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Originally Posted by ISLANDFOX Hi, there's a few theoretical situations me and some friends have been thinking about, and we want to get all the facts straight;
First off, if one were to enroll as a basic soldier (Rifleman) in the NZ Army, and served, what is the age where one is forced to retire? Obviously older people are not going to be able to perform in these roles. What happens to support these people? Do you get a desk job for the Army or what? What happens to a retired soldier?
Secondly, international transfers- (please correct me if any of my facts or numbers are wrong), I believe that after 3 years serving in the NZ Army, one can be transferred to the British Army? How exactly does this work, in regard to keeping rank etc. And then, if one were to consider applying for something like, say, the SAS, one has to have served in the British Army for 3 years at least- could the time served in the NZ Army count for this instead? Or would one have to serve 3 years in NZ, and then another 3 in Britain to be able to apply?
The info on this sort of thing is pretty sparce on the New Zealand Army site, as our Army's a stinking hole with less people in it than my suburb. I'd appreciate any informed replies greatly.
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The standard contract has changed over the years from twenty years to installments of six or so. A rifleman is not 'forced' to retire as such, from the twenty year mark the NZDF may offer you an extension. These are usually offered in three year instalments for anywhere up to fifteen years.
As a Rifleman moves up the ranks he will inevitably design and conduct more training. That will take them away from the 'sharp end' more and more, however the experience they have gained makes them better qualified than any other trade to conduct training. The NZ Army relies on the Rifleman trade to produce its trainers. All the top jobs at The Army Schools in Waiouru are reserved for Riflemen.
Having said that there are plenty of thirty-forty year old Riflemen still in the Battalions who can outpace their much younger comrades.
As for what A Rifleman does when he retires? Pretty much anything he cares to. Although there is a lot of work on the circuit these days.
There is no 'transfer' procedure for foreign armies. You get out of the NZ Army and enlist in theirs. What your conditions of service are depends on what your trade, rank and qualifications were in the army you left, not to mention what if any position the new army has for you.
As for the 'our Army is a stinking hole' crack, you have no right to comment unless you have served. Turn up at the Recruit Depot with that chip on your shoulder and you will find it knocked off very quickly in a most unenjoyable manner.