Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main selection standards for entry to the Royal Australian Air Force Reserve?
You must be an Australian citizen or be eligible to become a Australian citizen AND you must be medically and physically fit to meet the Air Force Reserve standards.
What is the physical fitness standard required to join the Reserves?
Before being accepted into the Royal Australian Air Force Active Reserve (RAAFAR) you must complete an initial fitness test. The ‘BEEP TEST’ is used as the initial fitness test. It involves applicants running a block of shuttle runs to a acceptable standard.
What if I don’t like it and want to get out straight away?
There is no obligation to stay in the Air Force Reserve. If you don’t like it you can leave.
Can I use the facilities on Air Force Bases such as the gym, pool, tennis court, etc?
Yes, you have the same entitlement as a Permanent Air Force member and your immediate family will also be able to use these facilities.
Do I have to move away from my hometown?
Unlike the Permanent Air Force, there is no possibility of being transferred interstate if you don’t want to.
Are there opportunities for transferring interstate?
In the Reserve you will never be transferred to another squadron unless you elect to do so. This would typically occur because the member has chosen to move because of their primary employment etc. Therefore, the actual move is at the member’s expense. You may have to travel interstate to complete courses or go on exercise but this would normally only be for one or two weeks at a time. In this case the Air Force would cover all expenses associated with the travel.
In the Reserve, how many hours do I work daily?
You must complete a minimum of 6 hours though out the day to be paid a full days wage, however, you are required to work the standard hours of the area in which you are employed on a specific day. A normal working period is 8 hours. This may vary depending on workplace requirements or operating environments.
Is the RAAF Active Reserve a good indication of what the Permanent Air Force is like?
The RAAF Active Reserve do the same recruit training and in most cases the same initial employment training as the Permanent Air Force. As a member of the Reserve you will gain an excellent indication of service life in the Permanent Air Force.
Do I pay tax?
Part-time Reservists do not pay tax on their Defence wage.
What are the rates of pay for Reserve personnel?
Pay varies with qualifications and experience. For information visit the Defence Jobs website.
Are my medical and dental cost covered?
Members of the Air Force Reserve are entitled only to emergency medical and dental treatment while they are on duty.
Am I covered for compensation?
Members of the Air Force Reserve are covered for compensation under the relevant provision of the Commonwealth Employees’ Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988.
Do I have to fire a weapon?
Member's of the Air Force Active Reserve are required to fire a weapon as part of their basic training. They are also required to fire a weapon on an annual basis to help maintain this skill. All members of the Active Reserve are initially instructed on the 5.56mm AUSTRALIAN STEYR (AUSTEYR) F88 INDIVIDUAL WEAPON. Depending on a members employment stream you may then receive further training in the handling and use of other weapons such as pistols and light machine guns.
Do I have to fire a weapon offensively?
Being a member of the Defence Force, you may be required to fire a weapon in combat. All applicants must consider if this is a requirement that they would able to meet.
What is the retirement age?
The retiring age for members of the Reserve is different to the Permanent Air Force. Generally, retiremnt age is 60 and under special circumstances this can be extended to 65.
How long do I sign up for in the Reserves?
There is no fixed period of service in the Air Force Reserves.
Can I transfer to the Permanent Air Force for the Reserves?
It is possible to transfer across to the permanent Air Force depending on employment vacancies.
What is the Air Force’s policy on Marijuana smoking? Marijuana is decriminalised in some States, can I use it when I’m not on duty?
The Air Force, like the Army and Navy, has a zero tolerance of the non-medical use of drugs. The use of Marijuana and other illicit drugs is not allowed at any time while you are a member of the Air Force Reserve. Reserve members may be required to provide urine samples for illicit drug use testing.
As a female are there any jobs I can’t apply for?
The majority of positions in the Reserve are available to females. However, some are not and those are:
- Ground Defence Officer
- Airfield Defence Guard
- Aircraft Surface Finisher (because of exposure to embryotoxic chemicals.
I am 17 years old. Can I join the Reserve?
Yes, the minimum recruitment age is 17. The recruitment of minors must be voluntary and all minors must have the written consent of a parent or guardian. As evidence of proof of age, anyone wishing to join the Air Force Reserve must present an original or certified copy of their full birth certificate. In accordance with Australia’s international obligations, the Australian Defence Force will take all possible measures to ensure that minors do not participate in hostilities.
I can not obtain my school results as I went to school in another country. What should I do?
Each State education department has the authority to issue an equivalence certificate for educational courses undertaken in overseas countries. This process and any associated cost are the responsibility of the applicant.
Can I join the Reserve if I have committed a criminal offence?
All applicants must undergo a police check; however, having committed an offence does not automatically render an applicant ineligible to serve in the Reserve.
For other FAQ go to www.defence.gov.au/reserves
