By Lt Simone Heyer
IF IT seems that Aust Int Corps is always recruiting, it's not a surreptitious mind invasion plot, or a figment of your imagination. They are.

It's a direct strategy to get the best people possible to join one of the most interesting, vital corps in the Australian Army.

SO2 Trade Maj Ledy Rowe said it's up to her team to have at least 40 people a year join Aust Int Corps.

"It's a growth industry and we have a continued increase in establishment positions," she said.

"As units go overseas, they realise they need an int person, then write it into their SED.

"There are 302 positions for ARA ORs, which has significantly increased over the past two years."

As a result, the advertisements are out, and top soldiers are invited to apply.

Maj Rowe said the corps are looking for people with a wide knowledge of the Army, of good repute and with two years service.

"We want a good reporting background and their corps must be willing to release them."

She said two IET courses are run each year, with 48 places, which go to ARA, Reserves and RAAF.

Applicants need to complete a PE166 through their chain of command - which goes to SCMA.

Once SCMA has assessed the applicants, a corps selection board will be arranged by SO2 trade.

The board comprises a president (major), a WO1 and a psych officer.

Maj Rowe said two weeks before the board, applicants were sent a letter with details and a current affair topic for a 10-minute presentation.

Topics vary depending on rank, current corps and resources.

During the board, they consider the research quality, structure, whether the presentation had been practised and whether the applicant is trainable.

At the board, applicants must conduct an impromptu talk, complete a written test and finally, be interviewed.

Often the most obvious things were overlooked by applicants. A perfectly ironed, complete uniform, a tidy hair cut and manners will get you a long way.

From there, the board recommends ideal applicants to SCMA, who make the ultimate decision.

Maj Rowe said she knew the right people for the corps were there, but had not had a chance to prove themselves.

"The Army has some people who are so clever, but because they're not in a learning environment, they haven't realised their aptitude and potential," she said.

And a final piece of advice - learn to type.

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