Geospatial Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) Analysts (GIAs) are employed to support Air Force aerial reconnaissance and strike capability and produce intelligence products from imagery and geospatial information in support of a wide range of ADF operations. GIAs work in both Air Force and joint ADF environments. As a major component of Defence's imagery exploitation capability, the GIA Mustering contributes to the overall intelligence capability.

As a GIA you will initially be required to correlate imagery with cartographic data, conduct analysis of imagery, produce imagery based reports, provide support to flying operations and manage imagery and map storage retrieval systems. You will consolidate your skills in the exploitation of imagery from a variety of sensors. As these skills develop, you will be required to perform increasingly complex analyses of imagery and geospatial material. Advances in digital imagery and geospatial products require you to have a high standard of computer skills; you will be taught the use of sophisticated Digital Imagery Work Stations and advanced software packages. GIAs will use these skills and their broader research and analysis skills to produce high quality graphic and textual reports concerning military, industrial and geographic features portrayed on imagery. 

GIAs are employed at No 87 (Intelligence) Squadron at Adelaide and the various 87SQN Tactical Intelligence Flights (TIFs) across Australia (including Amberley, Williamtown, Richmond and Edinburgh). They are also employed in the Target Analysis Section (TAS) of the Defence Imagery and Geospatial Organisation (DIGO) and at the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) in Canberra. Experienced GIAs are also employed at Headquarters Northern Command in Darwin, at the RAAF Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit (JEWOSU) in Adelaide and at the Defence Intelligence Training Centre in Canungra. There are also opportunities for overseas deployments.

GIAs perform a variety of duties associated with the collection, analysis, and dissemination of geospatial information and imagery intelligence. Typically, these duties might involve any of the following:

• Maintain imagery libraries which includes recording, storing and retrieving imagery details from a digital library;
• Work with aircrew and RAAF Intelligence Officers in reconnaissance and strike mission planning, including the presentation of oral and written reports, preparation of visual aids for briefing purposes, generation of Weaponeering solutions and Targeting information;
• Maintain computerised intelligence databases which involves inputting, storing and retrieving information;
• Interpret and analyse all forms of imagery using analytical skills to produce geospatial and imagery-related reports;
• Produce tailored intelligence products in support of a broad range of ADF maritime, land and air operations;
• Manage intelligence materials and resources which includes manipulating, correlating and disseminating intelligence information; and
• Deploy, at short notice, to locations within Australia and overseas to support operations.

Employment conditions vary from non-deployed to deployed environments but typically, the majority of the GIA duties are performed in air-conditioned offices or transportable cabins. Working in a 'windowless' environment is common. Most work occurs using office equipment such as Digital Imagery Work Stations for viewing imagery, computer terminals, scanners and printers. Teamwork is essential. Shiftwork and odd hours occur during major exercises or extended operations.

Personnel supporting flying operations may deploy to remote locations at short notice. All members of the GIA Mustering should expect temporary duties to any location for exercises, specialist training courses or to reinforce other units on deployment.

GIAs work in a strict security environment and are unable to discuss work matters outside the work place. The applicant will undergo security vetting that will be intrusive to them and their immediate family.

Notes:

(1) GIAs are required to gain and maintain, a Top Secret Positive Vet (TS (PV)) security clearance to carry out their duties. Prior to this vetting process commencing, GIA candidates will undergo an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA) which will be conducted during recruit training at No 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU). The OSA is administered to determine your suitability for the progressing on to the TS (PV) clearance process. Consequently, you should advise Defence Force Recruiting staff of your second and third preference for Air Force employment should you unsuccessfully attempt the OSA, which will preclude you from gaining a TS (PV) clearance.

(2) Given the delays associated with the processing of TS (PV) clearances and the need to be cleared before you commence Initial Employment Training, GIA trainees will be transferred to the General Hand mustering (Pay Group 1) as an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman after graduation from 1 RTU. You will remain at this rank until such time as you complete your Initial Employment Training. This will enable you to gain experience as an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman and be employed across a range of duties while awaiting your clearance and Initial Employment Training. Upon completion of Initial Employment Training, you will be automatically transferred back to the GIA mustering as an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman GIA with no seniority and paid at the salary rate applicable to that mustering and grading (Pay Group 3).