Information Warfare Officer
As an Information Warfare Officer (IWO) in the Navy, you’ll play a key role in making sure operations at sea run smoothly and effectively. Your job is to manage and use information to give naval forces a tactical edge.
In today's complex world, modern warfare involves a lot more than meets the eye. You’ll lead teams that help guide naval operations through 3 main areas: keeping communication channels secure, understanding and monitoring the battle environment, and coordinating ship responses and actions. Your work will help ensure the Navy has the information required to enable success regardless of the situation.
What you'll do
Modern warfare is highly complex and often not easily recognisable. Today, threats to national security can emerge from a range of different domains, including cyberspace where social media, information and systems can be exploited by adversaries. Information warfare is a key focus for the Navy, and you’ll contribute to efforts in this emerging and exciting space. Working at sea and ashore, you’ll perform a range of functions with the goal of securing the Navy’s networks and defending Australia against cyber threats originating from overseas and at home.
Your duties may include:
- analysing, monitoring and securing networks
- coordinating information sharing requirements, information systems and communications networks
- contributing to the management and execution of cyber-related operations
- denying or degrading enemy electronic warfare operations
- enabling sensor-to-shooter tactical and operational information exchange across the battlespace
- planning public affairs activities for domestic and international audiences
- leading teams of IT professionals
- safeguarding sensitive information
- space operation planning and execution
- responding to security threats.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Navy allowing you to face any challenge, either at sea or ashore.
As an officer in the Navy, 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’ll serve in fleet units and shore establishments around Australia based on service need. Individual preferences for posting locations will be considered where possible. Many opportunities also exist for short periods (4-6 months) of operational service overseas.
Discover where the Navy 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 51 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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 and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into the relevant degree program.
Note: As well as applying to the Army 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 Navy 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.
Navy Midshipmen can leave ADFA at any time within their first year. 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.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination. A condition of entry is that you’ll be tested for a variety of viral infections, including HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The presence of any of these infections could affect your application.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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 9 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
For ADFA officers in the Navy who undertake Navy training in their first year of appointment, you may resign up until the graduation day of your first year of study (which generally equates with having completed by then 2 years of Navy 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 any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
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
Navy SST furthers your skills, knowledge and attributes gained in your first year in the Navy, and provides you the opportunity to undertake work experience and training in your chosen specialisation.
- Degree related work experience.
- Navy culture and traditions.
- Professional development work experience and outplacements.
- Seamanship and mariner skills.
- Teamwork and leadership.
Course: Information Warfare Officer Foundation Course
Duration: 23 weeks
Location: Maritime Intelligence and Information Warfare School, HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW
The course is facilitated through a blended learning model that utilises a combination of online learning, face-to-face instruction, syndicate work and scenario-based activities. The course is organised into 2 phases, being the Information Warfare Fundamentals followed by the Information Warfare Contextualisation phase. The course will be followed by 12 months of consolidation training in relevant Navy establishments and ships.
Information Warfare Officer Fundamentals
This is aimed at teaching Information Warfare Officers the basics of Information and Maritime Warfare.
Information Warfare Officer Contextualisation
Focuses on the pillars of Information Warfare being Assured Command and Control, Battlespace Awareness and Joint Fires and Effects. This component culminates in the award of the Information Warfare Officer Primary Qualification.
Information Warfare Officer Consolidation
Consolidates prior learning through work experience where you’ll rotate through relevant establishments and units to further your learning journey. This will be conducted at various Navy establishments and possibly at sea, requiring tasks to be completed and recorded.
Components of Information Warfare covered on Foundation Course:
Command and Control, and Communications
Command and Control, Communications (C3) systems in the Navy are required to be secure and resilient to enable assured communications within a maritime task group as well as situational awareness in the battlespace. Information Warfare Officers will develop a broad understanding of C3 networks and contribute to planning, coordinating and managing the information sharing requirements, information systems and communications networks required to achieve mission success.
Cyber Operations
Interconnected systems and advanced technology necessitate a need for the Navy to conduct operations within the cyberspace environment. Information Warfare Officers will gain an appreciation for cyber operations and how they contribute to the overall mission within the maritime domain. Officers contribute to the planning, management and execution of cyber related operations, including Defensive and Offensive cyber operations. Information Warfare Officers provide cyber security advice to command and contribute to defending critical warfighting, Command and Control Communications, engineering and administrative networks, from malicious attacks.
