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*UPDATE* See the end of this article for the response I received from the RNZN detailing what you really need to join their Navy, as well as some information they sent me.
Are you bored with all the crap that comes with being in the US Navy? Are you fed up with getting shit on because manning is at a level where the brass doesn’t feel they need to give you incentives to stay in anymore? If you find yourself in this spot, why join the Royal New Zealand Navy. If you’re not down with the Kiwis, then why not join the Royal Australian Navy? Both services have decided to start accepting applicants from current or recent active duty Sailors from the US, UK, and Canada to fill their manning shortfalls. The RAN is a little harder to get into as they require a degree, even if you’re trying to go enlisted, but it might almost be worth it to live in what is known as one of the greatest port calls in the entire US Navy. Both are only taking “specialized” rates, but looking at their requirements, pretty much anyone other than Deck, CS, SK, can probably find a job. Another thing to note is that while the Aussie age requirements are similar to the US’, the age cut off for the RNZN is 53! Fifty-frickin’-three. That means I can do 20 in the USN, get out and join the Kiwis, gain citizen ship and run crappy networks for a another Navy while still getting my Navy pension. Can this deal possibly get any sweeter.

Here’s some other reasons why switching to the RAN or RNZN is an awesome idea:

• You’d get the obligatory cool nickname of “The Yank.”
• The RNZN only has one base…in frickin’ Auckland!!!
• No matter how long you serve with either Navy, your American accent (Note: misguided foreigners like to say we have an accent, hah!) will always be money with the ladies. Seriously, you could be from the south and talk like you have a load of shit in your mouth and they just melt for it. When I was in Australia, I was asking an operator on the pay phone for directions and she actually tried picking me up.
• Dual citizenship! I don’t know about anyone else, but I never ever ever want to live in the US again. This would be such a great escape!
• NZ and Aussie girls are hot. ‘Nuff said.
• You will most likely stay at the same rank you left your Navy as.
• The RNZN’s Combat Information Center (CIC) has carpeted decks and bulkheads. This may seem lame, but in this cold, lifeless, and unforgiving deathtrap we call a ship, carpet would add just a tiny touch of comfort. It’s better than a bulkhead covered with hanging wires, shit pipes, and jagged metal edges just waiting to snag you.
• After being in this Navy for over 7 years, and on this bitch of a ship for over 2, nothing could possibly be worse.

So while I’m not entirely serious about switching Navies, I have sent in my information and career history and am waiting for the RNZN’s reply. I’ll update you with intel as I get it. Here’s some links for more information.

RAN Defence Jobs: Overseas Recruiting
Royal New Zealand Navy: Join From Overseas

Anyone know of any other foreign Navies hiring Yankee Squids?

Updated on 15 JAN 08. Here’s the official response I received after requesting information about the RNZN recruiting process.


From: REMOVED@NZDF.mil.nz
Sent: Thursday, January 03, 2008 5:34 AM
To: Jim
Subject: Unclassified - Enquiry into enlistment into the RNZN - James …

Hi there James

Thank you for your recent enquiry regarding joining the Royal New Zealand Navy. I apologise for the delay in responding to your enquiry but we have been away on our xmas break and have just returned to work.

The RNZN is increasing its recruiting pool to include applicants of foreign nationality in order to meet personnel resource needs. There is a current requirement to fill vacancies with skilled personnel with comparable qualifications and experience that cannot be satisfied by internal career progression within the RNZN. The selection of ratings and officers from overseas for service in New Zealand’s Navy is demanding and competitive – and so it must be to ensure that the right individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people of New Zealand. Please be aware that you will be expected to serve at sea within 6 months of enlistment.

The RNZN Overseas Recruitment process is as follows:

1. You will need to provide a CV, a covering letter and a tentative availability date for us to conduct an initial assessment of your suitability.

2. We will ask you to complete our full application form, a medical questionnaire and a privacy form and send us a range of supporting documentation, which will be assessed in detail.

3. If there is definite potential for employment you will be invited to attend a formal selection interview in London.

4. If successful you will be given an Offer Of Service. The Offer will include the specific details of your employment and Conditions of Service and is subject on you:

a. Passing a physical medical examination,
b. Gaining the necessary security clearances,
C. Gaining the right to live and work in NZ.

Once you have met all the required criteria you will be able to be enlisted into the RNZN.

The whole recruiting process is dependant on you having been a Citizen of either the UK, USA, Australia, Canada or NZ for a minimum period of 10 years, on you being legally entitled to live and work in New Zealand and on you gaining the required medical and security clearances.

We strongly recommend you apply for and gain Permanent NZ Residency via the Skilled Migrant category. If you are not eligible then, dependant on your circumstances, you may apply for a “work to residence” permit or a general work permit. We cannot influence the NZ Immigration procedure in any way; however, if successful through our recruiting process, we will produce an Offer of Service (Offer of Employment), which will facilitate your application. Therefore, please do not contact the NZ Immigration Service until you are successful through our recruitment process. However, we do advise that you visit their website (www.immigration.govt.nz) for research and planning purposes.

To commence the recruitment process can you please send us an e-copy of your full military CV (include as much information on your military career, skills, experiences, rank, postings, jobs and qualifications as possible), an e-copy of a covering letter (include information on why you wish to join the RNZN, what trade and rank you wish to be employed in) and please provide us with an indication as to when you would tentatively be in a position to move to NZ and your family status. Our email address is navyrecruitinglateral@nzdf.mil.nz . If you are unable to send e-copies please send hard copies to:

RNZN Lateral Recruitment Cell
Lateral Recruiting Service
FPTO Building
Private Bag 32901
Devonport
Auckland
New Zealand

Please note that if you send hard copies it will delay the initial selection process.

We will conduct an initial assessment based on the information you provide. If there are any potential vacancies we will inform you accordingly and will commence the next stage of the recruitment process.

I wish to thank you for your interest in joining the RNZN and I invite you to contact me if you have any further queries or questions regarding your recruitment.

Regards

REMOVED

RNZN_Overseas_Candidates_Info_Pack12.doc
WELCOME_TO_AOTEAROA_NEW_ZEALAND.doc