Why join OPFOR
Our contracts are always different and challenging. The more you take part, the more valuable you are to the team.
Varied and interesting
Full training and equipment are provided for every role-play scenario. This is like nothing you've done before.
No office
Your office could be the bush one day and a house the next.
Paid to learn
Selection is unpaid. After that you're paid for training, and your rate goes up with every course and contract you complete.
Paid travel
If a contract needs you somewhere, getting you there is covered.
Room to move up
Different courses let you upskill. The more valuable you become to OPFOR, the more you're paid.
Skills for life
Learn new, useful skills, and hear some pretty interesting history behind them.
What will I be doing?
Work is tailored to each client. One day you might be a soldier patrolling a building; the next, a civilian in an emergency, or a member of a partner nation's force training alongside the client.
Contracts can last a morning, a day or a week or more. Most run two to five days, mostly on weekdays, with some weekends. Most of the time you stay in accommodation, though now and then you may sleep outside.
From application to your first contract
It is not run like a military selection, but it is physically challenging.
- Apply Fill in the application form below. It takes a few minutes.
- We call you If we'd like you to attend a selection, we'll call and email you. It's a good chance to ask questions.
- Selection Introduction A one-day event in Auckland on Saturday 28 November. The venue is confirmed closer to the time, and you get yourself there and back.
- Paid training Run in small modules so people in full-time work can attend, both theoretical and practical.
- Contracts Work with clients across military, law enforcement and security training.
What we look for
Motivated
Roles vary and some contracts will test you. Show us you're motivated to continue.
In control
Role players stay in character and in control at all times.
Dedicated
Some work runs over several days in challenging conditions, staying in role the whole time.
A team player
You'll work in small teams for long periods, sometimes under stress.
Who can apply?
Almost anyone. Some of OPFOR's most valuable role players are women. You must:
- be 18 or older, for safety and compliance
- be able to work legally in New Zealand
- have a minimum level of fitness
- be available to attend a selection event
- disclose any medical conditions, which may rule you out of some contracts with limited medical support
- pass background checks and references
Role players never have access to real firearms: replica and simulation systems only.
Apply now
It takes a few minutes. If we'd like you to attend a selection, we'll call and email you.
- No experience needed
- Full training and equipment provided
- Paid training after selection
- Travel to contracts covered
- Pay above minimum wage
Questions first? Call +64 4 974 8950.
Form not showing? Open the application form.
Questions
Is this a job?
No. OPFOR is not a job. We train you to help us provide realistic training scenarios to military, law enforcement and security professionals, and you're paid for the training and contracts you take part in. The more training and experience you get, the more valuable you are to the team.
How much do I get paid?
Pay is above minimum wage. Selection is unpaid; after that we pay for your time while you're learning, and your rate rises with the training courses and contracts you complete.
What are the hours?
At first there are no regular hours. As you complete more training you can play more roles. We give as much notice as possible so you can organise your usual schedule around a contract.
Do I need any experience?
No. Some familiarity with military, law enforcement or security work helps, but it isn't required.
When and where is the next selection?
A Selection Introduction in Auckland on Saturday 28 November. It's a day event; the venue is confirmed closer to the time, and you'll need to provide your own travel to and from it.
Why run a selection?
To make sure our people are capable of the physical activity, and to show you what a contract could be like. We invest time and money in your training, so we want you to know the level expected.
Will this help me become a soldier?
Not really. Becoming a soldier takes many months of training. You'll gain an appreciation of what soldiers go through, but not at that level.
Can women apply?
Absolutely. Some of our most valuable role players are women.
Ready for something different?
No prior experience needed. Full training and equipment provided.