As well as contributing to your knowledge and skill levels, completion of these activities is a requirement for promotion to the next rank. In return you will be paid for the duties which are undertaken and receive an annual gratuity payment.

Naval Reserve units train to carry out two main tasks, Sea Service and Maritime Trade Operations (MTO), and are supported by the Technical branch. Personnel involved in the Sea Service role train at sea and belong to what is known as the Sea Service branches. Service in the MTO branch is usually shore based.

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 Fitness Training Programme 

Sea Service
The purpose of the Navy has always been to supply maritime defence for New Zealand’s interest. This relies on the men and women of sea service forming the crews that sail everything from an Inshore Patrol Vessel to a Frigate. After an initial two-week basic training course at the Naval Base, your training will progress you to the Able Seaman rank. Promotion after that stage is dependent on passing further training courses, and your aptitude and attitude. Personnel are identified at the various promotion stages for consideration for commissioning as Seaman Officers.

Maritime Trade Organisation (MTO)
Although this is a shore-based branch, like the other branches your introduction to the Naval service will be your attendance at an initial two-week basic training course at the Naval Base. After that, the Maritime Trade Organisation branch of the Naval Reserve will train you during weeknight parades and exercise periods in this branch of the Navy that is responsible for liaison between the Navy and the Merchant Shipping Industry.
Promotion prospects within the branch are excellent, in fact two of the current Naval Reserve Commanders are MTO specialists.

Technical
The Naval Reserve recruits engineers from the mechanical and electrical/electronic specialisations. We do not teach engineers from scratch, as we do Seamen and MTO sailors. In our training of Naval Reserve Engineers we concentrate on familiarising them with equipment and its marine applications. In common with the other branches, your introduction to Naval service will be your attendance at an initial two-week basic training course at the Naval Base. Maintenance and operation of the Inshore Patrol Vessel will present many challenges both alongside base and at sea.

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Intakes are managed annually and close out dates vary from year to year.