About the Job

By joining the Air Force as Mission Aircrew, you'll be entering into an 'Officer Aviation' role. This term refers to a handful of Air Force Officer aircrew and ground-based mission controller roles. In an Officer Aviation role, you'll become a world-class leader and manager, and an expert in the aviation technology and skills critical to your role.

Mission Aircrew includes a range of diverse roles that will have you working in the air, operating various pieces of military-grade technology and making key decisions in challenging environments. While Pilots fly the aircraft, Mission Aircrew work on board to perform an array of other tasks and are ultimately responsible for the safe and efficient completion of the mission.

Depending on your role, you could find yourself in the back seat of a fastjet operating a variety of weapons and systems. You could lead a team on board a P-8A Poseidon using advanced technology to find hidden submarines or to conduct search and rescue operations. Or, you could specialise in managing the refuelling of aircraft in mid-air to allow them to complete their missions.

The next 10 years will see significant changes in the Air Force as the service continues to modernise, with a focus on information technology and how that can be translated into a competitive warfighting advantage. The Air Force will require highly motivated professionals to make command-and-control decisions in an ever-changing environment, managing missions to ensure they're completed efficiently and safely. Below is more information on the three Mission Aircrew roles.

Weapons Systems Officers, or 'WSOs', are employed as aircrew on the F/A-18F Super Hornet or on the EA-18G Growler. On the Super Hornet and Growler, you will team up with the Pilot, who'll control the aircraft while you operate state-of-the-art mission systems including aircraft systems, electronic warfare equipment, sensor-like radar and infra-red targeting systems and weapons. The roles of the Super Hornet and Growler are varied and complex in nature and include air-to-air combat and air-to-surface weapons employment. As a WSO, you'll be at the heart of Australia's modern Air Force.

MPROs perform the duties of a mission commander, otherwise known as a Tactical Coordinator (TACCO) on board the P-8A Poseidon aircraft. You'll operate as part of a crew performing a variety of missions including anti-surface strike, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue; and maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions.

You'll also be involved in maritime and over-land operations, providing critical intelligence to both conventional and special operations forces. You may also be involved in the detection of unlawful maritime activities such as illegal fishing, smuggling or piracy. The P-8A Poseidon aircraft is at the forefront of military aviation technology and as an MPRO, you will be an essential piece of our modern Air Force.

As an AMO, it will be your primary job to refuel aircraft. Sound simple? Now imagine doing it in mid-air. You'll be responsible for "flying" the refueling boom on your KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft into the refueling receptacle of other aircraft, who'll be matching your pace only metres away. As an AMO, you'll be directly contributing to operations by keeping fighters, airborne early warning and control aircraft, and surveillance and response aircraft in the air and on task for longer. AMOs are also involved in the planning and execution of combat airlift or humanitarian operations that could occur anywhere within Australia or around the world.

The Future

Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA); dedicated Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft; and space-based technologies will join with our advanced, capable platforms as part of a modern Air Force.

Click on the following link for more information on the other pathways within Officer Aviation.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary & Allowances

In the Air Force you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

Initial Mission Aircrew employment locations are dependent upon the chosen stream for the individual and operational posting requirements:

  • Weapon Systems Officers need to complete Fast Jet training on the Hawk Lead-in Fighter aircraft at RAAF Williamtown (Newcastle, NSW) before undergoing operational training on the Super Hornet or Growler aircraft which are located at RAAF Amberley (Brisbane, QLD).
  • Maritime Patrol and Response Officers will be posted to 292SQN at RAAF Edinburgh (Adelaide, SA) to complete their P-8A Poseidon aircraft training
  • Air Mobility Officers will undergo operational conversion to the KC30A Multirole Tanker Transport aircraft at 33SQN at RAAF Amberley (Brisbane, QLD).
  • Air Battle Managers who progress from working within the Air Defence Ground Environment to working in the air environment will be posted to 2SQN at RAAF Williamtown (Newcastle, NSW) and complete an operational conversion on the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft.

