New Zealand Cadet Forces

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Officer Courses

It’s not just our cadets that receive training, as an Officer you will need to lead by example which can only be achieved by having fully trained, qualified, capable officer staff so that you can set the example. The good news is we provide all the training and qualifications so that you can feel confident, capable and knowledgeable when leading the cadets! Plus, you’ll receive the benefit of gaining extra qualifications, which you can then use in other career areas.

All officers have a number of national courses and online training modules to work through to assist in their progression and development, these include both leadership (promotion) courses and specific skill training courses. This development pathway ensures that you’re learning in a structured way, and gaining new skills at the right time to put them into practice.

As you become more experienced as an officer, you’ll begin to take on extra responsibilities and have further opportunities to attend local and national courses or activities to develop your skills, and train the cadets in a different environment away from your unit.

Our Courses

Officer Commissioning Course

This is the first promotion course that an Officer Cadet must successfully complete in order to be considered for a commission into the New Zealand Cadet Forces. In order to attend the course the Candidate must have completed the interview process, have obtained a security clearance and completed the pre-course online Training Syllabus.

Over the 8-day course students are taught and assessed in subjects such as Risk Management, Verbal Orders, Drill, Youth Law, Interviewing, NZCF Officer Roles, Personal Qualities, Leadership, Administration and a variety of other subjects. They also earn a National Certificate in Recreation and Sport – Level 3.

Instructional Technique and Training Management Course

This course provides NZCF Officers with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and tertiary qualifications, which will enable them to conduct instruction and assist with training and administration duties within an NZCF Unit. Over the 8-day course students are taught and assessed on Lesson Preparation, Lesson Delivery, Candidate Assessment, Designing Learning Sessions and Managing Unit Training. They also earn a National Certificate in Adult Education and Training – Level 4.

Officer Fieldcraft Course

This course provides NZCF Officers with the knowledge and skills to enable them to Plan, Lead and Manage Cadets on day tramps and/or overnight camps on clearly formed tracks in and below the bush line.

Over the 8-day course students are taught and assessed on Planning Outdoor Activities for Groups, Interpreting Weather Conditions, Risk Management in the Outdoors and Leading Groups in the Outdoors. At the successful completion of the course they earn a National Certificate in Outdoor Recreation (Leadership) – Level 3.

Marine Safety Officers Course

The aim of the course is to provide NZCF Officers with the necessary skills and knowledge required to Plan and Conduct Practical Maritime activities.

The 9-day course provides officers with theory and practical instruction in Outboard Motor Maintenance, First Aid, Leadership, Planning and Conducting Training, Power Boat and Sailing practical experience.

Prior to attending this course, officers must have qualified on the NZ Coastguard Day Skippers Course and hold the Certificate and either completed a minimum of 6 hours sailing time and certified as competent by the Unit Commander in all crew positions in a Crown or have qualified on the Yachting NZ Instructors Course.

NZCF Shooting Coaches Course

The Shooting Coaches Course is open to both NZCF Officers and Senior NCOs. The course teaches the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to coach firers on the .22 Marlin rifle, so that they can employ best marksmanship principles. Students will qualify as a safety supervisor and are able to apply the knowledge gained to coach cadets to improve their marksmanship.

NZCF Range Conducting Officer Course

This course provides NZCF Officers with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and qualifications, which will enable them to Plan and Conduct a Cadet Unit Range Shoot. Over the 2-day course students are taught and assessed on Rifle Handling Drills, Range Safety Procedures, Range Standing Orders and their ability to coach a firer on a Range. At the successful completion of the course they earn a NZCF Range Conducting Officer’s Certificate.

Command Course

This course provides NZCF Officers with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and tertiary qualifications, which will enable them to command, lead and manage an NZCF Unit.

Over the 8-day course students are taught and assessed on Strategic Planning, Performance Appraisals, Personnel Development and a variety of other subjects. They also earn a National Certificate in Business (First Line Management) – Level 4.

Throughout your time in the NZCF, officers will get the opportunity to be instructors at Cadet Local and Regional Courses and Competitions as well as have the opportunity to apply for International Exchanges as an escort officer.

If you like what you see and what to know how you can be involved in working with youth, join us an an Officer of Adult Supervisor