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Training
Whatever your role, you'll benefit from expert training in the Air Force and be given opportunities to gain professional, trade and tertiary qualifications.
World-class training that sets you up for life
You'll start learning from the day you join, gaining ability and knowledge that benefits your whole career. We'll prepare you for Air Force life, ensure you're fit enough to serve, and equip you with the personal and professional skills to tackle every challenge in every situation.
General Entry training
The philosophy of Air Force training is to take the strengths and qualities you already possess and to build on them. It's all about positive learning experiences, so making mistakes can be part of the process too.
Location: 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU), RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
Duration: 9 weeks
In just over two action-packed months, you’ll be introduced to military life and learn about Air Force values and attitudes. The major elements of the course include:
- Personal development and teamwork
- Parade drill
- Weapon handling and firing
- Airfield defence
- Fire fighting
- Physical fitness
- Air Force history, customs and traditions
- Military law
On graduation from Recruit Training you'll undertake specialist employment training in your trade or category.
Naturally, you'll have to be both mentally and physically fit to join the Air Force. During a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment you’ll need to be able to perform 20 (feet held) sit-ups and achieve a 6.1 (male) and 5.1 (female) shuttle run score.
Once in the Air Force, fitness training will be part of your job, and most recruits really enjoy the challenge. Instructors will guide you through activities such as obstacle courses, boxing classes, circuits and other exercises, and their priority is to help you succeed in tests and maintain a good level of fitness.
The learning never stops
Once you've finished Initial Military Training and gone on to pass your Initial Employment Training, you can go on to receive specialist training and education in your chosen field. In some cases your training may take place interstate or abroad.
As well as specialist-training courses, the Air Force also operates promotion courses to prepare you for higher rank and the responsibilities that go with it.
Officer training
Some Air Force Officers start their careers with a degree course at the Australian Defence Force Academy, acquiring academic and military knowledge in parallel. Others join with or without tertiary qualifications and head straight to Initial Officer Training. Undergraduates from any Australian university may be able to join while still studying, and have their remaining course fees paid.
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS), RAAF Base East Sale, VIC
Duration: 12 weeks
In three exciting and challenging months you’ll be introduced to military life and learn about Air Force values and attitudes. The major elements of the course include:
- Leadership, management and teamwork
- Personal development
- Air power and ground defence
- Communication techniques
- Air Force operations
- Military law
Outside the classroom you'll participate in adventure training and airfield defence exercises, and visit RAAF bases to contextualise what you have learnt. On graduation, you'll undertake specialist employment training in your profession or category, or go straight to work.
If you choose to gain a degree through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) before becoming an Air Force Officer, your career will start at the ADFA campus in Canberra. Part of the University of New South Wales, ADFA offers a world-class education in parallel with military training and you'll receive a salary and benefits as you study there.
You can apply for a role in the Air Force while still studying for an appropriate degree at any approved university; and join us if accepted. Then you concentrate on your studies, while enjoying a salary, assistance with your HELP fees and many other benefits.
Naturally you'll have to be both mentally and physically fit to join the Air Force. During a Pre-entry Fitness Assessment you’ll need to be able to perform 20 (feet held) sit-ups and achieve a 5.1 (women) or 6.1 (men) shuttle run score.
Once in the Air Force, fitness training will be part of your job, and most recruits really enjoy the challenge. Instructors will guide you through activities such as obstacle courses, circuits and other exercises, and their priority is to help you succeed in tests and maintain a good level of fitness.
The learning never stops
Once you've finished Officer training and gone on to pass your Initial Employment Training, you can go on to receive specialist training and education in your chosen field. In some cases your training may take place interstate or abroad.
As well as specialist-training courses, the Air Force also operates promotion courses to prepare you for higher rank and the responsibilities that go with it.