Entry

Other Ranks (Technical)

General Entry (Technical Training) is the term used to describe the technical employment available to people entering the Navy as Sailors (non-Officer entry) and for which trade training is provided. Every sailor is assigned to a branch in the Navy, and this is referred to as a Category; for example, Marine Technician is a Category.

Career Progression

General Entry Sailors graduate from recruit training with the rank of Seaman Star. The rank of Seaman (SMNMT) is awarded to a sailor on successful completion of Initial Technical Training and they will progress to Able Seaman (ABMT) after successful completion of the first operator qualification. Further promotion in Rank is based on employment performance, time in rank, individual readiness (medical, dental, physical fitness) and position vacancies for the next rank. There is considerable variation between categories. 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 26 weeks but can be shorter dependant upon recognition of prior learning and current competency of the sailor);
• Seaman to Able Seaman - on successful completion of the first operator qualification (approximately 16 months after successful 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 - on completion of Junior Sailors Management Course, Senior Technician Operators Training and minimum of 2 years at sea (dependant upon performance evaluation reports, this period may be shortened for high achievers);
• Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer - on completion of Senior Sailors Management Course and Marine Technical Charge Certificate; and
• Chief Petty Officer to Warrant Officer - on completion of Chief Petty Officer Promotion Course and Senior Technical Officer Course. 

Leading Seamen are referred to as Junior Non-Commissioned Officers. A Leading Seaman Marine Technician (LSMT) is both a supervisor and an experienced MT, who is required to perform the functions of a foreman in a military operational environment. In this capacity, Leading Seamen are the first line of supervisors in the chain of command, being responsible for the professional development of their subordinates as well as being the first point of contact for support. Leading Seamen additionally have an important role in ensuring good order and discipline is maintained and are expected to provide an important role model for their subordinates.

Petty Officers are sub-system/system managers with a high degree of experience as a Marine Technician (POMT). Petty Officers are required to manage complex platform and propulsion 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. Chief Petty Officers (CPOMT), as technical specialists, 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 platform and propulsion systems, apply project management skills, and contain an in-depth understanding of technical administrative procedures.

Warrant Officer is the most senior rank for sailors. Warrant Officers (WOMT) 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.

• 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.

Qualified

General Entry Sailor - Technician (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, Marine Technician is a category.

QES-T sailors graduate from recruit training with the rank of Able Seaman. They will then attend the Junior Sailors Leadership and Management Course before undertaking a modified form of Initial Technical Trade Training that recognises trade qualifications already held and will align with Engineering specific trade training. On completion of this alignment training they will be promoted to Leading Seaman. Further promotion to Petty Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Warrant Officer is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies. 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 - Leading Seaman - (Length of Junior Sailors Leadership Course and Technical Trade Alignment Training); 
• Leading Seaman to Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years;
• Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer - minimum of 4 years; and
• Chief Petty Officer to Warrant Officer - minimum of 4 years.

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.

Other Ranks (Technical) (Reserve)

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 Support Council website.

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