Air Force Serving ’s Interests 2 | Serving Australia’s Interests Foreword Air Force – Serving Australia’s Interests is the Air Force of the future around these provided by the Royal Australian Air Force to capabilities will require wide ranging changes inform decision-makers on the strategic utility in our people and a transformation in the of Australia’s air power and to describe Air way Air Force operates as a 21st century Force capabilities and structure. By promoting force. Air Force aims to seamlessly integrate a broader understanding of how Air Force new systems into the force and embrace and our air power capabilities contribute carefully selected emerging technologies, to Australia’s security, Air Force – Serving while continuing to offer responsive military Australia’s Interests is intended to support air power options to the Government for the strategic planning deliberations, including defence of Australia and its interests. At the activities such as Force Structure Reviews, same time, Air Force acknowledges the need the development and implementation of Plan to develop our personnel with exciting and Jericho and the preparation of Defence White challenging new skills and systems. Air Force Papers. The information in this publication must also ensure that it continually refreshes will also inform interactions between the the essential arrangements it has in place with Department of Defence, other government a wide range of Defence, other government departments and Air Force. Importantly, agencies and commercial organisations. this publication is intended to make senior These changes can only be achieved in members of the Government, other partnership with decision-makers across government departments, industry, academia, Government, Defence, industry, academia non-government organisations and visiting and our foreign partners. I have directed officials more aware of Air Force’s complexity the preparation of Air Force – Serving and the vital role it plays in Australia’s security. Australia’s Interests to assist in creating and Air Force has an enduring responsibility to the strengthening these partnerships. to generate effective and potent air power options that, when directed, contribute to operations that defend the nation and its strategic interests. These operations will almost always be conducted jointly, and often with allies or in coalition. By 2022, the oldest aircraft in Air Force’s inventory will be the C-130J, acquired in 1999. By then, almost every platform within the inventory will be replaced with more advanced systems, or new systems that will provide quantum leaps forward in terms of capability and technical complexity. To meet the challenges we expect to face into the future, Air Force will also introduce capabilities that it has never operated before. Building Air Marshal , AO, CSC Chief of Air Force

3 Contents

Foreword 3

Air Force Values 6

Air Force Identity 7

Royal Australian Air Force 10

Introduction 10

Air Power 10

Air Power Roles 11

Core Air Power Roles 12

Enabling Air Power Roles 13

Strategic Tasks 15

Air Force Strategic Tasks 16

Air Force Vision 17

Air Force Mission 18

Air Force Capability 18

Transforming Air Force 19

Plan Jericho 21

Air Force Operations – Past, Present & Future 22

Structure and Capability 26

Structure – Overview 26

Air Force Headquarters 29

Air Force Improvement Initiatives 33

New Horizon 34

Air Force Personnel Status 35

4 | Serving Australia’s Interests Gender Diversity Initiatives 35

Future Shape of the Air Force 35

Officerviation A Workforce Management Reform (OA2020) 36

Women In Peace and Security 38

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Programs - Air Force 39

Air Command 40

Headquarters Air Command 40

Common Joint Staff System 42

Air Command Force Element Groups 44

Force Element Groups and Capabilities 46

Air Combat Group 46

Air Mobility Group 49

Surveillance and Response Group 51

Aerospace Operational Support Group 54

Combat Support Group 57

Air Force Training Group 61

Air Force Reserve 66

Australian Air Force Cadets 66

Acronyms 69

Airman’s Code 71

5 Air Force Values Air Force has a shared set of values for all into behaviours all Air Force personnel its members, promoting a culture of high display every day. The values of Respect, esteem and trust to serve with pride and Excellence, Agility, Dedication, Integrity and commitment in the protection of, support to Teamwork reflect the standards we always and service to the people of Australia and expect of ourselves and of our colleagues. our national interests. Air Force values identify a basis for personal behaviour. These values are not an end point for cultural change: they must be translated

Respect Excellence Agility Air Force People always Air Force People Air Force People respond respect the rights of others. demonstrate swiftly to challenges. Our Our people are just and professionalism, people are resilient and inclusive. We recognise mastery and continuous quickly adapt to changes diversity is essential to improvement in everything in our environment. We are improve our capability. we do. Our people flexible in how we think and are motivated and act and we use resources encouraged to innovate. wisely. We are capability focused, operationally ready and are driven to successfully complete the missions required of us.

Dedication Integrity Teamwork Air Force People are trusted Air Force People have the Air Force People work to defend our country. Our courage to do what is right. together to deliver precision people are courageous Our people are honest, air and space power. and serve with pride and ethical and demonstrate Our people collaborate commitment. We cherish sound judgement. We hold with the Defence Team our heritage, honour the ourselves and others to and our partners. We achievements and sacrifices account. share the responsibility to of those who have gone ensure a safe environment, before us and will create the everywhere and always. legacy for the future.

6 | Serving Australia’s Interests Air Force Identity

The RAAF Badge Air Force Roundel In 1937 the newly appointed Chester Herald, When the Royal Australian Air Force was John Heaton-Armstrong, was commissioned formed on 31 March 1921, it adopted the to prepare a design for a RAAF badge, existing red, white and blue roundel of which was finally accepted in 1939. The Air the to identify the aircraft. Force Badge features a circle inscribed with However the red inner circle was removed the words ‘Royal Australian Air Force’, and during World War II when a No 11 Squadron ensigned with the Imperial Crown, in front Catalina was mistaken for a Japanese is a wedge-tailed eagle in flight. Beneath aircraft by a Navy Wildcat. the circle is a separate scroll with the Latin After the war the red was re-introduced, motto: ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra’. Although no but on 2 July 1956 the red kangaroo ‘in specific record of the translation exists, it is motion’ was chosen as the most popular widely believed to mean: ‘Through Struggle centre piece from a range of other options to the Stars’. The motto was derived from including the Southern Cross, a boomerang Sir Henry Rider Haggard’s famous novel The and a sprig of wattle. It has been displayed People of the Mist and was selected and with pride, not only on aircraft, but on approved as the motto for the Royal Flying various promotional material ever since. The Corps on 15 March 1913 and remains with kangaroo within the Air Force roundel always the Royal Air Force today. In 1929 the Royal faces the left except when used on aircraft or Australian Air Force decided to adopt it too. vehicles, when the kangaroo should always face the front.

7 Air Force Logo RAAF Ensign On 20 December 2001, the Chief of Air The design of the Royal Australian Air Force Force formally standardised the Royal ensign was approved by King George VI in Australian Air Force’s public ‘signature’ logo 1948 and formally adopted in Australia in format—a combination of the RAAF Roundel 1949. Previously, the ensign of the RAF had as the ‘0’ within the customised logo and the been used. The Australian ensign differed text of Air Force in the Air Force blue colour. from the British ensign by the addition of the The RAAF roundel is recognised worldwide Southern Cross and Commonwealth Star. A as Australian, and within the wording ‘Air red kangaroo ‘in motion’ had replaced the Force’, it is readily recognisable on a variety red inner circle of the RAF roundel in 1956, of general promotional material, publications to create a distinctive national emblem for and displays. identifying RAAF aircraft, and this roundel was also adopted on the Australian ensign in 1982. This effectively makes the ensign the battle ensign of the RAAF. Accordingly, the ensign is always to be treated with the dignity and respect befitting the proud history of the RAAF. It is flown at all Air Force establishments and paraded at ceremonies, and signifies the bond of service.

8 | Serving Australia’s Interests 9 Royal Australian Air Force

Introduction space-based systems and ground-based surveillance and air defence systems. Established in 1921, the Royal Australian ’s air power includes all the nation’s Force (RAAF), or Air Force, is the second- fixed- and rotary-wing aviation and aviation- oldest air force in the world. Air Force has a related resources, both military and civilian, proud tradition of service—contributing to with military air power primarily resident in Air the full spectrum of conflict, including joint Force. and coalition operations, peacekeeping, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Air Force provides the Government of Air Force is the principal provider of air power Australia with military air power options for Australia’s security. Air Force’s mission is: across the entire spectrum of conflict Air power for Australia’s interests. (see Figure 1). Air Force also supports humanitarian assistance and disaster relief Air Force cannot rely on size and numbers operations at home and abroad, and makes alone to generate, employ and sustain important contributions in direct support the military air power required to make of border protection and national domestic a meaningful contribution to the nation’s security imperatives. Air Force has also security. Air Force is built to a carefully participated in a range of joint and coalition considered size, with a critical mass of operations for the protection of national deliberately chosen systems, quality people, interests in major conflicts, while remaining first-rate training and robust support prepared, should circumstances arise, to systems. Air Force is united by the values of operate in wars of national survival. the force and this unity is maintained through continuous review of the ways we care for Air power is an essential component of our personnel, in peace and conflict. Australia’s national military power. Together with land and sea power, it makes a vital These are the foundations of Air Force’s contribution to the national effort to ensure enduring capacity to generate and employ the security of our nation, our people and our responsive, potent and effective air power interests. Air power’s contribution to national options whenever required by Government. security is an enduring one that, regardless of technological advances or changes in our security circumstance, performs a Air Power number of essential roles that enhance and contribute to the activities of other elements Air Force defines air power as the ability of a of Australia’s national power. nation to assert its will by projecting military power in, through and from the air domain. Air Force’s air power systems include those that operate in the atmosphere,

10 | Serving Australia’s Interests SHAPE DETER RESPOND

Wars of National Survival

Major Conflicts Minor State-on-State Conflicts Irregular Wars LOW LIKELIHOOD Peace Enforcement

Counter Terrorism

Domestic Security

Border Protection

Peacekeeping

Stabilisation Operations

HIGH LIKELIHOOD Humanitarian Assistance

Disaster Relief INTENSITY

Figure 1: Spectrum of Conflict

Air Power Roles as well as other elements of national power. The most effective employment of military Air Force exists to generate, employ and air power requires the seamless integration sustain air power to defend the nation and its of roles and effects of the Air Force’s fixed- national interests. This is achieved through wing aircraft with those delivered by ADF air power roles, conducted to support rotary-wing aviation. This integration is joint campaigns and applicable across the enhanced by Air Force being responsible spectrum of conflict. for coordinated management of key aviation Air power is employed either from bases functions such as airworthiness and aviation within Australia or from deployed locations in safety. an expeditionary manner. The effects created by Air Force’s air power complement the effects created by other arms of the ADF,

11 Core Air Power Roles adversary. Our strike capability provides Australia with a unique politico-military Control of the Air instrument that can be used to swiftly and directly apply military power when and where Control of the air is the ability to conduct required, creating the greatest strategic operations in the air, land and maritime effect with the required degree of precision. domains without effective interference from adversary air power and air defence Air Mobility capabilities. This is Air Force’s pre-eminent role and is a precursor to the conduct of Air mobility is the ability to move personnel, all other operations in Australia’s maritime materiel or forces using airborne platforms. strategy (see page 12). By ensuring control It is a significant component of the ADF’s of the air, Air Force enables control of the sea force projection capability to rapidly deploy, and contributes directly to all other military sustain and redeploy personnel, materiel operations. Although control of the air will or forces to, from or within a theatre by air not guarantee success, failure to achieve and includes air-to-air refuelling. Air mobility adequate control will critically constrain the is often the transportation of choice when conduct of other operations. Air Force will speed, reach, and obstacle and surface normally lead operations to achieve control threat avoidance are required. In some of the air, although land and maritime forces cases, air mobility can be the only means may assist by attacking adversary aircraft to create the desired effect. The addition and bases as well as by suppressing their air of modern long-range aircraft such as defences. the C-17 and KC-30A to Air Force’s air mobility fleet has significantly enhanced Strike the capacity for global airlift of personnel and equipment. This capability has proven Strike is the ability to attack with the intention vital to the deployment and support of ADF of damaging, neutralising or destroying a forces overseas in conflict and humanitarian target. Strike can be conducted with lethal operations. or non-lethal weapons, but is generally considered to generate kinetic effects Intelligence, Surveillance and against an adversary. Australia’s employment Reconnaissance (ISR) of precision weapons permits it to conduct strike with a high degree of accuracy, The ISR role synchronises and integrates effectiveness, proportion, discrimination and the planning and operation of sensors, lethality. Such precision allows Air Force to assets, and processing, exploitation and apply decisive military force while minimising dissemination systems in direct support the risk of collateral damage or unnecessary of current and future joint operations. The casualties. Air Force’s strike capabilities are fundamental objective of ISR is to enable being broadened to complement traditional decision superiority (the ability to make kinetic weapons with non-kinetic options, informed decisions faster than an adversary) such as electronic attack. Broadly, electronic by providing key pieces of data, information attack is the jamming or placing of false and intelligence that assist Air Force and the information in the electronic systems of an ADF in achieving joint battlespace awareness

12 | Serving Australia’s Interests and understanding, information superiority, freedom to exercise professional expertise and thus, decision superiority. and initiative in carrying out their assigned missions.

