Conditions of Service

Your Obligation as a Reservist

All members of the RAAF Reserve are liable for call out for continuous full time service by proclamation of the Governor-General. Thecircumstances for call out of Reserves include:

• war or warlike operations;
• Defence emergency;
• Defence preparation;
• peacekeeping or peace enforcement;
• assistance to Commonwealth, State, Territory or foreign government authorities and agencies in matters involving Australia’s national security or affecting Australian defence interests;
• support to community activities of national or international significance; and
• civil aid, humanitarian assistance, medical or civil emergency or disaster relief.

Appointment / Enlistments

Entry requirements for RAAF Reserve Officers and the conditions and administrative requirements for the enlistment of airmen/airwomen in the RAAF Reserve are available within this website or can be obtained from a Reserve Careers Adviser at your nearest RAAF Active Reserve squadron. Points of contact are contained in this website.

Uniforms

On appointment or enlistment all new members receive an initial issue of personal uniforms and accessories at public expense. Uniforms can be exchanged for no cost after their calculated life span has expired.

Pay

Reserve pay is tax-free and is calculated using a members rank and professional / technical skills. RAAF Reserve daily rates of pay are available within this website.

Discipline

Members of the RAAF Reserve are governed by the same discipline code as members of the Permanent Air Force. Applicant should consider their compliance to such things as wearing of uniform, saluting, drill and other military protocol.

Retirement Age

The compulsory retirement age for members of the RAAFAR is different to that prescribed for the Permanent Air Force. Under normal circumstances the retiring age is 60. However, under special circumstances and where a Service need exists, members may apply for extension to 65.

Members of the Air Force Reserve can have their appointment (officers) / enlistment (airmen/airwomen) terminated. The grounds for termination are:

• reaching the prescribed compulsory retiring age;
• becoming medically unfit for further service;
• taking up permanent residence overseas;
• misconduct; and
• inefficiency.

Illicit Drug Use

Use of illegal drugs is unacceptable in the Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve.

Acknowledgment Before Enlistment / Appointment. Before enlistment or appointment all prospective Air Force applicants, including Air Force Reserve applicants, are made aware of the Air Force’s policy on the prohibited use of illegal drugs. Applicants are advised and formally acknowledge that engaging in the prohibited use of illegal drugs may result in their appointment being terminated (officers) or being discharged (airmen/airwomen) from the Air Force in accordance with Air Force policy, whether or not disciplinary action or civil prosecution occurs.

Illicit Drug Testing in the Air Force.> All officers and airmen / airwomen of the Air Force (including Reserves on service) are liable to be tested under the Air Force’s program of illicit drug testing where the purpose of the testing is to ensure an effective and safe working place, and operational capability.

Medical Treatment

Members of Air Force Reserve are entitled only to emergency medical and dental treatment while on duty.

Compensation

Members of the RAAF Reserve are covered for compensation whilst on duty under the relevant provisions of the Commonwealth Employees’ Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.

Temporary Full Time Service

A members of the Air Force Reserve may volunteer for a period of full time service with the Permanent Air Force provided the member’s services are required to fill an established vacancy. Reserve personnel accepted for temporary full-time service are paid according to rank, classification or mustering at Permanent Air Force rates of pay and are subject to Permanent Air Force conditions of service.

Australian Defence Force Overseas Deployment

A reservist selected for duty on Australian Defence Force overseas deployments must elect to serve on full time service for the duration of the deployment in order to be eligible.

Transferring to the Permanent Air Force

A member of the Air Force Reserve is eligible for appointment to (officers), or enlistment in (airmen/airwomen), the Permanent Air Force provided he/she fulfils the required conditions and a suitable vacancy exists. The member will not necessarily retain rank and seniority.

Transferring to other Elements of the Reserve

A member of one element of the Air Force Reserve is eligible to transfer to another element of the Air Force Reserve subject to meeting the required conditions and there being a suitable vacancy. The member will not necessarily retain rank and seniority.

Members of the Standby Reserve

Members of the Air Force Standby Reserve must notify DPR-AF (Russell Offices, CANBERRA 2600) in writing by the last day of February each year of their current address, state of health and willingness to remain on the Standby Reserve.

Participation in Inter-Service or Combined Service Sports

Reserve members can participated in inter-Service or combined Service sport on an unpaid basis but be covered for compensation purposes in the event of injury.

Mess Attendance and Ceremonial Activities

Reserve members may be paid when directed to attend official compulsory mess functions. However, voluntary attendance at unofficial mess functions is on a non-paid basis