How to become an Air Force Officer

Air Force officers command, train and motivate Air Force airmen and airwomen for peacetime and wartime tasks. Air Force officers work at the middle and executive management levels within the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), with officers specialising in various areas depending on their training and qualifications.

Personal requirements for an Air Force Officer

Meet aptitude, physical fitness and medical requirements
Willing to accept responsibility
Ability to lead and motivate others
Willing to serve anywhere in Australia or overseas
At least 17 years of age
Australian citizenship
Strong decision making and problem solving skills
Great communication skills, both orally and verbally

Education & Training for an Air Force Officer

To become an Air Force officer you usually have to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with passes in English and three other broad subjects. To join the RAAF you will need to successfully complete a series of aptitude tests, medical assessments and selection interviews. If you are successful, there are four different education and training pathways for Air Force officers. You may apply to join the Air Force as a non-degree, direct-entry officer cadet; you may complete a degree through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA); you may apply as a sponsored undergraduate; or you may apply after completing one of a selected range of specialist degrees. Entry to all officer cadet positions requires the completion of the 17-week Initial Officer Course at RAAF Base East Sale, Gippsland, Victoria. This is followed by specialist training with the RAAF.

Additional information

To enter ADFA, you must be at least 17 years of age and have satisfied entry requirements for a relevant degree at the University of New South Wales or equivalent.

Duties & Tasks of an Air Force Officer

An Air Force officer may specialise as:

Air Combat Officer (Mission Aircrew) - use radar systems to detect enemy targets and perform surveillance missions in areas of battle management, combat and maritime patrol.
Airfield Engineer - manage, assess, repair and maintain the operation of Air Force infrastructure and engineering services.
Dentist – assess, diagnose and treat dental conditions and maintain the oral health of Air Force personnel.
Doctor - provide healthcare to Air Force personnel in RAAF hospitals, at first aid posts or during emergency situations such as aeromedical evacuations.
Ground Defence Officer – defend Air Force airfields, assets and personnel from ground attack, command ground defence squadrons and conduct various types of defence training.
Air Traffic Controller (Mission Controller) - manage the safe movement of military and non-military aircraft in the domestic environment, assisting with flight coordination and aircraft control during combat.
Nurse – responsible for the medical needs of Air Force personnel and assist doctors with medical procedures in RAAF hospitals, remote locations or during aeromedical evacuations.
Pilot - fly combat and support aircraft on a variety of missions and roles, conduct flying lessons and carry out planning and administrative duties.

Tasks

Controlling the collection and interpretation of management information to monitor performance
Establishing lines of control and delegating responsibilities to subordinate staff
Preparing reports, authorising the release of information, and handling public relations activities
Representing the organisation in dealings with other organisations and the public
Controlling the use of, and accounting for, the assets and facilities of the organisation
Establishing administrative and operational procedures by taking account of the organisation's operating environment
Preparing budgets and other management plans
Making policy decisions and accepting responsibility for operations, performance of staff, achievement of targets and adherence to budgets, standards and procedures

Working conditions for an Air Force Officer

Air Force Officers may work both in the air or on the ground, working to train groups of pilots and fellow employees. Officers can work at Air Force bases.

Employment Opportunities for an Air Force Officer

Recruitment into the Australian Defence Force is conducted on an Australia-wide basis all year round. ADF officers may be sent to training in various locations around Australia, and then deployed anywhere throughout the country or world.

Specializations

Air Force Officer

Average age
39 years
Future Growth
Moderate
Gender Share
15% female
Average full-time
50 hours
Weekly Pay
$2,834
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
93% Full-Time
Employment Size
1,600 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 21.4%
NSW: 29.3%
NT: 3.9%
QLD: 18.7%
SA: 5.5%
TAS: 1.2%
VIC: 13.7%
WA: 6.0%
Age brackets
15-19: 4.5%
20-24: 12.6%
25-34: 23.7%
35-44: 21.2%
45-54: 25.1%
55-59: 9%
60-64: 2.9%
65 and Over: 0.9%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 17.5%
Bachelor degree: 26.1%
Certificate III/IV: 9.7%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 25.6%
Year 10 and below: 1.7%
Year 11: 1%
Year 12: 18.5%