Media Release
4 December 2009

New Air Force Officers Graduate

After 22 weeks of intensive training, the Royal New Zealand Air Force celebrated the graduation of 13 Officers from the Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC).

The Reviewing Officer for yesterday’s parade was Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Commodore Gavin Howse.

IOTC aims to develop leadership and military skills and introduce aspiring officers to the RNZAF.

The new graduates can now look forward to being posted as pilots, air crew or into logistics and operational support positions.

Background Notes:

The Initial Officer Training Course (IOTC) is a 22 week course, which is conducted as two distinct modules of eight and 14 weeks duration. Direct entrants complete both modules, while those being commissioned from the ranks complete the second IOTC module only.

The IOTC is designed to:

¨ Induct personnel into military life.

¨ Train to the required skill and knowledge levels expected of junior officers.

¨ Assess the retained knowledge, skills and attitudes required of all RNZAF Officers.

Induction to military life includes training in such areas as RNZAF history, customs, organisation and administration, foot and sword drill, weapons training, service law, defence tactics and field camps. A strong emphasis is also placed on defence and strategic studies.

Throughout the IOTC students are assessed for their knowledge, skills and attitudes. Knowledge is generally assessed in the form of written assignments, essays, tests and tutorials. Skills are generally assessed via practical means such as oral presentations, range shooting, first aid and outdoor leadership exercises. Attitudes are assessed as a series of defined core competencies that are continually monitored by all staff. The heaviest emphasis is placed upon leadership skills and core competencies as these attributes are an integral requirement for all RNZAF Officers.

ENDS

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