Army soldier - technicians undertake a range of technical and trade roles in the operation and support of the Royal Australian Army (RAA). They undertake a specific group of duties that depend  on and relate to their role, and may include the maintenance and repair of army technology including combat vehicles or equipment, or the construction and maintenance of military infrastructure. They support the strategic operations and organisational structures of the army during both peacetime and conflict activities. They may travel across the country and internationally in support of the RAA military and general operations.


ANZSCO ID & Description: 441111: Army soldier - technicians undertake a range of technical and trade roles in the operation and support of the Royal Australian Army (RAA).

Alternative names: Army - Technical and Trade Worker


Knowledge, skills and attributes

An army soldier needs:

• Australian citizenship

• over the age of 17

• a passion for protecting and defending Australia and its allies

• good health and level of fitness

• self-discipline, confidence and initiative

• good teamwork skills

• the ability to think and react quickly in rapidly changing situations

• good communication skills

• a willingness to be involved in combat

• technical and practical skills

• to enjoy the lifestyle associated with the armed forces

• the ability to follow orders

• a willingness to live and work anywhere in Australia or overseas.

Electrical Technician
(Source: Defence Jobs)

Duties and Tasks

As an Army technician / tradesperson, you might:

• operate and maintain a wide variety of military equipment and systems

• complete theoretical and fieldwork training in weaponry and combat situations

• train army personnel on systems or technologies

• handle classified documents or equipment.

Working conditions

Army soldier – technicians work in a range of conditions depending on the type of role they specialise in. For example, army aircraft technicians and fitters work in workshops and aircraft hangers, telecommunications technicians work in both army bases and combat vehicles, while carpentry or electrical tradespeople may work indoors and outdoors, depending on the task being undertaken.

Tools and technologies

The tools and technologies used by army soldier - technicians vary greatly depending on their specialised role. Whilst fitter armaments use a range of mechanical maintenance tools and testing systems, carpenters on the other hand, use hand and power tools, while plumbers use tools specific to the fitting, building and maintenance of water and gaslines. All RAA personnel are required to wear uniforms.

Education and training/entrance requirements

To become an army technician within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) you must pass the recruitment process, and complete Basic Training at the Army Recruit Training Centre.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen and at least 17 years old to enlist. You will undergo a series of written, physical, psychological and medical checks and interviews. You will also need to undergo a National Police History Check.

Successful applicants are required to complete 80 days of Basic Training at the Army Recruit Training Centre in Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

Once you have completed Basic Training you undertake Initial Employment Training where you will receive your technical training. The majority of technical and trade training is conducted at the Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), in Bandiana and Bonegilla, Victoria. You may also have the opportunity to undertake additional specialist training.

The technical training varies and will prepare for your specific role within the Army in areas such as aviation, electronics and telecommunications, or traditional trades. The length, location and related qualifications of this training depend on the role you will be moving into.

If you already hold an existing trade qualification, related to the area you wish to work in, you may become an army technician through the Qualified Entry pathway. However, specialised training may still be required.

You can join the Army through the ADF Gap Year program. You must be between 17 and 24 years old, and have completed year 12 (or equivalent).

You can also join the Australian Defence Force on a part time basis within the Army Reserves.

Drone Operator
(Source: Defence Jobs)

Explosives technicians work in a variety of environments, including the military, fire and police departments, construction and demolition, mining and other industries. While their work duties will vary by type of employer and role, explosives technicians work to evaluate, dismantle, repair, deploy, destroy and detonate explosive charges as a part of construction crews, mining operations, bomb squads and so on.

An explosives worker is a highly trained professional who works with volatile substances such as industrial chemicals, weapons, and explosive demolition materials.

The Ammunition Technician can provide support to military and civil authorities through the identification and disposal of un-exploded ordnance (UXO) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

They may assemble and package professional-quality fireworks or pyrotechnic devices for the film industry, or prepare dynamite charges for the mining industry.

Another type of explosives worker is responsible for placing the explosives in the specific area where they will later be detonated, without damaging them or causing them to explode prematurely. They keep other nearby workers safe from blasting accidents and chemical spills, and know how to handle explosives without harming other workers or civilians in the area.

Many explosives experts are civilians, but others are highly ranked members of the military. Explosive workers who are involved with the military often need special security clearance to do their job. This entails a series of extensive background checks and interviews. Obtaining the proper clearance can take months, and once an explosives worker has such clearance, it sticks with them even if they change jobs.

ANZSCO ID: 441111
  
Alternative names: Ammunition Technician [Army], Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician, UXO technician, Explosive Ordnance Handler,
  
Specialisations: Construction crews, mining operations, bomb squads, disposal of un-exploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices.

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To succeed as an explosives technician, you should not be rattled easily; you'll need a thorough understanding of the field and calm hands to work effectively with explosives. An ability to lift heavy objects, maneuver in confined spaces, and strong math and analytical skills will help you in a career as an explosives technician.

A team player who is focused on results and who has strong analytical skills.

