The Royal Australian Air Force is to call for former serving personnel to once again consider career opportunities within the RAAF, the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mr Bruce Scott, announced last month.

Mr Scott said a series of advertisements that began to appear in the aviation section of The Australian on 9 February, calling on former officers and 'other ranks' from the Air Force, Navy and Army with aviation industry experience to consider full-time or Reserve career opportunities within the RAAF.

'The RAAF is particularly interested in former Servicemen and women with experience as Aerospace Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Pilots, Airborne Electronics Analyists and Flight Engineers,' he said.

'Strong economic incentives provided by the private sector aviation industry within Australia and overseas have, in the past, lured some of the ADF's more experienced personnel away from the Service.

'Many ex-ADF personnel, who left under these circumstances may now find that returning to the RAAF will meet their current personal circumstances and professional aspirations.

'I am aware that some former personnel may feel that the door had closed behind them on their departure, however, let me reassure them that this is not so.

'The RAAF will be able to offer these highly trained and experienced personnel, who express interest, the opportunity to return to doing what they do best and for RAAF this means getting that experience back into the Air Force.

'Issues such as recognition of prior Service, superannuation and personal circumstance have been thoroughly addressed and the RAAF has in place the necessary procedures to ensure a smooth transition for interested parties.

'Let me reassure current RAAF personnel that they will in no way be disadvantaged by this recruiting program, as applicants will be employed in positions that cannot be filled by existing personnel.

'The RAAF wants former and currrent Serving members to know that it can provide a working environment that offers a degree of flexibility and opportunity for the people it has trained. This flexibility will be further enhanced by the Federal Government's new Reserve initiative.

'This is a serious initiative and I encourage all former ADF personnel working in the aviation industry who are medically fit and meet the prerequisites to consider this offer,' Mr Scott said.