How to get a commission

AT A GLANCE

Applicants should seek as much information as possible on a career as an officer before applying, especially for the chosen specialisation. Speak to unit administration staff and officers in the field to enhance research Refer to the relevant DIs or the website for detailed information.

A variety of avenues are open to serving members who wish to apply for a commission, according to Wing Commander Bill Corbett, of Defence Personnel Officers.

WGCDR Corbett has visited Air Force bases to provide information on opportunities available for commissioning as an officer. Airmen and women should investigate the following avenues for entry:

• Direct Entry, open to all serving members. Some specialisations require tertiary qualifications and/or experience with some applicants undergoing extensive specialisation training. Officer training is completed before specialisation employment or training.
• Airmen/Airwomen Access to the Academy Scheme where successful applicants undergo officer training before starting full time tertiary study as an advanced student at ADFA. Applications have already closed for this year.
• Civil Schooling Scheme open to PAF airmen and airwomen who have completed or are due to complete the equivalent of at least one-year full-time tertiary study. Successful applicants are sponsored to complete their studies on a full-time basis in their current locality before undertaking officer training. Applications have closed for this year.

  Initial Officer training consists of a 17-week course for LAC to CPL at Officer Training School (OTS) Point Cook, a six-week course for SGT to FSGT at OTS and a one-week program for WOFFs at RAAFCOL.
  
  For further information on commissionings refer to the DPO web site at http://defweb.cbr.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/DPO/ or contact (02) 6265 5170.

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