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 a trade test or workplace assessment. Further promotion to corporal, sergeant, flight sergeant and warrant officer is based on performance, time in rank and 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.

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. Photographers will normally be enlisted to the RAAFSR with the rank of SGT. Permanent Air Force (PAF) members transferring to the RAAFSR on discharge will normally retain their PAF substantive rank and seniority, however this will be determined on a case by case basis.

Attendance Commitment

RAAFSR members perform a minimum of seven days Reserve service in each financial year. This will rise to 20 days per year in the near future.

The maximum number of days of Reserve service within a financial year for members of the RAAFSR is 130. However, the Director of Personnel Reserves - Air Force may approve up to 200 days. Members may only be paid for those days that have been approved by their respective sponsoring authority.

Annual Activities

During RAAFSR service all members are required to complete the following activities:

• continuation training consisting of first aid, firefighting, equity, security, weapons and ground defence; and
• other training such as a physical fitness test is usually required prior to deployment or some courses.

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 bonus of $5000 to compensate for additional obligations and commitment, as well as an annual allowance of $2500 to help maintain the health and fitness required for short notice service.