Electronic Warfare
The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is heavily congested and contested, which poses a challenge to ships at sea. Information Warfare Officers set the conditions within the EMS to ensure ships can maintain communications, deliver payloads, collect intelligence and coordinate information, in the maritime environment. Information Warfare Officers will contribute to the overall mission by ensuring our own access in the electromagnetic spectrum is not compromised, as well as denying or degrading the enemy's operations.
Information Activities
Information Activities (IA) draw on the cognitive aspects of information warfare; Information Warfare Officers will develop a broad understanding of shaping and influencing, information operations, and inform and influence actions to affect the capability, will and understanding of an adversary. Information Warfare Officers will need to be proactive and innovative when they contribute to planning, coordinating, managing and distributing information to regional and international audiences.
Space Operations
Defence relies on space-based systems and capabilities throughout all military operations, making access to the space domain essential to the mission. Information Warfare Officers will gain a fundamental awareness of the capabilities and effects that are generated in and through the space domain, as it relates to maritime operations. Officers will contribute to space operations planning and activities, taking into account the basic principles which govern the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space.
All Navy Officers undertake continuous professional development throughout their career to advance experience and professional mastery.
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.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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.
If you’re a current Year 12 student, you may also apply. You must provide a Certificate of Attendance (or equivalent) to prove attendance to date at Year 12 studies and provide results when received but before appointment. These recommendations are provided as a guide to assist you in preparing for the mental math required in this role.
Degree qualified entrants will normally be granted seniority as a Midshipman.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process, you’ll be assessed through questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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 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 and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Information Warfare Officer Foundation Course
Duration: 23 weeks
Location: Maritime Intelligence and Information Warfare School, HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW
The course is facilitated through a blended learning model that utilises a combination of online learning, face-to-face instruction, syndicate work and scenario-based activities. The course is organised into 2 phases, being the Information Warfare Fundamentals followed by the Information Warfare Contextualisation phase. The course will be followed by 12 months of consolidation training in relevant Navy establishments and ships.
Information Warfare Officer Fundamentals
This is aimed at teaching Information Warfare Officers the basics of Information and Maritime Warfare.
Information Warfare Officer Contextualisation
Focuses on the pillars of Information Warfare being Assured Command and Control, Battlespace Awareness and Joint Fires and Effects. This component culminates in the award of the Information Warfare Officer Primary Qualification.
Information Warfare Officer Consolidation
Consolidates prior learning through work experience where you’ll rotate through relevant establishments and units to further your learning journey. This will be conducted at various Navy establishments and possibly at sea, requiring tasks to be completed and recorded.
Components of Information Warfare covered on Foundation Course:
Command and Control, and Communications
Command and Control, Communications (C3) systems in the Navy are required to be secure and resilient to enable assured communications within a maritime task group as well as situational awareness in the battlespace. Information Warfare Officers will develop a broad understanding of C3 networks and contribute to planning, coordinating and managing the information sharing requirements, information systems and communications networks required to achieve mission success.
Cyber Operations
Interconnected systems and advanced technology necessitate a need for the Navy to conduct operations within the cyberspace environment. Information Warfare Officers will gain an appreciation for cyber operations and how they contribute to the overall mission within the maritime domain. Officers contribute to the planning, management and execution of cyber related operations, including Defensive and Offensive cyber operations. Information Warfare Officers provide cyber security advice to command and contribute to defending critical warfighting, Command and Control Communications, engineering and administrative networks, from malicious attacks.
Electronic Warfare
The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is heavily congested and contested, which poses a challenge to ships at sea. Information Warfare Officers set the conditions within the EMS to ensure ships can maintain communications, deliver payloads, collect intelligence and coordinate information, in the maritime environment. Information Warfare Officers will contribute to the overall mission by ensuring our own access in the electromagnetic spectrum is not compromised, as well as denying or degrading the enemy's operations.
Information Activities
Information Activities (IA) draw on the cognitive aspects of information warfare; Information Warfare Officers will develop a broad understanding of shaping and influencing, information operations, and inform and influence actions to affect the capability, will and understanding of an adversary. Information Warfare Officers will need to be proactive and innovative when they contribute to planning, coordinating, managing and distributing information to regional and international audiences.
