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 Cook 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 workplace competencies. Further promotion to corporal, sergeant, flight sergeant and warrant officer is based on performance, time in rank, 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.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Note: Applicants must live within 3 hours surface travelling time of an Airfield Defence Squadron or Rifle Flight.
Part-time ADGs are a fundamental component of the Air Force's ground defence capability and can deploy on exercises and may apply for operational service overseas. Part-time ADGs are utilised in areas of war-like operations and in backfill positions left vacant by other Air Force personnel who have deployed.
Attendance Commitment
Part-time ADGs are 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 or No 2 Airfield Defence Squadron at Amberley, QLD for Individual Reinforcement Training that will complete your 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 your home town. Rifle Flights are located at RAAF Bases Amberley (QLD), Richmond (NSW), Laverton (VIC), Edinburgh (SA), and Pearce (WA).
During the four years part-time service ADGs will be required to elect whether they wish to serve in the Air Force High Readiness Reserve. Should they do so they are entitled to receive a tax exempt completion bonus of $5000 upon the anniversary date of their election to serve in the High Readiness Reserve provided they meet all the job proficiencies required of an ADG. In addition they are entitled to a tax exempt Health Support Allowance of $2500 per annum for the purchase of top tabled health insurance.
Important to note
Reserve ADGs may apply to transfer to the Permanent Air Force (PAF) or volunteer for a period of full-time service with the PAF. Success of this application may depend on vacancies at the time.
Annual Activities
During Air Force Active Reserve service all members are required to complete the following activities:
bi-annual physical fitness test; and
as well as normal ADG ground defence and weapon training, further continuation training including first aid, fire fighting, equity, security, fraud and occupational health and safety awareness training is required.
Applicant Selection Process
Entry as an Air Force Active Reserve ADG is by selection to fill available vacancies. The selection standards are the same as those for joining the Permanent Air Force.
To enlist as an Air Force Active Reserve ADG contact your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre or telephone 13 19 01. A Careers Counsellor will discuss with you the various aspects of the Active Reserve. If you meet the minimum requirement, an interview will be arranged for you with a senior member of the ADG mustering who will be able to discuss the part time ADG role in more detail.
Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves website or for details on the roles and history of the ADG, refer to the Airfield Defence Guard website.
