Personnel Officer
As a Personnel Officer, you could be employed in a range of roles within the Air Force and the wider ADF.
You'll support commanders through the delivery of workforce management expertise, timely and necessary information to support decision-making, and assistance through day-to-day function support.
What you'll do
In this varied position, you’ll be responsible for the Air Force’s most valued assets, its people, from both a capability and a welfare perspective. You could find yourself working across a wide range of areas to support unit, commanding officers, Air Force personnel and their families. You’ll specialise in human resources and case management, operational support, communication, workforce planning and organisational change, personnel management and training, or resource management and be one of the first on the ground wherever personnel deploy.
You may end up working closely with support specialists, such as chaplains, doctors, psychologists and social workers. You’ll also often work directly with the unit's Commanding Officer (CO) providing not only specialist advice but maintaining the unit's information and financial accountability.
Your duties may include:
- Staff Officer Personnel (SOPERS) - you’ll be responsible for human resource and complex case management, information and knowledge management, internal and external corporate communication, financial budgeting, reporting and governance tasks. You’ll also ensure unit personnel are trained, ready for operational deployment and that their welfare (as well as that of their families) is well looked after.
- Personnel Management - raise, train and sustain the efforts required to achieve workforce numbers and preparedness. You’ll also provide direct support to a commander for the day-to-day management of unit personnel.
- Personnel Operations - identify, prepare and support personnel from across the Air Force and wider ADF to deploy the right people on operations at the right time. You may also be involved in long-term and short-notice planning for large-scale military operations or humanitarian crisis situations.
- Communication Effects - plan and execute internal and external communication strategies, for your unit and the national stage, such as high-level events and community engagement activities. There may also be opportunities to perform media liaison and public affairs duties.
- Workforce Development and Review - design and implement workforce development across all levels of command, including organisational change and assisting commanders and their personnel to adapt to change.
- Resource and Knowledge Management - manage information resources including collection, organisation and relay of information to the workforce. You’ll support Air Force members and empower them with knowledge and opportunities to upskill and build experience.
- Deployments - in a deployed environment you'll provide specialist advice to commanders and may undertake roles such as planning, host nation liaison, key leader engagement, humanitarian assistance and public information activities.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with leadership, management and communications training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related skills. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Air Force.
As an officer in the Air Force, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Following training, you may be posted to any Air Force base within Australia or possibly overseas, although overseas postings are limited. The major bases for this role are:
- Canberra Region, ACT
- RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
- RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
- RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA
- RAAF Base Richmond, NSW
- RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
- RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW
Your posting will take into consideration both service requirements and your posting location preferences.
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 to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 53 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for entry to ADFA, but this role requires you to attain your driver's licence while at ADFA, in your own time and at your own expense. If you already have an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence, it can't be suspended or cancelled. 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.
To be eligible for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, you’ll need to have completed Year 12 with passes in English and 3 other Board of Secondary Studies registered (or state equivalent) subjects and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry to the relevant degree program.
Note: As well as applying to the Air Force for entry, you’ll also need to apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for entry to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). For more information, visit the UAC website or our ADFA page.
While at ADFA, you won’t incur a HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This includes the higher costs associated with ADFA studies and may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Officer Cadets can leave ADFA at any time within their first 2 years. Please note, if you choose to leave university, you'll be expected to reimburse the ADF for the academic training provided to date (i.e. you are not liable for the full cost if you leave before completion of the course). However, if you leave university but continue your career in the ADF by transferring to a Direct Entry role, you will not be expected to reimburse the ADF in this case.
You can choose to study any degree offered at ADFA by the UNSW, except for a 4-year engineering degree.
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 appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 7 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a 2-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. 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 any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
YOFT is Initial Military Training to prepare you for life in the ADF. It’s made up of the fundamental basic lessons and requirements to allow you to thrive and succeed in your new career.
Training includes:
- leadership
- ceremonial
- field training
- physical training
- adventurous training
- weapon training.
Course: Joint Military Education and Training (JMET)
Duration: 10 hours per week
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
ADFA’s JMET program establishes foundational military knowledge for Trainee Officers (TOs) in the profession of arms.
JMET has 5 core modules:
- Foundational Military Skills
- National Security Policy and Strategy
- Character Leadership and Ethics
- Technology and Capability
- Joint Warfare.
JMET integrates the professional military education of TOs with the academic program to establish foundational skills and historical, philosophical and technical literacy. The ADFA program of JMET and academic studies encourages curiosity and critical thinking so that TOs understand their role as leaders within the ADF, and their service’s contribution to the Joint Force.
JMET training:
- character, leadership and ethics
- drill and ceremonial
- field craft
- joint warfare
- national security, policy and strategy
- physical training
- technology and capability
- weapons training.
Course: Single Service Training (SST)
Duration: During academic semester breaks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
Air Force SST gives you the opportunity to experience life in the Air Force close up. Topics include:
- adventure training
- Air Force heritage
- air power knowledge
- communications
- drill and ceremonial
- ground defence training
- leadership and management
- military justice
- weapon training
- work experience.
