My Career
Think outside the box
By WOFF Scott Davey 1RTU WOFF Training

Edition 4907, May 3, 2007
First, let’s debunk some myths. You will not be treated like a recruit, as you’ve already experienced that and so have your instructors. There are no red and yellow cards. You will not spend all day, everyday, marching around the drill square learning how to yell at people.

The MSI course is designed to teach adults how to help other adults transition from civilian to Service life. However, it is only the beginning, as many of the skills and knowledge you need to be an MSI you have already learnt throughout your career, and we are just adding to this. All the normal rules and values still apply.

The MSI course starts with you attending an orientation week at 1RTU. This allows you to see what we’re all about and to make up your own mind as to whether the MSI role is for you. Everyone has the potential to become an MSI; it just takes a willingness to try. The MSIs at 1RTU, OTS and ADFA come from many different backgrounds and have vastly different experience levels, yet all are doing a great job.

There are two courses you need to complete before commencing an MSI course:
- Instructional Technique course, which incorporates Workplace Assessor skills and is run by RAAFSALT at RAAF Base Wagga.
- Weapon Instructor course, which is run by RAAFSFS at RAAF Base Amberley.

The MSI course will be challenging and difficult at times, but not impossible. The instructors are there to help you gain the skills you need to develop your leadership and, ultimately, to get you to think outside the box.

To better help you develop as an NCO, we invest a lot of time in leadership training through experiential and practical exercises.

You may be required to do some reading, as military skills instruction requires a working knowledge of Air Force history. We will also help you become confident in your own drill at the start of the course to enable you to concentrate on your students.

You may need an open mind but being an MSI requires that anyway, so we are merely setting you up for success.

For more information, contact WOFF Scott Davey on (08) 8393 2770.