and peacekeeping, and the use of technology has increased. As a result, roles and tasks in all NZ Army careers are changing. There is greater emphasis on communication skills than in the past. NZ Army personnel undergo training to learn how to work with different religious and ethnic groups, and to make sure they can communicate with each other. This has impacted on recruitment requirements. The NZ Army is looking for well-rounded people who are good communicators and more females are wanted. As a result, some heavy pieces of equipment are being re-designed so female soldiers can effectively and safely operate them.

Computer skills increasingly necessary

As a lot of new machinery and telecommunications equipment used by the NZ Army is becoming computerised, NZ Army personnel need to be confident in using computers. It is also important for potential recruits to have some computer skills as the NZ Army has recently implemented an online recruitment policy, requiring all applicants to apply over the Internet. NZ

Army facing increased competition from training providers

Increasingly, the NZ Army has to compete with training providers to attract recruits, as there are now more training choices available. The Government's Modern Apprenticeship scheme is expected to have a strong impact on the number of young people entering the NZ Army. In May 2005, the Government announced as part of a 10 year plan that it will be spending an extra $4.6 billion on defence and recruiting up to 2,000 more people. Recruitment and decreasing turnover by increasing salaries and improving employment conditions will be the first priorities of this plan. About 900 of the extra personnel are designated for the NZ Army, where staff shortages are high. In the past year the NZ Army lost 750 of its regular force personnel, a turnover rate of 17% per year. The NZ Army is aiming to reduce this to 10%.

Turnover varies

Turnover among NZ Army personnel is moderate, and is influenced by factors outside the NZ Army. For example, if the job market for labourers is good, labourers may leave the NZ Army for higher-paying jobs. However, this is balanced by people joining the NZ Army when job markets outside the defence force tighten up.

(Written 26/04/2002 - Updated 01/04/2005)