Air Force Flashcards
Chief of Defence
General Angus Campbell
Vice Chief of Defence
Vice Admiral David Lance Johnston
Defence Values
Courage Respect Integrity Excellence Service
Pilot Basic Course
No. 1 Flight Training School (1FTS)
RAAF Base East Sale
24 Weeks
60 hours flying and simulation (PC21)
General Flying - flying circuits, basic aerobatics, stalling and emergency handling
Instrument Flying - instrument interpretation skills and flying instrument approaches
Night Flying
Medium level visual navigation
Ground Training - aerodynamics, aircraft systems, air traffic control, meteorology, aviation medicine, cockpit systems, morse code and navigation
Pilot Intermediate Course
No. 2 Flight Training School (2FTS)
RAAF Base Pearce 30 Weeks 135 hours flying and simulation (PC21) Learn how to operate an aircraft Focuses on single pilot training Builds on skills learnt at 1FTS Introduced to formation flying and low level navigation
Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment
4 push-ups
20 sit-ups
6.5 shuttle run
In Service Fitness Assessment
8 push-ups
25 seconds of un-held sit-ups
55 sit-ups
2.4km run in 14minutes
F88 Austeyr
ADF’s standard individual weapon
Semi and fully automatic assault riffle
Fully operational in the most severe climates and field conditions
Magazine made from a high strength see through plastic - are able to quickly glance and see how much ammunition is left
Current Operations
Accordion Highroad Okra Aslan Resolute Gateway Solania Southern Discovery
Minister for Defence
Senator the Hon Linda Reynolds
Minister for Defence Industry
Hon Melissa Price
Chief of Joint Operations
Lieutenant General Greg Bilton
Chief of Joint Capabilities
Air Marshal Warren McDonald
Defence’s two enduring purposes?
Defend Australia and its national interests
Protect and advance Australia strategic interests
What is operational service
All personnel face the possibility of deploying to, or near, war zones and dangerous operational environments, in some situations they may be called upon to engage in direct action against an enemy force
In peacetime, members may be required to deploy to unstable areas where the risk of violence is high, personnel may be required to engage in offensive or defensive action
May be required to participate in major exercises, search and rescue missions, and natural disaster relief, where a degree of personnel risk still exists
What is the Defence Force Discipline Act?
In addition to normal civilian law, ADF personnel are subject to military law, with its own discipline systems (courts) and punishments
Defence personnel are legally bound to follow all lawful commands
Military discipline law concerns offences that are uniquely military, as well as other civil offences that occur in a military environment
What is unrestricted service?
All members of the ADF are required to provide unrestricted service
This means they must be available at all times to be moved of deployed across Australia and overseas
A candidate cannot have any civil or criminal restrictions placed on them
Military and trade skills
Members of the ADF are required to acquire and maintain military skills (competence with weapons, combat proficiencies and drill & ceremonial procedures), as well as trade skills and professional qualifications applicable to their environment
What are the age restrictions?
Minimum age of joining is 17
Compulsory retirement age is 60 (full time) and 65 (reserves)
Postings and deployments
ADF posting policy reflects the need to fill current vacancies as well as the need to rotate personnel through operational, staff and training appointments
Factors taken into considerations include; personal preferences, family welfare or compassionate circumstances
Postings aim to be three years in duration
Workplace behaviour
The ADF strikes to be an inclusive and progressive workplace, maintaining appropriate workplace behaviour and treating everyone with respect & fairness is essential to achieving this
Military members must be responsible, accountable and considerate of the consequences of their actions, attitude and behaviour towards others at all times
What is the drug policy?
Misuse of prescribe and non-prescribed drugs as well as illegal substances in not tolerated
This is result in action being taken against them - usually dismissal from the ADF
Compulsory drug testing is conducted
What is the alcohol policy?
