Air Force | Accomplished

What is an officer?

Officers are men and women with loyalty, courage, determination and integrity. They are committed, responsible and act as examples to the men and women they lead. To become an officer you'll undergo training at Officers' Training School (OTS) at RAAF Base East Sale, Gippsland, in Victoria. If you join the Air Force Reserve with professional skills such as medical, dental, nursing, law or chaplaincy, this training will be significantly shorter.

Full-time officer

As a first step you'll complete an Initial Officer Course (IOC) at the Officers' Training School, RAAF Base East Sale, Gippsland, in Victoria. The course will run for 16 weeks.

Part-time officer

If you decide to become an officer in the Air Force Reserve, you'll also complete the Initial Officer Course (IOC) at the Officers' Training School. Most Reserve Officers undergo the part-time version that comprises five phases at Officers' Training School and at their local Air Force Reserve squadron. You will cover the same topics as full-time officers, just over a longer period of time. You should complete your IOC within two years of entering the Air Force Reserve. Alternatively, you may complete the IOC on a full-time basis as a Reserve Officer.

Officers' Training School

Officers' Training School is at RAAF Base East Sale, which is the location of several specialist Air Force training schools. It is probably best known as home to the Air Force Roulettes aerobatic display team from Central Flying School. Officers' Training School's motto is "Accept Responsibility". This school has an excellent reputation for transforming officer trainees into leaders with integrity, professionalism, loyalty, determination, pride and dedication to the Air Force.

The Initial Officer Course (IOC) at Officers' Training School (OTS)

The Initial Officer Course (IOC) at Officers' Training School (OTS) runs for 16 weeks. It includes training in a variety of skills and disciplines, focused on developing the qualities you'll need as an Officer in the Air Force, like leadership, commitment and teamwork.

In the classroom you'll study subjects relating to Management, Leadership, Military Law, Operations, Fire Safety, First Aid, Ground Defence, Security and Air Force Qualities. Outside of the classroom you'll get to participate in field exercises that put the theory you've been studying to the test. These range from a non-tactical exercise in a State forest, to airfield defence exercises on military bases and include:

Adventure training to teach you how to work with the strengths and weaknesses of your team and your own individual ability.
Field deployments where you will learn basic weapon handling, field craft, camouflage and concealment, and ground defence.
Leadership training in a variety of scenarios, including deployed environments.

You will also study written and oral communication to help you with the presentations you'll make throughout the course on Defence related topics. You will be assessed on these presentations as well as your ability to adhere to the principles and standards associated with the Air Force.

A standard day at OTS consists of eight 50-minute periods and will usually begin with breakfast at 0630. The rest of the day will be made up of classes (theory and practical) with small breaks in-between, parade / inspection and of course fully catered main meals.

RAAF Base East Sale was formed as an operational and training base in April 1943, home to the No 1 Operational Training Unit flying Beaufort light bomber aircraft. With almost 2,500 personnel the unit was responsible for training operational aircrew and patrolling the south-eastern corner of Australia. Convoy duties and anti-submarine patrols were the main tasks carried out. From its opening, until the end of World War, RAAF Base East Sale trained 3,158 pilots, navigators, signallers and gunners. Since this time the main function of the base has been training Air Traffic Control Officers, Navigators, Pilots, and Photographers and more recently Air Combat Officers, and officer trainees.

I learn one or two new things every day. You're constantly learning on the job. - Debbie Owen, Air traffic control officer.

What you'll learn

Leadership forms the core of your training but you'll also receive training in ground defence, management, operations, communication, Air Force values, and military law. Your female and male instructors will encourage you to achieve during physical training sessions and this will help to ensure you are physically fit to complete the field exercises. Throughout the course, you will be assessed on your officer qualities.

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

This is an excellent opportunity for entrants without an existing qualification. ADFA, situated in Canberra, offers you combined military and leadership training, with a fully recognised degree of your choice from the University of New South Wales. You are paid a salary and your tuition fees and other student expenses are paid by the Defence Department. You also receive full medical and dental cover. In return, you serve in the Australian Defence Force for an Initial Minimum Period of Service.

Fitness

A reasonable level of fitness is required to gain entry into all of our courses, but this is easy to achieve if you follow a consistent fitness program before joining the Air Force. If you're a fairly active person who spends some time exercising and playing sport, you should have no trouble meeting these requirements.

Fitness training will be included as part of your studies. Female and male Air Force instructors will guide you through activities such as obstacle courses, parades and exercises, to build your confidence and fitness levels along the way. Look at it as an opportunity to improve your fitness rather than as a requirement. The instructors are there to see that you succeed, not fail and in many cases you'll come to regard them as mentors.