 |
|
|
' We are extremely proud of our two sons for taking control of their own destiny and choosing a career that will give tehm a good start in life.'. Ian and Catherine Davies
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is an organisation that supports its staff in unique ways that will help your son or daughter to grow and develop to their full potential. The ADF provides an exciting, rewarding and challenging experience in a supportive environment, with the opportunity and encouragement to excel. This environment not only provides your child with a worthwhile career, but life skills and a sense of worth that will stay with them throughout their lives - even after their career in the ADF. So spend a few minutes reading this page and we're certain you'll gain a greater understanding as to why your child is considering a career in the ADF.
The oppurtunities that are available to young men and women aspiring to a career in the Defence Force are trmendous. Paul Rowe
The ADF is made up of three armed Services - the Navy, Army and Air Force, supported by the Department of Defence. Its mission is to defend Australia and its national interests as a balanced, networked and deployable force, manned by dedicated and professional people.
While the main mission of the ADF is to protect Australia's security, people and interests, each of the Services has its own unique role to play.
The Navy is a well-equipped, professional team that provides superior sea-power, contributing to the security of our region and overseas. The Army provides a potent, versatile and modern land-based force, while the Air Force prepares, conducts, and sustains effective air operations.
Your child's application is taken very seriously. All applicants undergo a thorough mental and physical assessment to ensure they are suited to life in the ADF.
Once your child has decided to join the Navy, Army or Air Force, they book a Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) session. The YOU session begins with an aptitude test, not to test intelligence, but to determine what particular roles your son or daughter is best suited for. They also complete a medical questionnaire and undergo an initial medical examination with a nurse. ADF members will be on-hand to answer any questions that your child might have. At the end of the YOU session, they will have all of the information needed to decide what ADF careers best suit their interests and particular abilities.
After the YOU session, your son or daughter will be booked into an Assessment Day where they undergo a psychological interview, a medical assessment and a Defence interview. These assessments ensure that your son or daughter has the knowledge required, and is prepared for an exciting and challenging career within the Navy, Army or Air Force.
Once your child has been recommended, either for Officer Entry or for General Entry, they must pass a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). The PFA includes a range of activities that differ depending on the Service chosen. Your child must be capable of achieving and maintaining a sufficient level of fitness to safely commence training. Having a good level of fitness will greatly assist them in their transition to the ADF during initial training.
If applying for Officer Entry, they'll also attend an Officer Selection Board to complete a series of teamwork and leadership activities, before being sent a letter of offer if successful.
There are around 350 jobs to choose from in just about every field you can think of. The Navy, Army and Air Force have one of the most diverse range of careers in the country. What's more, the ADF will pay your son or daughter to study for their qualifications. There's everything from Pilot, Medical Officer, Clerk and Cook through to Combat Systems Operator, Vehicle Mechanic and Air Traffic Controller.
Technical trades are well represented in the ADF and open up a whole new world of opportunity for your son or daughter. They could be employed as an Avionics Technician, Electronics Technician, Carpenter or Plumber to name a few. They'll enter an ADF trade career either as a qualified (experienced) plumber, carpenter or other qualified trades person, or they can enter as an apprentice and we'll train them from scratch. Not only will they obtain nationally recognised qualifications, they could find themselves working on everything from communication systems, electrical components and water reticulation systems to tanks, frigates, submarines and fighter jets.
Entry to the ADF can also be through the ADF Gap Year. A programme designed for students and school leavers to experience the Navy, Army or Air Force. ADF Gap Year offers a great insight to being a member of the ADF without the obligation to commit past the 12-month period. As well as adventure, there's a starting salary package of $40,000 p.a. plus free medical and dental care. ADF Reserves is another great way to enter. This part-time position with full-time excitement offers your child the opportunity to work alongside regular (full-time) Defence personnel. They'll learn great skills and enjoy tax-free pay that won't affect any Austudy or other government allowances. All reservists enjoy free or subsidised meals and accommodation while training and free uniforms. Flexibility is one of the many advantages of a part-time job with the ADF and there are many roles available. Training and work are structured so they can fit around your child's study or work commitments.
If your son or daughter is interested in a university degree, the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), a campus of the University of New South Wales, offers a range of degrees in Arts, Business, Science, Technology and Engineering. Once they graduate, your child could take on one of a number of leadership positions including ship's Navigator, Army Aviator or Air Traffic Controller. The ADF also provides undergraduate scholarships.
There are also jobs available for those who have already attained degree qualifications.
The initial minimum period of service varies depending on job and entry type. For example:
Life in the ADF is in some ways very much like that of civilian life. Once your son or daughter has completed their initial training, for which they'll be paid, they are generally allowed to live off base, whether they're single, married or still living at home. So going to work is very much like any other job, with after hours and weekends generally free to do what they like. They'll receive a regular salary and a very attractive superannuation of 18% per annum from day one of their employment.