The ADF does not condone the abuse of alcohol nor does it tolerate alcohol consumption practices that impair a members ability to perform their duties
The ADF encourages and supports its members in taking a sensible and balanced view on the subject
Operation Resolute
- At any one time up to 800 ADF personnel
- Working alongside personnel from Australian Customs and Border Protection Services
ADF’s contribution to protect Australia’s borders and offshore maritime interests
Covers approx. 10% of the worlds surface and includes Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) - extends 200 nautical miles from the Australian mainland
ADF assets protect Australia’s maritime domain from security threats such as; illegal maritime arrivals, maritime terrorism, piracy - robbery + violence at sea, compromise to bio-security, illegal activity in protected areas, illegal exploitation of natural resources, maritime pollution and prohibited exports + imports
Commander Maritime Border Command, Rear Admiral Peter Laver is the overarching operational authority
Air Force resources allocated include;
*AP-3C Orions and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft operate from RAAF Base Darwin and provide aerial surveillance of Australia’s North West and Northern approaches
Operation Solania
The ADF’s contribution to maritime surveillance within the Pacific region
Are assigned to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to the Pacific Island countries which supports the economic development through the protection of fisheries and other resources
ADF assets include; KA350 King Air, C-27J Spartan and RAN ships
Operation Accordion
- Middle East Region (MER)
- 600 personnel
Mission is to support the sustainment of ADF operations, enable contingency planning and enhance regional relationships in the MER
From Australia’s main logistics base in the MER, around 400 ADF personnel provide support to Australian operations throughout the region, including operations Okra, Highroad and Manitou
Operation Highroad
- Afghanistan
- 250 personnel
ADF’s commitment to Afghanistan and is fulfilled by personnel serving with the ADF’s task group Afghanistan
Task Group Afghanistan’s headquarters comprises a command element of about 45 ADF personnel, which coordinates administration, communications and logistics support for all ADF members deployed to Afghanistan
Australia remains committed to a stable and secure Afghanistan and continues to support the Nato-led train, advise and assist mission called ‘Resolute Support’
Operation Aslan
- South Sudan
- 20 personnel
Not deployed in combat role
Deployed to the United Nations’ Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) since 23 September 2011
The ADF’s commitment assists the UN to protect the people of South Sudan through the monitoring of human rights and the delivery of humanitarian aid
ADF personnel fill important UNMISS headquarter positions such as military loosen officers, operations, aviation and logistics support roles
Executive Summary - 2016 Defence White Paper
The Governments policy is to align Australia’s defence strategy with capabilities and resourcing, grow our international defence partnerships support shared security interests
Looks out to 2035 to identify where and what sorts of security challenges are likely to arise and what capabilities Defence will need to meet them
Australia’s Strategic Outlook - 2016 Defence White Paper
Australia and the Indo-Pacific region are in a period of significant economic transformation - rising incomes and living standards across the Into-Pacific are generating increased demand for goods and services
By 2050, almost half the world’s economic output is expected to come from the Info-Pacific - this presents opportunities to increase Australia’s economic and security
The rules-based global order on which Australia relies for open access to our trading partners are based on the maintenance of peace and stability, over the last 70years this has been underpinned by a strong USA presence in our region and globally
Our strategic planning is not limited to defending out borders - it recognises the regional and global nature of Australia’s strategic interests and the different sets of challenges created by the behaviours of our countries and non-state actors (terrorists)
Australia will seek to broaden and deepen our alliance with the United States
A rules-based global order means a shared commitment by all countries to conduct their activities in accordance with agreed rules which evolve over time
The Government is committed to contributing to international efforts meet the threat of terrorism
Australia’s Defence Strategy - 2016 Defence White Paper
The Governments defence strategy will ensure that Defence is prepared to respond if the Government decides the pursuit of Australia’s interests requires the use of military forces
Three strategic defence interests, each linked to a strategic defence objective;
1. A secure, resilient Australia; deter, deny and defeat any attempt by a hostile country or non-state actor to attack, threaten or coerce Australia. The Government is providing Defence with the capability and resources it needs to be able to independently and decisively respond to military threats
2. A secure nearer region, encompassing maritime South East Asia and the South Pacific; to support the security of maritime South East Asia and support the Governements of Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste and of Pacific Island Countries to build and strengthen their security.
