Crewman

There is no other trade like that of a Crewman. You will be trained to operate and fight from an armoured vehicle and trained in the skills of mounted reconnaissance. This involves working under pressure in a confined space, by day or night, in all weather conditions over varying terrain, anywhere in the world.

Currently this role is only open to those resident within the Waikato area as the Waikato Mounted Rifles Squadron is the only Reserve unit within the Royal New Zealand Armoured Corps.

Waikato Mounted Rifles Squadron

Post Initial Training

At the completion of your Initial Training modules you will have the opportunity to attend the Squadron's Crewmen's Course, which is a two week course designed to give new crewmen the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a crewman in the Waikato Mounted Rifles.

Promotion

Once you have gained a suitable level of experience and demonstrated leadership potential, you will have the opportunity to progress through the Non Commissioned Officer Ranks. The first course you will do is a Junior Non Commissioned Officers course (JNCOs) which will foster and develop your leadership and instructional abilities in order to give you the skills to lead and train a small team of soldiers.

Crew Commanders Course

Once you have attained the rank of Lance-Corporal and gained suitable experience within the RNZAC and the Waikato Mounted Rifles Squadron, you will be eligible to attend a two week Crew Commanders course. This course will give you the skills to assume the role of a vehicle commander in the Waikato Mounted Rifles Squadron.

Further Promotion

Army Reserve members of the Waikato Mounted Rifles have the opportunity to rise to the rank of Warrant Officer, with promotion beyond Corporal being dependent upon the attendance of further Trade and Promotion Courses. These include the Senior Non Commissioned Officers Course and Warrant Officers courses.

Overseas

Although the unit does not currently deploy in its primary role of Mounted Reconnaissance members of the Squadron have deployed overseas to the Solomon Islands where they have assumed Infantry, Signals and Driver roles.