About the Job

Role. The role of the Royal Australian Corps of Transport (RACT) is to control and operate Army owned surface transport, other than unit transport, and to provide movement control, terminal, postal and Army aspects of air logistic support to the Army.

The RACT plays a pivotal role within the distribution network of the Australian Army. The officers and soldiers of the RACT plan and deliver the required personnel, stores, equipment and Combat Service Support (CSS) through the distribution process utilising road, rail, sea and air transportation.

The RACT has many tasks to perform including operating the Army fleet of landing craft and amphibious vehicles, all forms of road transport, distribution centres and specialist units that prepare, pack and dispatch supplies dropped from the air. To perform these tasks, the RACT is equipped with a large selection of vehicles including light trucks, heavy cargo and specialist vehicles 60 tonne semi-trailers. This also includes amphibious and small landing craft, such as:

  • LCM-8 watercraft
  • LARC V
  • Small Watercraft up to 6m
  • Noosa Cat

The Marine Specialist is a soldier who operates a variety of specialist watercraft, including amphibious craft and performs operator maintenance on Army marine vessels. A Marine Specialist also transports all forms of cargo across the sea, inland water ways and ship to shore operations (LOTS). Postings can include Land Unit and Specialist Forces.

Main Job Functions:
  • Operate Army watercraft and amphibious craft
  • Perform deck hand duties on board Army Watercraft
  • Operate weapons fitted to amphibian and landing craft and
  • Operate communication and electronic navigation equipment
In-Service Information
Employment Category Number (ECN): 218
Employment Category: Combat Support

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

Army is currently undertaking a review of civil accreditation gained through Army training.

Salary & Allowances

In the Army 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

The majority of Marine Specialists, up to 80%, are posted to Townsville in QLD. Limited posting opportunities also exist in VIC-Melbourne, NSW -Sydney, WA - Perth, Pilbara, NT - Darwin and QLD - Cairns.


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

Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics.

If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your ADF Careers Centre representative to discuss options.

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 enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of four years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

Additional Requirements

In addition to being able to pass the Army swim test, applicants must be capable of passing the Maritime swim test, which involves swimming 100 metres (using any stroke) whilst wearing AMCU and boots and (without leaving the water) remain afloat out of depth for 5 minutes.

All applicants must hold a current provisional/probationary drivers licence. If a candidate has a civilian licence that is under suspension or has been cancelled, they will not be eligible to enlist into this role until such time that the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

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

As a General Entry recruit, you’ll be required to complete the Recruit Course.

Army Recruit Course
Duration: Approximately 12 weeks.
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.

During training, you will take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.

Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.

For more information, visit Soldier Training at Kapooka.

Employment Training

Driver Training Course

Medium Rigid Truck (40M) and Light rigid truck (G-wagon) qualification pending suitability.

Location: Road Transport Wing, Army Logistic Training Centre, Puckapunyal, VIC.
Duration: Up to 33 Days.
Note: If the applicant is currently under a licence suspension or has their civilian licence cancelled, that applicant is not eligible to enlist within this employment category until that suspension or cancellation has expired.

Marine Specialist Basic Course
Location: Maritime Wing, Army Logistic Training Centre, Townsville, QLD.
Duration: 39 days, not including weekends.
Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.