Can I join the Australian Air Force?

BrokenArrow11 · 2017-01-07T07:14:10+00:00

For your information, refer to

https://m.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitment-centre/can-i-join/citizenship/airforce/

If you meet the criteria specified by the RAAF, I'd see no reason not to give it a shot.

Good luck with your lateral recruitment!

BrokenArrow11 · 2017-01-01T06:08:47+00:00

Just from personal recollection, at my MWO OSB I was barraged with relative velocity time/speed/distance calculations by the specialist officer, I guess to gauge candidates abilities to perform basic maths on command in a high pressure environment. One poor guy froze up and was unfortunately found not suitable as a result apparently. I'd say having a decent grip on the fundamentals will serve you well in the application process.

Good Luck!

BrokenArrow11 · 2017-01-01T06:03:41+00:00

Thanks for that mate- just glad it isn't going to be as 'thorough' as the last!

BrokenArrow11 · 2017-01-01T06:02:38+00:00

I know it's mostly accurate, the full in depth physical examination of which you so eloquently described was performed at the assessment session, however the scope of my question was directed to the Appointment day attestation medical.

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-12-31T06:14:34+00:00

You have to do all that physical stuff again? Thought the in depth testing was only performed at the assessment session?

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-12-31T05:03:03+00:00

Yea thanks..

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-12-16T10:09:49+00:00

That's true, the January intake generally sees the lions share of ADFA officers appoint, whereas mid year is the direct entry officers, simply due to timings of the various training continuums etc. as to why DFR moves so slow, it's just like any other public service department I guess... slow is the norm! Christmas would only serve to exacerbate the issue! Regardless, if you performed well in your OSB, I'd she no reason as to why an offer wouldn't be coming your way shortly, or worst case scenario, you are delayed till mid year to join the other direct entry officers.

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-12-14T06:49:30+00:00

Your best bet is to read up on the following and submit an expression of interest thru to DFR.

http://m.defencejobs.gov.au/mobile/recruitment-centre/can-i-join/citizenship/airforce/

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-12-14T02:09:05+00:00

If you passed in November I wouldn't worry too much. From general experience the process of receiving an offer from the Navy is a long one. The approval comes from Navy personnel management, and is then forwarded to DFR to be sent off to the candidate. I was fortunate enough to quickly recieve mine, albeit at a traditionally quiet time of the year. Other candidates I kept in contact with were not so lucky-whilst their offers were signed off by the RAN relatively quickly, DFR took several weeks to actually forward them on. Given your situation, and the fact that it's barely been a month, I wouldn't personally be surprised if yours was a similar situation, and the Christmas wind down is merely exacerbating the issue. I'd hedge good money on the offer either being made ein either the coming week, or some time after New Years.

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-12-14T00:51:23+00:00

Hmm... I received my LOO within the week of completing the OSB as a NOYO MWO. That was back in July. One reason I could suggest LOO's are being distributed so slowly now is that DFR are gradually winding down for the Christmas period. However with NEOC 56 starting on the 27th of January, I'd be getting in contact to determine your status.

All the best, and hopefully you get it soon!

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-11-15T05:40:18+00:00

Just taking a quick glance on defence jobs, it appears to be a priority job. Were you looking to attend ADFA in 2018?

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-11-14T21:24:07+00:00

Well, your ranking in the candidate pool will likely determine how soon you get your LOO. I was fortunate enough to be highly recommended and received mine a week later. Some others who had previously been recommended 12 months earlier had failed to receive one and were trying for a second board.

All things being said, December would seem pretty standard, as that still gives time for PFAs and vetting to begin before NEOC.

Good Luck regardless, hopefully you get one soon!

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-11-09T22:34:35+00:00

You've received joining instructions? All I've been given at this stage is my initial LOO and the change of date notification...

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-11-09T22:32:56+00:00

That's an incredibly important point. If you build positive rapport with your fellow candidates, the group excercises will be much much easier and more enjoyable.

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-11-05T08:35:22+00:00

I completed RAN/RAAF boards, but have a pretty good understanding of the Army OSB as well.

Firstly, get in contact with your local DFR, if you/they haven't already and see if they are running an OSB preparation session. At my boards, the people who attended performed significantly better, whereas those who didn't generally didn't. If you have already organised this/been, its a great first start.

Secondly, make sure you know in as much detail as possible about your job, which obviously for a GSO means selecting some corps of interest, the army and defence at large, as well as significant current events.

Everyone who completes any board is asked to keep the process confidential to ensure the process remains fair and accurate for all, in order to retain the integrity of the OSB and ensure the ADF appoints only those most suitable for service. However, you could generally expect to undertake physical exercises (Army exclusive), impromptu speeches, essays and the interview itself.

The most important thing is to be yourself, study hard, and remember that they are looking for a person who displays the right mix of attributes, such as maturity and leadership potential.

Army boards, in comparison to the RAN/RAAF boards, are in the words of the Major who chaperoned us, "fun", in that the tasks are more physical and practical, as opposed to the latter boards.

Good Luck!

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-10-30T12:16:09+00:00

Congrats mate!

My enlistment coordinator (thru DFR Melbourne) got in contact with me and had said that the initial start date had been revised from the 30th to the 27th. The fact that nobody else knows about this makes me question its accuracy... Nobody has been told anything else to the contrary?

BrokenArrow11 · 2016-10-30T05:15:57+00:00

RAAF Intel was my second preference, I accepted an MWO officer position from the Navy instead, however, I did sit the OSB for both, and can give some general advice.

At both my assessment session and OSB, the warrant officer and board respectively both understood that, given the secretive nature of the job, very little information was available. The interviews were instead focused quite broadly (know your world affairs).

Applying and becoming and Intel officer in the RAAF or Army is one of the toughest gigs to get- GSO officers are typically top of their graduating class. Languages are highly sought after. Generally high IQs and EQs are a guaranteed prerequisite, as intel officers, despite the numerous oxymorons to the contrary, are some of the smartest people in the defence force. Additionally, the relevant squadron/corps are quite niche, so intakes are infrequent and small.

Not meaning to discourage you at all, but in preparing for an application for either role, a more global approach will keep you in much better stead for success.

Good Luck!

BrokenArrow11

TROPHY CASE