While living on base the standard of accommodation is very good and your son or daughter's accommodation and food whilst training is subsidised to reduce any financial burden. During Initial Recruit Training, trainees will share a room with up to four other recruits (same gender). However, if undertaking Initial Officer Training, rooms are single berth. After completion of initial training, all accommodation is, generally, single room accommodation with communal facilities such as bathroom, kitchenette and living room. The meals provided by Defence are of a high standard. Everyone gets three cooked meals a day in a mess, with a choice of several dishes, including vegetarian dishes. Other dietary requirements, such as cultural and allergy-related needs, can also be catered for.
The facilities available vary for each base. Generally, each base has:
All facilities are maintained to a high standard and cater for a diverse range of interests and hobbies. Your child will also receive free healthcare, so you won't have to worry about any more medical or dental bills.
There is a chance that your son or daughter may be called upon to serve overseas and you might be feeling apprehensive about them being posted to a potentially hostile location. This is understandable and we can appreciate your concerns, particularly if your child is leaving home for the first time. However, you can rest assured that the ADF makes the wellbeing of its personnel a top priority and gives them every opportunity to stay in touch with loved ones, via email and letters, no matter where they are. At the same time every opportunity is made to ensure they are working in an environment that's as safe as possible, given the circumstances of the deployment.
No matter where they're posted, they'll get to experience countries from a unique viewpoint and experience different cultures in a way that backpackers never do.
While the ADF plays a significant role in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations around the world, it also performs a vital role here in Australia. This can involve tasks such as restoration of vital services, food distribution and medicine following natural disasters. The ADF also deters and apprehends illegal fishing boats and people involved in illegal immigration and smuggling in our northern waters. It also provides a wide range of support to emergency and community projects in remote Aboriginal communities. In addition, the ADF monitors and protects Australia's airspace.
The Defence values of professionalism, loyalty, integrity, courage, innovation and teamwork underpin everything we do. We expect our people to demonstrate these values. We support, and empower them to strive for excellence, work together and actively look for better ways of fulfilling our mission.
That said, you can be confident that your child is joining a modern, forward-thinking organisation, that believes in allowing its people to develop to their full potential, supporting them every step of the way. After all, our people are our most important assets.
The ADF has a duty of care to all its people to ensure they work in a safe and healthy environment. Through the provision of thorough training programmes conducted in well-equipped training institutions that comply with rigorous safety standards, ADF personnel are fully trained to work effectively in difficult circumstances. The ADF does not tolerate harassment, bullying or discrimination of any kind. There are both informal and formal procedures in place to maintain zero tolerance of such behaviours. The ADF also has a policy of zero tolerance in regards to illicit drug use.
There is also considerable welfare support on hand if required. Recruits and Officer Cadets are encouraged to discuss any problems with trained staff who are on-hand to deal with a wide range of issues.
The Defence Community Organisation (DCO) provides a broad range of services to the Australian Defence Force community. Many of these services support ADF personnel and their families to balance the demands of military service with personal and family commitments. DCO also provides assistance in the case of accident, illness, hospitalisation, and financial difficulty.
DCO will be your main link when your child joins the ADF. To find out more visit www.defence.gov.au/dco
The ADF has a duty of care for personnel who are under the age of 18. Measures are taken to ensure that proof of parental permission is obtained for leave beyond a certain distance from the ship/base/unit and that there is strict adherence to the law in regards to alcohol. While ADF service requires members to serve wherever and whenever required, the ADF must meet international obligations in respect of minors. So if your child is under 18 years of age, all feasible measures are taken to ensure that minors are not deployed to any hostile areas.
The first three to four weeks of training are jam-packed. However, after this initial period, leave on weekends and public holidays is granted subject to any training activities being conducted. Everyone in the ADF receives a minimum of four weeks paid annual leave and on top of that, special compassionate/emergency leave may be granted with any flights to get home covered by the ADF. Paid personal leave is also available to members in case of illness or injury.
ADF personnel are entitled to receive full medical and dental cover, free of charge. Not only does this include urgent medical care, but also specialist treatment that is deemed necessary for your son or daughter's ongoing health.
In addition to the base salary, a Service Allowance is paid in recognition of the unique requirements of Service life in the ADF. Personnel receive $10,971 per year plus a Uniform Maintenance Allowance of $419 - $682 per year. If posted to a ship, your son or daughter will receive a Seagoing Allowance. It starts at $10,637 p.a. and rises every 3-5 years until it eventually reaches $25,590 p.a. after a total of eleven years at sea.
In addition to degrees obtained at ADFA, the ADF sponsors university students who have started their degree through the ADF Undergraduate Scheme. Sponsorships are available across all three Services and across a number of different disciplines. The ADF makes university much more affordable by covering your child's tuition fees, as well as paying a salary of up to $39,137p.a. while studying. Personnel also have the opportunity to undertake post-graduate studies that are fully funded by the ADF.
The Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) encourages personnel to undertake financially assisted educational and training courses, which enhance their professional capability. These are outside of mandatory military training. Your child may be given approval for courses of study at Australian public education or vocational training institutions including public universities, institutes of technology, colleges of advanced education and secondary schools.