Artillery Observer
As a part-time Artillery Observer, you’ll direct powerful artillery fire and air actions onto enemy positions using state-of-the-art equipment.
If you’re looking to experience adventure and excitement outside the everyday, earn tax-free pay and work as part of a close-knit team, it's an exciting opportunity that can work around your lifestyle.
What you'll do
You'll use high-tech equipment to identify, locate and communicate threats to the Army’s combat teams. You'll learn how to identify and engage enemy targets in partnership with Australian and Coalition joint fire assets. This means you’ll see the effects of artillery up close, both in simulated and real environments.
You’ll develop skills in navigation systems, communications and advanced first aid. You’ll gain experience through operating in a variety of locations as well as participating in regular field trips and exercises to hone your skills. There, you can expect to maintain your weapons handling skills, plan for exercises and keep up your training. In larger training exercises, you may get to drive cross-country vehicles and use laser, GPS and camouflaging equipment.
Your duties may include:
- locating enemy targets using advanced surveillance equipment including thermal and laser range finders, as well as Uncrewed Aerial Systems
- working closely with Artillery Systems Operators and Artillery Operators to call in Artillery and mortar fire
- communicating with and coordinating action from ground forces
- coordinating fire support from artillery and mortars, attack helicopters, Air Force fighter jets and naval surface fire ships
- observing the effects of Artillery rounds called in and calculate required adjustments
- when deployed, being positioned on the front line with Infantry Soldiers or at an observation post.
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.
The Army Reserve has units located all across Australia and offers you the flexibility to serve where you live. There are training locations in cities, small towns and regional areas. Even if there isn’t a unit close to you there may be other ways to serve. You’ll have a Careers Coach who you can ask about your options.
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. For Reserve service, the maximum age to apply is 60 years, with a Compulsory Retirement Age (CRA) of 65. Candidates who wish to enlist into the Reserves beyond the age of 61 years will need further assessment to ensure they can complete all pre-requisite training in their chosen field prior to reaching CRA.
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.
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): 45
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 45
- Push-ups: 15
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
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.
There is no minimum number of years required in the ADF Reserve as service is voluntary. You can volunteer until the Defence Reserve retirement age of 65, subject to the requirements and your suitability for further service.
Reserve service is flexible and can fit around your family, life and work responsibilities. In your first year, you can choose to serve between a minimum of 20 and up to 150 days, which includes Initial Employment and Military Training. After that, you can choose to serve 20 to 150 days each year, with the potential to extend to 200 days. On training completion, you can serve from as little as one night a week, one weekend a month, or in consecutive weeks - in a way that suits your lifestyle.
Course: Army Reserve Recruit Course
Duration: 3 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 achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
You’ll need to complete this course within 6 months of enlisting.
Once you have completed your Initial Military Training, you’ll complete the following courses to be fully qualified. These courses are run throughout the year and you can enrol around your other commitments at a time that suits you.
Course: Artillery Communications Module
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: An Army Reserve Unit near you
You’ll learn the specialist communications skills and equipment required to be a forward observer.
Course: Forward Observer Fundamentals (Voice)
Duration: 3 weeks
Location: An Army Reserve Unit near you
You’ll learn the specialist skills and equipment for employment as a Forward Observer using audio technology.
Course: Forward Observer Fundamentals (Digital)
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: An Army Reserve Unit near you
You’ll learn the specialist skills and equipment for employment as a Forward Observer using digital systems. This training may include Digital Terminal Control Systems, Laser Range finders and other targeting equipment.