Air Force General Entrant
(RAAF General Entrant)
Fact Sheet
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An Air Force member relaxing after the stabilisation of operations |
Air Force general entrants perform a variety of specialist Air Force tasks on the ground and in the air.
Duties and Tasks
Air Force general entrants perform a range of specialised tasks which may include:
- operating specialist equipment, vehicles and weapons systems
- maintaining security of both Air Force bases and installations
- providing airfield fire and rescue services including taking part in land search and rescue
- maintaining and servicing administration systems
- providing catering, health, safety, comfort and in-flight service for airforce personnel
- undertaking law enforcement, detection and investigation of offences
- loading, unloading and refueling of aircraft
- completing a wide variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks
Specialisations
After initial training, an Air Force general entrant may specialise as an:
- Air Surveillance Operator who operates radar systems, high technology computers and advanced display and communications systems for air defence.
- Airborne Electronics Analyst who operates airborne electronic systems to identify ships and submarines and to assist with search and rescue operations.
- Airfield Defence Guard who maintains security of both Air Force bases and installations, takes part in land search and rescue operations, and instructs base personnel on security matters.
- Clerk who maintains and services the administration system. Tasks range from filing and processing to operating audiovisual equipment.
- Clerk (Supply) who purchases and manages Air Force inventory, maintains funds ledgers and controls petty cash.
- Communications and Information System Controller who manages part of the military communication system, dealing with both secure and non-secure voice, data, image, video and message services.
- Cook who prepares food, as well as distributes it to an entire Air Force base.
- Crew Attendant who provides safety, comfort and in-flight service for passengers and crew on RAAF transport aircraft. They can also act as Air to Air Refuelling observers and assist in the loading and unloading of cargo and passengers.
- Dental Assistant who helps with dental procedures, writes reports and looks after the accounting and appointment records.
- Firefighter who provides airfield fire and rescue services, installs, maintains and services first aid and fire appliances, trains base personnel and assists the community in emergency situations.
- General Hand who completes a wide variety of unskilled and semi-skilled tasks including maintaining tool and equipment stores, cleaning buildings and vehicles, general maintenance and the preparation of field camps for exercises.
- Geospatial Imagery Intelligence Analyst who collects, analyses, stores and distributes intelligence in the form of images of ground force status and operational capability.
- Medical Assistant who is employed in Air Force hospitals and Unit Health Facilities to assist registered nurses with nursing care to patients.
- Photographer who is employed on duties associated with the capture and processing of visual information for the RAAF, other arms of the Australian Defence Force, commercial organisations and the media.
- Plant Operator who operates heavy earth moving equipment to construct, maintain and repair various sites.
- Security Policeperson who is responsible for military law enforcement, detection and investigation of offences and responding to emergency incidents.
- Signals Operator (Linguist or Technical) who operates modern communications receiving and analysis equipment in various operational roles.
- Supplier who records, controls and issues Air Force equipment, takes part in the loading, unloading and refuelling of aircraft, and has responsibility for receiving, issuing and despatching explosives
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of BIOLOGY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a biology-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspects of CHEMISTRY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a chemistry-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of COMPUTING STUDIES provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a computer studies-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of INDUSTRIAL ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an industrial arts-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of PHYSICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Use of precision or semi-precision tools or instruments or deft hand movements are required for these occupations. Included are jobs where poor co-ordination or incomplete use of hands or fingers may make tasks dangerous or difficult to undertake. Jobs requiring full use of hands/fingers are excluded.\par
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs associated with administration of the legal system, public and private protective services and the armed services.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH IDEAS to investigate or seek solutions to scientific, technical, social or other issues. Activities include observing, researching, analysing and interpreting results. The ability to develop theories, apply logic and explore abstract ideas in a specialist area of knowledge is important.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs generally require no specific education for entry. Practical skills are often more important than level of education. Certificate I or II training is available for some jobs.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study usually at Certificate III level, and on-the-job training offered as an apprenticeship, is required.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of secondary education and/or completion of some further study of a vocational nature, such as a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma.
Work Conditions
Working conditions can vary according to the area of specialisation. Most work is at Air Force bases.
Personal Requirements
- willing to accept responsibility
- able to lead and motivate others
- willing to serve anywhere in Australia or overseas
- Australian citizenship or permanent residency
- at least 17 years of age
- meet aptitude and medical requirements