Rifleman

As a Rifleman, you are the backbone of the Army. You'll be physically strong with a high level of endurance and stamina. You'll work mainly in outdoor environments and receive advanced training in combat skills, weapons and equipment. You'll acquire navigation, field-craft and survival skills. You'll be a team player in an exceptionally close team.

Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment

Post Initial Training

Once you have completed your 58 days of Army Reserve Initial Training, including the 14 Day Module Four course which is designed to give you the skills to operate as a Rifleman within an Infantry Section or Platoon, you will return to your unit to gain experience and receive further training.

Due to the complex operating environment on which they may find themselves Riflemen train in a variety of different skills which complement their Infantry role. In addition to marksmanship and field craft, Riflemen must be proficient in Navigation, First Aid and Radio Communications to allow a Rifle Section of between 7 and 10 soldiers to operate as an effective, independent unit when required.

Riflemen also train in crowd and riot control techniques and for Security tasks to allow them to respond appropriately to the often challenging situations in which they find themselves when deployed on overseas missions.

Army Reserve Riflemen have the opportunity to attend a variety of different courses to add to their flexible skill base. These include weapons courses, more advanced first aid and navigation, and driving courses for the Pinzgauer Light Operational Vehicle, which is the vehicle of choice for current overseas missions in the Solomon Islands and East Timor.

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.

RNZIR Promotion Courses

Once you have completed your JNCOs Course and attained further experience as a Lance-Corporal within the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment you will be eligible to attend the RNZIR Rifle Section Commanders Course.

RNZIR Rifle Section Commanders Course

This course is designed to allow RNZIR JNCOs to progress to the Rank of Corporal and command a Section of 7 to 10 Riflemen. This course will teach you how to assess a situation, develop written and verbal orders and react to changing situations in a variety of different environments. During this course you will operate in the open country of the Waiouru Training Area, in the confines of the Bush and in a built-up Urban Area where you will be tested in skills required to command soldiers in real-world situations.

Further Promotion

Army Reserve members of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment have the opportunity to rise to the rank of Warrant Officer Class One, with promotion beyond Corporal being dependent upon the attendance of further Trade and Promotion Courses. These include the Senior Non Commissioned Officers Course and RNZIR Rifle Platoon Commanders Course.

Overseas

Riflemen are much sought after for overseas deployments. Due to their skills they can assume a variety of different roles on deployment, from Security Tasks to positions as Drivers, Platoon Signallers and Combat Lifesavers. Opportunities exist for Army Reserve Riflemen of junior rank to volunteer for deployment in places such as the Solomon Islands and East Timor, while those of more senior rank or possessing specialist skills have opportunities to serve in the Sinai and Afghanistan.