Intelligence Operator

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About the role Career progression and training Salary and benefits Entry requirements Help the Army outsmart the enemy, safeguard Army secrets and give commanders the information they need to make the right decisions. Service Army Specialisation Intelligence, IT and Communications Location Papakura, Linton, Trentham, Burnham Starting Trade Training $64,177 About the role Intelligence Operators fulfil an important role in the New Zealand Army. They gather and process information to assist decision making. This is done in conjunction with both the Navy and Air Force, and there are opportunities to work with other government agencies.
INTELLIGENCE STAFF Record, collate and process information from a variety of sources, following the "Intelligence Cycle": Direction, Collection, Processing and DisseminationConduct analysis of the operational environment and threat in order to inform decision-makingProvide security advice to commandersHelp prevent the enemy from being able to predict what we are going to doWork in small teams to produce quality intelligence products in short time framesWork closely with other units, including other NZ Army combat Corps and Special Operations ForcesFrom early on in your career you will be briefing military commanders and what you say will influence their decisions. You will have the chance to develop new skills and meet new challenges as your career progresses.
If you think you have what it takes, you will need to attend an Intelligence Operator Selection Board to be considered for the role.
Job on base Your day-to-day responsibilities as an Intelligence Operator in camp will see you developing the skills required to support commanders on operations. You will work as part of an intelligence team while you hone your skills, using operational equipment and practice the techniques of Intelligence analysis in live scenarios.
As well as your day to day responsibilities as an Intelligence Operator, you will also continue to develop the key soldier skills of weapons handling, medical and radio/communications training, and physical fitness.
Job on deployment As an Intelligence Operator you will have the opportunity to deploy wherever the Army goes. You will use your skills to analyse the multi-dimensional operating space and maintain situational awareness. You will then be responsible for compiling intelligence product and reporting your findings to commanders to ensure they have the most accurate information to make the most informed decisions.
Career progression and training Basic Training Job Training Ongoing Training Specialist Training Upon successful enlistment into the Army you'll be posted to Waiouru Army base. Here you will do 16 weeks of basic military training to find out if you have got what it takes to be in the Army, and learn various subjects including:
Organisation and AdministrationArmy Customs and ProtocolDrill and ParadesMilitary Field Skills and Weapon TrainingFirst AidPhysical Fitness BASIC INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY COURSES On completion of Basic Training you will post to Linton Military Camp. Here you will prepare for Corps training by developing an understanding of the basic concepts and skills required by conducting on-the-job training.
NZIC CORPS TRAINING New Zealand Intelligence Corps (NZIC) Corps training is completed at the School of Military Intelligence and Security in Palmerston North. This course takes four months to complete and is split into different components, including: intelligence support to conventional and contemporary operations, de-briefing and security.
EVALUATION Until you complete your Basic Intelligence and Security Courses, your performance will be monitored by senior members of the NZIC. You can expect to be periodically evaluated to ensure you continue to develop and display the character and qualities required of an Intelligence Operator.
COMBAT INTELLIGENCE After completion of Corps training, there will be numerous opportunities to further develop your ability as an Intelligence Operator. This includes unit based training, military exercises and postings to various roles. The exercises you will participate in will take place both in New Zealand and overseas.
As you progress through your career there is the opportunity to complete more advanced intelligence and security courses which provide soldiers with NZQA qualifications recognised throughout New Zealand:
- New Zealand Certificate in Intelligence [Collation Strand] (Level 5)
- New Zealand Diploma in Intelligence Analysis (Level 6)
There are several specialist skills within the NZIC which you will have the opportunity to pursue. These include:
- Human Intelligence
- Geospatial Intelligence
- Imagery Intelligence
- Open-Source Intelligence
- Protective Security
Intelligence Operators often spend several years in Combat Intelligence, building knowledge and understanding within the organisation, before specialising. The analytical skills learned in Combat Intelligence will give you an excellent foundation as you move into the more specialised roles.
Salary and benefits Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.
$50,597 Under Initial Training
$64,177 Starting Trade Training
$122,331 Potential Future Earnings
Figures updated on July 1st 2023
Benefits and allowances 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.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:
Access to your Service marae or turangawaewae 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 Free and subsidised insurance cover Help to buy a home and save for retirement Entry requirements Basics Education Fitness and Medical Citizenship Period of Service You must be 18 years old upon completion of recruit course.You must have been a NZ Citizen for a minimum of 10 years.Meet the citizenship & security requirements to gain TSV security clearance for this trade.You must pass a full Psychological Assessment.Complete a 10 year background history check that can be checked with the New Zealand authorities to obtain high level security clearance.Driver's Licence: A Class 1 restricted driver's licence is recommended, but is not compulsory. You must have achieved NCEA Level 2.
Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements
You must be medically fit for service.Colour perception restrictions may apply. There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required TSV security clearance for this trade, including having been a New Zealand citizen for at least 10 years. 
Find out if you're eligiblehere.
There may be a return of service period for this trade.
Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.
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