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Many of the experiences that are open to RAAF officers are not available to those who opt for a civilian job. Carrying out search and rescue missions, maintaining Australia's air defence capabilities and, most importantly, protecting Australia's interests during a national crisis, will be your duties as a RAAF officer.
The Sky's 'Not' The Limit
Think Air Force and a lot of people only conjure up images of pilots. An officer in the Royal Australian Air Force can work in many diverse fields such as aeronautical, mechanical and civil engineering, intelligence or surveillance, pharmacy, education or environmental health.
Move Over Tom Cruise!
Aircrew pilots can learn to fly ten different types of aircraft in the RAAF. The type of aircraft will determine exactly what your job involves and the hours worked. Pilots learn general flying skills, including aerobatics, instrument flying, navigation, aerodynamics and aircraft systems. On completion of training, pilots will be posted to a squadron and learn the theory of tactics.
''Forget the hype about military pilots. I love my job and wouldn't do anything else but it's nothing like 'Top Gun'. Those who think it is, generally don't last very long. Pilot training is hard and will test how badly you want to be a pilot but the rewards are incredible,'' says RAAF pilot, Flight Lieutenant Chris McBurnie.
Pilots generally do not fly for the whole of their working lives. Many end up in an administration support role or being promoted to non-flying positions.
Expect to travel around the country to different postings and you may have operational involvement in other countries, for example, East Timor, Afghanistan or Iraq.
''The best thing about this job, so far, has been the actual operational tasks, such as offering flood relief, where you know you have actually made a real difference,'' says Chris.
Nowhere Without Support
Air operations require sound technical support. Engineers and technical tradespeople support and maintain all RAAF technical equipment. Those who work in the field of aeronautical engineering are responsible for aircraft structures and ground support. Those in armament are responsible for weapons and systems, and electronics/electrical engineers are responsible for a range of electronic systems.
Other officers can specialise as fighter controllers, air traffic controllers, aircrew navigators, intelligence officers, supply officers, or operational support officers.
Or, as an administrative officer, your job will be to manage RAAF personnel and finances. In this area you could be an administrative officer, an accounts officer, a training officer or a recruitment officer.
Skills For Life
As well as gaining professional qualifications, all officers must acquire military skills in combat, weapons handling and ceremonial procedures.
An Australian Defence Force Careers Adviser says that officer applicants must demonstrate excellent leadership, management, organisational and communication skills, and be highly disciplined and fit. Everyone who completes officer training is guaranteed a job in the RAAF. Due to the high level of training that is involved, a minimum service period of 6 to 12 years is required.
During training, ADFA first-year cadets earn approx $19,000, which increases to approx $30,000 in the fourth year. Once you have completed Officer and Specialisation Training, salaries range from approximately $51,000 up to about $73,000. This latter figure can go higher as you move up the ranks. Air Force pilots and navigators are entitled to a flying allowance, which is based on years of qualified flying service and is added to the base salary.
You can obtain more exact salary figures by contacting the Australian Defence Force directly.
Options For Potential Officers
There are two pathways you can take to become an officer in the RAAF. You can go into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) as a University level entrant, but you must have completed Year 12 and be at least 17 years of age.
Not only are you paid to study at ADFA, but once qualified you are also immediately employed as an officer in the RAAF.
ADFA, a College of the University of New South Wales, boasts one of the best student/teacher ratios in Australia and, as a student, you will have access to the most advanced technologies and facilities on campus. But it is not all about study. You will also be dedicated to military and fitness training.
Engineering, science, arts, and technology degrees are offered at ADFA. Once you graduate, your training will enable you to work in a number of areas including aeronautical, mechanical and civil engineering, intelligence or surveillance.
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