The Air Force is one of the oldest and most respected air forces in the world. The Australian Flying Corps was established at Point Cook in Victoria in 1912. From these origins the Air Force was formed on the 31st of March 1921 and the prefix ‘Royal' was added on the 31st of August 1921.

Today's Air Force celebrates its birthday on the 31st of March.

Air Force Values

The Air Force stands for:

• Delivery of effective, precision air and space power.
• Defence of Australia's people, security and interests.

The Air Force aims to:

• Be a professional, highly motivated and dedicated team.
• Develop and support its people.
• Be a safe and equitable place to work.

The Air Force expects that its people will:

• Display honest commitment to the Air Force Values.
• Strive for excellence as both leaders and followers.
• Be fair to and respect the rights of others.
• Encourage diversity in all its forces.
• Balance work and personal commitments, including family and relationships, for themselves and those they work with.
• Work together as a team.
• Communicate in an open and honest manner.
• Be capability focussed and operationally ready.
• Be professional and innovative.
• Be recognised for their loyalty, integrity and determination.
• Serve with pride and dedication.

Medals

When you join the Air Force you have the opportunity to earn a wide range of medals that reflect outstanding individual efforts, or involvement in significant missions. For example, members who served for over 30 days in East Timor, when Australia led the movement to remove the occupying Indonesian power from the territory, received an International Force East Timor (INTERFET) Medal. It features the dove of peace with an olive branch on one side with the words TOGETHER AS ONE FOR PEACE IN EAST TIMOR.

Medals that reflect outstanding individual efforts include Australian Gallantry, Distinguished Service and Conspicuous Service Decorations. And of course there is Australia's most prestigious Gallantry Decoration, The Victoria Cross for Australia.

Saluting

There is a long history to the practice of saluting, and this practice still exists today as a display of loyalty and respect between members of the Air Force.