Name: AC Jenn Harmon
Job: Aircraft Mechanic - RNZAF
Location: Whenuapai Air Force Base, Auckland
Hometown: Timaru

How did you get to where you are now?
I joined the New Zealand Cadet Force when I was 12, as a lot of my family were involved. Cadets showed me what Air Force life was about and I have been working on getting in to ever since.

I maintained a high level of physical fitness and studied English, Maths and Physics while at secondary school.

I applied to join while I was in Year 13. I originally applied to be a pilot, and aircraft mechanic was my second choice. I failed one of the tests for pilot. I think having been in this job for a while now, I enjoy this job more than if I was a pilot.

What training have you completed so far?
Once I completed all the recruitment procedures, the first step was Recruits Course. This three month course introduces you to general service knowledge, bush craft, navigation, firearms, and military tactics.

This is followed by a three month basic engineering course. It is both theory and practical based. It covers basic tool skills.

From there I did my six month aircraft mechanics course. This introduced me to aircraft skin work, hydraulics, fuel systems, landing gear, and environmental. I also learnt about jet engines and day to day maintenance work.

At the end of the aircraft mechanics course I was posted to 6 Squadron to complete my 'on-job' training. 6 Squadron which looks after the Sea Sprite helicopters.

What comes next?
Once I have completed my time here, I will complete a four month Technicians Course. This will be based at Woodbourne in the South Island and that course covers component maintenance.

Tell us about some of the advantages you will have by completing your trade in the Air Force, versus doing it as a civilian?
One of the things I like is the deployment opportunities. I hope to be posted to Antarctica one day. I am really looking forward to working in some other parts of the world too.

I also get all this training while being paid. I do not need to get a student loan. I also like to think that I am helping New Zealand too.

The Air Force is like a big family. We work hard but play harder. You get free medical and dental cover and time off to play sport.

What are some of the highlights of your career so far?
My first was being accepted into the Air Force. I am the first member of my family to do so.

I was also recently posted to Christchurch after the February earthquake to help with cordons and security. Having grown up down there, I was glad to be able to go back and help in some way.

I have also been posted on the warship Canterbury when it went all around NZ. I was part of the crew that serviced the Sea Sprite that was on board. When we docked in Timaru I was able to bring my family onboard the ship and show them what I do.

What advice would you have to a young person thinking of joining the Air Force?
Study hard at school and keep your fitness up. Play team sports as it helps with the fitness but develops teamwork and social skills that are really important.

I also recommend the New Zealand Cadet Force. It really helped me prepare for a military career in the Air Force.

More Info:

Images sourced from RNZAF website