3. A stable Indo Pacific region and rules-based global order which supports our interests; to provide meaningful contributions to global responses to address threats to the rules-based global order which threaten Australia and its interests, Australia will work closely with the United States and other international partners
Capability - 2016 Defence White Paper
The future force will be more capable, agile and potent
The future force will be more capable of conducting independent combat operations to defend Australia and protect our interests in our immediate region
Will enhance Australia’s ability to contribute to global coalition operations
More emphasis will be placed on the joint force so the ADF can apply more force more rapidly and more effectively when required
To provide our forces with comprehensive situational awareness, the Government is strengthening Defence’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities
The Government will strengthen the Defence cyber workforce and systems to deter and defend against the threat of cyber attack
More funding is being provided to ensure that the ADF has greater capacity and agility to respond to strategic risks
Chief of Air Force
Air Marshal Mel Hupfeld
Deputy Chief of Air Force
Air Vice-Marshal Stephen Meredith
Head of Air Force Capability
Air Vice-Marshal Catherine Roberts
Air Commander Australia
Air Vice-Marshal Joe Iervasi
Warrant Officer of the Air Force
Warrant Officer Air Force Fiona Grasby
Operation Okra
ADF’s contribution to the international effort to combat the Daesh (Isil) terrorist threat in Iraq and Syria
Australias contribution is being closely coordinated with the Iraqi Government, Gulf nations and a broad coalition of international partners
About 780 ADF personnel have deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Okra - these personnel make up the Air Task Group (ATG), the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) and Task Group Taji (TG Taji)
Aircraft involved include a KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport and an E-7A Wedgetail
Operation Gateway
Australias contribution to the preservation of regional security and stability in South East Asia
The ADF provides maritime surveillance patrols in the North Indian Ocean and South China Sea, in an effort to counter people smuggling in the region
The operation helps to painting the Defence relationship between Australia and Malaysia
The number of personnel involved vary on each occurrence
Operation Southern Discovery
*Antarctic Region
Is the ADF’s contribution to the Department of Environment and energy-led activity in the Antarctic region - the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP)
The operation is an enduring peace time activity in support of Australia’s national interests, which are based on the region’s scientific, environmental, strategic and economic importance
The area of operations covers approx. 7% of the worlds surface and includes Antarctic locations, the Southern ocean south of 60degrees
Air Force Resources - C-17A Globemaster III providing a logistics air bridge from Hobart to Wilkins aerodrome in Antartica and return
Training Aircraft
*Fixed Wing Pilot
Pilatus PC-21
Hawk 127
Air Mobility Aircraft
*Fixed Wing Pilot
C-17A Globemaster C-130J Hercules KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport C-27J Spartan KA350 King Air 737 Boeing Business Jet Dassault Falcon 7X
Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance Aircraft
*Fixed Wing Pilot
P-8A Poseidon
AP-3C Orion
E-7A Wedgetail
MQ-4C Triton Unmanned System Future
Air Combat Aircraft
*Fast Jet Pilot
F/A-18A/B Hornet
F/A-18F Super Hornet
EA-18G Growler
F-35A Lightning II
Starting Salary
$56,508pa
*Will increase as you complete various stages of training
Salary Once Trained
$84,636pa
*Will continue to increase based on rank and years in that rank
Military Training
*Initial Officer Training
RAAF Base East Sale
17 Weeks
Major elements of this course involve; introduction to military life, Air Force Values and Attitudes, ground defence and weapons training, leadership and personal development, communication skills, Air Force operations studies, management skills, teamwork development, and military law
Outside the classroom you’ll participate in adventure training and airfield defence exercise, will visit RAAF bases to contextualise what you have learnt
Aircrew Initial Survival Training Course
*Completed at 1FTS
Designed to provide new pilots and mission aircrew with the knowledge and skills to survive an emergency situation
The course covers topics such as psychology of survival, mechanism of heat loss and heat gain, forced landing scenario briefs, how to use electronic signal devices, signal fires and flares
Operational Conversion (OPCON)
Is the last step in the Initial Specialist Employment Training
Once you complete OPCON you will be ready to contribute to the application of Air Power and the defence of Australia
Further Training
This is where you will be streamed onto a specific aircraft, the process is called ‘conversion’
