Book in for a screening

By CPL Simone Liebelt

A member of the Indonesian military and FLTLT Shaun Nelson, from the School of Air Traffic Control No. 49 Wing Detachment, help load an Iroquois helicopter with aid for distribution in Operation Sumatra Assist. All deployed members need to complete two pyschological screenings – filling out questionnaires and having a short interview – when they return to Australia.

Photo by AB Phillip Cullinan

AIR Force personnel who are operationally deployed are expected to undergo a psychological screening program as part of their return from operations.

The screening consists of two main elements: a Return To Australia Psychological Screen (RTAPS) and a Post-Operational Psychological Screen (POPS).

The RTAPS is usually completed before a member returns from the deployment and is provided by deployed psychologists, most commonly an Army psychologist.

If a member does not complete the RTAPS before returning to Australia, they should contact the local base psychologist to arrange it as soon as possible after their return. The POPS should occur three to six months after a member returns to Australia. Members should contact their base psychologist to arrange this.

Members employed away from Air Force bases should contact their local psychology support section.

What it involves

The RTAPS and POPS involve completing a few mental health questionnaires and attending a short interview with a psychologist.

In cases where large numbers have deployed from a single unit, it may be more practical for POPS to be arranged by unit management on a group basis. The current screening program is not the same as previous postoperation debriefing programs.

The purpose of the screening program is to collect mental health data on deployed individuals and to monitor their progress. It is not a form of counselling or therapy.

If the RTAPS or POPS indicate that a member is having some problems, then options will be discussed with the member with a view to agreeing on the best way to address those problems. Participation in the screening programs is usually a requirement of the operational deployment.

Any members who have concerns about completing the RTAPS or POPS should raise their concerns with the chain of command. The screening program has been put in place for the benefit of ADF personnel. It is designed to help members by monitoring their wellbeing after a deployment.

All Air Force members who have been operationally deployed are encouraged to make the most of this service and to arrange their appointments for post-operational screening.

For those seeking further information on post-deployment screening, keep an eye on the People Central web site – a list of frequently asked questions will be posted in the coming weeks.

Trades remuster training

Training applications are being sought from the aircraft, avionic or communications electronics trades who want to remuster to systems technician (skill level 5).

Applicants must have an Advanced Diploma in Engineering and two years’ experience and meet other criteria. Applications are due by April 4.

For details: LACW Rebecca Townsend on (02) 6265 2290.

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