Entry
Graduate
The Royal Australian Air Force has a huge job to do; keeping the nation's air defence capabilities operational; providing a search and rescue function; and assisting in times of national emergency.
If you are a chaplain seeking a position that offers satisfaction, excitement and a challenge, and the opportunity to utilise and further develop your management and leadership skills, then you may wish to consider a career as an Officer in the Air Force.
Note: All prospective chaplains must gain endorsement from their denominational authorities before making application to enter the Air Force. All faith groups have a nominated person who is responsible for Defence Force Chaplaincy.
Specialist Reserve
The Royal Australian Air Force Specialist Reserve (RAAFSR) is comprised of volunteer members who are highly motivated towards the Air Force and their Reserve commitment. The role of the Specialist Reserve is to provide on an on-call basis, selected professional services that are not otherwise retained permanently in the RAAF.
Entry into the RAAFSR is by selection to fill available vacancies. Officer entry into all elements of the Air Force Reserve is by competitive selection, and is on the same basis as for entry into the PAF.
Note: All prospective chaplains must gain endorsement from their denominational authorities before making application to enter the Air Force. All faith groups have a nominated person who is responsible for Defence Force Chaplaincy.
Attendance Commitment
RAAFSR members are to perform a minimum of seven days Reserve service in each financial year but may perform considerably more than this on a voluntary basis as tasks and opportunities arise.
The maximum number of days of Reserve service within a financial year for members of the RAAFSR is 200. Members may only be paid for those days that have been approved by their respective sponsoring authority.
Annual Activities
RAAFSR members are expected to maintain a minimum standard of health, fitness and military preparedness, which will be assessed on an annual basis. This will include the requirement for RAAFSR members to maintain proficiency in weapons handling.
Discipline
RAAFSR personnel are governed by exactly the same discipline code as members of the Permanent Air Force. Applicants should carefully consider their adaptability requirements such as the wearing of uniforms, saluting, drill and the requirement to display a high standard of dress and bearing.
Uniforms
Members of the RAAFSR are entitled to a free issue of uniform upon appointment. Each issued item has a life expectancy and the item may be exchanged for a new one after this time. The Chief of Air Force (CAF) has determined that during any prescribed form of service, RAAFSR members are on duty and must wear uniform.
Medical and Dental
Members of the RAAFSR are only entitled to emergency medical and dental treatment while on duty.
Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves website.
The Defence Reserves Support Council also promotes the benefits of Reserve service by establishing partnerships with the community and employers.
Further Opportunities
The Air Force High Readiness Reserve provides a short notice response force to complement the full-time Air Force in the event of a declared Defence emergency. The High Readiness Reserve is a category of the reserve that draws its members from the trained people already providing service in other categories of the Air Force Reserve, and consequently is not generally open to direct civilian entrants. Entry to the High Readiness Reserve is through the RAAF Active Reserve or RAAF Specialist Reserve. After completing your training in the Active Reserve or Specialist Reserve, you may then volunteer for the High Readiness Reserve. Volunteer service in the High Readiness Reserve attracts an annual financial bonus to compensate for additional obligations and commitment, as well as an annual allowance to help maintain the health and fitness required for short notice service.