My Career
The hunt is on for new AEAs
By FLGOFF Skye Smith

Volume 49, No. 1, February 8, 2007
 
ON TARGET: SGT Ryan Duncis from 10SQN wanted to try something “new and exciting” by becoming an Airborne Electronic Analyst. Applications for remuster to AEA are now open.
Photo by CPL Hamish Paterson
TRACKING a submarine, working with aircraft carriers and destroyers, or analysing radar information is all in a day’s work for SGT Ryan Duncis.

SGT Duncis joined the Air Force as an Airborne Electronic Analyst (AEA) in 2002 because he wanted to try something new and exciting, without working a normal nine-to -five job.

Now operating on the AP-3Cs with Crew 5 of 10SQN at RAAF Base Edinburgh, SGT Duncis is enthusiastic that no flight is ever the same.

“As an AEA, you come to work not knowing what could happen,” he said.

“You might be studying one moment and then get a call to suit up and prepare for a mission at short notice the next.”

Travel also enticed SGT Duncis to apply for the AEA mustering and he has not been disappointed.
Getting ready for his second tour to the MEAO later this year, SGT Duncis also has a number of Resolute and Relex deployments clocked up, as well as Gateway missions.

In his four years as an AEA, SGT Duncis has travelled to Scotland, Malaysia, New Zealand, around Australia and deploys to San Diego next month to support Computex.

“My favourite exercise so far would have to be Neptune Warrior in Scotland though,” he said.

“Not too many people can say that they have flown over Loch Ness and got paid to do it either.”
The crew structure of 13 members makes a good work environment at 10SQN.

“Everyone looks out for each other so it is a lot of fun when you go away to a new and exotic location together,” SGT Duncis said.

He enjoyed the challenges on AEA course and the fact that the theory learnt could be put into practice straight away.

After a challenging 12-month AEA specialist course at 292SQN, the students complete their final assessment on a flight in Malaysia.

“That would have to be the best part of the course,” SGT Duncis said. “You are in a totally new place that is different to anywhere else you have been. It is a good way to finish.”

SGT Duncis recommends those interested in remustering to AEA get as much work experience as they can and get on a few flights.

“Hands-on experience and learning the aircraft will help get you through to become the eyes and ears of Australia,” he said.

Entry to the AEA mustering is open to serving members applying for remuster who have passes in year 11 English, physics and tertiary level mathematics.

For more information on becoming an AEA, check out the People Central Website under Career Progression/Job Descriptions, or contact HQSRG Airmen Aircrew Manager WOFF David Strauss on (08) 8393 4143 or FSGT Dave Obst from DP-AF on (02) 6265 1174.