Enabling Air Power Roles Force Protection Force protection includes all measures Command and Control and means to minimise the vulnerability of The key enabling air power role of command personnel, facilities, materiel, information and and control (C2) is the process and means operations to any threat from an adversary for the exercise of authority over, and lawful or operating environment, while preserving direction of, assigned forces. The Air Force’s the freedom of action and the operational C2 role has unique features that reflect effectiveness of the force. Force protection is the nature of the air domain and the way essential in air power operations across the that professional military personnel in Air spectrum of conflict and during all phases Force operate and fight. The C2 role covers of an air campaign, including the protection the planning of air campaigns within joint of scarce, expensive and fragile air power campaigns, the execution of the campaign assets. Protection of other valuable assets and the targeting process. Air Force’s C2 such as personnel and support systems, role also includes the management of military particularly when they are vulnerable on the air and space operations, airspace and ground, is critical to conducting effective air electronic warfare battlespace management operations. (EWBM). EWBM coordinates the use of non-kinetic options that exploit the Force Generation and Sustainment electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). EWBM is Force generation and sustainment focuses needed to ensure that operations in the EMS on ensuring that the current force has the do not adversely affect friendly activities. Air necessary personnel, skills and materiel Force’s C2 also includes mechanisms to to conduct and sustain air operations— manage the raise, train and sustain activities both domestic and expeditionary—while of air power through Air Force’s structure maintaining the ability to regenerate the and chain of command. force during and after operations. This role includes concurrent planning for the future In Air Force, C2 for the optimal employment Air Force and initiates actions to ensure the of air power is controlled from the Air and acquisition, introduction and sustainment of Space Operations Centre (AOC), and air power capabilities with appropriate levels through the Theatre Air Control System of support. (TACS). In the execution of this function, Air Force applies the tenet of centralised control Strategic Utility of Air Power and decentralised execution. Centralised control ensures the optimum application Being an island nation primarily dependent of effort where and when needed, while on trade for its prosperity, Australia seeks to decentralised execution provides operational use the sea, and the maritime environment, and tactical level commanders with sufficient as a means to actively protect and promote Australia’s interests and influence strategic

13 events in the region. That dependence, and action in joint or coalition operations the vulnerability of our air and sea trade against a military threat. This requires an routes to interference that could damage ongoing investment in maintaining the our national economy and security, make capabilities to conduct all our core air power it essential that Australia can control those roles as part of a joint force or coalition, sea and air approaches (see Figure 2). or independently, depending upon the Australia’s security hinges on a maritime prevailing circumstances. strategy that requires sea, land and air forces The employment of Air Force’s air power to operate in concert to project power and in conflict and other operations globally control the air and sea approaches. over the past quarter century illustrates air Within the maritime strategy, Air Force power’s inherent agility. Although air power remains prepared to offer Government a is most effective when used in offensive wide range of air power options to meet operations, Air Force’s agility and ability to a varietyAUTOMATED of challenges, IDENTIFICATION from supporting SYSTEM (AIS)exercise its roles in tailored combinations humanitarian operationsPOINT DENSITYor deterring MAP means that it has always been capable ofµ aggression, through to taking offensive creating a wide range of unique air power 10°S 10°S

DARWIN

N o r t h e n Te r r i t o r y C o r a l S e a

Q u e e n s l a n d II n n d d i i a a n n A u s t r a l i a W e s t e n O c e a n A u s t r a l i a O c e a n S o u t h A u s t r a l i a 30°S 30°S N e w S o u t h W a l e sSYDNEY

V i c t o r i a

T a s m a n Automatic Identification System point HOBART Ta s m a n i a S e a density map courtesy of Australian S o u t h e r n S e a Maritime Safety Authority: https://www.operations.amsa.gov.au/ O c e a n Spatial/DataServices/MapProduct.

80°E 100°E 120°E 140°E 160°E Figure 2: Sea Lines of Communication Legend Base Map:Digital Chart of the World 0250 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 and Geoscience Australia The AIS dataset used for point Coordinate System Kilometres density anlysis was obtained from AIS Point Density AMSA's satellite AIS provider and High GCS WGS 1984 Datum: WGS 1984 R. Henderson covers the period September 2011 Author: Units: Degree Date: 06 June 2013 - September 2012. Map not to be used for navigation AMSA Reference: AMSA AIS DENSITY Low purpos es.

14 | Serving Australia’s Interests effects. These effects may be created at environments, in conflict, in peace operations the strategic to tactical levels across the and in humanitarian assistance/disaster relief. spectrum of conflict. The operational utility of air power can only Australia’s maritime strategy requires naval, be provided by a deliberately structured air air and land forces to influence strategic force, with a balanced range and level of events through the maritime environment by capabilities to meet our strategic needs. the astute application of their power. This To remain credible and effective, Air Force requires safeguarding Australia’s air and must have a critical mass of modern air sea approaches and the regional maritime power systems and skilled personnel. That commons. The ADF must be able to: shape critical mass must be able to conduct the security environment; deter actions and sustain the full breadth of necessary inimical to our interest; respond by denying, security operations, with the capacity to coercing or punishing any subversive actions simultaneously conduct operations, maintain in our area of strategic interests; or some training and regenerate operational forces. combination of these. Because Australia’s Air Force must also have the mass to maritime interests lie primarily in the Pacific, absorb operational losses without loss of Indian and Southern Oceans, maritime, land effectiveness in extreme circumstances. and air power capabilities that can project Failure to maintain an effective Air Force will power into and across these vast areas inevitably restrict Australia’s national capacity are fundamental components of Australia’s to provide effective responses to emergent maritime strategy. crises or conflicts that affect our national Air power has distinct characteristics such as interests. perspective, speed, reach and flexibility that offer a unique range of options in support of national objectives. Air power can be applied Strategic Tasks with great speed over the great distances and diverse terrain that characterise our Through the 2013 Defence White Paper, the regional environment. It can be applied in Australian Government has set the Australian one area, or concurrently over a number of Defence Force four principal tasks: operating areas. This can include concurrent • deter and defeat armed attacks on air operations over maritime, littoral or land Australia • contribute to stability and security in the South Pacific and Timor-Leste Australia’s maritime strategy is underpinned by Air Force’s ability • contribute to military contingencies in the to control the air in our sea and air Indo-Pacific region, with priority given to approaches Southeast Asia and • contribute to military contingencies in Air Force draws on its core roles of support of global security. control of the air, strike, air mobility and ISR to provide Government with flexible, The Government has directed that Air Force responsive air power options will structure its force to meet the first two

15 tasks, while the third and fourth tasks will well-maintained systems that meet security be used as guidance for enhancing specific demands, and the level of training provided capabilities within the force. to personnel in operations, exercises and training institutions. Deterrence is a long- term activity that requires sustainment Air Force Strategic Tasks of current capability whilst planning and implementing changes to Air Force’s Air Force’s strategic tasks are drawn directly structure, organisation and equipment to from the principal tasks and are built on ensure credibility into the future. However, the need to shape our environment, deter because the responses of potential potential adversaries and, where necessary, adversaries can never be predicted with total respond to defeat emerging threats. certainty, Air Force maintains an agreed level of preparedness at all times to rapidly apply Shaping Australia’s Security Environment military air power in armed conflict if required. Air Force’s contribution to shaping Australia’s security environment is based primarily on Respond to Attacks or the activities it undertakes to engage other Threats to Australian Interests nations. Air Force plays an important part By developing and maintaining a structured in ensuring Australia’s ongoing security, and balanced force, Air Force is prepared specifically through global engagement to contribute to a military response where activities such as participating in and hosting deterrence has failed to dissuade an international exercises, and providing adversary whose actions continue to training and exchange opportunities. threaten national security interests. Such This is vital in promoting understanding action could be in response to a direct attack and goodwill with a breadth of regional or threat to Australian territory, personnel or nations. This engagement develops the key resources. Alternatively, a crisis within the relationships and capabilities that enable region may lead to a request for Australian interoperability between the Air Force and intervention, most likely within a coalition. regional air forces. These relationships Responses could involve armed conflict contribute to Australia’s ability to respond in or one of the broad range of operations an expeditionary manner by enhancing our conducted to force an adversary towards ability to conduct operations in partnership our preferred outcome. This may involve the with regional nations, and facilitate our use of force short of armed conflict, such access to overseas bases in such instances. as the establishment of an overt military presence to prevent further adversary action, Deter Threats to National Interests enforcement of sanctions or providing By maintaining a capable and credible force support for diplomacy. These operations are at an appropriate posture, Air Force, in invariably complex, challenging and often conjunction with the other Services, achieves dangerous. Hence, they have the potential a measure of deterrence without having to to demand the innovative and effective apply force. This effect is created through application of the full range of air power the combination of carefully selected and capabilities in support of the joint force.

16 | Serving Australia’s Interests Whole-of-Government vision now and into the future by acquiring, Approach to National Security integrating and exploiting leading-edge Air Force provides air power options as an air power systems and ensuring that they essential part of an Australian whole-of- are operated by high-quality Air Force government approach to national security, personnel who are well-trained, innovative whether operating from Australia or from and respected. Ongoing investment in such locations overseas. This requires Air Force personnel and systems is vital to ensure to operate with a range of military forces that Air Force remains ready to complete its and other government agencies, such as vital strategic tasks in Australia’s maritime Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This strategy. As the challenges in our areas of approach also requires Air Force to work interest become increasingly diverse and with a variety of other public and private dangerous, investments in achieving Air sector elements as well as non-government Force’s vision are also essential to ensure organisations, industry, academic institutions that the force can better mitigate any and the commercial sector. Orchestrating the limitations in its air power. efforts of these agencies to achieve national Achieving Air Force’s vision requires security outcomes requires careful planning ongoing investment across the full breadth and a common basis for focusing activities of its air power. Air Force will only lead in and their coordinated application to achieve the application of air power if it is trusted the desired objectives. and respected as a leader in: command and control of air and space operations; professional mastery of air power; ISR; Air Force Vision and the generation, employment and Air Force will provide rapid, effective and sustainment of military air power. This must responsive military options for the Australian be enabled by first-class targeting and Government to achieve national objectives robust and effective mechanisms for the within our region and globally. technical and logistic management of Air Force’s air power systems. The vision describes what Air Force aspires to achieve and the type of force we will Through ongoing commitment to the remain. Air Force will fight and win as part achievement of its vision, Air Force will of the joint force by rapidly generating meet its strategic tasks, to shape, deter or integrated kinetic and non-kinetic air and respond to any exigency with resilience, in a space power effects across the sea, land, air, swift and decisive manner. space and cyber domains. Air Force will continue to exploit the air power characteristics of perspective, speed, reach, precision and flexibility, in order to ensure that we can deliver effective air power options when and where required by Government. Air Force will achieve its

17 Air Force Mission deliver competitive air power capability are becoming increasingly sophisticated, Air power for Australia’s interests. complex and expensive. New systems are The mission outlines why Air Force exists. expected to remain effective for many years in service, and maintaining the necessary Australia’s national interests are diverse, levels of performance over the life of a including a range of strategic partnerships system requires a substantial whole-of-life with other nations who share our security investment in maintenance and upgrade. goals, customers for our exports and suppliers of a range of products. They are Modern systems are generally most effective also dispersed over an area that is vast when operated as part of a system of geographically and includes nations who systems. For example, control of the air share our interests and nations whose requires a range of complementary systems, interests may be at odds with our own. such as fighter, air-to-air refuelling and Such diversity has the potential to create early warning and control aircraft. These challenges that may arise suddenly and are supported by extensive ground and be unpredictable in nature. To meet such space-based systems, and will increasingly challenges, Air Force is prepared to respond be connected to systems of other Services with effective air power where and when and forces. Such support is essential for threats to our interests arise and has the the operation of piloted aircraft as well as agility to adapt quickly to meet modern for unmanned aircraft systems that are challenges that can continue to evolve becoming an important element for Air as adversaries seek new ways to find Force. weaknesses in our forces. The nature of Air Force’s capabilities means Air Force’s mission also requires that we that forces deployed for operations will form support Government’s efforts to advance and operate as a mix of capabilities tailored security in our region by applying air power for each specific operation. This mix will be as part of efforts to engage partner nations. determined on the basis of a range of factors In addition, by demonstrating the capabilities such as the nature of the mission, speed of of its systems and the skills of its personnel required response, threat and environment. in these broad-ranging activities, Air Force Whether any deployment is relatively also assists in deterring those whose simple, such as providing assistance to interests are inimical to our own. low-level relief operations, or deployment of a large, complex force for combat, any deployment will demand extensive planning for operational, logistic, personnel and Air Force Capability maintenance arrangements. Air Force conducts its air power roles with a suite of highly capable systems operated The ADF describes the building blocks by well-trained personnel and supported of capability through the construct of by robust sustainment and support fundamental inputs to capability (FIC), arrangements. The systems required to namely: organisation, personnel, collective training, major systems, supplies, facilities

