Employment Training

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

All RAAF SECPOL trainees undergo Initial Employment Training at both the Defence Police Training Centre (DPTC), Lamia Barracks, Holsworthy Army Base, NSW, and the RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS), RAAF Base Amberley, QLD. Initial Employment Training consists of a common Service Police Basic Course, a SECPOL specific Single Service Module and a Stream Specialisation course.

Service Police Basic Course (SPBC) - 8 Weeks (common to all ADF Service Police organisations and is a pre-requisite to any subsequent training) at DPTC at Holsworthy Army Base. This course covers the following subjects:

• Service Police administration;
• legal procedures;
• initial action at crime scenes;
• defensive tactics, including operational safety skills;
• physical conditioning training; and
• typing.

Single Service Module (SSM) – 4 Weeks - Trainees will attend RAAFSFS at RAAF Base Amberley, QLD to conduct their Single Service Module (SSM). Training includes:

• RAAF Security Police administration;
• security procedures;
• emergency response procedures; and
• RAAF operational safety skills training and self defence.

Successful completion of both of these courses is mandatory for all SECPOL trainees prior to commencing specialisation training for Security and Law Enforcement (SLE) or Military Working Dog Handler (MWDH).

Security Police - Military Working Dog Handler (MWDH) Stream Specialisation

MWDH Basic Training - 14 weeks following the SECPOL SSM.

Lessons and training will take place in the classroom, in the field, and domestic and operational areas of an Air Force base. The course will consist of theory and practical instruction in:

• Basic obedience, Obstacles, Intruder detection and apprehension with a recruit Military Working Dog;
• Canine Husbandry and Health procedures;
• Security Patrolling and Special Purpose Aircraft Guarding with a Military Working Dog;
• Control of entry to ADF establishments and restricted areas;
• Man-trailing and Building Searches with a recruit Military Working Dog;
• Appropriate administration procedures;
• Physical fitness; and
• Military field skills.

Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)

For reservists, the scheduling of courses and the availability of the individual may allow recruit training and basic trade training to be undertaken in sequence, concurrently or out of sequence. Depending on a reservist’s availability and course vacancies, reserve SECPOL trainees undertake the same training as permanent SECPOL recruits. Weekend leave is available during courses but no other leave is permitted, excepting for compassionate reasons.

Reserve personnel wishing to undertake the full-time Service Police Basic Course (and subsequent courses) may be provided a short term contract on full-time duty to attend the course. SECPOL Initial Employment Training courses may also be undertaken in a modular format, which can be completed in part-time mode, with approval from DPTC and RAAFSFS, but is dependant on vacancies for each course.

The Service Police Basic Course is the first stage of trade training for advancement. Reserve Squadron Training Flight staff will arrange for the reservist trainee to be provided with a mentor and an appropriate workplace environment for practical experience. Training staff will monitor the trainee's progress and provide the necessary assistance to ensure that the reservist graduates. Actual time taken to complete the course will depend on the availability of the trainee and the individual training program as determined by the Reserve Training Officer at each squadron. However, as a guide the Service Police Basic Course could be completed in part-time mode within 60-70 reserve training days.