Cyber Warfare Specialist
As a Cyber Warfare Specialist, you'll play a key role in ensuring Air Force can achieve its objectives using networks, data links and information that are free from cyberspace attacks. You’ll be part of a specially selected, trained and prepared Cyberspace Warfare team that contributes to operations using these systems.
What you'll do
You’ll perform a variety of highly technical roles utilising your advanced knowledge of cyberspace threat attack techniques, digital forensics and threat hunting. Using highly advanced Information and Communications Technology (ICT), you'll plan, develop, integrate and employ cyberspace warfare techniques that contribute to Australia’s information superiority in a highly contested cyberspace environment. You’ll also have opportunities to support Air Force and ADF operations through the completion of missions in this field.
Your duties may include:
- incident response – the identification, triage, forensic analysis and remediation of potentially compromised Air Force and Joint networks and platforms
- discovery and counter-infiltration – the discovery of sophisticated adversaries and the development of technical countermeasure options, to inhibit their behaviour within Air Force, joint networks and platforms
- cyberspace operations planning – the conduct of deliberate and immediate planning, integration, and coordination of cyber operations into air operations
- threat emulation – the simulation of cyber threat Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) to develop and maintain the requisite technical mastery of the Cyber Warfare (CW) workforce.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and help you to lead teams of aviators in future.
Following training, you’ll be employed primarily under the No 462 Squadron command structure, which includes:
- Cyberspace Protection Flights located in:
- RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
- RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW
- No 462 Squadron Headquarters at RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA.
Opportunities also exist to be employed within the Joint Cyber Unit ACT, the Australian Signals Directorate, ACT, and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, ACT.
There is the potential for postings to other locations within Australia as well as opportunities for overseas deployments and exchanges.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Requirements and training
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.
You’ll need to have completed Year 10 (or equivalent) with passes in English, Maths and Science.
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 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 Positive Vetting (PV) 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: Cyber Warfare Specialist Initial Employment Training (IET)
Duration: 40 weeks
Location: Defence Force School of Signals (DFSS), Simpson Barracks, Watsonia, Vic and No. 462 Squadron, RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
Topics include:
- networking
- server administration and configuration
- routing and switching essentials
- ethical hacking techniques
- malware triage
- Windows and Linux Operating Systems forensic analysis
- networking forensics analysis
- programming languages
- cyber warfare operations.
At the Defence School of Space and Cyber, you will have access to resources to support the continuous learning mindset that is needed within the domain. The latest technologies and techniques to keep pace with the constantly evolving Cyber landscape will also be available to you.