18 | Serving Australia’s Interests and training areas, support, command and we will operate them within, have enormous management and financial resources. For potential to change the way we will fight in Air Force to deliver effective, responsive air the future. Future wars will take place in an power options, all elements of its FIC must environment that is congested, complex, be resourced and supported appropriately. ambiguous and contested. For any force to Air Force’s personnel are vital to supporting prevail in this environment it must be agile and operating all FIC and they must be and adaptive, capable of adjusting to the recruited and trained to satisfy a wide requirements of the environmental context. breadth of occupations and specifications. Delivery of the required joint effects will likely Generating and sustaining these personnel is involve multi-domain systems, used in a just as critical as maintaining and operating highly coordinated and integrated way, in a the highest level of air power systems. dynamic command and control construct. In preparing for this future fight, Air Force’s three guiding themes will be harnessing the Transforming Air Force combat potential of an integrated force, developing an innovative and empowered Air Force is currently undergoing the greatest workforce, and changing the way we acquire capability transition in its history. By 2030, and sustain capability. not only will almost every single aircraft in Air Force’s fleet have undergone a systems Air Force’s transformation will be guided upgrade or have been replaced: we will also by the Future Air and Space Operating have introduced new platforms delivering Concept, Plan Jericho, and subsequent new capabilities in emerging mission types. plans. Plans will cyclically reassess a range of factors such as technology, the strategic Much of this capability upgrade will environment, and emerging threats. They modernise existing systems. However, Air will measure our current capability state and Force will continually seek ways to utilise generate input into the strategic framework emerging and disruptive technologies and capability plans of action. These and concepts that emerge during our concepts and plans will deliver integrated capability transition. Air Force will also seek warfighting capabilities that will increase the to protect our forces against a potential lethality and survivability of the whole force. adversary’s use of such technologies. Within the needs phase of the capability Plan Jericho, launched in early 2015, is a development cycle, assisted by Defence suite of activities in operations, personnel Science and Technology Group (DSTG), Air and capability that will create the Air Force Force will explore opportunities and seek of the future. Plan Jericho is Air Force’s plan to understand the threats inherent in these to transform into a fully integrated force that developments. is capable of fighting and winning in the information age. The Plan Jericho Program of The changing nature of our capabilities, Work was published in July 2015, detailing 15 and the environments they will operate initiatives to be actioned under the leadership within, requires that Air Force undertake a of Deputy Chief of Air Force and Air process of transformation. Air Force’s new Commander Australia through accountable systems, and the organisational structures

19 20 | Serving Australia’s Interests Air Force senior leaders. The lead Plan Australia and its national interests. Air Force Jericho initiative is the establishment of an Air will carefully transform to achieve its vision. Force Air Warfare Centre. Air Force’s transformation will touch all aspects of its operations. It will require an Plan Jericho integrated systems approach where the Plan Jericho will transform Air Force into a refueller is given as much consideration as 5th-generation enabled force that is capable the fighter pilot, resulting in a balanced force of fighting and winning in 2025; a modern, supported by fully realised single-service and fully integrated combat force that can joint enabling capabilities. A requirement of deliver air and space power effects in the the transformation is investment in specialist information age. Plan Jericho will harness skill sets. Some of these will be traditional the potential of our current capabilities, drive and understood, while others will need to be further innovation and change the way we created to deliver new functions in support of acquire and sustain new capabilities in order new concepts. to best prepare Air Force for this future. As regional militaries continue to modernise, Plan Jericho encompasses a suite of activities, Air Force will only retain its capability edge some of which are already underway, in through superiority in a few key areas. These operations, personnel and capability that will areas are likely to be decision superiority, create the Air Force of the future. training, and by fully realising our enabling systems. ISR will be essential to decision Why Now? superiority. Air Force will need to build Air Force has always operated leading edge governance systems that can drive system technology. Over the next few years we will performance across a number of groups transition to an even more technologically and services. Most importantly Air Force advanced force. As P-8A Poseidon, EA-18G will develop a culture that allows us to get Growler, F-35A Lightning II, MQ-4C Triton beyond the issue of Service ownership, and new surveillance and space systems enabling us to achieve truly joint and enter service, we must be postured to exploit integrated effects. the full range of capabilities they offer. The As technology evolves and environments capacity of our organisation and support change, Air Force strategies and tactics will systems to collect, process, distribute and need to develop in response. Air Force will protect data must match those of our major continue to develop its professional mastery platforms. of air power by adapting, refining and A rapidly changing strategic environment updating its doctrine, concepts, education means we must look for new and better ways and training. Air Force will continue its of staying ahead of our adversaries. State tradition of service to the highest standard— and non-state actors have access to more continuing to embrace emerging technology technologically advanced systems than ever and offer responsive military air power before, and are able to acquire them more options to the Government for the defence of

21 rapidly than us. Air Force will not maintain our , the and technological edge if it stands still. . They also fought over Australia, its territories and its approaches. In late 1944, The Government has made a considerable the strength of the RAAF peaked at over investment in Air Force platforms. Air 182 000 personnel and 6200 aircraft in 61 Force must now operate and support these squadrons. In August 1945, Australia had platforms in a way that provides agile and the fourth-largest air force in the world. Over responsive options. Air Force must realise 215 000 men and women served during the opportunities afforded to it. 1939–45, and 9870 RAAF personnel lost their lives. Over 55 per cent of these deaths occurred in the air war against Germany over Air Force Operations – Past, Europe. Present & Future Recent Conflicts and Peacekeeping Early History and World War I Air Force personnel have since served with Military aviation came of age during World distinction in Korea, Malaya, the Indonesian War I when airships and early aircraft ‘Confrontation’, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan were principally used for reconnaissance. and Syria. We are proud of our role in Australia’s four peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance (AFC) squadrons were part of the Australian operations throughout the world, including Imperial Force (AIF) and were attached to Bougainville, Cambodia, East Timor, larger British Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air , Pakistan, Papua , Force formations. During World War I, 800 Rwanda, Solomon Islands, Somalia and the officers and 2840 men served in the AFC Sudan, in which many hundreds of RAAF and 175 lost their lives. Many AFC veterans personnel have been involved. Since 1945, helped to lay the groundwork for the Royal over 60 RAAF personnel have lost their Australian Air Force whilst others would enter lives in conflict or through accidents during industry and make significant contributions operations. to civil aviation. In 1920, many of the AFC’s aircraft and personnel formed the Australian Today Air Corps. The Australian Air Force was Air Force is ready to serve Australia. Working formed as an independent Service on 31 closely with Navy, Army and our regional March 1921, with the ‘Royal’ prefix added on friends and international partners, Air Force 31 August 1921. delivers air power around the globe. Air Force works alongside other Defence groups World War II and industry partners to generate and In World War II, Australian aircrew fought sustain its air power capabilities. Air Force in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, personnel deliver and manage the strategy, over the North Atlantic, Indian and Pacific operations, tactics, engineering, logistics Oceans, the Mediterranean, India, Burma, and support to ensure Air Force can deliver Malaya, , , China, the a range of options for the Government Netherland East Indies, New Guinea, the anywhere, and at any time.

22 | Serving Australia’s Interests Current Deployments • Operation OKRA, Australia’s military Globally, Air Force has between 500 and 700 contribution to the fight against Islamic people on operations each day, contributing State in the Middle East. to border protection, coalition operations, Air Force contribution across this suite peacekeeping missions, and humanitarian of operations has included: security assistance and disaster relief. Illustrating the detachments, C-17A Globemaster III, range of contributions, Air Force’s overseas C‑130J Hercules, AP-3C Orion, F/A-18A deployments in 2014 and 2015 included: Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet, E7-A Wedgetail, KC-30A and aircrew, logistics • Operation SLIPPER, which was and support personnel. In addition, Air Force Australia’s military contribution to the supports a wide range of domestic tasking, International Security Assistance Force including the provision of air mobility and (ISAF) in Afghanistan ISR within peacetime Australia, and support • Operation ACCORDION, which is to a wide range of whole-of-government Australia’s military contribution to operations. Examples of these operations supporting operations in the Middle East include AP‑3C Orion, C-130J Hercules Area of Operations and neighbouring and E-7A Wedgetail aircraft engaged in the Gulf states search for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370; • Operation RESOLUTE to protect F/A-18A Hornets providing support to Australia’s borders and offshore maritime major international events such as the G20 interests and Leaders’ Summit; and Air Force medical teams conducting aeromedical evacuations in Australia and overseas.

23 Air Force Deployments: 1946 – Present

Afghanistan Iraq & Syria (2001 - Present) (2003 - present) Pakistan Lebanon (2005 & 2010) (2006) Kashmir, India Bosnia & Herzegovina (1975–79) (1997–2003) Thailand Berlin Airlift, Germany (1962–68) (1948–49) Korea Malta (1950–55) (1952–54) Japan Sinai (1946–55 & 2011) (1976–79 & 1982–86) Vietnam Sudan (1964–71 & 1975) (2005 - present) Cambodia (1992–93)

Rwanda (1994–95) Bougainville (1997–98) Somalia (1993–96) Samoa (2009) Qatar (2003–08)

UAE Solomon Islands (2008 - present) (2000 & 2003–04 & 2006) (1950 - present) East Timor (1999–2002 & 2005–11) Indonesia (1947, 1972–75, 2002, 2004, 2005) New Zealand (1946 - present) (2011)

Figure 3: RAAF Deployments: 1946 – Present Air Force Deployments: 1946 – Present

Afghanistan Iraq & Syria (2001 - Present) (2003 - present) Pakistan Lebanon (2005 & 2010) (2006) Kashmir, India Bosnia & Herzegovina (1975–79) (1997–2003) Thailand Berlin Airlift, Germany (1962–68) (1948–49) Korea Malta (1950–55) (1952–54) Japan Sinai (1946–55 & 2011) (1976–79 & 1982–86) Vietnam Sudan (1964–71 & 1975) (2005 - present) Cambodia (1992–93)

Rwanda (1994–95) Bougainville (1997–98) Somalia (1993–96) Samoa (2009) Qatar (2003–08)

UAE Solomon Islands (2008 - present) (2000 & 2003–04 & 2006) Malaysia (1950 - present) East Timor (1999–2002 & 2005–11) Indonesia (1947, 1972–75, 2002, 2004, 2005) Papua New Guinea New Zealand (1946 - present) (2011) Structure and Capability

Structure – Overview Command of the Air Force CAF commands Air Force through two Air Force is commanded by the Chief principal executives, Deputy CAF (DCAF) of Air Force (CAF). Air Force has about and Air Commander Australia (ACAUST). 14 200 uniformed members, supported by DCAF leads Air Force Headquarters (AFHQ), about 4400 Air Force Reservists and 770 the organisation through which CAF Australian Public Service (APS) employees. commands Air Force at the strategic level, Air Force personnel serve across all areas including responsibilities such as managing of the Defence organisation, including non- strategic planning, policy development and Air Force groups such as the Capability capability planning. ACAUST commands Acquisition and Sustainment Group. Air Command, which is responsible for CAF retains full command of all Air Force the conduct of Air Force’s operations and personnel, irrespective of whether they are the raise, train and sustain (RTS) function serving in Air Force positions or in non-Air that ensures Air Force capabilities are Force groups. at the levels of preparedness directed

Chief of the Defence Force (CDF)

Chief of Air Force (CAF)

Air Commander Australia (ACAUST) Deputy Chief of Air Force (DCAF) Non-Air Force groups AFHQ Management/ Air Command Strategic Planning, Policy Command Capability Management and Personnel Structure (Operations and RTS)

