Uncertain economic times lead to more people staying in their jobs within the army and air force and more people wanting to join.
Despite a drop in recruitment numbers, recruitment officers were at a careers expo in Dunedin yesterday, informing secondary school pupils and job hunters about opportunities.
Retention and recruitment worked together, but the armed forces were always looking for quality candidates, New Zealand Defence Force spokesman Bas Bolyn said.
The NZ Army would normally recruit about 400 people between now and September.
However, that was now down to about 130, Otago and Southland Recruitment Officer Staff Sergeant Richard Hall said.
Recruiters were able to be more particular about who they were taking on.
Air Force recruiter Sergeant Mike Ivamy said a similar situation allowed the air force "the opportunity to be more selective in our recruiting" and only take on "the best of the best".
An average of about 300 people were recruited a year.
However, as the air force only recruited its attrition rate, the "evolving" economic situation meant far fewer would be able to join this year.
Good academic skills in maths, English and physics were important in the air force and if people were "good enough, they would still get in", Sgt Ivamy said.
On the other hand, the Royal New Zealand Navy was experiencing something a bit different.
Petty Officer Brian Miller said the navy was not "tightening up" on recruitment.
About 300 recruits were taken in in six intakes throughout the year and with a new ship on the way, more technology and platforms at sea would be available.
"The opportunity is there."
