Officer Training

Our Officers are men and women with loyalty, courage, determination and integrity. They are committed high achievers who act as responsible examples to the men and women they lead.

To become an Officer in the Air Force you'll complete the Initial Officer Course at Officers' Training School (OTS), at RAAF Base East Sale, in Gippsland, Victoria. If you join the Air Force Specialist Reserve with professional skills such as medical, dental, nursing, law or chaplaincy, this training may be significantly shorter.

Officers' Training School

Officers' Training School (OTS) is at RAAF Base East Sale, the location of several specialist Air Force training schools and home to the Air Force Roulettes aerobatic display team. The OTS motto is "Accept Responsibility" and this school has an excellent reputation for transforming Officer trainees into leaders with integrity, professionalism, loyalty, determination, pride and dedication to the Air Force.

Fitness

It’s important that you have a good base level of fitness in place before you apply to join the Air Force, both to pass the initial fitness assessment and to help you with the physically demanding nature of many of the exercises. The physical training you receive during the course will help you to significantly improve on your existing fitness level, an opportunity most trainees appreciate. Female and male Air Force instructors will guide you through activities like obstacle courses, parades and exercises, to build your confidence and fitness levels along the way. Learn More

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

ADFA is an excellent training option for entrants without an existing qualification. You'll earn a degree from the University of New South Wales in Arts, Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Science or Technology, while also receiving military and leadership training. You’ll be paid a salary, enjoy full medical and dental cover and your tuition fees and other student expenses will also be paid for. In return, you’ll serve in the Australian Defence Force for an Initial Minimum Period of Service. This varies depending on what job you apply for. Learn More

What you'll learn

Leadership forms the basis of the Initial Officer Course, as well as training in ground defence, management, operations, communication, Air Force values, and military law. You’ll also participate in regular fitness sessions run by highly skilled Physical Training Instructors, to help you maintain your physical fitness and to ensure you’re able to complete the challenging field exercises.

The Initial Officer Course at Officers' Training School (OTS)

The Initial Officer Course (IOC) at Officers' Training School (OTS) runs for 16 weeks. The training focuses on developing a variety of skills and disciplines, like leadership and teamwork, which you'll need as an Officer in the Air Force.

In the classroom you'll study subjects relating to management, leadership, military law, operations, fire safety, first aid, ground defence, security and Air Force qualities.

Outside of the classroom you'll get to participate in field exercises that put the theory you've been studying to the test. These range from a non-tactical exercise in a State forest, to airfield defence exercises on military bases and include:

• Adventure training to teach you how to work with the strengths and weaknesses of your team and your own individual ability.
• Deployments where you will learn basic weapon handling, field craft, camouflage and concealment, and ground defence.
• Leadership training in a variety of scenarios, including deployed environments.

You’ll also study written and oral communication to help you with the Defence related presentations you'll make throughout the course. You will be assessed on these presentations as well as your ability to adhere to the principles and standards associated with the Air Force.

A standard day at OTS consists of eight 50-minute periods and will usually begin with breakfast at 0630. The rest of the day will be made up of classes (theory and practical) with small breaks in-between, parade / inspection and of course fully catered main meals.