Course: Personnel Capability Officer Initial Course
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
You’ll undertake this course within 3 to 12 months after completion of your Initial Military Training. This course is a prerequisite for all Personnel Officers to carry out the duties required during operational deployment and exercises.
You’ll have the opportunity to complete further job-specific and career development training that will enhance your abilities to do your job more effectively.
Courses may include:
- personnel IT systems
- accounting
- procurement certification
- communication skills
- staff skills
- Ministerial writing
- promotion prerequisite courses
- media awareness
- joint warfare
- occupational health and safety
- conciliation and mediation skills
- investigation skills
- financial accounting and management.
Master of Business University of New South Wales (UNSW) at Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
At the senior Flight Lieutenant/junior Squadron Leader level, there are some opportunities to apply to study, full-time, a Master of Business at UNSW at ADFA in Canberra. Your postgraduate qualifications would be specifically tailored to prepare you for a specialised workforce role.
Aside from any training directly related to your employment, you will also be required to undertake regular training to keep up your general military skills. Other training may include:
- Unit Security Officer course
- Unit Information System Officer course
- advanced joint operations and campaign planning courses.
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.
You’ll need to have either completed Year 12 with passes in English and 3 other board accredited academic subjects or be in your final year and on track to pass them all.
Year 12 tertiary-entrance maths and/or one academic year of tertiary-level maths is highly desirable.
Tertiary studies or demonstrated experience in a relevant field is highly desirable, but not essential.
Relevant fields include:
- Arts and Humanities
- Business, Commerce, Economics, Marketing and Management
- Communications and Media Studies
- Information Technology and Information Systems
- Arts (majoring in Business).
If you don’t have the minimum educational qualifications, you may be considered if you have at least 2 years relevant work experience in the last 5 years.
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 appointed 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 and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you’ll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you’ll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Personnel Capability Officer Initial Course
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
You’ll undertake this course within 3 to 12 months after completion of your Initial Military Training. This course is a prerequisite for all Personnel Officers to carry out the duties required during operational deployment and exercises.
You’ll have the opportunity to complete further job-specific and career development training that will enhance your abilities to do your job more effectively.
Courses may include:
- personnel IT systems
- accounting
- procurement certification
- communication skills
- staff skills
- Ministerial writing
- promotion prerequisite courses
- media awareness
- joint warfare
- occupational health and safety
- conciliation and mediation skills
- investigation skills
- financial accounting and management.
Master of Business University of New South Wales (UNSW) at Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
At the senior Flight Lieutenant/junior Squadron Leader level, there are some opportunities to apply to study, full-time, a Master of Business at UNSW at ADFA in Canberra. Your postgraduate qualifications would be specifically tailored to prepare you for a specialised workforce role.
Aside from any training directly related to your employment, you will also be required to undertake regular training to keep up your general military skills. Other training may include:
- Unit Security Officer course
- Unit Information System Officer course
- advanced joint operations and campaign planning courses.
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 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
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.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS at any point during your degree (so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for a Business, Commerce, Economics, Marketing and Management, Communication and Media Studies, Information Technology, Information Systems or Art (majoring in Business) degree, however, the Air Force will only sponsor the study from your date of appointment into the Air Force.
If you're in high school, it's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time (if you join after having started your degree, you are ineligible to have your degree back paid). If you‘re out of high school, you should apply as early as you can so you can maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
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 appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of 3 years' service). Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a one-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. Sponsored study of less than 2 years only has a grace period of 3-months. 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.
Course: Undergraduate Familiarisation Course
Duration: 1 week
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS) RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
During your first year of sponsorship, you'll attend a one-week Familiarisation Course at RAAF Base East Sale. This will introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures.
Following graduation, you’ll undertake the Initial Officer Course of 12 weeks duration. This is a live-in course completed at RAAF Base East Sale.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you’ll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you’ll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Personnel Capability Officer Initial Course
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
You’ll undertake this course within 3 to 12 months after completion of your Initial Military Training. This course is a prerequisite for all Personnel Officers to carry out the duties required during operational deployment and exercises.
You’ll have the opportunity to complete further job-specific and career development training that will enhance your abilities to do your job more effectively.
Courses may include:
- personnel IT systems
- accounting
- procurement certification
- communication skills
- staff skills
- Ministerial writing
- promotion prerequisite courses
- media awareness
- joint warfare
- occupational health and safety
- conciliation and mediation skills
- investigation skills
- financial accounting and management.
Master of Business University of New South Wales (UNSW) at Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
At the senior Flight Lieutenant/junior Squadron Leader level, there are some opportunities to apply to study, full-time, a Master of Business at UNSW at ADFA in Canberra. Your postgraduate qualifications would be specifically tailored to prepare you for a specialised workforce role.
Aside from any training directly related to your employment, you will also be required to undertake regular training to keep up your general military skills. Other training may include:
- Unit Security Officer course
- Unit Information System Officer course
- advanced joint operations and campaign planning courses.