Source: New Zealand Defence Force
19 June 2020
The opportunity for job variety and making a difference in people’s lives have propelled Pilot Officer Savannah Music into a career as a supply officer in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF).
Pilot Officer Music, 25, from Christchurch, has just graduated from the 26-week long RNZAF Officer Commissioning Course at Base Woodbourne.
She had already completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Operations and Supply Chain management, at the University of Canterbury.
“The logistics positions in the Air Force covered everything I could have wanted in terms of learning opportunities, job variability and travel,” Pilot Officer Music says.
“The more I read, the more I found out about what the Air Force contributes to international and domestic protection, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, disaster relief missions and peacekeeping efforts.”
She also remembered the work the New Zealand Defence Force contributed after the Christchurch earthquakes.
“My decision to join the Air Force started to look beyond the job description to how I could be one of the people to make a difference in the community.”
Not having any military connections, she said she didn’t know what to expect of training, which was quite daunting.
“I quickly learnt that the Air Force is built on a strong foundation of people that drive you to be your best.
“I expected to be pushed to my limits, however I didn’t expect the level of support and feedback I received to enable my growth, so that I could contribute to and drive a high-performing team,” Pilot Officer Music said.
The course created great memories and field exercises were a highlight as she was able to put her new knowledge into action.
“It is one of the most enjoyable parts because you can see everyone utilising their new skills and working hard for the team in highly pressured situations.”
Pilot Officer Music was excited to be posted to RNZAF Base Ohakea to join No. 3 Squadron’s Supply Chain Support Unit.
“I expect that there will a lot of changes in the Air Force logistics trade moving forward with the acquisition of the new cargo aircraft, the C-130J-30 Super Hercules.
“The phasing in of these aircraft will be an exciting time for the trade that I hope to get involved in,” she said.
Pilot Officer Music said there were so many opportunities within the Air Force that catered to a wide range of skills and experience levels.
“A career in the Air Force means working on advanced aviation technology, meeting a variety of people, and having some amazing experiences.”
