General Entry (Technical Trades) is the term used to describe the technical jobs available to people entering the Navy as Sailors (non-Officer entry) and for which trade training is provided. Every sailor is assigned to a Category in the Navy. For example, Electronics Technician is a Category.

Career Progression

General Entry (Technical Trades) Sailors graduate from recruit training with the rank of Seaman (SMNET) and generally progress to Able Seaman (ABET) after 12 months of effective service following completion of trade training. Further promotion to Leading Seaman (LSET), Petty Officer (POET), Chief Petty Officer (CPOET) and Warrant Officer (WOET) is based on merit and takes into consideration performance, time in rank and vacancies. There is considerable variation between categories. However, as a guide, the following minimum times are spent in each rank:

• Recruit to Seaman Star (Unqualified) - 11 weeks (length of Military Training course);
• Seaman Star (Unqualified) to Seaman - Length of Initial Technical Training (Approximately 38 weeks but can be shorter depending on recognition of prior learning and current competency of the sailor); 
• Seaman to Able Seaman - 12 months after completion of Initial Technical Training;
• Able Seaman to Leading Seaman - minimum of 2 years (dependant upon performance evaluation reports, this period may be shortened for high achievers);
• Leading Seaman to Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years (dependant upon performance evaluation reports, this period may be shortened for high achievers);
• Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years; and 
• Chief Petty Officer to Warrant Officer - minimum of 4 years.

Leading Seamen are referred to as Junior Non-Commissioned Officers and are the first line of supervisors in the chain of command. As such, they have an important role in the maintenance of good order and discipline among their subordinates and are expected to provide an important role model for subordinates.

Petty Officers are sub-system/system managers with a high degree of experience as an Electronics Technician (POET). Petty Officers are required to manage complex electronic systems and sub-systems, and employ an understanding of technical administrative procedures to carry out their duties.

Chief Petty Officers are highly trained line managers and technical specialists. As such, they are required to diagnose faults at system and/or inter-system level; identify, analyse and react to trends which have the potential to impact on the operational capability of a ship. As line managers, Chief Petty Officers are required to manage complex electronic systems, apply project management skills, and possess an in-depth understanding of technical administrative procedures.

Warrant Officer is the most senior rank for sailors. They are required to possess superior leadership and professional qualities and often undertake planning, creative research and problem solving activities. Their positions also involve a significant degree of personal accountability, responsibility and leadership.

The opportunity to transfer to commissioned officer is open to all sailors of Able Seaman rank and above who possess the necessary educational qualifications and personal attributes.

Irrespective of category, general sailors' duties are just as important as specialist duties. Therefore all sailors also undertake at various times in their career such activities as:

• Fire Fighting - containment and extinguishing of all types of fires;
• First Aid - knowledge and application of basic first-aid medical skills;
• Duty Watch - member of the overnight security, fire fighting and emergency party;
• Communal Duties - working in teams to help clean and maintain all work and living areas;
• Damage Control - assisting with ship damage emergency repairs;
• Ship Husbandry - maintenance and upkeep of ships' surfaces, fittings and equipment; and
• Physical Fitness - All members of the Navy are required to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness. Physical fitness is tested on an annual basis.

General Entry Technical Trades (QES-T) is the term used to describe the technical jobs available to people entering the Navy as Sailors (non-Officer entry) and for which modified trade training is provided. Each Sailor job in the Navy is referred to as a category; for example, Electronics Technician is a category.

QES-T sailors graduate from recruit training with the rank of Able Seaman. They will then attend a modified form of Initial Technical Training that recognises trade qualifications already held and will align with Electronic Engineering specific trade training. Further promotion to Leading Seaman, Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Warrant Officer is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies. There is considerable variation between categories. However, as a guide, the following minimum times are spent in each rank:

• Recruit to Probationary Able Seaman (Unqualified) - 11 weeks (length of Military Training course)
• Probationary Able Seaman - Able Seaman  ( Length of Employment Training course)
• Able Seaman to Leading Seaman - minimum of 2 years
• Leading Seaman to Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years
• Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years
• Chief Petty Officer to Warrant Officer - minimum of 4 years

Leading Seamen are referred to as Junior Non-Commissioned Officers. Leading Seamen are the first line of supervisors in the chain of command and as such have an important role in the maintenance of good order and discipline among their subordinates. They are expected to provide an important role model for subordinates.

Petty Officers are members of the company of senior sailors. Petty Officers perform management and technical specialist duties within their category. Their positions will involve personal accountability.

Chief Petty Officers are also members of the company of senior sailors and are required to demonstrate a well developed capacity for self directed work and a high degree of applied professional theoretical knowledge and well developed supervisory competence.

Warrant Officer is the most senior Sailor rank. They are required to possess superior leadership and professional qualities. Warrant Officers may undertake planning, creative research and problem solving activities. Their positions often involve a significant degree of personal accountability.

The opportunity to transfer to commissioned officer is open to all sailors of Able Seaman rank and above who possess the necessary educational qualifications and personal attributes.

Irrespective of category, sailors' duties are just as important as specialist duties. Therefore on a ship, all sailors will perform such activities as:

• Fire Fighting - containment and extinguishing of all types of fires;
• First Aid - knowledge and application of basic first-aid medical skills;
• Duty Watch - member of the overnight security, fire fighting and emergency party;
• Communal Duties - working in teams to help clean and maintain all work and living areas;
• Damage Control - assisting with ship damage emergency repairs;
• Replenishment at Sea - assisting with the re-supply of ships at sea;
• Ship Husbandry - maintenance and upkeep of ships' surfaces, fittings and equipment; and
• Physical Fitness - All members of the Navy are required to maintain an appropriate level of physical fitness. Physical fitness is tested on an annual basis.

As a trained member of the Active Naval Reserve, you are obligated to serve a minimum of 20 days per year but you may work up to 200 days per financial year in approved positions.

Unlike the Army and Air Force that set aside specific days for meeting minimum attendance requirement, in the Navy you will have to seek employment in either Funded Reserve Commitment positions, Project work or Permanent Navy vacancies. This means that you will effectively contribute to Navy capability rather than just parading. You will be assisted to find work by either your category sponsor or through advertising material provided to Reserves on a weekly basis.

Reserve personnel may volunteer for a period of full-time service with the Permanent Navy, provided the member's services are required.

Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves website.

The Defence Reserves Support Council also promotes the benefits of Reserve service by establishing partnerships with the community and employers.