Requirements

Age

You can start your application at sixteen and a half years but you must be at least seventeen years on the day you join the Air Force.

The maximum age that you can join is sixty years, minus the period of obligation.  For example, if your obligation is ten years, you can join at fifty years. 

Education & Experience

The requirements for acceptance into Initial Officer Training for an Officer Aviation (Mission Aircrew, Mission Controller and Pilot) are:

  • Completion of Year 12
  • Passes in English and three other academic subjects
  • The desired ATAR or equivalent for your chosen degree. As well as applying to the Air Force for entry, you must also apply to the University through the Universities Admissions Centre (NSW and ACT). The UAC website is:http://www.uac.edu.au

The completion of Year 12 university entry level mathematics (unmodified) and physics or multi-strand science is highly desirable.

This entry mode attracts a debt greater than the maximum rate of HECS due to the higher costs associated with ADFA studies ($25,000 per annum). In general terms, this debt accrues (increases) whilst undertaking study, with the maximum debt reached on completion of study. Once the period of study has ended, the debt begins to acquit (reduce) for the remainder of your Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once the IMPS period is complete, there is no remaining debt.

Officer Aviation Candidates (Mission Aircrew, Mission Controller and Pilot) can choose to study any degree offered at ADFA by the UNSW except for four-year engineering degrees.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

You will be required to complete your tertiary studies at ADFA prior to completing Initial Specialist Employment Training (ISET). The length of ISET varies between streams.

Although you will have an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of seven years associated with your three years of tertiary studies at ADFA, this will be served concurrently with the nine year Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) you when you start your operational conversion. An operational conversion is the course you undertake after your basic courses and is specific to the mission stream you are allocated to.

You may apply to separate from Defence provided you do not have any outstanding service obligation. 

Additional Requirements

Physical Requirements

The weight and height limitations for Mission Aircrew and Mission Controller job types are the same as the general entry standards. However, because of the weight and height requirements of the ejection seats in the Hawk Lead-in Fighter and the Super Hornet and Growler, applicants can only be streamed to become a Weapon Systems Officers if they meet the same Aviation Class 1 medical standards as Air Force Pilots (see below).

Weight/BMI Aviation Class 1:

Weight - body weight between 44 and 105 kg.

BMI - within general entry standards.

Height Aviation Class 1:

Height - within general entry standards.

Sitting Height - 78 to 101 cm.

Buttock to knee length - maximum 122 cm.

Speech

Have speech that is clear and free from impediment.

Detailed evaluation

All Australian Defence Force Officer Aviation (OA) roles require you to complete a detailed evaluation consisting mostly of examinations and interviews. After passing an initial test and interview at your local DFRC, you'll move on to take part in the two-day Aviation Screening Program (ASP).

The ASP will take place at the East Sale Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Victoria. There you'll join a group of about ten candidates who are all undergoing further screening for OA.

Over the two days you and your group will do a range of tests exclusive to OA candidates that assess your cognitive aptitude and potential to learn in the aviation training environment. You'll experience firsthand the training, recreational and accommodation facilities at the RAAF base. Plus, you'll get to talk with students and instructors at the Air Academy (AirA) about the different roles and life in the Air Force.

You'll even receive a flight suit, service patch and hat to wear while at the centre-giving you a taste of life in the Air Force.

At the end of the ASP, you'll meet with a debriefing officer individually to receive your test results and discuss the Officer Aviation (OA) career options that are available to you: Aviation Warfare Officer, Mission Aircrew, Mission Controller or Pilot.

You'll be able to take a copy of your report and progression options with you, to talk through with your family. If you're successful, you'll need to contact a Defence Force Recruiter to progress your application to Officer Selection Boards.

