Entry

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

General Entry (Non-Technical Trainee) is the term used to describe the large number of non-technical jobs available to people entering the Air Force as airmen (non-officer entry) and for which training is provided. Each trade in the Air Force is referred to as a mustering; for example, the Air Surveillance Operator trade is a mustering.

General Entry (Non-Technical Trainee) airmen graduate from recruit training with the rank of aircraftman/aircraftwoman and generally progress to leading aircraftman/leading aircraftwoman after 12 months productive service following completion of initial employment training and successful completion of a trade test or workplace assessment. Further promotion to corporal, sergeant, flight sergeant and warrant officer is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies and the successful completion of promotion courses.

Corporals are referred to as Non-Commissioned Officers, or NCOs, while sergeants and flight sergeants are called Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs). Warrant Officer is the most senior airman rank. A corporal will normally have some responsibility for the supervision of junior staff and this progressively increases on promotion to sergeant and flight sergeant. A warrant officer normally has a substantial personnel management role.

The Air Force has a system whereby serving airmen may, in certain circumstances, be appointed as officers. The prerequisites vary depending on your mustering, the preferred officer specialisation, your rank, performance history and a number of other factors.

Contact Details

It is suggested that those interested in joining the Air Force as an Air Surveillance Operator, contact one of the Warrant Officers (WOFF) listed below, prior to making a decision. The member you contact should be able to organise an appropriate time for you to visit one of the 41Wing Units and convey a more detailed explanation of the requirements of an Air Surveillance Operator. These visits should be coordinated through your local recruiting centre.

NSW - WOFF HQ41WG (02) 40349156, Williamtown (Newcastle);

NSW - WOFF 3CRU (02) 40349302, Williamtown (Newcastle);

NSW - WOFF SACTU (02) 40349240, Williamtown (Newcastle);

NT - WOFF 114MCRU (08) 89242004, Darwin (Northern Territory); or

SA - WOFF 1RSU (08) 83934971, Edinburgh (South Australia).