Space Operations
Defence relies on space-based systems and capabilities throughout all military operations, making access to the space domain essential to the mission. Information Warfare Officers will gain a fundamental awareness of the capabilities and effects that are generated in and through the space domain, as it relates to maritime operations. Officers will contribute to space operations planning and activities, taking into account the basic principles which govern the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space.
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).
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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 Navy 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 degree that meets Navy requirements), however, you’ll only have your study sponsored from your date of appointment into the Navy.
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 Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination. A condition of entry is that you’ll be tested for a variety of viral infections, including HIV and Hepatitis B and C. The presence of any of these infections could affect your application.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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) commencing from your date of appointment. This is calculated as either two times the length of your academic sponsorship plus one year or the total length of your academic sponsorship plus the officer entry initial minimum period of service for the same role (whichever is the greater).
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Undergraduate Entry Officers’ Course (UEOC)
Duration: 5 days
Location: Royal Australian Naval College, HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
This course is conducted upon joining and will provide you with an insight into life in the Navy including:
- expectations of a junior officer
- how to salute and march
- an introduction to Navy and compliance training
- issuing of uniforms and Navy identification
- swim test
- fitness test.
Upon completion of your university degree, you’ll complete the New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC).
Course: New Entry Officers’ Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course:
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.
On completion of your NEOC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Information Warfare Officer Foundation Course
Duration: 23 weeks
Location: Maritime Intelligence and Information Warfare School, HMAS Watson, Sydney, NSW
The course is facilitated through a blended learning model that utilises a combination of online learning, face-to-face instruction, syndicate work and scenario-based activities. The course is organised into 2 phases, being the Information Warfare Fundamentals followed by the Information Warfare Contextualisation phase. The course will be followed by 12 months of consolidation training in relevant Navy establishments and ships.
Information Warfare Officer Fundamentals
This is aimed at teaching Information Warfare Officers the basics of Information and Maritime Warfare.
Information Warfare Officer Contextualisation
Focuses on the pillars of Information Warfare being Assured Command and Control, Battlespace Awareness and Joint Fires and Effects. This component culminates in the award of the Information Warfare Officer Primary Qualification.
Information Warfare Officer Consolidation
Consolidates prior learning through work experience where you’ll rotate through relevant establishments and units to further your learning journey. This will be conducted at various Navy establishments and possibly at sea, requiring tasks to be completed and recorded.
Components of Information Warfare covered on Foundation Course:
Command and Control, and Communications
Command and Control, Communications (C3) systems in the Navy are required to be secure and resilient to enable assured communications within a maritime task group as well as situational awareness in the battlespace. Information Warfare Officers will develop a broad understanding of C3 networks and contribute to planning, coordinating and managing the information sharing requirements, information systems and communications networks required to achieve mission success.
Cyber Operations
Interconnected systems and advanced technology necessitate a need for the Navy to conduct operations within the cyberspace environment. Information Warfare Officers will gain an appreciation for cyber operations and how they contribute to the overall mission within the maritime domain. Officers contribute to the planning, management and execution of cyber related operations, including Defensive and Offensive cyber operations. Information Warfare Officers provide cyber security advice to command and contribute to defending critical warfighting, Command and Control Communications, engineering and administrative networks, from malicious attacks.
Electronic Warfare
The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is heavily congested and contested, which poses a challenge to ships at sea. Information Warfare Officers set the conditions within the EMS to ensure ships can maintain communications, deliver payloads, collect intelligence and coordinate information, in the maritime environment. Information Warfare Officers will contribute to the overall mission by ensuring our own access in the electromagnetic spectrum is not compromised, as well as denying or degrading the enemy's operations.
Information Activities
Information Activities (IA) draw on the cognitive aspects of information warfare; Information Warfare Officers will develop a broad understanding of shaping and influencing, information operations, and inform and influence actions to affect the capability, will and understanding of an adversary. Information Warfare Officers will need to be proactive and innovative when they contribute to planning, coordinating, managing and distributing information to regional and international audiences.
Space Operations
Defence relies on space-based systems and capabilities throughout all military operations, making access to the space domain essential to the mission. Information Warfare Officers will gain a fundamental awareness of the capabilities and effects that are generated in and through the space domain, as it relates to maritime operations. Officers will contribute to space operations planning and activities, taking into account the basic principles which govern the activities of states in the exploration and use of outer space.