Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical), Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)

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 approximately 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 training and 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 aircraft, infrastructure and personnel;
• construction of field defences and obstacles such as weapon pits and bunkers, fences and road blocks;
• search and clearance operations;
• manning of crew served weapons such as machine guns and anti-armour weapons; and
• instruction on small arms such as rifle, shotguns and machine guns.

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.

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