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 54 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 English, Maths and one other STEM subject (preferably Physics focused).

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 the purposes of Medical Requirements, Airborne Electronics Analysts are classified as 'Aviation Class 2'. You must have speech that is clear and free from impediment. A swimming proficiency test will be completed post enlistment.

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 6 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.

Desirable personal attributes included:

• decisiveness
• able to prioritise tasks
• strong communication skills
• sound mental arithmetic abilities and
• strong analytical thought processes.

Initial Screening 

 You will undergo an initial screening at your local ADF Careers Centre, which checks your suitability to progress to the Aviation Screening Program. 

Aviation Screening Program (ASP)

The ASP is managed by the Aviation Candidate Management Centre (ACMC) and will take place at RAAF Base East Sale, Vic. It is designed to evaluate your suitability to undergo aviation training and give you a better understanding of the Airborne Electronics Analyst role. The program runs over two days and will include:

• Military Aviation Cognitive Testing System (MALTS)
• Modern Language Aptitude Test (MLAT)
• Airborne Electronics Analyst category education
• Debrief on your results and suitability for the Airborne Electronics Analyst role.

You'll also get to experience the accommodation, recreational and training facilities at RAAF Base East Sale, where the Airborne Electronics Analyst Common training course is held.

Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA)

The OSA is a confidential psychological assessment which determines your individual suitability to work with highly classified information and you must obtain an OSA prior to being sent a letter of offer of employment for this role. The security clearance process is, by necessity, lengthy and intrusive.

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

During this training you will 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: Level 1 Professional Military Education (PME)
Duration: 9 days
Location: RAAF School of Postgraduate Studies at either, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld, RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA or RAAF Base Wagga, NSW

Level 1 PME is the first stage of promotion training, and it will provide you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to effectively lead and work as part of a team. This course aims to prepare you for promotion to the rank of Corporal, the first of the supervisory General Entry ranks. It provides the link between the initial leadership skills gained at 1RTU during recruit training and those required to become a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).You may not attend this course until after you graduate from your operational conversion course, it will depend on the commencement of the Enlisted Aviation Initial Course.

Course: Enlisted Aviation Initial Course (EAIC)
Duration: 2.5 weeks
Location: Air Mission Training School (AMTS), RAAF Base East Sale, Vic

This course aims to prepare you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to commence follow on AEA training courses. EAIC provides instruction in:

• aeronautical and aviation principles including navigation and communications
• basic systems
• meteorology
• safety
• risk management
• non-technical skills – aviation related documentation and procedures required to be an effective aircraft crewmember.

Course: Airborne Electronics Analyst (AEA) Common
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: AMTS

This course consists of indoctrination, theory and analysis skills which, combined with practical events conducted on computer-based simulators (Ground Mission Trainer), assess procedures and practices required of an AEA. The theory modules and simulator-based training are designed to determine the appropriate stream you will be assigned to, either Maritime flying with the P-8A Poseidon or Electronic Warfare flying with the E-7A Wedgetail.

Once you have completed the AEA IET courses, you will commence operational conversion (OPCON) on either the P-8A Poseidon or E-7A Wedgetail.

Course: P-8A Poseidon Operational Conversion (OPCON)
Duration: 6 months
Location: No. 11 Squadron (11SQN), RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA

Course: E-7A Wedgetail Operational Conversion  (OPCON)
Duration: 6 months
Location: No. 2 Squadron (2SQN), RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW

Once you complete OPCON, you’ll graduate wearing the AEA brevet and be promoted to the rank of Corporal.