Air Force Personnel

Figure 4: CAF’s Principal Executives and Command Chain

26 | Serving Australia’s Interests by CAF for assignment to operations. is responsible for the Air Force’s air mobility ACAUST commands Air Command through capability. Headquarters Air Command (HQAC). Wings are the operational elements of Air Below these headquarters, Air Force is Command. Each wing will comprise two or organised into operational, support and more squadrons. training formations located at a range of Squadrons are the core tactical elements Defence offices and 11 major bases across around which the Air Force operates. Each Australia. squadron is responsible for an output, support function or aircraft. For example, Generic Formation No 11 Squadron is responsible for maritime Structures in Air Force operations with the AP-3C Orion aircraft. The generic structure of Air Force’s The flying squadrons are different sizes, formations is based on a series of depending on aircraft type and role. A flying hierarchical groups, wings, squadrons and squadron will generally contain from five sections, organised along functional lines. to 20 aircraft. Combat support squadrons While there are likely to be variations in the include the broad range of personnel and shape of each formation within a type, the equipment necessary to establish and basic structural principles generally apply. operate forward air bases and to operate The highest level of formation is the some permanent air bases. force element group (FEG), comprising a Deploying Air Force’s air power. The headquarters and one or more wings. The broad range of Air Force personnel and FEGs are responsible for specific capability systems required to conduct and support components, for example Air Mobility Group air operations means that Air Force is unlikely to deploy forces for operations as

Formation Commander Rank Air Force Chief of Air Force Air Marshal Air Force Headquarters Deputy Chief of Air Force Air Vice-Marshal Headquarters Air Command Air Commander Air Vice-Marshal Force Element Group / Branch Commander / Director General Air Commodore

Wing / Directorate Officer Commanding / Director Group Captain Squadron / Unit Commanding Officer Wing Commander Flight Flight Commander Squadron Leader Section Officer in Charge Flight Lieutenant

Table 1: Formation Commanders and Ranks

27 a single squadron or elemental formation. Relationships with non-Air Force groups Rather, Air Force contribution will generally Air Force relies on the support of a number comprise a force drawn from across a of non-Air Force groups to generate, employ range of formations to provide a contextual and sustain air power. CAF commands operational and support capability for the approximately 2770 permanent and circumstance. For example, a force deployed reserve Air Force members employed in for air combat operations generically requires non-Air Force groups. Air Force has a air combat aircraft such as the F/A-18A close relationship with these groups and and a range of other elements including liaises extensively to maintain a shared operating and security personnel, understanding of its requirements and to surveillance and control aircraft, air-to-air ensure the development and management refuelling aircraft and a range of command of the robust support mechanisms that are and logistic support forces. essential to sustain air power operations in peace and conflict.

28 | Serving Australia’s Interests Air Force Headquarters AFHQ is responsible for the overall Force’s strategic communications capability management of the personnel element of including Specialist Reserve Public Affairs Air Force capability and provides capability Officers and the Air Force imagery specialist management, strategic planning for current (AFIS) mustering, and provides administrative and future resources, force structure and support for Air Force personnel posted to facilities/infrastructure planning, policy the ACT who are not part of formed, self- advice and development of philosophical administering units. air power doctrine. AFHQ and its agencies No 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron. No 29 also manage and conduct the interaction Squadron is based at historic Anglesea between Air Force, the other Services, Barracks which is the oldest continually other Defence groups, industry and occupied military establishment in Australia. contractors, other government agencies and This AFHQ unit provides Air Force personnel Government. AFHQ includes the agencies to support air operations for the ADF, allied that are responsible for safety, airworthiness and regional forces, and also provides and aviation capability improvement. These administrative support for personnel in agencies have dual Air Force and ADF Tasmania. responsibilities. AFHQ comprises several distinct branches some of which have Air Force New Horizon Program. The New subordinate agencies. Horizon program and Air Force Values were launched in September 2012 to address a AFHQ Branches complex range of reform across the areas Chief of Staff Branch. Chief of Staff Branch of efficiency, leadership, values, and more underwrites the staff work, capability broadly, culture. New Horizon is Air Force’s planning and resource management overarching program delivering Pathway framework within and across AFHQ. The to Change outcomes. The New Horizon Chief of Staff is responsible for controlling program focuses on improving behaviour, AFHQ staff effort in support of DCAF diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace. and integrating that effort across HQAC Air Force Improvement (AFI). AFI is the and AFHQ. This role includes: oversight program driving the development of tangible for corporate and community relations and enduring reform across Air Force. AFI such as incident management and on- aims to establish cost conscious behaviours line engagement; events management; across Air Force while also contributing to strategic communications and public affairs; the development of a reform mindset in heritage; uniforms and entitlements; legal; all Air Force personnel. The AFI program management of two city squadrons; and Air provides a contemporary ‘best practice’ Force Improvement (AFI) operations and the reform framework that contributes to AFI program. improved organisational efficiency and more No 28 (City of ) Squadron. This effective delivery of Air Force capability. AFI AFHQ unit manages components of Air Teams comprise both Air Force and APS

29 personnel and are positioned at RAAF Bases and space power capability as an integral across Australia. element of ADF capability. Capability Planning Branch then manages the transition Strategy and Planning Branch. Director and introduction into service of Air Force General Strategy and Planning–Air Force aircraft and systems. Capability Planning (DGSP-AF) is responsible for providing Branch includes the Directorate of Combat advice and staff support in regard to Air Capability, the Directorate of Enabling Force future design, including development Capability, the Directorate of Aviation of air and space power concepts, Coordination and Operations and a number experimentation to test concepts and of capability transition offices. capability options, information management and the development of policy and guidance Logistics Branch. Logistics Branch to shape Air Force’s simulation systems. comprises the Directorates of Supply DGSP also develops corporate and and Technical Capability. The directorates strategic plans and models for Air Force are jointly responsible for the planning, and develops design options for Air Force coordination and evaluation of Air Force structure, organisation and processes. supply, engineering and maintenance DGSP also provides strategic direction management and governance functions. The for Air Force’s capability development and Logistics Branch role includes developing operating concepts, including policy and and maintaining Air Force engineering, direction for communications, electronic maintenance and supply support doctrine, warfare and ISR. Strategy and Policy developing policy and defining Air Force’s Branch comprises the Directorate of logistic requirements; providing advice on Strategic Design, the Directorate of Strategic infrastructure and the Defence estate; and Planning and Governance–Air Force, the overseeing infrastructure development, Air Power Development Centre (which planning and support for all Air Force bases, includes the Office of Air Force History), the estate and properties of interest to Air Force. Directorate of Intelligence, Surveillance and Logistics Branch also provides oversight of Reconnaissance, the Directorate of Strategic strategic planning for operations and through Education and Training, the Directorate of life support of Air Force’s systems. International Engagement and the Defence Personnel Branch. Director General Space Coordination Office. Personnel–Air Force (DGPERS-AF) is Capability Planning Branch. Director General responsible for providing an integrated full- Capability Planning–Air Force is responsible and part-time, military and civilian workforce for providing advice on the delivery of for Air Force to meet Australia’s air power current capability for Air Force; and providing capability requirements. The Personnel strategic management of Air Force capability. Branch function includes planning to ensure DGCP-AF liaises extensively with other the future workforce has the requisite groups in discharging this responsibility for skills; developing and managing Air Force Air Force, particularly with the Capability and personnel and career management policies; Sustainment Group (CASG). This branch the allocation of Permanent and Reserve is also responsible for the presentation of personnel to constrained establishments affordable options for current and future air internal to the Air Force and wider groups;

30 | Serving Australia’s Interests professional development; and the refinement Cadets Branch. Cadets Branch–Air Force of Air Force personnel policies and systems, (CB-AF) is responsible for the administration appointments, promotions and postings. of the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) on behalf of CAF. The AAFC is an aviation- Reserve Branch. The Director General focused youth organisation sponsored by Reserves–Air Force (DGRES-AF) is the Air Force, and has a heritage that can be responsible for providing CAF advice on traced to the 1940s. Activities undertaken the delivery of current and future reserve by the AAFC include flying, field craft, capability to Air Force. The directorate is also adventure training, firearms safety training, responsible for the strategic management drill and ceremonial, service knowledge, of the Air Force reserve capability, excluding aeromodelling, navigation and gliding. The personnel aspects, and for liaison with other contemporary aim of the AAFC is to foster groups and divisions across the ADF, in qualities that will enable cadets to become particular Head Reserve Policy. Reserves responsible young adults, who will make a Branch is structured to deliver policy, valuable contribution to the community. strategic planning, capability development and organisation in support of Air Force Chief Financial Officer. The role of the Chief priorities. Financial Officer–Air Force (CFO-AF) is to provide financial and business advice to

Malaysia

RAAF Base Darwin RMAF Base Butterworth • HQ Integrated Air Defence System RAAF Base Tindal Darwin RAAF Base Scherger

RAAF Base Curtin

RAAF Base RAAF Base Learmonth RAAF Base Amberley • HQ Combat Support Group RAAF Base Richmond • HQ Air Mobility Group SOUTH Brisbane RAAF Base Gin Gin AUSTRALIA RAAF Base Williamtown RAAF Base Pearce • HQ Air Combat Group Perth NEW SOUTH • HQ Surveillance and Response Group WALES Canberra RAAF Base Glenbrook RAAF Base Woomera Adelaide • HQ Air Command RAAF Base Edinburgh Melbourne • HQ Aerospace Operational Support Group Russell Offices • Air Force Headquarters HQJOC Bungendore RAAF Williams • Air and Space Operations Centre • HQ Air Force Training Group

TASMANIA RAAF Base Wagga Hobart RAAF Base East Sale Air Force Locations 31 • No 29 (City of Hobart) Squadron CAF, DCAF and the wider Air Force. The Airworthiness Regulator (OAR), ACPA has CFO-AF is also responsible for managing a key role in promoting and coordinating the Air Force resources to achieve the best military aviation safety through effective outcome for Air Force and Defence. Air policy development, regulation, safety Force resources are broken into two sub oversight, education and review. groups - Combat and Executive. CFO- Directorate of Defence Aviation and Air Force AF coordinates the two groups and is the Safety. The Director of Defence Aviation financial manager for the Executive Sub- and Air Force Safety (DDAAFS), as a part Group on behalf of DCAF. of the Defence Aviation Safety Program Director General Technical Airworthiness. (DASP), is responsible to the Defence Under formal delegation from CAF, who AA for the enhancement of Air Force and is the Defence Airworthiness Authority Defence Aviation capability through effective (Defence AA), the Director General Technical safety management systems. DDAAFS Airworthiness (DGTA) is the Technical also supports Chief of Air Force through Airworthiness Regulator (TAR), the Technical development and improvement of the Air Airworthiness Authority (TAA), Technical Force Work Health and Safety Management Regulatory Authority-Aviation (TRA-A ) and System, referred to as RAAFSafe. DDAAFS the lead Technical Regulatory Authority generates a broad range of products for explosive ordnance up until service and services to assist commanders with integration. In these roles DGTA has the implementation of the DASP and RAAFSafe. authority to regulate and sets standards for These include policy, training, promotional the design, production and maintenance material, assurance, safety data analysis, of the Defence materiel for which DGTA is surveys, workplace risk assessments, responsible. DGTA works closely with the fatigue management tools, risk management three Service Operational Airworthiness tools and investigation services, as well Authorities, Flight Test Airworthiness as specialist advice for human factors and Authority, various Operational Airworthiness occupational health. Authority representatives, Director . The Director Airworthiness Coordination and Policy Director General Chaplaincy General Chaplaincy is responsible for Agency (DACPA) and the Airworthiness ensuring a quality chaplaincy presence Board members. within Air Force. The Director General’s Airworthiness Coordination and Policy roles include capability management, Agency. The Airworthiness Coordination organizing, supporting, and working with and Policy Agency (ACPA) is a tri-service the churches to identify future chaplains, as organisation within Air Force Headquarters well as constantly working at up-skilling the (AFHQ) that exists to facilitate the safe and chaplaincy service. The Director General efficient conduct of military aviation through works closely with Air Force and Defence effective operational regulation and oversight. agencies and various faith groups to As a Defence Aviation Safety Program influence policy and services to provide for (DASP) Agency and the direct airworthiness the welfare and wellbeing of Air Force people staff of both the Defence AA and Operational and their families.

