Hi Ken.
Im another whos on placement now after the course at NZSS. Ive found the level of training and experience I gained at NZSS to be invaluable. And i think if the people who say it is the same level of education you would learn at any dropzone were too see for themselves, they would be eating their words. At NZSS we learnt alot more than what you would pick up just by being around a dropzone, this is what gives us a head start in the industry.
I am on placement now in Australia as a ground crew officer.