Entry
Other Ranks (Technical)
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 whom trade training is provided. Trainee Level Entry is available to those applicants that have received limited or no formal training as a Carpenter, Electrician or Plumber. Each Airman job in the Air Force is referred to as a mustering; for example, Carpenter is a mustering.
General Entry (Technical Trainee) Airmen graduate from recruit training with the rank of aircraftman/aircraftwoman. Once this training is completed you will progress to leading aircraftman/leading aircraftwoman after 12 months of productive service. Further promotion to corporal is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies and will normally require the successful completion of a trade test and promotion exams.
As a corporal, you can then apply in competition with your peers for remuster to Works Supervisor (Sergeant). You can then follow a career path up to the rank of warrant officer.
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.
Qualified
Qualified Entry is available to applicants who have the necessary trade qualifications prior to entry and have completed 12 months productive employment in their trade after training. These applicants are referred to as Direct Entrants. Direct Entry applies to personnel who are fully qualified in the trade and enter the trade without formal Air Force training.
On initial entry as a fully qualified tradesperson you are enlisted as an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman Recruit (ACR/ACWR) and remain as such until graduation from 1RTU. However, in recognition of your trade qualifications you will be paid the salary of an Aircraftman / Aircraftwoman (AC/ACW) on Pay Grade 3 upon enlistment. On completion of Recruit Training you will be reclassified to Leading Aircraftman / Leading Aircraftwoman (LAC/LACW) on Pay Grade 3. Further promotion to corporal is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies.
As a corporal, you may then apply in competition with your peers for remuster to Works Supervisor (Sergeant). You can then follow a career path up to the rank of warrant officer.
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.
Note: Applicants applying for qualified entry are to provide certified true copies of their education and trade certificates as well as a current resume to their Careers Counsellor. These documents will then be forwarded to the Directorate of Personnel - Air Force for assessment.
Other Ranks (Technical) (Reserve)
The Royal Australian Air Force Active Reserve (RAAFAR) is composed of volunteer members who are highly motivated towards the Air Force and their Reserve commitment.
The function of the RAAF Reserve is to supplement the Permanent Air Force's manpower and to provide trained Reserve personnel who will be able to support the Permanent Air Force in operational deployments or associated support activities during a defence contingency. During times of peace the RAAF Reserve supplements the Permanent Air Force to undertake peacetime tasks and trains RAAF Reserve personnel to become effective members of the RAAF.
Employment in the Air Force Reserve is a constantly changing, ever-evolving job that gives you the opportunity to work in a unique environment that's in complete contrast to your everyday job. While at the same time, receiving many of the benefits of Air Force life without the full time commitment. Not only will you receive first hand experience of Air Force life without the full time commitment, but your pay is tax free. What's more, the training you'll gain and the new skills you'll develop will help you grow personally, not only in your Air Force career but your regular full time job as well.
The Active Reserves play a vital role in the Air Force. There are a range of part time jobs that have Permanent Air Force equivalents. While many reservists are former members of the Air Force, opportunities exist for those that have had no previous military experience. Just like full time Air Force personnel, Reservists have the opportunity to travel on exercises and may even apply for operational service should the opportunity arise. Active Reserve members may be utilised in an area of war operations or in backfill positions left vacant by other Air Force personnel who have been deployed.
Attendance Commitment
RAAFAR members are required to attend for a minimum of 32 training days each fiscal year. This may include a continuous training period of 14 days. Approval may be granted to work up to 200 days. However, members typically average 40 training days annually.
A RAAFAR member may volunteer for a period of full-time service with the Permanent Air Force, provided the member's services are required.
Annual Activities
During RAAFAR service all members are required to complete the following activities:
- physical fitness test; and
- continuation training consisting of equity, OHS, security and weapons.
Applicant Selection Process
Entry into the RAAFAR is by selection to fill available vacancies. The selection standards are the same as those for joining the Permanent Air Force.
Initial contact to join the RAAFAR is made through an Australian Defence Force Recruiting Centre or by telephoning 13 19 01. A Careers Counsellor will counsel you and discuss various aspects of the RAAFAR. In addition, your qualifications for the desired position will be discussed.
Following receipt of your application, you will normally be called into the nearest Australian Defence Force Recruiting Centre for testing. Testing generally takes a full day and includes:
- a medical examination;
- aptitude testing;
- a psychologists interview; and
- a recruiting officer interview.
The cost of travel to and from the Australian Defence Force Recruiting Unit, as well as accommodation costs for country applicants, will be met by the RAAF.
Applicants who are assessed as suitable will be considered in competition with other suitable applicants for the positions available.
Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves Support Council website.
The Council 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.
