Technical Intelligence Analyst

DIO is not an ordinary workplace. Since joining DIO, I have met an extraordinary range of people, worked on an unusual variety of high-profile international issues, travelled to many places I would never have imagined and contributed to a fascinating assortment of government and Defence activities.

I came to DIO after eight years in the Air Force, working in telecommunications. I have since worked on a diverse range of issues regarding communication, sensor and weapons systems, and global political-military events. DIO gives me the opportunity to work on a wide assortment of challenging subjects and issues, and to travel and work throughout Australia and at various places overseas.

But perhaps the most remarkable opportunity in DIO is the autonomy and freedom to move across many different subject matters, and to shape and develop my area of responsibility. This lets me use my initiative, individually and as part of a team, to meet my customers’ diverse needs and ensure DIO – and Australia – is prepared to meet to its defence and security challenges.

DIO gives me opportunities and experiences not available in most Australian workplaces.

Even if you love your job, sometimes a career change just comes your way. I'd just completed an Air Force posting to DIO when the opportunity to lead a small team of specialist emerging-technologies analysts came my way. The team would provide the ADF's only source of long-range analysis that directly impacted the multi-billion dollar capability investments and also warned of potential technical surprises that could threaten current capabilities. Transitioning from the Air Force to the APS was a painless process and I now lead a dedicated team of thorough professionals whose work is sought after by the Defence community.

The position involves enough overseas travel to be enjoyable – especially as it allows me to interact with international subject matter experts – but not so much that it takes me away from my main focus of leading and developing my team. Working in DIO also allows me to continue my previous association with the Air Force as a member of the High Readiness Reserve.

Why else am I happy to be part of DIO? Try 'family friendly' – something that is rather important when you have kids and a working wife.

The good thing about DIO is that, regardless of the length of time you have had in the organisation, you will be rewarded with interesting and challenging projects. I have had opportunities as an analyst in a number of areas including military capability, missiles and the South-East Asia desk. The breadth and depth of opportunities has been extraordinary.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my work in DIO, both in the operational analysis of regional air and maritime issues and as a long-time counter-proliferation analyst. I have had the opportunity to represent DIO and Australia at international conferences and discussion fora. DIO has also supported my language study through local tuition and in-country intensive courses.

The work, particularly in our Weapons and Technical Intelligence Branch, is unique and highly rewarding. To work with colleagues who respect one's expertise and who exhibit a high standard of professionalism is particularly satisfying.

In the four years I have been at DIO, I have worked predominantly in technical intelligence and have enjoyed a secondment as an editor of DIO's published intelligence products and a secondment overseas. Prior to my employment with DIO I completed a degree in International Relations and served as an Australian Army officer. Working as an intelligence analyst at DIO was a logical extension of my military background and my abiding interest in international affairs.

DIO is a wonderful place to work. Its staff are of the highest calibre anywhere in the world and constantly strive for excellence, and yet the work environment is relaxed and collegiate. The organisation's work and the tools available to analysts ensure that no two days are the same, and includes the opportunity for domestic and overseas travel. My analytical skills and experience base continue to grow each day.

Technical intelligence at DIO is challenging, engaging and extremely rewarding. The community is composed of military subject-matter experts, civilian all-source intelligence analysts and defence scientists. The analysis provided by these experts is extremely valuable to the warfighter.