Eve of Change in R.N.Z.A.F.

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28481, 10 January 1958, Page 19

Eve of Change in R.N.Z.A.F.

The R.N.Z.A.F. is on th** eve of great changes in its organisation and primary functions. Early next year it will take delivery of its first squadron of up-to-date Canberra bombers, which will serve in Malaya. The second squadron—to be stationed in New Zealand—is expected to arrive some time in 1959.

“I hope that young men who have the ambition to be pilots, as well as those who are inter-

ested in new technical advances, will continue as before to look to the Royal Air Force for a fine and useful career.” These words, spoken by the United Kingdom Minister of Defence early this year, are applicable no less to the Royal New Zealand Air Force than to the R.A.F. The age of the bomber is by no means over. Bombers will long be required for interdiction and other tactical roles, well after

popular thought has dismissed them in favour of unmanned missiles.

And men of high quality will be required to fly them. They are assured of a worth-while and respected career. So, too. will it be in the transport field and in the maritime reconnaissance field. Even in fields which may in time become the sovereign territory of the missile, conventional aircraft must continue to fill a useful place for some years to come.

Moreover, manned aircraft will still be needed for transport and reconnaissance work. Whatever new weapons of air po.wer are evolved, the Air Force will still require men of initiative who have been trained to master the problems of the air in the air. Then, too, will be the need for specialists on the ground to service modern aircraft and the equipment associated with their operation. The electronics man in particular comes into his own The career prospects are no less bright for the engineer, the airframe specialist, or the / other technicians required at present to ensure the smooth running of an Air Force. The technical aspects, as well as the flying side, have become increasingly complex and

the modern air force attaches great importance to the calibre of its ground staff specialists and the training they receive. The same reliance is placed on their technical skill as on the ability of the pilots who fly the aircraft they service. The R.N.Z.A.F. looks to the youth of today for its specialist ground staff officers of the future.

There are two ways to enter this technical field. One is through the Royal New Zealand Air Force Boy Entrant School, which aims to prepare boys in their middle ’teens for specialist duties as well as to introduce them to the Service way of life. The other is by direct entry into the Service. There is every opportunity for suitable training and advancement in a variety of callings. Higher standards of educational background are being demanded. The right type of serviceman is given encouragement to apply and improve his knowledge and experience. To the boy who has a mind to serve his country, who seeks interesting and well paid work, travel, pleasant companionship, and a secure future—there is no finer career than service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force.