Air Force - Air Warfare Officer

Aboard the long-range surveillance P-8A Poseidon aircraft, you will learn to operate and manage the complex hi-tech systems used to conduct a wide variety of missions including anti‑submarine warfare, resource protection and search and rescue. About the role Flight operations | Navigation | Officers & Management Entry type Under training $69,833 Location Varied As an Air Warfare Officer (AWO), you’ll hold a key position flying and operating one of the Air Force’s newest, most capable and technologically advanced aircraft – the P‑8A Poseidon of the Airborne Surveillance and Response Force. On completion of initial and conversion training, you will take your place as a junior Tactical Coordinator (CO‑TAC) onboard the P‑8A. You will be working alongside the Tactical Coordinator, Sensor Operators and Pilots to manage the range of tactical missions carried out by the aircraft. This is a challenging and ever‑changing role that will take you the length and breadth of the country and to a variety of locations overseas. You will play a pivotal role in a highly capable crew providing the coordination of operational missions. The P‑8A Poseidon aircraft perform a variety of roles including search and rescue, long‑range flights, fisheries patrols, anti‑submarine warfare, operational tasking, disaster relief and aeromedical evacuation. Requirements Basics Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course. Pass an Aircrew and Officer Selection Board. Scholarship Entry: The Air Force offer undergraduate scholarships for candidates who demonstrate the qualities required to become an Air Warfare Officer. The scholarships are: RNZAF Undergraduate Scheme: Study at an approved university institution of your choice while the Air Force covers your fees and a living allowance on a 'year for a year' return of service basis. Your training is some of the most thorough and advanced in the world. On graduation, you will be required to serve 6 years in the Air Force. This helps the NZDF make the most of the skills and knowledge you’ve built during your training. “Seeing the cool stuff we do, is a lot more than just the flying.” Job on base On board the P‑8A you will manage a range of high‑tech systems to achieve the aircraft’s operational mission. You will play an integral role when it comes to flight planning for an upcoming mission. Prior to departure you will have planned the mission utilizing specialised mission planning software. This will enable you to confirm accurate fuel requirements, payload available, make threat assessments and employ tactics to counter these threats. Airborne you will be responsible for real‑time mission planning, working closely with the Pilots. You will manage all tactical communications including military datalinks, satellite and voice communications, to pass information with other military or government agencies. Your duties on the P‑8A will require you to be alert and adaptable to a dynamic and potentially hostile environment. You could be responsible for relaying time critical targeting information to friendly fighters or warships prior to strikes or reconnaissance on targets of interest. When conducting low level operations the AWO coordinates closely with the pilots and radar operator to ensure the aircraft flight path is safe from hazards such as land, airspace or hostile units. Job on deployment Whilst on operations, your job gets even more interesting. For an AWO, flying tactically is both demanding and rewarding. You will be briefed by intelligence specialists prior to the flight and you will plan to use techniques to ensure that the mission is completed safely and expeditiously. You will draw upon your experiences during training and on exercise to overcome time and environmental restrictions in the area of operations. Your role is to ensure the safety of the aircraft in a busy airborne setting. With an array of sophisticated navigation equipment, you will have the most situational awareness of the aircrew on the plane. In addition, you will process any new information the crew received inflight and make an informed decision on its impact on the mission. It is because of the dynamic nature of the job and variety of tasks performed, that the role of the AWO is one of the most exciting trades in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). All individuals selected to become Commissioned Officers in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) are required to complete this course. It is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and experience necessary for commissioned service and the beginning of a career in leadership. This course will cover various subjects including: RNZAF culture, customs and protocol Organisation and administration Drill and parades Dress, grooming and hygiene Standards Military law and the Military Justice system Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations. Benefits In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include: Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases Opportunities to travel Free and subsidised medical and dental care Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases Subsidised insurance cover Future potential earnings $140,000 Am I fit enough? If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide. As an Air Warfare Specialist your primary role is to operate the P‑8A Poseidon’s highly advanced sensor systems to collect and analyse information. #J-18808-Ljbffr