The Operator Ground Based Air Defence (OpGBAD) (ECN 237) is a member of the Royal Australian Artillery (RAA) and is competent in undertaking a range of Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) tasks. These may include detecting, identifying, acquiring and engaging hostile aircraft utilising Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems (GBADWS). This role is performed by the 16th Air Defence Regiment located in Woodside, South Australia with the current in-service equipment being the RBS 70-missile system. The OpGBAD is the single recruit entry point for service within the GBAD stream of artillery. It is the feeder trade for subsequent ECNs: 396 Supervisor Ground Based Air Defence (SPVR GBAD) and 397 Manager GBAD (MGR GBAD). Within ECN 237 personnel progress through different levels to occupy supervisory and command roles within the GBADWS detachments and associated command and control networks.

Function.

The job functions of the OpGBAD are to work as a member of GBADWS, Command Post (CP) or Target Sensor (TS) Detachment within an Air Defence Battery as part of an Air Defence Regiment. Additionally as the ECN 237 personnel progress through their careers they will have the opportunity to undertake instructional roles in other locations throughout Australia.

Tasks.

The primary task of the OpGBAD is the support of ADF operations through the provision of Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD). They may also be required to act in infantry-like roles in order to provide survivability to GBADWS detachments and command and control elements. OpGBAD functions may include (but are not limited to the following):

• bringing weapons and equipment into and out of action;
• detecting, identifying, acquiring and engaging hostile aircraft;
• the provision of local defence;
• minor servicing and maintenance of GBAD equipment, vehicles and stores;
• the operation of basic combat communications equipment;
• the operation of individual and crew served combat weapons; and
• drives, services and maintains cross-country vehicles.