ACW Caroline Haste, ACW Deanna Burkamshaw and ACW Kristy Mclean are about to embark on careers in the Royal Australian Air Force after an intense recruiting and training process. The three make up the first direct entry intake of CREWATTs and are looking forward to kicking off their new careers in what they describe as a 'diverse' and 'complex' position.

Following an intense recruiting and training process, three women will soon take to the sky as Air Force Crew Attendants (CREWATTs) aboard the Royal Australian Air Force's fleet of VIP Falcon 900s.

Aircraftwoman Caroline Haste, Aircraftwoman Deanna Burkamshaw and Aircraftwoman Kristy Mclean, make up the first direct entry intake of CREWATTs and are now into their final weeks of training at RAAF Base Fairbairn's No. 34 Squadron.

All three are looking forward to kicking off their new careers in what they describe as a 'diverse' and 'complex' position.

'The initial 10-week rookie course was quite an adjustment,' said 21-year-old Deanna, of Coffs Harbour. 'However, it did highlight my strengths and weaknesses, which I have worked on and now I feel I'm a much more mature and rounded person.'

Deanna admits she's always harboured an interest in flying. She holds a Certificate 3 in Airline Customer Service, and Tourism and Hospitality, and can speak Spanish.

She had thought of joining a commercial airline, but clearly has no regrets about choosing an Air Force career.

'Hundreds of people apply for [commercial airline] positions, and it is really seen as more of a glamour job,' she said. 'It was much tougher when applying to join the Air Force but I feel it's been worth it.'

Air Force Crew Attendants go through an intense recruiting and training process. Their position is unique - they are not only representatives of the Air Force, but also of their nation, working for top national and international dignitaries, including the Prime Minister.

Caroline, meantime, has previous commercial experience working as a flight attendant for Skywest for four years.

'I couldn't really go any further in my career so I stopped flying two years ago, but I've really missed it,' she admitted.

'The training is more comprehensive, and working as an Air Force Crew Attendant is much more involved and challenging. It is an all-encompassing career choice compared to a commercial flight attendant.'

Caroline admits to having a real sense of pride and excitement when telling friends and family about her work now.

'The three-week Combat Survival Course in Townsville prior to Christmas was definitely the toughest thing I've ever done in my life,' she conceded.

'We were all earmarked as "not going to make it" because we were new and female - but it was great to prove them all wrong.'

While choosing to become a CREWATT seems to be a great life decision for all three girls, Caroline said she wouldn't recommend it to just anyone. 'To begin with you must be aware of the intense training aspects,' she explained.

'You need to be multi-skilled and alert all the time - it certainly isn't a stereotypical job, it's a real career.'

Being an Air Force Crew Attendant is far from boring. CREWATTs are involved in all aspects of loading and unloading of passengers and cargo.

They compile aircraft documentation, calculate the weight and balance for the aircraft, are proficient in first aid, firefighting, weapons handing, ground combat, combat survival and all aircraft procedures.

They are also responsible for catering for all passengers and crew and providing in-flight food and beverage services.

'The diversity and complexity is what makes this career appealing,' Deanna and Caroline agreed. 'It's not just a female career either. There are so many interesting aspects to the job, being a CREWATT would suit a variety of people.'

For more information regarding the CREWATT mustering, recruiting, training or to remuster, contact Warrant Officer Dave Batic, RAAF Base Richmond, on (02) 458 72019 or Defence Recruiting on 13 19 01.