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About the Job
Work in a highly classified environment intercepting and analysing radio, data and signal transmissions and communications.
Whether you have recently finished school, currently studying, already in the workforce or you have no experience at all, you'll be paid from day one. You'll gain all the skills needed with extensive on-the-job training.
As an Intelligence Analyst – Systems (known in the Navy as Cryptologic Systems Operator), you’ll support Navy intelligence missions by analysing and interpreting classified communication to inform tactical and military operations, both at sea and ashore.
You will work in a team on various complex intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities and missions. Using search receivers and other specialised equipment you will analyse communications and intercept, record, and distribute intelligence information.
Your duties include, but aren’t limited to:
- Analysing radio data and radio wave transmissions
- Analysing communication patterns and networks
- Intercepting, recording and distributing signal transmissions and communications
- Using recording and processing equipment
- Analytical and methodical problem-solving
- Manage and work with classified information
- Preparing and presenting intelligence briefs
As a sailor, you’ll learn additional skills and duties to become highly trained and efficient in supporting the whole ship. This may include ship security, firefighting team, flood repair, flight deck duties, replenishment at sea, ammunitioning, first aid or line handling.
You'll enjoy a competitive salary package, career stability, opportunities for continuous progression and an adventurous lifestyle, all while making a difference to Australia.
To succeed with the Navy tomorrow, apply today.
Other Ranks - Non Technical
Join the ADF with appropriate high school passes
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.
National Qualifications
The opportunity exists for members throughout their career in the Royal Australian Navy to complete training which is aligned to a nationally accredited outcome.
Salary & Allowances
In the Navy 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
All Sailors will serve in fleet units and shore establishments on a rotational basis.
Requirements
Age
Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).
Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.
Education & Experience
You must have successfully completed Year 10 with passes in English and Mathematics and Science (physics component desirable).
Medical & Fitness
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. This is assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
You must also pass the swim test and physical fitness test to graduate from your training.
Royal Australian Navy Swim Test (RANST):
The RANST is conducted early in your training to ensure the Navy's duty of care to all serving personnel, with respect to rudimentary swimming skills. The purpose of the RANST is to ensure fundamental water survival skills as a prerequisite to training such as survival at sea training. Individual components of the RANST are fundamentally related to the survival at sea scenario.
Competency in the RANST is achieved through completion of each component:
- Safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- Treading water or floating for 15 minutes
Note: You will be wearing your Navy uniform during the swim test.
All personnel will undertake the RANST upon entry and competency is to be achieved before the end of your initial military training. You will find it much easier to pass the swimming test if you undertake swimming training before you join.
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 enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of two years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.
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
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Victoria
All sailors who join the Navy will conduct their initial sailor training at the RAN Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor. Some of the key components of the NESC course are:
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test
- Military life: General service knowledge, including drill and ceremonial procedures
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control,
- A one week sea familiarisation period
Recruits, who successfully complete all components of the course will participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. Recruits will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of NESC course, all sailors will proceed on to their respective employment training specific to their category. For further information, please see the RAN Recruit School joining instructions Navy recruit school website.
Employment Training
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Crib Point, VIC
This course covers all aspects of basic seamanship, may include but is not limited to:
- Boat work - crew, maintenance and navigation of power boats
- Rigging - working all types of cordage and wire ropes, understanding splicing, maintenance of all forms of rigging, blocks, slips and shackles
- Anchor work - maintenance of ships and boats anchors and cables, and acting as a member of a ship's cable party
- Helmsmanship - steering the ship
- Ships husbandry and corrosion control - cleanliness and maintenance of all parts of a ship (except machinery spaces)
- General - a working knowledge of ship organisation, routines and survival at sea
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Maritime Intelligence and Information Warfare School, HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW
In this course, sailors undergo basic operator skills training. On completion of this course sailors will be classified as an Intelligence Analyst - Systems Operators. They are taught skills to enable them to contribute to intelligence teams by supporting the organisation’s intelligence functions at sea or ashore.
Once a sailor has consolidated their Intelligence Analyst skills, they will undertake specialisation training to stream as an Intelligence Analyst - Systems Operator.
Once specialised, sailors usually begin by applying their skills at shore-based facilities. Here they will consolidate their skills before posting to sea. Sailors can expect to be posted to ships at sea or any intelligence related role ashore for further training and consolidation.
Continuation training is in the form of intermediate and advanced courses linked to promotions and advancement.