An Australian Government Security Clearance or be eligible for a security clearance (minimum requirement of Australian Citizenship)

Duties and Tasks

• Ensures Health and Safety is the number one goal by following policies, processes, and acting in a safe manner at all times

• Prepare and dispose of energetic materials such as explosive/reactive waste

• Maintains equipment associated with operations of explosive/reactive waste handling, storage and treatment.

• UXO Survey and Safety Support using positioning and geophysical detection systems

• Identification of all types of military munitions, their accessories and their found state

• Excavation of subsurface UXO

• Reporting.

Working conditions

Positions in explosives technology include hands-on work with explosive devices and are not for the faint of heart.

Constable Michelle Rybarczyk - CAMEO Taken directly from Tasmania Police article - Making an explosive career choice Constable Michelle Rybarczyk in her full bomb squad protective suit As the only current female member of the Bomb Squad, Constable Michelle Rybarczyk says that joining is one of the best career moves she’s made. Michelle joined Tasmania Police in 1999, having wanted to be a part of the service since high school. After stints on the Burnie Watch, Crime Management Unit and Burnie CIB, she was encouraged to apply for a secondary role in the Bomb Squad by a colleague in 2005. At that time she didn’t know much about what secondary roles were available, including Bomb Squad, but thought the role and equipment sounded interesting. “The Basic Bomb Technician course has been the most challenging course I’ve completed. There is a lot of specialised equipment to learn how to use and maintain, and the role requires sound problem solving abilities and lateral thinking. “One challenging aspect is the mental side of wearing the bomb suit; it can be claustrophobic for many people as the suit is very restrictive and quite heavy,” she said. And a fully encapsulated suit over the bomb suit with self-contained breathing apparatus adds a whole new dimension to being claustrophobic. “It can be quite unnerving initially. It’s an unusual feeling and a little daunting but it’s all psychological.” A lot of Michelle’s Bomb Squad duties involve collecting old explosives from properties or army ordnance like grenades and artillery shells that people dig up in their garden. Clearance searches of venues for visiting dignitaries and attending to suspicious packages also form part of the role of a bomb technician. “We also do a lot of extensive training to prepare for possible large scale incidents and to keep abreast of national and international trends,” she said. Part of this training also involves conducting controlled explosions and re-creating improvised explosive devices identified in international incidents. “Handling and blasting explosives is something completely different to my normal work role, which I really enjoy,” she said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in home-made explosive training and research, which included attending a two-week course in Western Australia in 2014. The opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills interstate and internationally are fantastic.” Michelle moved to Forensics in 2010, which she finds works really well with her Bomb Squad role. “To be honest, I’ve never felt like I couldn’t do my role just because I’m a woman. I’m proud to be in the Bomb Squad – I’ve always felt if I can’t do the job, then I don’t expect to be awarded a position,” she said. “I’d definitely encourage other women to apply for the Bomb Squad – it’s challenging, but very rewarding.” (Source: Tasmania Police)

 

  

Soldiers occupy a number of administrative, managerial and specialised service roles in the operation and support of the Australian Army. They undertake duties in their specific area of expertise in both peacetime and combat situations, and may travel across the country and internationally in support of the Australian Army's military and general operations.


ANZSCO ID & Description: 441111: Soldiers occupy a number of administrative, managerial and specialised service roles in the operation and support of the Australian Army.

Alternative names: Army - General Entrant


Knowledge, skills and attributes

A soldier needs:

• Australian citizenship

• to be over the age of 17

• a passion for protecting and defending Australia and its allies

• good health and fitness

• a strong sense of discipline

• to enjoy the lifestyle associated with the armed forces

• the ability to follow orders

• a willingness to live and work anywhere in Australia and overseas

Soldiers on duty
(Source: ABC News)

Duties and Tasks

Army soldiers may perform the following tasks:

• theoretical and field training in areas including administration, vehicle maintenance, computer skills and leadership

• operation and maintenance of a wide variety of military equipment

• general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment, and navigation

• specialised tasks such as cooking, stores supply, ammunition supply, communication systems operation, electronic transmissions operation, or administration.

 

Working conditions

Soldiers can expect different working conditions depending on their specific role within the Army. For example, administrative or finance clerks work mostly in office environments, but mechanical and electrical engineering staff work in workshops and on location on Army missions.

Tools and technologies

The tools and technologies used by soldiers vary greatly depending on their specialised role. Whilst a cook works with food preparation equipment, and dental assistants work with specialised dental equipment, others such as chaplains or finance and legal clerks work with computers in word processing or data management roles. Some soldiers utilise weaponry in combat situations, whilst others undertake administrative or finance-related work. All Australian Army personnel are required to wear uniforms.
 
Education and training/entrance requirements

To become a soldier within the Australian Defence Force (ADF) you must pass the recruitment process and complete Basic Training at the Army Recruit Training Centre.

You will undergo a series of written, physical, psychological and medical checks and interviews. You will also need to undergo a National Police History Check.

