Applicants entering as RAAFSR Psychologist are required to complete the Initial Officer Course (IOC) RAAFAR - the same initial training as their Permanent Air Force colleagues. The IOC (RAAFAR) is undertaken in a modularised form which must be completed within a two year period. Three of the five Phases are one or two week residential attendance components conducted at the Officers' Training School (OTS), Point Cook, Victoria. The two Squadron-based Phases include lessons and assessments in a number of academic and practical subject areas, delivered by qualified RAAFAR training staff.

The Phases and their duration are as follows:

• Phase 1 - Induction/Orientation phase at RAAFAR Squadrons (should take approximately 6 months to complete);
• Phase 2 - Ground Defence Preparatory Phase at OTS (2 weeks);
• Phase 3 - Ground Defence Assessment Phase at OTS (1 week);
• Phase 4 - Academic/Consolidation Phase at RAAFAR Squadrons (should take approximately 12 months to complete); and
• Phase 5 - Leadership/Application Phase at OTS (2 weeks).

The aim of the IOC is to develop in newly commissioned RAAF and RAAF Reserve officers and officer cadets the core military skills, knowledge and attitudes required for effective performance as junior officers.