General Requirements

You need different skills for different roles in the Army Reserve, but there are four main things the Army checks when you are applying. To be successful an applicant must be:

1. Medically and Physically Fit 

All applicants undergo a full medical to ensure they are fit to handle the various physical and mental stresses they could encounter while serving. This includes working in extremes of climate and temperatures. See Fitness Requirements for more details.

2. New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident

Applicants must be New Zealand Citizens or have New Zealand Permanent Residency; AND (1) have lived in New Zealand for at least five 5 years, or (2) have held Citizenship of either Australia, Canada, United States of America, or the United Kingdom for at least ten 10 years.  

3. Free from Criminal Convictions

All applicants undergo a police records check, and any convictions are assessed on the severity of the offence. You may be advised to sort out pending matters, asked to serve a period of stand-down or you may be rejected.

4. 17 or older on the date of Enlistment

There is no upper age limit providing that entrants are able to pass the Entry Level Fitness Test. See Fitness Requirements for more details.