Command and Recruit Training Squadron (CRTS) of the

Royal New Zealand Air Force The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) ( mi, Te Tauaarangi o Aotearoa, "The Warriors of the Sky of New Zealand"; previously ', "War Party of the Blue") is the aerial service branch of the New Zealand Defence Force. It was formed from New Zeala ...

is the principal training facility for RNZAF recruits. Located at RNZAF Base Woodbourne, it takes recruits through a thirteen-week training program designed to produce airmen and airwomen for the RNZAF.

Classifications

Recruits who below the age of 18 are classified as Air Force Cadet - Youth (AF CDT(Y)). Those who are 18 and older are classified as Air Force Cadet - Adult (AF CDT (A)). Upon graduation from CRTS, the (A)'s are reclassified as Aircraftsman (AC)'s. (Y)'s cannot be reclassified as AC until they turn to the age of 18. Regardless of classification, all CRTS recruits wear the blank shoulder board of an Aircraftsman on their epaulettes.

Instructors

Instructors at CRTS are generally

RNZAF Force Protection RNZAF Security Forces is the Royal New Zealand Air Force unit responsible for base security, ground defence, weapons training, and Air Transport Security on RNZAF aircraft. RNZAF Security Forces operates under the RNZAF Operations Squadron. RNZ ...

Corporals and Sergeants who are responsible for each training a flight of recruits. Their job classification at CRTS is Recruit Instructors. Sergeant and Flight Sergeant supervise the corporals. Apart from the Commanding Officer and the Adjutant, there are a few officers who help out in class instruction. The CRTS Warrant Officer is the chief disciplinarian.

Training

Recruits are given instruction in military history, customs and courtesies, drill, rifle shooting and maintenance, life saving, military administrative procedures, orienteering and map reading, NBC warfare, military rank structures, insignia recognition, interior economy, and ten days in the field at

RNZAF Dip Flat RNZAF Dip Flat is the field training facility and mountain flying training area of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Located at the base of the Saint Arnaud Range at the eastern boundary of Nelson Lakes National Park in the South Island of New ...

in which the CRTS training is put to the test. {{Vocational education in New Zealand Units and formations of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Military education and training in New Zealand