Combat Fuel Specialist
As a Combat Fuel Specialist, you'll perform a wide range of technical fuel functions. Primarily, you'll be dealing with the refuelling of vehicles, aircraft and a range of fuel installations in the field.
You may also be involved in operating petrol, oils and lubricants equipment, laboratory testing and analysis of these substances along with storage, packaging and disposal of dangerous goods (including hazardous materials but excluding ammunition and explosives).
What you'll do
To keep the Army's top machines functioning, you’ll need to be a motivated self-starter who possesses initiative and clear thinking and can remain cool under pressure.
For the most part, you’ll work in small groups but depending on the situation, you could be required to work alongside the Army's helicopter units for support. In these cases, you'll be expected to be able to use your initiative and work in isolated environments. Sometimes, a series of smaller groups will merge to provide support to mechanised units when a larger scale exercise is needed. The ability to work within a team is a necessity.
Your duties may include:
- assisting in the management of a fuel facility
- refuelling aircraft and vehicles
- operating vehicles including forklifts and fuel trucks
- assisting in the laboratory testing of fuel
- accounting for fuel as a supply item
- firefighting and chemical handling
- adhering to Workplace, Health and Safety procedures
- participating in Marine Transfer Operations
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment, and navigation.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
Following training, a junior Combat Fuel Specialist will usually be posted to Townsville or Amberley in Qld. There are some opportunities to work in Adelaide, SA, Brisbane, Qld and Darwin, NT. At higher ranks, positions are also available in Wodonga, Vic and Sydney, NSW.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
My favourite part of being a Fuel Specialist is refuelling aircraft while the blades are still turning.
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 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 English and Maths. 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
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- 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.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Army Driver Training – Operator MAN 40M and LR2J Course
Duration: 33 days
Location: Puckapunyal Army Base, Puckapunyal, Vic
This course will train you to perform operator maintenance and drive the medium weight 40M and G-Wagon with trailer on public thoroughfares and over difficult terrain by day and by night while under blackout conditions. The course also includes operating in a tactical environment and the ability to operate the weapon system from the 40M vehicle as well as the Corps Driver B Vehicle Docs and WHS Course.
Course: Operator Petroleum Course
Duration: 85 days
Location: Various (Vic and Qld)
This course is designed to provide you with training to conduct refuelling operations on Army’s helicopter fleet.
The Operator Petroleum Basic Course is conducted at a combination of locations including:
- Army Logistics Training Centre (ALTC), Bandiana, Vic
- Australian Army Aviation Training Centre (AAvnTC), Oakey, Qld
- Wodonga TAFE, Wodonga, Vic.