Lifting the restrictions

AUSTRALIA’S demographics are changing and studies indicate that to sustain operations through to and beyond 2020, the Air Force needs to attract a wider portion of the population.

More importantly, Air Force needs to ensure that the employment and promotion system is more attractive to current members and that Air Force is considered a career of choice to people entering the workforce on leaving school, as well as qualified professionals.

Various reviews and research such as the Defence attitude survey and exit surveys increasingly identify that Air Force people want more flexibility and options in their careers.

Given the opportunities available for civilian employment and the demands of service life, Air Force needs to do all it can to provide attractive career options.

DPSI is tasked with identifying and analysing unnecessary restrictions placed on the recruitment, employment and promotion of Air Force people.

Although DPO-AF, DPA, DPR-AF and DPE have been progressive in reviewing policies and procedures, some potential restrictions are still within tri-service policy while others are within Air Force control.

Areas being assessed by DPSI include entry level medical requirements, psychological testing, entry fitness requirements, initial minimum periods of service, compulsory retirement age and promotion criteria.

Shortly, DPSI will be presenting recommendations to DGPERS-AF. A number of these recommendations may be actioned by DGPERS-AF, some will require CAFAC endorsement and some recommendations may be forwarded to other Defence programs or agencies for consideration.

Further information can be obtained from Squadron Leader Nicole Sauer on (02) 6266 5021.

Review reminder
COMMANDING officers, officers and administrative staff are reminded that the due date for annual Performance Appraisal Reports for officers is fast approaching.

Units should already be taking action to ensure that PARs are distributed and completed so as to meet promulgated due dates. Receipt of reports at DPO-AF by November 1 is critical to ensure efficient preparation for the 2004 promotion boards.

Web-based admin
THE Directorate of Military Administration - Air Force is progressing the development of a standardised suite of bench-level instructions for use by clerical and administrative staff.

This work is just one element of the DMA-AF’s project to improve Air Force military administration.

Currently there are about 70 BLIs on the DMA-AF web page
(http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/Sites/DMA-AF/)
and there has been a lot of positive feedback via the DMA-AF feedback e-mail (raaf.dma@defence.gov.au).
In particular, clerks have provided useful suggestions and guidance, while many have relished the opportunity to have their say in designing personnel administration processes.

The net result will be a comprehensive range of instructions for the processing of personnel matters, which will be readily accessible on the Defence intranet.

This will ensure both efficient and standardised processing of administrative matters. For further information, e-mail raaf.dma@defence.gov.au

New mailbox
PERSONNEL are reminded that the Air Force People Capability (AFPC) web site has recently changed its mailbox to afhq.afpc@defence.gov.au

Members are encouraged to have their say on Air Force issues through this forum.

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