Successful applicants are required to complete 80 days of Basic Training at the Army Recruit Training Centre at Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales.

Once you have completed Basic Training you undertake Initial Employment Training where you will learn about your specific role. The length, location and related qualifications of this training depend on the role you will be moving into.

You can join the Army through the ADF Gap Year program. You must be between 17 and 24 years old, and have completed year 12 (or equivalent).

You can also join the Australian Defence Force on a part time basis within the Army Reserves.

(Source: Australian Army)

 

 

Army Work Divers (AWD) carry out diving with surface supplied breathing apparatus and use hand, pneumatic, hydraulic, explosive powered tools, thermal arc cutting, welding equipment, underwater concreting, construction techniques to undertake work in support of the army operations.

Additionally an AWD is trained in search techniques and recovery. AWD must remain current diving status by diving for a minimum of 180 minutes during the every six months period, 60 minutes of which is to be at night or with zero visibility.

ANZSCO ID: 441111
  

Alternative names: Army Diver, Army Work Divers (AWD)

Knowledge, skills and attributes   

The candidates are taken through mentally and physically demanding routines, as they are assessed for their skills, knowledge, diving attributes and how they interact and bond with their team mates.

• Physically fit and a good level of stamina

• Determination (mental fortitude to keep going despite being cold, hot and fatigued)

• Excellent administration skills

• A sense of humour

• Over 18

• Australian citizen

 

Army Divers helping in floods in Queensland
(Source: QT)

Duties and Tasks

The role of the diver is to extend Army operations into the water. The functions provided by the diver can be grouped as follows:

Mobility. Divers have the ability to:

• reconnoiter wet gap crossings and bridges
• clear underwater obstacles and mines
• support wet gap crossing operations
• remove underwater battlefield hazards.

Counter mobility. Divers have the ability to:

• prepare and emplace underwater obstacles, including mines
• prepare and execute underwater demolitions
• enhance natural obstacles.

Sustainability. Divers have the ability to:

• conduct underwater damage assessment
• search for and recover equipment and other items from underwater
• maintain lines of communications
• support other engineering tasks

Survivability. Divers have the ability to:

• support emergency respondents in fighting fires in structures over water
• support emergency respondents in the conduct of personnel rescue from underwater, including flooded confined spaces
• support emergency respondents in the conduct of urban search and rescue tasks in and around water
• support emergency respondents in sealing underwater hazardous materials leaks.

 

Tools and technologies

The candidates are first taught all the basic diving skills in clear water. They are then taken though attended diving, search schemes, navigating underwater, lift bag operation and hand tools. Once the divers are confident in the water they move onto pneumatic tools, hydraulic tools, air lifts, water lifts and dredges. They then go through to welding, thermal lance operation, and explosive power tools. Nearing completion they cover underwater concreting and construction of a structure.

 

Education and training/entrance requirements

The course length for a Defence member to become an Army Work Diver [AWD] is 48 days, and for a qualified diver to become a Supervisor is a further 53 days. Additionally a trained diver can attempt the Underwater Demolitions course. The durations for the diver and supervisor are 14 and 16 days. The course covers all the equipment listed in the above definition.

The course commences with classroom theory and land practical training. The candidates are first taught all the basic diving skills in clear water. They are then taken though attended diving, search schemes, navigating underwater, lift bag operation and hand tools. Once the divers are confident in the water they move onto pneumatic tools, hydraulic tools, air lifts, water lifts and dredges. They then go through to welding, thermal lance operation, and explosive power tools. Nearing completion they cover underwater concreting and construction of a structure.

Highlights and rewards
The ability to not only provide assistance to the battle group but also to assist the local community at home and around the world is certainly a highlight of the work. Activities can be very varied, for example, army divers have assisted the Brisbane community by removing car bodies from the Karawatha Dam, and during a time of need after the Tsunami hit Banda Ache, a Dive team assisted the local fisherman by recovering their sunken boats from the shipping channel to land.

Responsibilities and challenges

The Army Work Diver is essentially a Combat Engineer, therefore he would be on the salary dictated for his position, however when he conducts his Specialty of Diving he is paid a Diving allowance.

Employment Opportunities
  
Currently Diving within the Army is limited. There is an opportunity for a member to become an Instructor at the training school for military divers, additionally once qualified as an AWD the member is able to apply for a commercial ticket through ADAS.

 

The Army Emergency Responder is a soldier in the Royal Australian Engineers that provides personnel recovery to the forces in order to minimise loss of life by rescuing within a combat or permissive environment
As a Corps, soldiers of the Royal Australian Engineers are known as 'Sappers' and are responsible for assisting our own forces to move and provide survivability options whilst also denying mobility to the enemy. Sappers are trained in a broad range of tasks to enable them to conduct mobility and counter mobility operations alone with provision and construction of survivability options for the deployed force.

A Combat Rescue Operator is a soldier who uses recovery equipment and maintains a specialist skillset to provide personnel recovery effects and combat first aid to the deployed force.