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon graduation from ADFA. Although candidates may not need to have any form of driver's licence upon entry they are expected to attain their licence, in their own time and expense, while at ADFA.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT 

Academy Military Education and Training (AMET) is programmed at the beginning and end of each year and for six hours each week during academic sessions. There is significant emphasis on creating experience-based leadership opportunities in the training activities.
During AMET you'll undertake training in the following:

• Leadership 
• Drill and Ceremonial 
• Military Communication
• Equity and Diversity
• First Aid and Health
• Military Law
• Physical and Recreational Training
• Weapon Training

Follow the link for further details. 

You'll also have breaks in study to go on academic field trips, military tours, excursions, and adventure training exercises. 

Employment Training

Once you've graduated from Officer Training School, you will commence your Initial Specialist Employment Training with the Air Academy (AirA). Regardless of whether you want to work in the air environment (Mission Aircrew) or the ground environment (Mission Controller), your first course at the Air Academy will be the 12-week Mission Elementary Course. The Air Mission Training School (AMTS) is responsible for conducting the Mission Elementary Course which has three modules, each about four weeks in duration:

   - Aviation Fundamentals Module. The aim of the Aviation Fundamentals Module is to give Mission Elementary Course trainees foundational knowledge that will allow them to undergo more specific aviation training  during further operational stream training. Some of the classes in this module are also taught on Pilot Basic Course.

   - Control Module. The aim of the Control Module is to develop aviation communication, multi-dimensional thinking, time management and situational awareness while controlling aircraft. The successful completion of this module is a prerequisite for Air Battle Managers Basic Course. Both Air Warfare Simulators and Air Traffic Control Simulators are used in this module to gain a better understanding of the Air Battle Manager (ABM) and Air Traffic Controller (ATC) streams as well as prepare you for further Mission Aircrew training.

   - Airborne Exposure Module. The aim of the Airborne Exposure Module is to give all OA trainees exposure to the airborne aviation environment and to assess their suitability for further. The Airborne Exposure Module is made up of supporting ground school, simulator events and sorties in the B350 King Air aircraft. Sorties are approximately three hours in duration and are conducted with two Mission Elementary Course trainees and one Aviation Instructor (plus pilots) on board. The aviation experience gained in these sorties will assist in further operational stream training for ABM, ATC and Mission Aircrew.

Follow-on Courses. At the end of Mission Elementary Course, trainees will head down either the Mission Aircrew path or the Mission Controller path to their Operational Stream. Stream progression decisions take into account; preference, suitability, standing and operational stream demand. The follow-on courses available after Mission Elementary Course are:

   - Air Battle Manager (ABM). Those RAAF OAs streamed to ABM will complete the 20-week ABM Basic Course at the Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) at RAAF Base Williamtown.  The aim of this training course is to produce controllers who have the knowledge, skills, attitude and experience to complete an operational conversion to ground-based Surveillance and Control equipment. Later in their careers, ABMs may also be able to complete a conversion to allow them to perform a similar role from within the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Alternatively, some ABMs may undertake specialist training to allow them to conduct long range or satellite surveillance activities.

   - Air Traffic Controller (ATC). The School of Air Traffic Control (SATC) at RAAF Base East Sale is responsible for basic training for those RAAF OAs streamed to ATC. The aim of the 38-week ATC Basic Course is to produce controllers who have the knowledge, skills, attitude and experience to complete an operational conversion to a control tower at a military air base or a joint civil/military base. Aside from the basic course, the SATC also offers courses that allow ATCs to become approach controllers, supervisors and instructors. 

   - Mission Aircrew. Those trainees identified to undergo Mission Aircrew training will remain at the Air Mission Training School (AMTS) at East Sale and will complete a 12-week Mission Aviation Course. At the end of the Mission Aviation Course, trainees are streamed and complete more specialised training that will lead them to becoming an AMO, EWO, MPRO or a WSO. The Mission Aircrew Training at AMTS is conducted in the classroom, simulators and King Air aircraft, with the type of skills taught in the specialist blocks varying depending on the stream.

Operational Conversions. The operational conversion (OPCON) is the last step in the ISET continuum. Once you complete your OPCON, you will be ready to contribute to the application of Air Power and the defence of Australia.


Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

Salary & Allowances

In the Air Force you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

Initial Mission Aircrew employment locations are dependent upon the chosen stream for the individual and operational posting requirements:

  • Weapon Systems Officers need to complete Fast Jet training on the Hawk Lead-in Fighter aircraft at RAAF Williamtown (Newcastle, NSW) before undergoing operational training on the Super Hornet or Growler aircraft which are located at RAAF Amberley (Brisbane, QLD).
  • Maritime Patrol and Response Officers will be posted to 292SQN at RAAF Edinburgh (Adelaide, SA) to complete their P-8A Poseidon aircraft training
  • Air Mobility Officers will undergo operational conversion to the KC30A Multirole Tanker Transport aircraft at 33SQN at RAAF Amberley (Brisbane, QLD).
  • Air Battle Managers who progress from working within the Air Defence Ground Environment to working in the air environment will be posted to 2SQN at RAAF Williamtown (Newcastle, NSW) and complete an operational conversion on the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft.

Requirements

Age

You can start your application at sixteen and a half years but you must be at least seventeen years on the day you join the Air Force.

The maximum age that you can join is sixty years, minus the period of obligation. 

For example, if your obligation is nine years, you can join at around 49 years. Your starting age needs to provide you enough time to progress through the training continuum before the Return of Service Obligation is applied.

Education & Experience

Applicants must have completed Year 12 with passes in English and three other board accredited academic subjects.

Applicants who are currently studying Year 12 may apply, however progression through the application process will be contingent on reaching these levels.

The completion of Year 12 university entry level Mathematics (unmodified) and Physics or multi-strand Science is highly desirable.

Medical & Fitness

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

Period of Service

You will incur a nine year Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) when you start your operational conversion. An operational conversion is the course you undertake after your basic courses and is specific to the mission stream you are allocated to.

You may apply to separate from Defence provided you do not have any outstanding service obligation.

 

Additional Requirements

Physical Requirements

The weight and height limitations for Mission Aircrew and Mission Controller job types are the same as the general entry standards. However, because of the weight and height requirements of the ejection seats in the Hawk Lead-in Fighter and the Super Hornet and Growler, applicants can only be streamed to become a Weapon Systems Officers if they meet the same Aviation Class 1 medical standards as Air Force Pilots (see below).

Weight/BMI Aviation Class 1:

Weight – body weight between 44 and 105kg.

BMI – within general entry standards.

Height Aviation Class 1:

Height – within general entry standards.

Sitting Height – 78 to 101cm.

Buttock to knee length – maximum 122cm.

Speech

Have speech that is clear and free from impediment.

Detailed evaluation

All Australian Defence Force Officer Aviation (OA) roles require you to complete a detailed evaluation consisting mostly of examinations and interviews. After passing an initial test and interview at your local DFRC, you’ll move on to take part in the two-day Aviation Screening Program (ASP).

The ASP will take place at the East Sale Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in Victoria. There you’ll join a group of about ten candidates who are all undergoing further screening for OA.

Over the two days you and your group will do a range of tests exclusive to OA candidates that assess your cognitive aptitude and potential to learn in the aviation training environment. You’ll experience firsthand the training, recreational and accommodation facilities at the RAAF Base. Plus, you’ll get to talk with students and instructors at the Air Academy (AirA) about the different roles and life in the Air Force.

You’ll even receive a flight suit, service patch and hat to wear while at the centre—giving you a taste of life in the Air Force.

At the end of the ASP, you’ll meet with a debriefing officer individually to receive your test results and discuss the Officer Aviation (OA) career options that are available to you: Aviation Warfare Officer, Mission Aircrew, Mission Controller or Pilot.

You’ll be able to take a copy of your report and progression options with you, to talk through with your family. If you’re successful, you’ll need to contact a Defence Force Recruiter to progress your application to Officer Selection Boards.

Licence Requirements:

At a minimum, candidates must hold a valid Australian State or Territory provisional/probationary C Class Drivers Licence upon graduation from ADFA. Although candidates may not need to have any form of driver’s licence upon entry they are expected to attain their licence, in their own time and expense, while at ADFA.

