Army Soldier - Tradesperson

SPECIALISATIONS

Army soldier tradespeople may specialise as an/a:

Aircraft Life Support Fitter - ensures that aircraft safety equipment (such as parachutes, life rafts, anti-gravity suits, flying helmets and breathing apparatus) is fully operational.

Aircraft Structural Fitter - responsible for inspecting, testing, repairing, rebuilding, refurbishing and modifying Army aircraft structures and components.

Aircraft Technician - responsible for inspecting, testing, repairing, rebuilding, refurbishing, modifying and recovering Army aircraft airframes, engines and equipment.

Avionics Technician - inspects, repairs and maintains aircraft communications, navigation, radar, electrical, electronics and instrument systems, and ground equipment.

Electronics Technician - installs, maintains, repairs and manages electronic and communications equipment. They also operate high- power transmitters, radio relays and multi-channel carriers.

Fitter Armament - inspects, repairs, modifies and reconditions military armaments, watercraft and small engines, and performs general engineering tasks.

Vehicle Mechanic - repairs and maintains all types of motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, prime-movers, trailers, plant equipment and armoured fighting vehicles.

Army tradespeople usually work in teams and can work in Army units and workshops throughout Australia and overseas.

To become an Army soldier - tradesperson you usually have to complete Year 10 or equivalent with passes in English, mathematics, science (with physics content preferred) and one other subject.

You will also need to successfully complete a series of aptitude tests, medical assessments and selection interviews.

Following selection for employment with the Army, you will need to undertake specific Army training. This involves new recruit training at Kapooka, near Wagga Wagga, NSW. This is followed by specialised training for your chosen job.

This training varies according to your chosen speciality, lasting up to two years, followed by a maximum of two years of on-the-job training in Army units or with civilian organisations. Training is followed by a period of service in the Army. Training is provided at either the RAAF School of Technical Training at Wagga Wagga in NSW, or the Army Logistic Training Centre at Bonegilla in Victoria.