32 | Serving Australia’s Interests Air Force Improvement What are the benefits of improving Air Force? Initiatives Benefits to our organisation and individuals Description include: Air Force Improvement (AFI) is the program • smarter use of taxpayers money to driving the development of tangible and increase Air Force capability enduring reform across Air Force. AFI • sustained operational excellence while activities, based on lean continuous bringing new capabilities into service on improvement, are now effectively establishing time cost conscious behaviours, while also • building resilience into Air Force contributing to the development of a reform systems and processes mindset, in all Air Force personnel. The AFI program provides a contemporary ‘best • cutting waste and frustrations out of our practice’ reform framework that contributes workplaces and to improved organisational efficiency and • delivering the savings that the more effective delivery of Air Force capability. government has directed in the Strategic Reform Program (SRP). Air Force Improvement is capability led, people focussed and cost conscious Improvements achieved AFI teams comprise both Air Force and • Wide Area Surveillance reforms to Australian Public Service officers. Teams are enable two substantial contract changes strategically positioned at key RAAF Bases that deliver savings of $100m over the across Australia. Team members are highly SRP decade. trained and experienced in the practice of • Improvements to contracted C-130J lean continuous improvement – instructing fleet maintenance support providing and coaching Air Force personnel in the use savings of approximately $1.0 million of lean methodologies and tools. AFI teams, per year in maintenance costs while largely engaging with personnel in their also increasing monthly average aircraft workplaces, actively support force element availability by approximately one aircraft. group commanders in the delivery of their • Contract improvements and changes respective improvement programs. to logistics support requirements for the AFI is driving the development of tangible Hawk Lead-in Fighter which realised and enduring reform across Air Force. an 8% saving from FY13/14 and AFI activities, based on lean continuous onwards compared to previous support improvement, are now effectively embedding arrangements. cost conscious behaviours, while also • Cultural change within flying units contributing to the development of a reform which applies LEAN techniques to mindset in all Air Force personnel. Success maintenance processes and workshops is measured through both financial and non- and improves planning and management financial outcomes. of flying operations to achieve capability outcomes by including support costs

33 and maintenance hour requirements in empowers personnel to contribute optimally decision making to optimise productivity both as individuals and as team members. and reduce overtime. Air Force’s Values Statement, released at the launch of New Horizon in 2012, embeds clear expectations of standards of behaviour; New Horizon emphasising ‘respect’ and ‘teamwork’ Air Force’s New Horizon program is driving as being central to developing a diverse, the cultural evolution that will enable Air Force competent and sustainable workforce. to be trusted to defend, proven to deliver, With New Horizon the Air Force has and respectful always. The New Horizon embarked on a high-level, coordinated program was launched by the Chief of Air response to deliver the complex and long- Force in September 2012 and addresses a term change required to address Defence’s complex range of reform across the areas cultural challenges. Air Force is introducing of efficiency, leadership, values, and more a range of policies and initiatives to increase broadly, culture. New Horizon is the program diversity and flexibility to ensure we can that delivers Air Force’s Pathway to Change attract and retain the best people into the obligations, and focuses on doing better organisation. all the things that enhance capability. It does this by aiming to ensure Air Force Air Force has always taken a proactive can attract, recruit and retain the very best approach to adapt its culture and workforce people from across Australian society by to meet current and future capability needs. embedding a culture which prepares and

34 | Serving Australia’s Interests Air Force Personnel Status networking, mentoring and peer support to Air Force women. Overall, Air Force’s workforce remains stable with a sustained low separation rate The Graduate Pilot Scheme — is an initiative in the 5% to 6% range. Overall Air Force to attract women who are undertaking recruitment is healthy notwithstanding the aviation studies at civilian universities to a need to compete for certain work streams career as an Air Force pilot. that are growing elsewhere in Australia and Recruit to Area — is a policy initiative to beyond. make the transition to Air Force more attractive to women seeking to join high- Current Initiatives need jobs by giving choice and certainty Significant effort and focus is being applied regarding initial posting locations. to realigning Air Force’s employment groups New Horizon — is a whole-of-Air Force to match an unprecedented change in culture change program that will ensure the aircraft and other capabilities. This evolution Air Force has working environments that are requires a rebalanced workforce with some effective, safe and inclusive. new employment groups and streams and a re-sizing of others. Significant focus is also being applied to Future Shape of the Air Force increase overall female representation across Air Force to 25% by 2023. With the planned acquisition and transition of multiple capabilities, Air Force is undergoing a significant transformation of its workforce over the next ten years to meet the Gender Diversity Initiatives requirements of a fundamental refresh of Air Force is developing its culture and its ground-based and air platforms. Ageing personnel system to ensure it is able to draw aircraft including the C-130H Hercules, upon the skills and talent of the women in F/A-18 A/B Hornet and AP-3C Orion Australia’s workforce. are being replaced by significantly more technologically advanced C-27J Spartan, Initiatives are under way that will enhance Joint Strike Fighter and P-8A Poseidon capability and long-term organisational aircraft. The Air Force will also introduce sustainability by increasing the participation unmanned aircraft systems that require of women in the Air Force. different skills to those of conventional aircraft. All of these new aircraft are more Current Initiatives complex, capable and reliable, thereby WINTER — Women in Non-Traditional requiring a more workforce with updated and Employment Roles is an active program to relevant skillsets. attract women to Air Force jobs that are not traditionally taken up by women. With the introduction of each of these new capabilities, there will be a requirement WINGS — Women’s Integrated Networking to invest in specialist skills for tasks Groups is a program that creates including the operation and maintenance

35 of highly integrated information systems Officer Aviation Workforce and enhanced security measures, and the analysis of complex data inputs. Management Reform (OA2020) Officer aviation (OA) is the Air Force Reshaping the future Air Force will require workforce of around 1600 members workforce growth in aircrew, intelligence, responsible for the force application of air security, and information systems power - spanning through management while at the same time there to fighter pilot. Replication of this workforce will be reductions in the aircraft maintenance is the core function of Air Force. Air Force workforce. has developed a workforce management system specific to this group, capable Current Initiatives of controlling both tactical mastery and Air Force is actively reshaping its workforce corporate productivity. No other nation in the through internal efficiency measures and world has this capability. those savings are being reinvested to grow the new workforces required to meet Strategy the future capability needs of Air Force. Our raise train sustain (RTS) HRM strategy Additionally, the transformation of Air Force links the personnel function directly to the will be influenced by Defence Capability Plan objective of ‘resource effective air power’, Projects, the Force Structure Review and providing us a competitive edge at minimum the First Principles Review. Air Force is well cost. placed to manage this period of significant capability transition through the development Activities of comprehensive workforce plans and close management of personnel for each and Implementation of the RTS strategy is every capability. Effective workforce planning being effected in both supply and demand ensures Air Force directed capability outputs dimensions. Establishing the balance are maintained within the agreed workforce between these two workforce dimensions, cap, concurrent to the delivery of Air Power and then adjusting that balance is the key to effects, now and into the future. mastery and productivity:

Supply Whilst the OA family competencies are quite diverse, the cognitive attributes are similar, with differentiation decisions requiring extended observation. The RTS strategy therefore requires a more effective partnership to be established between Defence Force Recruiting, AF Personnel and Air Training Wing. Key activities include: • a Candidate Management Centre (CMC) recently established at RAAF East Sale

36 | Serving Australia’s Interests to provide a bridge between recruiting combatant force, which is derived from and training readiness requirements dictated by CDF. • an aviation academy created through After a process of optimal stream and the fusion of the three previous aviation systemic design is conducted, cohort flow schools, enabling a university style adjustments are executed through: competitive progression and • an OA specific remuneration framework • an altered rank and remuneration (OARS) structure. • employment of alternate employment pathways and Demand • co-ordinated policy. In order to determine to number of candidates required for each competency Outcome stream, it is essential to first establish Air Force is positioning itself to provide the optimal development duration of the resource effective air power.

37 Women In Peace and Security affects the most vulnerable in fragile and war ravaged populations – women and girls. Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) on These strategies have been incorporated Women, Peace and Security (WPS) is not into a Chief of Air Force Directive on WPS, another cultural reform program, a Defence promulgated on 11 December 2014. The Pathway to Change activity, or an initiative to directive outlines CAF’s commitment to increase gender diversity in the AF. Instead, the WPS Agenda and aims to ensure that the development of the National Action Plan the work required to implement the NAP is (NAP) on WPS has its genesis in the release undertaken throughout Air Force. of UNSCR 1325 on WPS in October 2000 WPS is about increasing Air Force’s and the subsequent six related resolutions operational effectiveness by better that form the ‘WPS Agenda’. understanding the different needs of women The NAP on WPS requires Defence to work and children in conflict and in humanitarian with Department of Foreign Affairs and and disaster relief situations to bring about Trade, the Attorney General’s Department, stability and lasting peace in the very the Department of Prime Minister and locations to which Air Force people deploy. Cabinet, and a range of civil society A number of activities and initiatives have organisations to implement a number of already been implemented across Air Force key strategies and measures. As a result, to incorporate WPS considerations into Defence is contributing to 17 of the 24 operational and exercise planning processes, actions in the NAP. Defence is focused pre-deployment training, and PMET. on increasing operational effectiveness by improving our understanding how conflict

38 | Serving Australia’s Interests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Indigenous Youth Program — short program delivered at unit level with the assistance Islander Programs - Air Force of ATSIP-AF, aimed at engaging the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander local Indigenous community, by offering Programs – Air Force, is a sub-Directorate of Indigenous year 9 and 10 students tactile the Directorate of Organisational Behaviour experiences with Air Force trades. and Culture within Personnel Branch and Air Force Indigenous cultural education has been established to develop and materials — development of handbooks deliver culturally appropriate, targeted and smart phone applications to inform and and integrated recruitment and retention assist Air Force members in their daily duties. strategies, policy development and strategic advice. Air Force Indigenous Community — providing a recognised body for Air Force Air Force is focused on: Indigenous members to contribute to the • inclusion through awareness, development of Air Force’s Indigenous acknowledgement and understanding of inclusion journey, as well as supporting other Indigenous culture Air Force Indigenous members. • enhancing Indigenous applicant Air Force Indigenous Elder and Air Force competitiveness for a career in Air Force, Indigenous Specialist Advisor — ensures through technical and non-technical that the senior leadership group has ready development programs and access to sensitive and timely advice. • setting the conditions for serving Air Recruiting Priority Placement Scheme — Force Indigenous members to thrive ensures high value candidates are not ‘lost’ throughout their career. to Air Force through delays in the recruiting Current Initiatives process, for technical, non-technical and tertiary entry methods. Defence - Reconciliation Action Plan (D-RAP) - Air Force is committed to being an active Other initiatives — we support and contributor to the D-RAP. participate in significant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community activities/events. Air Force Indigenous Strategy – new version being written for release in early 2016.

39 Air Command The Air Commander (ACAUST) is responsible Headquarters Air Command to CAF for the capability management of Air Force’s operational forces. ACAUST HQAC, located in Glenbrook, NSW, is commands Air Force operations, and is responsible for the overall management of Air responsible for the activities necessary Command capability on behalf of ACAUST. to raise, train and sustain (RTS) prepared HQAC is organised around the common forces ready to deliver effective air and space joint staff system. ACAUST commands power assigned to joint operations. ACAUST Air Command through two one-star exercises command of Air Command deputies, Deputy ACAUST (DACAUST) and through Headquarters Air Command Director-General Air Command Operations (HQAC). HQAC is the operational level HQ (DGACOPS). DACAUST is responsible for responsible for generating and supporting Personnel (A1), Training (A7), Development Air Force capabilities for employment on (A8), Maintenance (A9), Air Base Capability operations, and developing and delivering (A10), Corporate Performance Management the capability to command and control air and Capability Reform, and acts as operations. HQAC staff support ACAUST ACAUST’s Chief of Staff. DGACOPS in the execution of relevant command is responsible for Intelligence (A2), responsibilities for the generation of air Operations and Plans (A3/5), Logistics (A4), power. Communications and Information Systems (A6) and for Air Force air support to Army. ACAUST reports directly to CAF on all aspects relating to the delivery of Air Force Air Command Organisation capability to meet CAF and the Chief of Air Command comprises HQAC and six Joint Operations (CJOPS) tasking. ACAUST Force Element Groups (FEGs): and DCAF coordinate and synchronise their responsibilities to ensure that the desired Air • Air Combat Group (ACG) Force capability and operational outcomes • Air Mobility Group (AMG) are realised. ACAUST is also responsible • Surveillance and Response Group (SRG) for peacetime national tasks for which the Air Force has enduring responsibility. Such • Aerospace Operational Support Group tasking includes VIP air transport, provision (AOSG) of Air Force air traffic control (ATC) services • Combat Support Group (CSG) and to support domestic aviation activities, and • Air Force Training Group (AFTG). specific surveillance operations. Commanding Air Operations. ACAUST also commands the Headquarters Joint Operations Command (HQJOC) Air and Space Operations Centre (AOC). The AOC controls daily Air Force and joint air operations. This includes planning, coordinating, controlling, monitoring,