Aptitude

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

Citizenship

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Residence
  • Employment
  • Education
  • Financial information
  • Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

Training

Military Training

Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 17 weeks 

Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase training you will be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.


Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training you will be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills.  The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.


Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training you will consolidate what you’ve learned so far you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership. 

You will be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you will participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to you workplace.


Follow the link for further details. 

Employment Training

Once you've graduated from Officer Training School, you will commence your Initial Specialist Employment Training with the Air Academy (AirA). Regardless of whether you want to work in the air environment (Mission Aircrew) or the ground environment (Mission Controller), your first course at the Air Academy will be the 12-week Mission Elementary Course. The Air Mission Training School (AMTS) is responsible for conducting the Mission Elementary Course which has three modules, each about four weeks in duration:

   - Aviation Fundamentals Module. The aim of the Aviation Fundamentals Module is to give Mission Elementary Course trainees foundational knowledge that will allow them to undergo more specific aviation training  during further operational stream training. Some of the classes in this module are also taught on Pilot Basic Course.

   - Control Module. The aim of the Control Module is to develop aviation communication, multi-dimensional thinking, time management and situational awareness while controlling aircraft. The successful completion of this module is a prerequisite for Air Battle Managers Basic Course. Both Air Warfare Simulators and Air Traffic Control Simulators are used in this module to gain a better understanding of the Air Battle Manager (ABM) and Air Traffic Controller (ATC) streams as well as prepare you for further Mission Aircrew training.

   - Airborne Exposure Module. The aim of the Airborne Exposure Module is to give all OA trainees exposure to the airborne aviation environment and to assess their suitability for further. The Airborne Exposure Module is made up of supporting ground school, simulator events and sorties in the B350 King Air aircraft. Sorties are approximately three hours in duration and are conducted with two Mission Elementary Course trainees and one Aviation Instructor (plus pilots) on board. The aviation experience gained in these sorties will assist in further operational stream training for ABM, ATC and Mission Aircrew.

Follow-on Courses. At the end of Mission Elementary Course, trainees will head down either the Mission Aircrew path or the Mission Controller path to their Operational Stream. Stream progression decisions take into account; preference, suitability, standing and operational stream demand. The follow-on courses available after Mission Elementary Course are:

   - Air Battle Manager (ABM). Those RAAF OAs streamed to ABM will complete the 20-week ABM Basic Course at the Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) at RAAF Base Williamtown.  The aim of this training course is to produce controllers who have the knowledge, skills, attitude and experience to complete an operational conversion to ground-based Surveillance and Control equipment. Later in their careers, ABMs may also be able to complete a conversion to allow them to perform a similar role from within the E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Alternatively, some ABMs may undertake specialist training to allow them to conduct long range or satellite surveillance activities.

   - Air Traffic Controller (ATC). The School of Air Traffic Control (SATC) at RAAF Base East Sale is responsible for basic training for those RAAF OAs streamed to ATC. The aim of the 38-week ATC Basic Course is to produce controllers who have the knowledge, skills, attitude and experience to complete an operational conversion to a control tower at a military air base or a joint civil/military base. Aside from the basic course, the SATC also offers courses that allow ATCs to become approach controllers, supervisors and instructors. 

   - Mission Aircrew. Those trainees identified to undergo Mission Aircrew training will remain at the Air Mission Training School (AMTS) at East Sale and will complete a 12-week Mission Aviation Course. At the end of the Mission Aviation Course, trainees are streamed and complete more specialised training that will lead them to becoming an AMO, EWO, MPRO or a WSO. The Mission Aircrew Training at AMTS is conducted in the classroom, simulators and King Air aircraft, with the type of skills taught in the specialist blocks varying depending on the stream.

Operational Conversions. The operational conversion (OPCON) is the last step in the ISET continuum. Once you complete your OPCON, you will be ready to contribute to the application of Air Power and the defence of Australia.