Christchurch pilot doubles his rank slides as he takes on Reserve Force officer role

Captain Dillon (for Air New Zealand) is now Second Lieutenant Dillon for the NZ Army after he completed the officer commissioning course – 51 days of mentally and physically intensive training at Officer Cadet School at Waiouru Military Camp. 

“The course has been an intense learning experience.  Much of the content mirrors what the Regular Force receives but is compressed into a significantly shorter timeframe,” he said.  

A trained medic, Second Lieutenant Dillon has previously worked for Hato Hone St John  and flown commercially in Papua New Guinea. Both jobs gave him an appreciation of how rapidly things can change in a variety of environments.

He is now employed by Air New Zealand and flies ATRs on regional domestic routes.

He joined the Reserve Force in 2021 and served as a medic for the Deployable Health Organisation.

In 2023, he was jointly named as Reservist of the Year for his significant contributions to the regeneration of the Reservist health capability.

That helped him get selected for the New Zealand Defence Force contingent at Gallipoli commemorations on Anzac Day last year.

The 38-year-old was then shoulder tapped to attend the Officer Selection Board, where he was selected for Officer Cadet School.

The course is designed to assess cadets while they are extremely fatigued.

“Our days typically began at five in the morning with physical training, followed by classes that often extended beyond nine in the evening,” Second Lieutenant Dillon said.

“Much of the night was spent studying for assessments, preparing presentations, and completing written assignments for evaluation, and included two field exercises where we commanded sections and platoons.

“Our section command instructor was an ex-commando and I feel extremely fortunate to have had such an experienced instructor.” 

Once they’ve left Officer Cadet School, officers will be expected to contribute and make informed decisions quickly and often under challenging and complex situations.  

“I think my experience as a pilot has had an influence, especially in my current position where there’s a lot of moving parts,” Second Lieutenant Dillon said. 

“I have no doubt this training will also transfer into my civilian employment with Air New Zealand, who have been very supportive employers.

“Without them allowing me to take leave (often at short notice) I wouldn’t have been able to achieve anything.” 

Second Lieutenant Dillon says he’s looking forward to becoming the medical troop commander. 

He will oversee more than 40 highly trained Reserve Force doctors, nurses and combat medics, many who have civilian medical careers or are studying while also training.

As Reserve Force members, they will prepare for peacekeeping deployments and humanitarian disaster relief nationally and in the Pacific. 

A community and family man at heart, Second Lieutenant Dillion credits his wife Tegan for successfully getting through the course.

“Parts of the course have been really challenging especially when dealing with fatigue.  Tegan has been incredibly supportive—my rock throughout this journey.

“She has single-handedly managed the kids and home life without a single complaint, allowing me to focus on the course.  It’s been great to share Graduation Day with her.”