Whilst acknowledging your preference for aircraft, your instructors will give recommendations about the best choice of aircraft based on your temperament, strong points and aptitude - Air Force needs will take precedence
This is the stage where you learn the specifics of the aircraft chosen
At your new squadron you will learn the theory behind the tactics it employs and you will ‘crew up’ and practise until your team is operationally effective
Pilots Advance Course
Located at RAAF Base Pearce then moved to RAAF Base Williamtown
Flown on the Hawk 127
Pilots complete a 14 week introductory course at RAAF Base Pearce - 79 Squadron which includes general flying, instrument flying, formation flying, night flying and navigation
Pilots then complete a 20 week course at RAAF Base Williamtown - 76 Squadron for air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons training
Tactical flying and weapons application are introduced
RAAF Base Williamtown
F/A-18A/B Hornet - No. 77 Squadron
Hawk 127 - No. 76 Squadron
E-7A Wedgetail - No. 2 Squadron
RAAF Base Richmond
C-130J Hercules - No. 37 Squadron
RAAF Base Tindal
F/A-18A/B Hornet - No. 75 Squadron
RAAF Base Amberley
F/A-18F Super Hornet - No. 1 Squadron
F/A-18G Growler - No. 6 Squadron
C-17A Globemaster III - No. 36 Squadron
C-27J Spartan - No. 35 Squadron
KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport - No. 33 Squadron
RAAF Base Edinburgh
P-8A Poseidon - No. 11 Squadron
RAAF Base East Sale
KA350 King Air - No. 32 Squadron
Pilatus PC-21 - 1FTS
RAAF Base Pearce
Pilatus PC-21 - 2FTS
Hawk 127 - No. 79 Squadron
Period of Service
Will incur a 9 year Return of Service Obligation (ROSO) from the commencement of your operational conversion
*After ROSO you may request discharge at any time, providing three months notice
Air Force Pilot
As well as being the pilot you will be a mission manager who will ensure the mission is successfully completed in the most efficient and safe manner
You will make real time command and control decisions
The next 10 years will see significant changes in the Air Force as the service transitions to a networked force - seeks to have an information advantage, enabled in part by information technology, into a competitive war fighting advantage through the robust networking of well informed geographically dispersed forces
What is the Officer Aviation Family
Used to describe all of the RAAF’s commissioned Officers who are responsible for the application of air power and is made up of a number of operational streams, the pilots streams are;
- Fast jet pilot
- Fixed wing pilot
- The future - remote piloted aircraft
Fast Jet Pilot
Operations you may be involved in include air-to-air combat and air-to-surface weapons employment
In the super hornet and growler you will team up with weapon systems officers
Fixed Wing Pilot
Operations can range from air logistics support to air-to-air refuelling, search and survivor assistance, transporting troops or equipment, assisting with maritime warfare as well as surveillance and reconnaissance missions
The Future
Remote piloted aircraft (RPA) - dedicated intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and space based technologies will join our modern, capable platforms as part of a 5th generation Air Force
Air Force - Chiefs Intent
Air Marshal Mel Hupfelds intentions for the Air Force during his tenure, the key lines of effort through which we will measure our success are;
- Delivering air and space power as a component of the joint force
- Developing an intelligent and skilled workforce
- Deepening relationships and strengthening our engagements
- Evolving our culture
- Building agile and coherent governance
Our Purpose and Work
Defending Australia and its interests
In cooperation with the Navy and Army, the Air Force is tasked with the defence of our nation, our people, our values and our way of life. We achieve this by
- Controlling the air
- Acquiring intelligence through reconnaissance and surveillance
- Providing air mobility for all operational needs, and
- Supporting combat missions through a strike capability
Our Purpose and Work
Supporting Peak Strategic Capability
As the defence landscape changes and Australia faces threats from within as well as overseas, the Air Force adapts and evolves to maintain optimum capability. To resource this need we;
- Operate some of the most technically-advanced aircraft in the skies
- Deploy cutting edge intelligence and communications technology
- Employ Australia’s best and brightest men and women, and
- Train, educate and reward our personnel to perform at their peak
Our Purpose and Work
Providing a force for protection, rescue and disaster relief
In addition to defending our nation, the Air Force supports a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas, including;
- Supporting international security and counter-terrorism initiatives
- Protecting our boarders from illegal activity and incursions
- Carrying out search and rescue missions
- Supporting peacekeeping operations, and
- Helping communities affected by natural disasters
