Handbooks supplied

LACW Tanya Watts, a supplier from No. 36 Squadron, checks out the new supply trades career handbook.

Photo by CPL Simone Liebelt

In a first for Air Force, a practical career management guide for logistics members has been introduced.

CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston officially launched the Logistic Officer and Supply Trades Career Handbooks in Canberra on November 19.

AIRMSHL Houston presented the first copies of the new handbooks to junior members of the logistic officer specialisation and the supplier and clerk supply musterings at the official ceremony, attended by selected members of the supply trades from RAAF Bases Richmond and Williamtown.

The two career handbooks, one designed for officers and one for airmen, are an initiative of the Air Force Logistics Campaign and form part of the new career progression models developed for the supply trades.

The publications include a brief history of Air Force logistics, details of the Air Force logistics organisation, career management information, career progression models and useful personnel references and web links.

AIRMSHL Houston said the development of the handbooks was an excellent example of how the Air Force could be innovative and responsive to the changing environments in which it operated.

“There are currently over 260 logistics officers, 350 clerks supply and 550 supplier personnel, which equates to 9 per cent of the Air Force strength, being one of the largest workforce groups,” he said.

“The career handbooks, which are a first for Air Force, are designed to be an accessible and practical guide for members, to better inform them on career management and enable members to exert a greater level of influence in the process.”

AIRMSHL Houston also noted the commendable efforts of personnel from the Directorate of Logistics – Air Force in resourcing, developing and editing the handbooks, including Ron Parrello, Squadron Leader Melinda Grayson and Warrant Officers Geoff Raymond and Rick Wilkens.

From this month, the career handbooks will be distributed to all members of the logistic specialisation, supplier and clerk supply musterings and will be issued to all new graduates of initial training courses.

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