A passion for helping people and a knack for operating in high-pressure, emergency response situations have led Cambridge volunteer firefighter Regan Phillips to take on a role with the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

As an area Aircraftman, Phillips provides security for military air bases at home and on operations.

The 23-year-old former Hamilton Boys’ High School student joined the Air Force to pursue a career in the Security Force trade after his sister made the move last year.

“I have wanted to be a part of the military for a long time. I’ve always wanted to help people and be someone who makes a difference,” Phillips said.

“I knew by joining the RNZAF I would be able to do that on a broader scale than what I was currently doing at home,” he said.

During recruit training, Phillips said he enjoyed being pushed mentally and physically beyond his own expectations.

“To see what I can actually achieve has been a highlight for me and makes me realise that I can achieve so much more when push comes to shove,” he said.

Part of one of the largest recruit courses in recent years, Phillips graduated with nearly 90 fellow recruits after completing the 12-week course.

Sixteen of the graduates are Security Force operators, who will begin their training this month.

A Security Force operator provides security and defence of airfields on operations and prepares the wider Air Force for combat, including weapons training.

Security Force Trade Sponsor, Squadron Leader Deane Wilson said the Security Force trade was in high demand and required personnel to be highly adaptable and ready to deploy.

“Our operational tasks often occur at short notice, which means our people must have the ability to transition quickly from day-to-day duties in New Zealand to then be on an aircraft ready to carry out overseas taskings.”

The recruit course at the Command and Recruit Training Squadron is based at the RNZAF Base Woodbourne.

The course covers basic military skills, including drill, weapons training, field survival skills, first aid and physical fitness.

Flight Commander Operational Development of recruit training, Squadron Leader David Lee said recruits are trained to develop the discipline and mindset required to operate in military environments.

“Recruits leave with increased levels of personal discipline and pride, along with being more physically fit and mentally resilient,” he said.