Airfield Defence Guards (ADG) are non-commissioned Air Force members who provide the specialist ground defence force required to protect air power assets from the effects of hostile ground action in and around Air Force Bases and Installations, both in Australia and overseas. They form the basis of the Air Force's ground combat force, protecting Base assets, infrastructure and personnel against attack by enemy ground forces for up to five kilometres from the airfield perimeter fence. They also instruct other Air Force personnel in relevant ground defence techniques.

The mentally and physically demanding nature of the duties carried out by ADGs requires the maintenance of very high physical fitness and physical employment standards. You will frequently be absent from your home base and family for several months of the year. During operations, ADGs work in all terrains and climatic conditions by day and night. You must be able to function in extreme conditions for indefinite periods and endure high levels of fatigue.

ADGs require a high level of personal discipline, adaptability, tenacity, team focus and be willing to work for long periods in close proximity of other team members for extended periods.  ADGs may patrol for up to 5 days without access to amenities, carrying mission essential items and personal food and water.  While participating in training and on operations, ADGs can expect to work physically hard, for long hours.

Even though you will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, the ADG working environment is often hazardous and you will be exposed to a high level of noise, small arms weapon systems and high explosives. ADGs may also be required to work in nuclear, biological and chemical protective ensembles for prolonged periods. In a non-operational environment, ADGs will work in instructional settings, on ground weapon ranges, under simulated operational conditions and use small arms weapons systems and high explosives.

ADGs live and work as a team, normally in groups of five to ten men. Some typical tasks performed by ADGs are:

• Patrolling over extended periods over arduous terrain and in extreme climatic conditions carrying a specified load necessary to accomplish the mission;
• foot and vehicle patrolling by day and by night in and around both established and bare base airfields and through vegetated or urban environments in all extremities of weather conditions and locations within or outside of Australia;
• Aircraft Security Operations providing protection to both aircraft and infrastructure;
• construction of field defences and obstacles such as weapon pits and bunkers, fences and road blocks;
• searches and clearance operations;
• manning of crew served weapons such us machine guns and anti-armour weapons; and
• instruction on small arms such as rifle, shotguns and machine guns.

Equipment Carriage (Very important)

During training and on operations, ADGs will be required to carry equipment such as:

• Patrol Order (webbing and rifle) 12 kg;
• Field order (Pack, webbing and rifle) minimum 25 kg; and
• Additional equipment specific to the mission such as Ballistic Vest, Helmet, and secondary weapon systems.

The operational role of an ADG will require them to develop the specialised Ground Defence skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties in an operational environment.

On graduation from training, an ADG will normally be posted to a Rifle Flight in an Airfield Defence Squadron at Amberley (2AFDS) in QLD or Edinburgh (1AFDS) Adelaide, SA. He will be part of a section of ten men within a Rifle Flight.

On obtaining Non Commissioned Officer (NCO) rank, NCO ADGs may be employed on a range of duties including Airfield Defence Squadron operations and instructional duties within RAAF establishments, which include weapon handling, ground defence battle tactics, general service instruction and field operations.

For further information on the roles and history of the ADG, refer to the Airfield Defence Guard website.

Note: Applicants must live within 3 hours surface travelling time of an Airfield Defence Squadron or Rifle Flight. 

Airfield Defence Guards (ADGs) are highly skilled non commissioned Air Force members who are capable of defending the Air Force’s Bases, Aircraft, Installations and Personnel from hostile ground attack from any potential threat whether within Australia or overseas.

Operating in either small groups of 5-10 men up to larger forces of 30 men within a variety of terrain and climatic conditions ADGs  need to be mentally tough, highly motivated and physically fit to ensure they can carry out the challenging duties required of them. As such the training is rigorous to ensure the maintenance of high personnel standards and physical fitness. This is especially important as in an operational environment you will be required to endure long hours, high levels of fatigue and need to rely on your own personnel discipline, tenacity and team work skills to achieve your set objectives for extended periods.

Equipment Carriage (Very important)

To appreciate the need for a high level of physical fitness it is important to note that during training and on operations, ADGs will be required to carry equipment such as:

• Patrol Order (webbing and rifle) 12 kg;
• Field order (Pack, webbing and rifle) minimum 25 kg; and
• Additional equipment specific to the mission such as Ballistic Vest, Helmet, and secondary weapon systems.

Furthermore even though you will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, the ADG working environment is often hazardous and you will be exposed to a high level of noise, small arms weapon systems and high explosives. ADGs may also be required to work in nuclear, biological and chemical protective ensembles for prolonged periods. In a non-operational environment, ADGs will work in instructional settings, on ground weapon ranges, under simulated operational conditions and use small arms weapons systems and high explosives. A summary of some typical tasks performed by ADGs are:

• Patrolling and Surveillance over extended periods over arduous terrain and in extreme climatic conditions carrying a specified load necessary to accomplish the mission;
• Foot and vehicle patrolling by day and by night in and around both established and bare base airfields and through vegetated or urban environments in all extremities of weather conditions and locations within or outside of Australia;
• Aircraft Security Operations providing protection to both aircraft and infrastructure;
• Construction of field defences and obstacles such as weapon pits and bunkers, fences and road blocks; 
• Quick Reaction Force duties to counter any breach of a Base;
• Manning of crew served weapons such us machine guns and anti-armour weapons; and
• Instruction on small arms such as rifle, shotguns and machine guns.

Overall as a central part of the Air Force’s combat capability it is important to understand that you also will frequently be absent from your home base and family for periods up to several months of the year undertaking training or being involved in ADF operations.

Entry as a part time Airfield Defence Guard is only possible by joining the Air Force Active Reserve or by transfer from the Permanent Air Force or other armed service. Trainees will be required to accept a full-time employment contract involving 11 months full-time service followed by four years part-time service commitment of a minimum of 32 days each year. During the 11 months full-time service period, you will be required to undergo initial recruit training at No 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) followed by initial employment training at RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS). Posting will then be to either No 1 Airfield Defence Squadron at Edinburgh, SA or No 2 Airfield Defence Squadron at Amberley, QLD for operational readiness training that will complete their 11 months full time service.

Following the completion of the 11 months full time service you will train and work during part time service at an Airfield Defence Squadron Rifle Flight located near their home town. Rifle Flights are located at RAAF Bases Amberley (QLD), Williamtown (NSW), Richmond (NSW), Laverton (VIC), Edinburgh (SA), Pearce (WA) and at Hobart (TAS).