Job Details

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

Electronic Warfare (EW) sailors are responsible for using sensitive computerised electronic receivers that can detect, classify, identify, locate and record emissions in a ship’s vicinity. Electronic Warfare sailors are an integral component of the Action Information Organisation (AIO) and as such, are required to operate an intricate array of equipment that provides intelligence, surveillance, threat warning, and providing Command with identification of potentially hostile signals. More often than not, the EW sailor will be the first to detect a threat to the ship, and will be involved in defeating this threat throughout the entire engagement cycle, including the employment of countermeasures and electronic attack.

The Electronic Warfare category is a branch of the Naval Warfare Community which uses specialised sensors and hi-tech equipment to intercept, locate, and identify electronic transmissions from both friendly and hostile forces, and to employ countermeasures as required. Electronic Warfare sailors will become practitioners of Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), which can be best described as the exploitation and analysis of non-communications emissions such as RADARS.

The Electronic Warfare sailor will not only be taught how to operate the Electronic Warfare equipment, but also how to operate, exploit, and defend the electromagnetic spectrum in an extremely complicated electromagnetic environment. They form part of the core warfighting capability within a warship and are employed in the ship’s operations room. As a key member of the Navy Warfare Community, the EW sailor is part of a highly trained and internationally respected maritime force. The ability of the Navy to conduct operations depends on a number of factors, with the professional skills and dedication of EW sailors an integral part of this capability.

The Initial Electronic Warfare course provides the skills required to join a Ship’s Electronic Warfare Team and confidently operate the Electronic Warfare and Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) systems fitted. The equipment consists of Passive Sensors and both Active and Passive countermeasures. With the successful deployment of countermeasures, the Electronic Warfare operator can assist in defending their ship, or task group, against multiple missile attacks.

Electronic Warfare sailors will also have the opportunity to develop their analytical ELINT skills in many shore locations. ELINT that is collected at sea can be further exploited in laboratories and is used to build a library of information that can then be used in an operational environment. EW sailors are able to easily transfer their skills from a tactical to strategic environment, and help Navy and other allied commands to be better prepared to defend against threats at sea.

Career Development

In the first six years you will complete Recruit Training, Initial Entry Training and serve at sea for a minimum of twelve months on a Major Fleet Unit. You will be required to complete a Task Book/Competency Log to gain Skill Grade Two qualifications during your initial sea posting. Shore postings for EW sailors are available in all mainland Australian States and Territories.