Army Reserve Life

Once you have completed your initial training modules and settled into your Army Reserve Unit, there are heaps of opportunities available to you within the Army Reserve. You could represent the Army in sport, attend the Queens Medal Shooting Competition, or advance your patrolling and fieldcraft skills in the Australian Bush.

Overseas Exercises

In addition to overseas service, there are regular overseas exercises which Army Reserve Soldiers have the opportunity to attend. One of these is an annual two week exchange held with the Australian Army Reserve, which rotates around each Reserve unit. This is called Tasman Reserve and gives you the opportunity to train with the Australian Army, whether it be in the Jungle of North Queensland or the Outback of Western Australia.

Marksmanship Competitions

There are also annual shooting competitions such as the Freyberg and Queens Medal. The Freyberg is contested by teams from the two Regular and six Reserve Infantry Battalions in order to find the top rifle section, rifleman and gun-team in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

The Queens Medal is an individual event in which the top 50 shooters in the New Zealand Army compete for the title of Top Shot, with the winner receiving the coveted Queens Medal for Marksmanship.

If you are a competitive shooter, there is also the opportunity to be part of the Army Combat Shooting Team, which competes in competitions in Australia and Bisley, England, against the best teams from around the world.

Development Courses

As your career progresses you will also have the opportunity to attend more advanced skills courses in things like first aid and navigation, or specialist courses relating to your chosen trade. For an Infantry soldier this might be a Platoon Signals or Direct Fire Support Weapons Course, while an Engineer could qualify in small boat handling or explosive demolitions.

Army Sport

As a member of the Army Reserve you are also eligible to represent the Army in Sports; there are plenty to choose from, including rugby, touch, basketball, softball, cycling, hockey and more.

Social Events

There is also an important social aspect to being a soldier in the Army Reserve; with the opportunity to mix socially with your mates at various events throughout the year, these may include your unit's anniversary date, ANZAC day or special unit dinners or functions.