Entry

Other Ranks (Technical), Qualified

Each Airman job in the Air Force is referred to as a mustering; for example, Communication Electronic Technician is a mustering. There are two types of entry into the Communication Electronic Technician mustering: General entry and Direct entry.

General Entry (Technical Trainee).

General Entry (Technical Trainee) is the term used to describe the large number of technical jobs available to people entering the Air Force as Airmen (non-Officer entry) and for which trade training is provided.

Direct Method of Entry to the Mustering.  

Direct entry, to LAC CETECH will normally be based on the recruit's prior completion of a recognised radio or electronic trade course. In addition, the member must demonstrate sufficient AQF Level III competencies from the Certificate III in Engineering (Electrical/Electronics).  Direct entry personnel may also require a small amount of time to complete additional competencies that relate to RAAF Maintenance procedures and familiarisation with service equipment and hardware.

Airmen and Airwomen graduate from recruit training with the rank of Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman (AC/ACW) and progress to Leading Aircraftman/Leading Aircraftwoman (LAC/LACW) following completion of trade training and 12 months on-the-job training at an air base.

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.