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Combat Systems Specialist

Is that sonar contact the submarine you’ve been looking for or just a whale passing by? Combat System Specialists in the Navy seek, intercept and interpret information from other ships, aircraft and submarines in the ship’s area of operations and provide it to Command.

As a Combat Systems Specialist you will use state of the art sensors and satellite based systems to gather information which will allow Command to act – whether to intercept pirates or drug smugglers, check fishing boats for quota compliance, conduct a search and rescue, hunt terrorist s and weapons smugglers or let the whale pass by.

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Pre-joining Requirements
Your Lifestyle
Career Progression
Career Progression Chart

Combat System Specialists intercept and interpret data and information from surrounding sources using state of the art sensors that interlink RADAR, SONAR and satellite based systems. These systems share data with other friendly ships and aircraft that may be separated by hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. Combat Systems Specialists operate this hi-tech equipment to provide key information to the Ship’s Command Team that contribute to decisions regarding the best use of the ship in any navigational or tactical situation.

Combat System Specialists operate advanced combat systems right in the heart of the ship – the Operations Room. The role of the Combat System Specialist is to ‘hunt the enemy’ using SONAR and RADAR to detect, deter or destroy hostile threats. Combat System Specialists have the ability to detect enemy submarines using SONAR; detect ships and aircraft using RADAR, identification of submarine, ship and aircraft positions, allowing torpedoes and missiles to be aimed accurately.

Pre-joining Requirements

Be a minimum of 17 years of age
Have completed at least three years of secondary education
Be a NZ citizen or have permanent residency and have lived in NZ for five years
Be medically fit for service
Be of good character – assessed by study of testimonials and a police record check
Be free of any criminal convictions for the previous two years
No decreased colour perception

Download the Entry Requirements Guide to see what school subjects and credits are required.

Your Lifestyle
Combat System Specialists spend a significant part of your career at sea. Whilst at sea, you are required to work shifts in the Operations Room, where they complete specialist duties. In addition, those onboard HMNZ Ships are required to perform general tasks, anytime, anywhere to assist with the functioning of the ship. During “Action Stations” at sea, Combat System Specialists will participate in Damage Control exercises, and Man Overboard Drills, and may expect to participate in Boats Drills, 50 Calibre Machine Gun Crew, Boarding Party and Force Protection Operations, and Replenishment at Sea Operations. Additional tasks alongside include embarking stores, ammunition, fuel and food, and the completion of frequent overnight duties on a rotational basis. As the ship becomes ones ‘home away from home’, each sailor is also responsible for the cleanliness of both their work and living space.

Career Progression
Following Basic Common Training, Combat System Specialists complete a specialised course at the Maritime Warfare Training Centre at Devonport Naval Base, Auckland. This course teaches the basics of RADAR and SONAR theory, as well as developing keyboard skills. As a result of the specialist training received, Combat System Specialists also develop faster reaction times, improved retention and memory, excellent observational techniques and improved attention to detail. Combat System Specialists also undergo training in general seamanship tasks, such as slipping and berthing, boat operations, anchoring, underway replenishment, and upper deck maintenance and ship’s husbandry. Combat System Specialists also learn Weapons Operations, such as small arms firing and weapons security, and Maritime Military Operations, including the searching of boarded vessels and the use of force in operations.

Training occurs at various levels throughout the Combat System Specialists career. As you gain more experience you will have the chance to specialise in either above water or underwater detection.

Career Progression Chart