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Students are continuing to pursue more than just a degree whilst they spend time at the University of Otago. With an upcoming recruitment visit by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) this week, Critic has spoken to a number of current and former students who have completed their studies whilst on board with the NZDF.

Ricky Daniel-Nield is an Otago student who is completing his Commerce and Applied Science degrees through the NZDF Graduate Programme. He says he has an allowance, which “is pretty much the same as the StudyLink allowance,” on top of having his fees paid for. In return, he has to commit to a return of service of three years. He thinks it is unfortunate that more students do not take up the opportunity “because they view the military as running up and down hills firing guns all day, but that is only a small part of it.”

Kate Mackintosh is training to be a Combat Medical Technician for the Territorial Force. She is currently studying a double degree in Law and Microbiology. She has higher demands, as she has to attend weekly training and exercises on weekends. She loves the challenge of learning new things during basic training, “it makes you feel confident in a lot of areas.” She joined for the “change to the usual student routine.”

Kirsty Calman completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Accounting, at Otago before working as a Supply Officer in the Logistics branch of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. She notes that there are drawbacks, such as being deployed overseas at short notice, but she says, “In hindsight, they were great career development opportunities.”

On deployments overseas in Australia, Samoa and Malaysia, she spends time “looking after people and equipment by sorting the movement of food, water, medical, accommodation, etc.” She believes one of the greatest benefits of joining the NZDF is the support given for participating in sports: “I was given time off work to travel and race in France on top of my annual leave, as well as a small grant to assist with finances.”

Captain George Davies is a former student and now a Legal Officer for the NZDF. Following completion of his Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Politics, he now provides legal advice to commanders and decision makers regarding NZDF activities. He also began his career with the NZDF in the Army Reserve, spending his summer holidays at the headquarters in Wellington.
He advises students that although the role will enable you to “develop both professionally and personally,” being a part of the NZDF “means to be immersed in an organisation to a far greater extent than those people who have an 8am–5pm vocation.” Relocating at short notice and the ability to settle anywhere can be difficult.

The information evening will be held in the OUSA Recreation Centre at 12pm on Wednesday 23 July 2014.