Tapawera teenager Findley Barker says the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s increasingly modern fleet was a major drawcard when choosing his career path.
The newly-graduated avionics technician has spent years getting to know the RNZAF through five years with Air Cadets unit 23, Ghost Squadron, and has now officially joined the service. He was one of 55 recruits to recently graduate at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
The 18-year-old, who is also working towards his private pilot’s licence, joined because it offered the chance to make a difference and, as he puts it, “have a fulfilling career doing what I love”.
Now Aircraftman Barker says he is looking forward to learning new skills and taking up as many opportunities as life in the Air Force offers.
“The Air Force has so many new aircraft, and with more on the way it makes working here really appealing,” he says.
“So far there’s the new P-8A Poseidons and the C130J Hercules, but soon there will be naval MH60R Seahawks replacing the No. 6 Squadron SH2G(I) Seasprites, and the Boeing fleet will be taken over by Airbus aircraft.
“There's a lot to look forward to. I'm really excited to start,” says the former Tapawera Area School student.
After completing his trade training at Woodbourne, Findley hopes to be posted to No. 6 Squadron when the Seahawk helicopters arrive.
The past few months on the recruit course brought challenges, with two close friends who enlisted with him leaving before graduation.
“But I quickly figured out I could turn to the people around me when I needed to. Although we had only known each other for a few months, we had each other’s backs.
“I also missed my girlfriend at home, but I knew I would rather see her at my graduation after finishing the course than get homesick and leave early.”
The field phase, at Dip Flat Military Training Camp in the Wairau Valley, was a highlight.
“It was interesting being on vehicle checkpoint duties, searching vehicles and going on patrols. I also really enjoyed the weapons training and learning how to use the MARSL rifle.
“The basic course tests everyone, but you will look back and it will be some of the best memories you have. Joining the New Zealand Defence Force means you have an enormous amount of fun alongside having an interesting and fulfilling career.”