40 | Serving Australia’s Interests reporting and supporting the generation and AOC is the primary portal between AFHQ, the employment of air and space power on HQAC and HQJOC for matters relating to behalf of the Commander Joint Operations the assignment of Air Force elements to (CJOPS); maintaining an overview of all Air CJOPS and the subsequent employment Command flying or ground activities; and and sustainment of assigned Air Force monitoring Air Force RTS activities. The elements for operations and exercises. The Director General Air Command Operations AOC is located at HQJOC in Bungendore, (DGACOPS) has a dual responsibility as NSW. Director General Air (DGAIR) in HQJOC and leads the AOC in that headquarters. The

41 Common Joint Staff System the environment of the headquarters. The first digit after the letter designator indicates Within a joint or operational level the branch in which the member works. headquarters, the Common Joint Staff Subsequent digits indicate functions and System provides titles for staff positions individual staff positions within a branch. and divisions of responsibility. The letter designator at the start of the title indicates

42 | Serving Australia’s Interests Headquarters Environment

Staff Branch Joint Naval Ground Air Special Operations

Commander J00 N00 G00 A00 SO00 Chief of Staff J01 N01 G01 A01 SO01 Deputy Commander J02 N02 G02 A02 SO02 Resource/financial J05 N05 G05 A05 SO05 adviser Senior Legal Officer J06 N06 G06 A06 SO06 Senior Health Officer J07 N07 G07 A07 SO07 Senior Chaplain J08 N08 G08 A08 SO08 Personnel J1 N1 G1 A1 SO1 Intelligence J2 N2 G2 A2 SO2 Current operations J3 N3 G3 A3 SO3 Logistics J4 N4 G4 A4 SO4 Plans J5 N5 G5 A5 SO5 Communications and J6 N6 G6 A6 SO6 information systems Doctrine and training J7 N7 G7 A7 SO7 Force structure and J8 N8 G8 A8 SO8 development Civil/military cooperation J9 N9 G9 A9 SO9 (CIMIC) Table 2: Common Joint Staff System Notes: • Not all possible positions are shown in • In communications outside of the this table. headquarters, the title of a position is • Some branches may be merged, followed by the name/abbreviation of the for example personnel and logistics headquarters, for example, J01 HQJOC. branches are commonly merged and • Title may also be followed by a four use the title J1/4 in a joint headquarters. letter abbreviation to indicate function or • In an army headquarters at brigade or responsibility, for example, J31 AIR, G52 battalion level, the letter designator S is ARTY or N43 TPT used.

43 Air Command Force Element Groups

AIR COMBAT AIR MOBILITY SURVEILLANCE AND AEROSPACE OPERATIONAL COMBAT SUPPORT AIR FORCE TRAINING GROUP GROUP RESPONSE GROUP SUPPORT GROUP GROUP GROUP Role: control of the air and strike Role: air mobility Role: surveillance, reconnaissance, Role: operational support to air power Role: air base operation support services Role: personnel training airspace management, maritime missions response

Headquarters Air Combat Group Headquarters Air Mobility Group Headquarters Surveillance and Headquarters Aerospace Operational Headquarters No 95 Wing Headquarters Air Force Training Group (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Richmond) Response Group Support Group (RAAF BASE Amberley) (RAAF Base Williams) (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • Nos 1, 2 and 3 Security Force Headquarters No 78 Wing Headquarters No 84 Wing Squadrons Headquarters Ground Training Wing (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Richmond) Headquarters No 41 Wing Development and Test Wing (RAAF Base Williams) (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • Nos 381, 382 and 383 Squadrons • No 76 Squadron (Hawk 127) • No 34 Squadron (VIP) (737 BBJ, (Contingency Response) • RAAF School Technical Training • No 79 Squadron (Hawk 127) CL 604 Challenger) • No 1 Remote Sensor Unit • Aircraft Research and Development • No 1 Combat Communications • RAAF Security and Fire School Unit • No 278 Squadron (Operational • No 37 Squadron (C-130J) • No 3 Control and Reporting Unit Squadron • RAAF School Administration and Conversion) • No 285 Squadron (Operational • No 114 Mobile Control and • Aircraft Stores Compatibility • No 65 Squadron (Air Base Logistics Training Engineering Squadron Conversion) Reporting Unit Recovery) • Defence Explosive Ordnance Headquarters No 81 Wing • Aerospace Systems Engineering • No 295 Squadron (Operational Training School. (RAAF Base Williamtown) Headquarters No 86 Wing Headquarters No 42 Wing Squadron Conversion (RAAF Base Amberley) (RAAF Base Williamtown) • No 2 Operational Conversion Unit • Institute of Aviation Medicine Headquarters Air Training Wing (F/A-18A/B) • No 33 Squadron (KC-30A) • No 2 Squadron (E-7A Wedgetail)) • Aeronautical Information Service – Headquarters No 96 Wing (RAAF Base Williams) (RAAF Base Amberley) • No 3 Squadron (F/A-18A/B) • No 36 Squadron (C-17) Air Force • Central Flying School Headquarters No 44 Wing • Nos 13, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, • No 75 Squadron (F/A-18A/B) • No 38 Squadron (King Air 350) (RAAF Base Williamtown) • ADF Basic Flying Training School Information Warfare Wing 25, 26, 27 and 30 Squadrons • No 77 Squadron (F/A-18A/B) (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • No 2 Flying Training School Air Movements Training Development • Headquarters No 453 Squadron – Headquarters Health Services Wing (P/C-9A) Headquarters No 82 Wing Unit (RAAF Base Richmond) (Air Traffic Control) • Joint Electronic Warfare (RAAF Base Amberley) • School of Air Warfare (RAAF Base Amberley) • Headquarters No 452 Squadron - Operational Support Unit Air Mobility Coordination Centre (Air Traffic Control) • No 87 Squadron (Combat Targeting • Nos 1 and 2 Expeditionary Health • Combat Survival Training School • No 1 Squadron (F/A-18F) (RAAF Base Richmond) Support) Squadrons • School of Air Traffic Control • No 4 Squadron (PC-9/A) Headquarters No 92 Wing • No 460 Squadron (Target • No 3 Aeromedical Evacuation • No 32 Squadron (King Air 350) C-27J Spartan Transition Team (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • No 6 Squadron (F/A-18F) Intelligence) Squadron • RAAF Museum (RAAF Base Richmond) • No 5 Flight (Heron UAS) • No 462 Squadron (Information • Health Operational Conversion Unit • No 35 Squadron (C-27J) • No 10 Squadron (AP-3C) security) RAAF College Combat Support Coordination Centre (RAAF Base Wagga) • No 11 Squadron (AP-3C) • Air Intelligence Training Flight (RAAF Base Amberley) • No 292 Squadron (Operational • Officers’ training School Woomera Range Headquarters Conversion) • No 1 Recruit Training Unit (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • School of Postgraduate Studies • Woomera Test Services Unit • Air Force Band • No 31 Squadron (Base Support)

44 | Serving Australia’s Interests AIR COMBAT AIR MOBILITY SURVEILLANCE AND AEROSPACE OPERATIONAL COMBAT SUPPORT AIR FORCE TRAINING GROUP GROUP RESPONSE GROUP SUPPORT GROUP GROUP GROUP Role: control of the air and strike Role: air mobility Role: surveillance, reconnaissance, Role: operational support to air power Role: air base operation support services Role: personnel training airspace management, maritime missions response

Headquarters Air Combat Group Headquarters Air Mobility Group Headquarters Surveillance and Headquarters Aerospace Operational Headquarters No 95 Wing Headquarters Air Force Training Group (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Richmond) Response Group Support Group (RAAF BASE Amberley) (RAAF Base Williams) (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • Nos 1, 2 and 3 Security Force Headquarters No 78 Wing Headquarters No 84 Wing Squadrons Headquarters Ground Training Wing (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Richmond) Headquarters No 41 Wing Development and Test Wing (RAAF Base Williams) (RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • Nos 381, 382 and 383 Squadrons • No 76 Squadron (Hawk 127) • No 34 Squadron (VIP) (737 BBJ, (Contingency Response) • RAAF School Technical Training • No 79 Squadron (Hawk 127) CL 604 Challenger) • No 1 Remote Sensor Unit • Aircraft Research and Development • No 1 Combat Communications • RAAF Security and Fire School Unit • No 278 Squadron (Operational • No 37 Squadron (C-130J) • No 3 Control and Reporting Unit Squadron • RAAF School Administration and Conversion) • No 285 Squadron (Operational • No 114 Mobile Control and • Aircraft Stores Compatibility • No 65 Squadron (Air Base Logistics Training Engineering Squadron Conversion) Reporting Unit Recovery) • Defence Explosive Ordnance Headquarters No 81 Wing • Aerospace Systems Engineering • No 295 Squadron (Operational Training School. (RAAF Base Williamtown) Headquarters No 86 Wing Headquarters No 42 Wing Squadron Conversion (RAAF Base Amberley) (RAAF Base Williamtown) • No 2 Operational Conversion Unit • Institute of Aviation Medicine Headquarters Air Training Wing (F/A-18A/B) • No 33 Squadron (KC-30A) • No 2 Squadron (E-7A Wedgetail)) • Aeronautical Information Service – Headquarters No 96 Wing (RAAF Base Williams) (RAAF Base Amberley) • No 3 Squadron (F/A-18A/B) • No 36 Squadron (C-17) Air Force • Central Flying School Headquarters No 44 Wing • Nos 13, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, • No 75 Squadron (F/A-18A/B) • No 38 Squadron (King Air 350) (RAAF Base Williamtown) • ADF Basic Flying Training School Information Warfare Wing 25, 26, 27 and 30 Squadrons • No 77 Squadron (F/A-18A/B) (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • No 2 Flying Training School Air Movements Training Development • Headquarters No 453 Squadron – Headquarters Health Services Wing (P/C-9A) Headquarters No 82 Wing Unit (RAAF Base Richmond) (Air Traffic Control) • Joint Electronic Warfare (RAAF Base Amberley) • School of Air Warfare (RAAF Base Amberley) • Headquarters No 452 Squadron - Operational Support Unit Air Mobility Coordination Centre (Air Traffic Control) • No 87 Squadron (Combat Targeting • Nos 1 and 2 Expeditionary Health • Combat Survival Training School • No 1 Squadron (F/A-18F) (RAAF Base Richmond) Support) Squadrons • School of Air Traffic Control • No 4 Squadron (PC-9/A) Headquarters No 92 Wing • No 460 Squadron (Target • No 3 Aeromedical Evacuation • No 32 Squadron (King Air 350) C-27J Spartan Transition Team (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • No 6 Squadron (F/A-18F) Intelligence) Squadron • RAAF Museum (RAAF Base Richmond) • No 5 Flight (Heron UAS) • No 462 Squadron (Information • Health Operational Conversion Unit • No 35 Squadron (C-27J) • No 10 Squadron (AP-3C) security) RAAF College Combat Support Coordination Centre (RAAF Base Wagga) • No 11 Squadron (AP-3C) • Air Intelligence Training Flight (RAAF Base Amberley) • No 292 Squadron (Operational • Officers’ training School Woomera Range Headquarters Conversion) • No 1 Recruit Training Unit (RAAF Base Edinburgh) • School of Postgraduate Studies • Woomera Test Services Unit • Air Force Band • No 31 Squadron (Base Support)

45 Force Element Groups and Capabilities

Air Combat Group Hornet, F/A-18F Super Hornet and Hawk 127 squadrons, and also Forward Air and Air Combat Group (ACG) is responsible for Ground Control operations utilising Pilatus delivering Australia’s capability to control the PC-9/A aircraft. air and conduct precision strike. To achieve this, ACG operates a fleet of modern air ACG units are based at: combat and training aircraft to ensure it • RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle, maintains and develops the ability to engage and destroy designated targets. • RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, ACG employs approximately 2220 Queensland personnel, including aircrew and aircraft • RAAF Base Pearce near Perth, Western technical maintenance personnel, at air Australia and bases across Australia. The group is • RAAF Base Tindal near Katherine, responsible for Air Force’s F/A-18A/B Northern Territory.

