You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.

For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.

Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in Year 10 English, Maths and one other STEM subject. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.

To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.

Female

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20
• Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.

Male

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20
• Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.

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.

You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.

You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.

Course: Air Force Recruit Course
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW

During this training, you'll transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role; and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.

The major elements of the course include:

• personal development and teamwork
• parade drill
• weapon handling and firing
• airfield defence
• fire fighting
• physical fitness
• Air Force history, customs and traditions
• military law.

After graduation, you'll undertake Initial Employment Training (IET) in your trade or category.

Course: Air Surveillance Operator Initial Entry Training (IET)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU), RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW

The initial 4 weeks training is conducted at SACTU, RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW. The final 6 weeks training is conducted at SACTU, either at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW or RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA. The location is dependent on the initial posting.

Initial 4-weeks Air Surveillance Operator (ASOP) Fundamentals component:

• Electromagnetic Wave Theory
• Principles of Radar
• Electronic Warfare
• Joint Data Network Foundation Course (online)
• Aviation Non-Technical Skills Foundation
• Tracking / Communications / Rules of Engagement Fundamentals.

The final 6 weeks is tailored to the employment environment of your initial posting, where you’ll learn how to operate specific surveillance systems. You’ll complete one of the following modules to graduate:

• Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) – learn the practical skills to analyse radar detections and become a Detection and Tracking Operator utilising OTHR technology. ASOP students graduating this module can expect to be posted 1RSU.
• Space – learn the practical skills to detect and track space objects as part of a global Space Surveillance Network. ASOP students graduating this module can expect to be posted to 1SSU.
• Tracker – learn the practical skills to apply Rules of Engagement and identify an air picture within the Control and Reporting Centre. ASOP students graduating this module can expect to be posted to either 3CRU or 114MCRU.

Following completion of Air Surveillance Operator Initial Employment Training (ASOP IET), you'll be graded an ASOP1, the first of 4 skill grades that can be achieved throughout your ASOP career.

You’ll normally progress to the rank of Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman after 12 months, subject to completing your required competencies from the Air Surveillance Operator (ASOP) Career Journal (Competency Log).

After this you may be promoted to Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) rank, which is determined by your ability and performance. To help you prepare, the Air Force provides courses and instruction relevant to all NCOs, such as supervision, human resource management, law, discipline, service writing, and stores procedure.

Specific trade courses are also provided and include subjects such as advanced system operation and management, reporting procedures using standard formats and other essential skills that you’ll need in your role as an ASOP NCO.

Further promotion through the NCO ranks is competitive and subject to vacancies. You’ll need to demonstrate sound trade skills and a positive attitude, and you’ll also need to have successfully completed any qualifying trade tests and/or promotion examinations. From the NCO ranks there’s an opportunity for promotion to the rank of Warrant Officer.