Command and Recruit Training Squadron (CRTS) of the Royal New Zealand Air Force

Royal New Zealand Air Force

The Royal New Zealand Air Force is the air arm of the New Zealand Defence Force...

 is the principal training facility for RNZAF recruits. Located at RNZAF Base Woodbourne

RNZAF Base Woodbourne

RNZAF Base Woodbourne is a base of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, located 8 km west of Blenheim.Woodbourne was established in 1939 as the base for No. 2 Service Flying Training School . Also located nearby during WWII were the ground training camps of the Delta. In 1942-43, Nos 16 and 18...

, 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 generally are Corporals and are responsible for each training flight of recruits. Their job classification at CRTS is GSI (General Service Instructor). Sergeant and Flight Sergeant GSIs 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

RNZAF Dip Flat is the field training facility 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 Zealand, Dip Flat serves to train recruits from CRTS in "out-in-the-field" practical...

in which the CRTS training is put to the test.