RAAF Base Tindal Darwin • No 75 Squadron

NORTHERN TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND RAAF Base Amberley • HQ No 82 Wing WESTERN • No 1 Squadron AUSTRALIA Brisbane • No 6 Squadron RAAF Base Williamtown • HQ Air Combat Group RAAF Base Pearce • HQ No 78 Wing • No 79 Squadron Perth NEW SOUTH • HQ No 81 Wing WALES Sydney • No 2 Operational Conversion Unit • No 3 Squadron Canberra • No 4 Squadron Adelaide • No 76 Squadron VICTORIA • No 77 Squadron Melbourne • No 278 Squadron

Hobart TASMANIA 46Air | CombatServing Australia’s Group Interests Headquarters ACG, RAAF Base Williamtown, on to the Hornet and conducts other air commands the following three operational combat related courses. wings. • No 82 Wing consists of Nos 1 and • No 78 Wing conducts operational 6 Squadron, operating the F/A-18F training—ground and air—using the Super Hornet multi-role aircraft. No 82 Hawk 127 aircraft at Nos 76 and 79 Wing also includes No 4 Squadron, Squadrons. No 278 Squadron provides responsible for Joint Terminal Attack ground training and simulator training Controller (JTAC) operations using the to ACG aircrews and maintenance Pilatus PC‑9/A Forward Air Control (FAC) personnel at Air Force bases across aircraft and for the JTAC training school. Australia. Planned ACG acquisitions include the • No 81 Wing consists of Nos 3, 75 and EA-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft 77 Squadrons, operating the F/A-18A/B and the F-35A Lightning II (more commonly Hornet. No 81 Wing also includes No 2 known as the Joint Strike Fighter [JSF]) air Operational Conversion Unit, which combat and strike aircraft. provides training for aircrew converting

47 48 | Serving Australia’s Interests Air Mobility Group Queensland; RAAF Base Townsville in Townsville, Queensland; and Defence Air Mobility Group (AMG) is responsible Establishment Fairbairn in Canberra, ACT. for providing the ADF’s primary air mobility capability. AMG roles include air logistics Headquarters AMG, at RAAF Base support (ALS), airborne operations moving Richmond, commands two operational forces into and within operating areas, wings and several other formations. air-to-air refuelling (AAR) and aeromedical • No 84 Wing conducts specialist air evacuation (AME) missions. With over 1420 mobility and training. No 34 Squadron personnel, AMG operates all of Air Force’s transports VIP and senior ADF leaders C-17A Globemaster III, KC-30A Multi-role in 737 BBJ and CL-604 Challenger Tanker Transport (MRTT), C‑130J Hercules, aircraft. No 37 Squadron operates the C-27J Spartan, 737 Boeing Business Jet Hercules C-130J providing a tactical and (BBJ), and CL-604 Challenger aircraft. AMG operational air mobility capability. No 84 also operates a squadron of KA350 Super Wing also trains C-130J ground and air King Air aircraft. crews at No 285 Squadron. AMG units are based at RAAF Base • No 86 Wing conducts light and heavy Richmond near Sydney, New South Wales; air mobility, and air-to-air refuelling RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, (AAR) operations. No 36 Squadron

Darwin

RAAF Base Townsville NORTHERN • No 38 Squadron TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND RAAF Base Amberley • HQ No 86 Wing WESTERN • No 33 Squadron AUSTRALIA • No 36 Squadron

SOUTH Brisbane AUSTRALIA RAAF Base Richmond • HQ Air Mobility Group NEW SOUTH • HQ No 84 Wing Perth • Air Movements Training WALES Development Unit Sydney • Air Mobility Control Centre Adelaide Canberra • No 35 Squadron • No 37 Squadron VICTORIA • No 285 Squadron Melbourne

Fairbairn • No 34 Squadron

Hobart Air Mobility Group TASMANIA 49 operates C-17A Globemaster III heavy of available ADF air mobility resources lift transport aircraft. No 38 Squadron through the planning, organisation, operates the Beechcraft KA350 Super control and monitoring of air mobility King Air light transport capability; and missions. These missions include No 33 Squadron operates the KC-30A support and participation in exercises, MRTT AAR capability. The KC-30A also in operations such as humanitarian provides a highly effective strategic airlift assistance and disaster relief, and in the capability. provision of air mobility support to the • Air Movements Training Development ADF. Unit (AMTDU) improves the Air Force’s • The C-27J Spartan Transition Team is air mobility capability through the delivery responsible for the introduction of the of responsive certification of loads for C‑27J Spartan at No 35 Squadron, and aerial delivery and development of will remain extant until the attainment of improved systems for airborne delivery Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for this of support. AMTDU also provides Army aircraft. air logistics training. • The Air Mobility Control Centre (AMCC) is responsible for the effective application

50 | Serving Australia’s Interests Surveillance and Response • battlespace management using the Vigilaire command and control system Group • Wide Area Surveillance (WAS) using the Surveillance and Response Group (SRG) Jindalee Operational Radar Network provides Air Force’s core Intelligence, (JORN) Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) • Air Force’s space capability and capability, although key intelligence capabilities are delivered through Aerospace • Air base air traffic services (ABATS) at Operational Support Group. SRG comprises Air Force’s main bases and forward 2300 personnel. The FEG provides the operating bases. The ABATS capability surveillance, reconnaissance, air-battle includes provision of air traffic control management, ATC and maritime response services for civilian operations at joint- capability for the ADF. user airfields. SRG has assets and detachments located SRG operates Air Force’s AP-3C Orion and in all mainland Australian states, as well as in E‑7A Wedgetail aircraft and is responsible for Malaysia and other overseas locations. The employment of the Heron unmanned aerial group’s major formations are based at: system (UAS). SRG also provides: • RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle, New South Wales

RAAF Base Darwin • HQ 452 Squadron • No 114 Mobile Control and Reporting Unit • No 452 Squadron Darwin Flight RAAF Base Townsville • No 452 Squadron Townsville Flight

RAAF Base Tindal Darwin • No 452 Squadron Tindal Flight Oakey • No 452 Squadron Oakey Flight

RAAF Base Amberley • No 5 Flight • No 452 Squadron Amberley Flight NORTHERN TERRITORY RAAF Base Williamtown QUEENSLAND • HQ Surveillance and Response Group • HQ No 41 Wing • HQ No 42 Wing WESTERN • HQ No 44 Wing AUSTRALIA • No 3 Control and Reporting Unit • Surveillance and Control Training Unit SOUTH Brisbane • No 2 Squadron AUSTRALIA • HQ 453 Squadron • No 453 Squadron Williamtown Flight RAAF Base Pearce Perth NEW SOUTH • No 453 Squadron WALES RAAF Base Richmond Pearce Flight • No 453 Squadron Richmond Flight Sydney Adelaide Canberra Nowra RAAF Base Edinburgh VICTORIA • No 453 Squadron Nowra Flight • HQ No 92 Wing Melbourne • No 10 Squadron • No 11 Squadron RAAF Base East Sale • No 292 Squadron • No 453 Squadron East Sale Flight • No 1 Remote Sensor Unit • No 453 Squadron Edinburgh Flight

TASMANIA Hobart

Surveillance and Response Group 51 • RAAF Base Edinburgh near Adelaide, coverage of Australia’s northern South Australia and approaches. No 1 Remote Sensor • RAAF Base Darwin in Darwin, Northern Unit (RSU) will also operate the space Territory. surveillance telescope (SST) and space surveillance C-band radar capability SRG Capability Elements once accepted into operational service. Headquarters SRG, at RAAF Base No 42 Wing comprises No 2 Squadron and Williamtown, commands four wings: operates the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capability. No 41 Wing is primarily responsible for The E-7A Wedgetail operates a multi-role providing continuous wide-area surveillance, electronically scanned array (MESA) radar airspace control and execution of air and and a comprehensive communications space battle management activities, utilising and tactical data link suite. Wedgetail is the Vigilaire command and control system. a command, control, communications, No 41 Wing includes all of Air Force’s air intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance defence ground environment operational and (C3ISR) capability that correlates information training units. from a wide variety of sources for distribution • No 3 Control and Reporting Unit among friendly air, land and surface units. (3CRU) preparing for, conducting and No 44 Wing comprises Nos 452 and 453 sustaining effective fixed and deployed Squadrons to manage all military ATC flights aerospace surveillance and battlespace across Australia and the ATC technical management in support of national ground electronic services (GES) workforce. homeland defence. No 44 Wing provides: • Surveillance and Control Training Unit (SACTU) providing training for air combat • military airspace management officer air battle managers and air and ABATS for civil domestic and surveillance operators to enable them to international aircraft, ADF and foreign perform effective air battle management military aircraft through the delivery of and surveillance operations. and radar control services • No 114 Mobile Control and Reporting • tactical ATC of forward airfields Unit (114MCRU) providing deployed • battlespace management in support of tactical aerospace battle management in all ADF elements and support of directed joint and combined • amphibious airspace control in support operations. of Navy operations and other airspace • No 1 Remote Sensor Unit (1RSU) activity, both within Australia and for operating the Jindalee Operational Radar operational deployments. Network (JORN). JORN comprises three No 92 Wing comprises Nos 10, 11 and 292 Over-the-Horizon Radars (OTHRs) and Squadrons. No 92 Wing conducts maritime the JORN Coordination Centre (JCC) at patrol, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti- RAAF Base Edinburgh to form part of a surface warfare (ASUW) and ISR operations. layered surveillance network providing The wing operates the AP-3C Orion aircraft.

52 | Serving Australia’s Interests No 92 Wing also conducts search and to seamlessly induct new systems such as survivor assistance missions throughout the Triton UAS. Australia’s region of responsibility. The wing conducts simulation and training for air and Future Systems ground crews at No 292 Squadron. Future acquisitions for SRG include the More recently, additional ISR capabilities with P-8A Poseidon advanced maritime ISR and No 5 Flight, which operates the Heron UAS, response (MISRR) aircraft, the multi-mission have provided No 92 Wing with an additional MQ-4C Triton UAS and a nationalised versatile option to support a wide range of ATC system to be provided through a joint ADF operations. For example, this capability civil-military air traffic management (ATM) delivered critical information support to ADF harmonisation project with the civil ATC operations in Afghanistan and the experience provider, . gained from operations with this and like capabilities provides a sound base for SRG

53 Aerospace Operational procedures. AOSG is also responsible for projects aimed at delivering a centralised ISR Support Group processing, exploitation and dissemination Aerospace Operational Support Group (PED) capability. These projects are the: (AOSG) enhances and extends ADF combat • Trial Joint Airborne ISR Exploitation capability by providing comprehensive, timely Environment (JAISREE) and integrated operational support that contributes to enhanced battleworthiness, • Distributed Ground System – Australia improved mission success and increased (Interim) [DGS-AUS (I)] and crew survivability. AOSG provides this • DGS-AUS. capability across the ADF and the wider In addition, AOSG is responsible for the Department of Defence. Woomera Range Complex (WRC) in the AOSG personnel include over 740 Air Force north-west of South Australia; and the and a number of Army, Navy, APS and provision of operational support functions defence industry personnel. AOSG operates and agencies. a variety of aircraft for test and evaluation Headquarters AOSG and most of its units activities to enhance the airworthiness are based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, near and battle worthiness of ADF aircraft and Adelaide, South Australia. The headquarters systems and to integrate new systems and commands the following formations:

Aerospace Operational Support Group Darwin

NORTHERN TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SOUTH Brisbane AUSTRALIA Woomera Test Range Woomera RAAF Base Woomera • Woomera Range Complex Perth NEW SOUTH WALES Sydney Canberra Adelaide Russell Offices • No 460 Squadron RAAF Base Edinburgh VICTORIA • HQ Aerospace Operational Support Group Melbourne • Development and Test Wing Victoria Barracks • Information Warfare Wing • Aeronautical Information • Headquarters Woomera Test Range Service - Air Force • Aircraft Research and Development Unit • Aerospace Systems Engineering Squadron • Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Squadron • RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine Hobart • Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit • No 87 Squadron TASMANIA 54 • No 462 Squadron | Serving Australia’s• Air Intelligence TrainingInterests Flight • Development and Test Wing (DTWG), printed and electronic formats to support responsible for aeronautical information air operations support and development and test of • Aircraft Research and Development Unit new systems and provides flight test expertise for the ADF. • Information Warfare Wing (IWWG), This unit plans, conducts and analyses responsible for intelligence, electronic test and evaluation activities of existing warfare and information operations and new Air Force and Army aircraft to support. enhance the capabilities of fixed- and Development and Test Wing (DTWG) is rotary-wing aviation aerospace weapons responsible for the supervision, planning, systems project management, tasking and co- • Aerospace Systems Engineering ordination of activities delivered by the Squadron designs and develops non- following units: standard modifications, special test equipment and facilities, and telemetry • Aeronautical Information Service – Air functions to support ground and flight Force provides the ADF and Airservices tests Australia with tailored, accurate and current aeronautical information in both • Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Squadron is the ADF design authority

