Drone Operator
As a Drone Operator in the Army Reserve, you’ll get to utilise your tech and communications skills in a rewarding, part-time role. You’ll operate the latest Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (SUAS) available to locate targets, track threats and gather information to support tactical missions. The support you provide will keep troops on the ground informed with threat locations, accurate targeting details and battle damage assessments. SUAS are also in high demand during national callouts, which means you may have opportunities to work with local emergency services.
If you have great communication and problem-solving skills, a thirst for knowledge and a knack for understanding rapidly advancing technology, this is the Army Reserve role for you.
What you'll do
Working in a team environment, you’ll work with autonomous surveillance systems to influence battlefield operations. On training exercises, you'll put your skills to the test using Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (SUAS) to gather intelligence and data in response to your commander’s needs. When you meet with your unit, you can expect to maintain your weapons handling skills, plan upcoming exercises and keep up to date with your soldiering training. You’ll also keep learning, continually improving your technical skills as you learn to operate a range of Uncrewed Surveillance Drones.
Your duties may include:
- operating, servicing and maintaining Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (SUAS) and communications equipment, including the PD-100 Black Hornet 3, RQ-12 Wasp, RQ-20 Puma, Skylark I-LEX and other in-service platforms
- assessing the airworthiness of equipment and the likely impact of the weather on planned flights
- applying aviation theory (weather, aerodynamics, flight and mission systems, airspace etc.) to flights
- receiving and relaying battlefield information
- supporting combat units to gather information and apply battlefield data as part of a Joint Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Support Team (JIST)
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, 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.
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.
Following training, you’ll attend what’s called a parade night at your local Reserve unit, where you’ll refine your specific employment skills, plan for exercises and maintain your military training. Depending on your role, you may be given opportunities to travel interstate and overseas to take part in exercises, deployments and disaster relief activities.
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.
In order to be fully qualified, you must complete the following courses. These courses are offered throughout the year and can be completed around your other commitments.
Course: Land Combatant Common Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: Army Reserve location near you
Introductory training across various weapons, Night Fighting Equipment and Personal Protective Equipment.
Course: Combat Communications Courses
Duration: 1 week
Location: Army Reserve location near you
Training covers the basics involved in using the in-service radio. It also covers establishing communications and equipment maintenance.
Course: Operator Uncrewed Aerial Systems Course – Module 1
Duration: 1 week
Location: School of Artillery, Puckapunyal, Vic
This course covers the fundamentals needed to operate Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) in military settings.
Course: Defence Remote Pilot Licence (Course Initial Employment Training Phase 1)
Duration: 10 days
Location: Army Reserve location near you
You’ll develop your UAS Ability and earn your remote pilot licence.
Course: UAS platform training (Initial Employment Training Phase 2)
Duration: 1 week
Location: Army Reserve location near you
Targeted training on specific UAS platforms.