Moves to boost CE mustering

THE Communication Electronic mustering has experienced considerable instability in recent times and action is being taken to address the issues facing the CE workforce.

The mustering was formed in the mid-1990s from an amalgamation of the RADTECHG, TELSTECH and TELSRIG trades.
It is manned at 83 per cent (447 people and 535 positions). Things have slowly improved in regards to the mustering’s health over the past 12 months, however there is still a long way to go.

During the 2004 posting plots, higher manning numbers were directed towards operational units. This left non-operational units with less manning, but now that mustering numbers are slowly increasing the non-operational units will be provided with fitters off-course to increase numbers.

The numbers of fitters from the training establishment at HMAS Cerberus has increased during 2003 compared to previous years, but this increase places a larger post-training burden on the gaining units.

So far this year there have been 69 discharges processed for all rank levels (the partial civilianisation of No. 44 Wing accounted for 20 of the discharges). The better news is that the following increase in promotion targets for the 2004 series has been requested:

• 2 extra warrant officer (total of 6 promotions);
• 5 extra flight sergeants (total of 14 promotions);
• 8 extra sergeants (total of 20 promotions); and
• 3 extra corporals (total of 30 promotions).

Not the least of the issues facing the CE mustering is the continued pressure on the workforce because of overbearing of positions related to Projects 2043 and 2054. This overbearing continues, however there is an end in sight. The total CETECH overbearing was 77 in February 2002, 56 in January 2003 and 45 in October 2003. Recent advice from the 2043 project office is that overbearing in relation to this project will cease by the first quarter of 2005, freeing up 29 positions.

A review of the CE Occ Spec was conducted in mid-2003 and this in turn will result in changes to the CEFITT course beginning in mid-2004. The new course will be aimed at giving trainees appropriate IT, system and diagnostic skills. It is expected that the course will remain a Cert III in Electronics and be about 52 weeks.

DGPERS-AF has noted the pressures facing the CE workforce and consequently commissioned a study into the issues and possible solutions for the mustering.

This study reported in August 2003 with several recommendations covering areas including promotions, staffing and training. These recommendations have been considered by DGPERS-AF and a number agreed for further development. (This does not necessarily mean they will be implemented; rather, the selected measures have some potential and more detailed work is required to establish their benefits, costs and priority and, if necessary, a business case.) Group Captain Tom Douglas, who carried out the initial study, will likely complete the follow-on work.

The Technical Trades Working Group (TTWG) noted the full-time study commissioned by DGPERS-AF and elected to delay work on CE issues until the study had delivered.

The TTWG intends continuing work into 2004 with the CE mustering as the next priority. The TTWG will be able to benefit from the significant amount of research conducted on other musterings during 2004 and by the DGPERS-AF study.

DGPERS-AF staff, together with the mustering sponsor and the Force Element Groups will continue to closely monitor issues relating to the health of the CE mustering and keep members advised of developments.

PAR alert

PREPARATION for the 2005 Series Promotion Boards has started.
However, many PARs remain outstanding and assessors are requested to forward them to DPO-AF as a matter of urgency.

Expressions of interest will be sought from officers of at least wing commander rank for panelling as board members. The point of contact is Squadron Leader Wendy Gill on (02) 6265 2221.

Age clarification

THERE is some confusion about PAF members who reach CRA and wish to transfer to the Reserves.
Personnel departing the PAF on reaching their CRA of 55 years of age and who wish to transfer to the Reserves do not have to apply for an age extension, nor do they have to depart the PAF earlier than their 55th birthday.

On reaching 55, members transferring to the Reserves will automatically have their CRA adjusted to the age of 60.

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