Darwin

NORTHERN TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND

WESTERN AUSTRALIA SOUTH Brisbane AUSTRALIA Woomera Test Range Woomera RAAF Base Woomera • Woomera Range Complex Perth NEW SOUTH WALES Sydney Canberra Adelaide Russell Offices • No 460 Squadron RAAF Base Edinburgh VICTORIA • HQ Aerospace Operational Support Group Melbourne • Development and Test Wing Victoria Barracks • Information Warfare Wing • Aeronautical Information • Headquarters Woomera Test Range Service - Air Force • Aircraft Research and Development Unit • Aerospace Systems Engineering Squadron • Aircraft Stores Compatibility Engineering Squadron • RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine Hobart • Joint Electronic Warfare Operational Support Unit • No 87 Squadron TASMANIA • No 462 Squadron 55 • Air Intelligence Training Flight for aircraft stores compatibility and air a secure information environment to weapons engineering and support air operations. • RAAF Institute of Aviation Medicine • Air Intelligence Training Flight develops ensures the effectiveness and safety and delivers all source air intelligence of ADF air operations by conducting training to prepare air intelligence research and training ADF aircrew analysts and officers to meet the needs to understand and manage the of Air Force’s intelligence capability. physiological challenges of flight. Headquarters Woomera Test Range Information Warfare Wing (IWWG) is (HQWTR) is responsible for the operational responsible for supervision, activity management of the Woomera Range coordination and tasking of the following Complex (WRC), and the tactical units. management of the WTR in support of both Defence and wider national objectives, • Joint Electronic Warfare Operational delivered through the following sub-formation Support Unit (JEWOSU) provides elements. electronic warfare support to the Navy, Army and Air Force. The unit also • HQWTR Plans and Support Branch is provides subject matter advice to the responsible for operational planning CASG and Intelligence and Security and coordination of access to and use Group. of the WRC within the provisions of • No 87 Squadron produces timely discrete Federal legislation governing the and precise Air Force intelligence and operation of the WRC/WTR in support of combat targeting products and expertise Defence and national objectives. to the operational and tactical levels of • HQWTR Trials Management Branch is Air Force. responsible for the tactical management • No 460 Squadron is Air Force’s target of approved test and evaluation activities intelligence squadron. In collaboration at the WTR and for the provision of with the Australian Geospatial- operational environments at the WTR Intelligence Organisation (AGO), it to support defence-directed testing of provides accurate and timely geospatial air-, space- and ground-based weapons and target intelligence, and timely systems; defence-directed testing and imagery analysis in support of military disposal of hazardous war materials; operations. defence-directed activities supporting the conduct of force preparedness • No 462 Squadron seeks to exploit, and other warfighting readiness and protect against exploitation of training, testing, and evaluation; and the information domain and supports Commonwealth directed activities operational commanders in providing supporting other national objectives.

56 | Serving Australia’s Interests Combat Support Group airhead in a forward location to enable air power operations. CSG is responsible for Combat Support Group (CSG) provides air providing command and cadre staff for Air base operation support services to all Air Force permanent bases across Australia. Force formations and, when applicable, CSG also manages the three RAAF prepared ADF and coalition aviation formations. CSG bare bases: has a breadth of personnel and systems to conduct, support and enable Air Force • RAAF Base Learmonth near Exmouth, roles including command and control, Western Australia force protection, and force generation and • RAAF Base Curtin near Derby, Western sustainment. Australia and With over 5400 personnel, CSG is Air • RAAF Base Scherger near Weipa, Force’s largest FEG, and maintains the Queensland. capacity to concurrently establish and CSG provides the support elements required maintain an expeditionary major air base in to generate and conduct Air Force missions a low threat environment in the immediate where and when needed. To meet this role, region, establish an expeditionary small CSG has a range of equipment including air base within the immediate region in a tactical communication systems, Panther fire high threat level, and open and operate an trucks, Bushmaster protected-mobility troop

RAAF Base Darwin Malaysia • No 13 (City of Darwin) Squadron including RAAF Base Curtin RAAF Base Scherger

RMAF Base Butterworth RAAF Base Tindal RAAF Base Townsville Darwin • No 19 Squadron • No 17 Squadron • No 383 Squadron • No 27 () Squadron including RAAF Base Scherger

RAAF Base Curtin RAAF Base Amberley • HQ Combat Support Group • HQ No 95 Wing NORTHERN • HQ No 96 Wing TERRITORY • HQ Health Services Wing RAAF Base Learmonth • Combat Support Coordination Centre QUEENSLAND • No 2 Security Force Squadron • No 295 Squadron • No 382 Squadron WESTERN • No 1 Expeditionary Health Squadron • Health Operational Coversion Unit AUSTRALIA Brisbane • No 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron SOUTH AUSTRALIA RAAF Base Williamtown RAAF Base Pearce • No 1 Security Force Squadron • No 25 (City of Perth) NEW SOUTH • No 381 Squadron Perth • No 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron Squadron including RAAF WALES Base Learmonth • No 26 (City of Newcastle) Squadron Sydney RAAF Base Woomera Adelaide Canberra RAAF Base Richmond • No 20 Squadron • No 1 Combat Communications Squadron VICTORIA Melbourne • No 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron RAAF Base Edinburgh • No 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron • No 3 Security Force Squadron • No 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron including RAAF Base Woomera RAAF Base East Sale • No 30 (City of Sale) Squadron

RAAF Williams • No 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron Hobart TASMANIA 57 Combat Support Group vehicles, light weight and light capability • No 96 Wing, providing air base support G-wagons, and military working dogs. By at Air Force permanent bases, bare design, CSG is able to draw the capability bases and support to expeditionary air for any combination of air base support base capability and functions from a fixed base and tailor an • Health Services Wing, providing expeditionary package designed to meet the deployable operational health support. combat support needs of a specific mission and/or aircraft. By maintaining a cadre of CSG Capability Elements well trained and prepared personnel, CSG No 95 Wing prepares and provides provides air base support wherever needed interoperable expeditionary combat air base with the smallest possible force. This ability support capability to air operations and other to minimise its deployed force ensures that directed activities in a joint and interagency CSG provides rapid, responsive delivery of environment. No 95 Wing comprises the agile and effective expeditionary air base following capabilities. support to air operations wherever Air Force is directed by Government to operate. • Security forces squadrons. Nos 1, 2 and 3 Security Forces Squadrons provide Combat Support Group Structure force protection, security and fixed and expeditionary air base defence CSG has personnel located on every RAAF for the conduct of Air Force and ADF Base across Australia, as well as in Malaysia operations. With headquarters at RAAF and other overseas locations. The FEG’s Bases Williamtown, Amberley and major formations are based at: Edinburgh, these squadrons also have • RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, detachments supporting other air bases. Queensland • Contingency response squadrons. • RAAF Base Williamtown near Newcastle, Nos 381, 382 and 383 Squadrons are New South Wales capable of deploying at very short notice • RAAF Base Richmond near Sydney, to provide effective air base operations in New South Wales austere conditions at a forward location in a low threat environment and/or • RAAF Base Townsville, in Townsville, provide the initial element to establish Queensland and a major air base within the region to • RAAF Base Edinburgh, near Adelaide, ensure a smooth transition to ongoing South Australia. operations. CSG Units • Expeditionary air base recovery. No 65 Squadron was formed on 1 July 2015 Headquarters CSG, at RAAF Base to deliver explosive ordnance demolition Amberley, commands the Combat Support and airfield engineering capabilities. Coordination Centre (CSCC) and three major These capabilities assist in; assessment wings: of potential air bases, preventing • No 95 Wing, providing expeditionary damage to air bases, repairing damage combat air base support capability

58 | Serving Australia’s Interests that may occur, and restoring flying and air bases and bare bases. No 96 Wing also base operations. provides support to expeditionary combat • Communications and information air base capability to enable deployed systems support. No 1 Combat air operations. Other service providers, Communications Squadron (CCS) such as the Estate and Infrastructure provides tactical and temporary Group, assist No 96 Wing to provide the communications and information air base support necessary to enable the systems support to operations, generation and delivery of air power from Air exercises and other activities in support Force’s operational air bases. No 96 Wing of Air Force and the ADF. comprises: • Operational conversion training. No 295 • Nos 13, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, Squadron is the primary provider for 27 and 30 Squadrons supporting air individual operational conversion, bases across Australia and collective training, standardisation and • No 19 Squadron, based in RMAF preparedness for CSG. Base Butterworth, Penang, Malaysia, No 96 Wing is responsible for the delivery supporting ADF operations and of fixed air base combat support to enable exercises in South-East Asia. air operations for ADF, allied and regional Health Services Wing. Health Services Wing forces operating from Air Force permanent delivers operational health support wherever

No 95 Wing No 96 Wing Health Services Wing

No 1 Security Forces Squadron No 13 (City of Darwin) Squadron No 1 Expeditionary Health (RAAF Base Williamtown) Squadron No 17 Squadron (RAAF Base (HQ - RAAF Base Amberley No 2 Security Forces Squadron Tindal) (RAAF Base Amberley) No 2 Expeditionary Health No 19 Squadron (Based at RMAF Squadron No 3 Security Forces Squadron Base Butterworth, Malaysia) (HQ - RAAF Base Williamtown) (RAAF Base Edinburgh) No 20 Squadron (Woomera) No 3 Aero-Medical Evacuation No 1 Combat Communications Squadron - RAAF Base Richmond Squadron (RAAF Base Richmond) No 21 (City of Melbourne) Squadron Health Operational Conversion Unit No 381 Squadron - RAAF - RAAF Base Amberley Base Williamtown (Contingency No 22 (City of Sydney) Squadron Response) No 23 (City of Brisbane) Squadron No 382 Squadron - RAAF Base No 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron Amberley (Contingency Response) No 25 (City of Perth) Squadron No 383 Squadron - RAAF Base Townsville (Contingency Response) No 26 (City of Newcastle) Squadron No 295 Squadron - RAAF Base Amberley (Operational conversion) No 27 (City of Townsville) Squadron No 30 (City of Sale) Squadron

59 and whenever needed, and provides response to the devastating flash floods in deployable health facilities as part of flexible northern Pakistan that occurred during late air base support operations. This includes July. The disaster resulted in 20 per cent of the provision of expeditionary and fixed base the total land area (approximately 796 095 health support to Air Force and wider ADF square kilometres) being flooded, the death operations. Health Services Wing comprises of 1700 people and the destruction of 1.9 the following units. million homes. The military contribution to Operation PAKISTAN ASSIST II Australian • Nos 1 and 2 Expeditionary Health Medical Task Force was predominantly Squadrons, providing deployable Air Force, with HSW, supported by other health support to air operations. These elements of CSG, deploying an expeditionary squadrons have headquarters at RAAF health facility to Kot Addu in the central Bases Amberley and Williamtown, with Punjab Region during the crisis. detachments providing health support at other operational air bases. Combat Support Coordination Centre • No 3 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, (CSCC). CSCC is the operations, planning providing an ADF domestic and and coordination centre for all CSG expeditionary aeromedical evacuation expeditionary missions. Its primary role is to capability. meld direction from both HQJOC (through the AOC) and HQAC, and then provide CSG • Health Operational Conversion Unit, tactical units with mission-specific guidance. providing military health education and Acting as CSG’s Operations Centre, the training for Defence Health personnel. CSCC also liaises closely with the FEG’s As an example of expeditionary health three wings to deliver effective air base support, in August 2010, Health Services support whilst continuing the RTS activities Darwin Wing (HSW) contributed to a whole-of- required to maintain CSG’s preparedness for government humanitarian aid effort in RAAF Base Townsville operations. • Combat Survival Training School

NORTHERN Tamworth • ADF Basic Flying Training School TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND RAAF Base Amberley • RAAF Security and Fire School

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Brisbane SOUTH Orchard Hills AUSTRALIA • Defence Explosive Ordnance Training School NEW SOUTH WALES RAAF Base Wagga Perth Sydney • HQ Ground Training Wing Canberra • HQ RAAF College Adelaide RAAF Base Pearce • RAAF School of Administrative and Logistics Training • No 2 Flying Training School VICTORIA Melbourne • RAAF School of Technical Training • School of Postgraduate Studies RAAF Williams • No 1 Recruit Training Unit • No 31 (City of ) • RAAF Band Squadron • RAAF Museum

RAAF Base East Sale Hobart • HQ Air Training Wing • Central Flying School TASMANIA • No 32 Squadron • School of Air Warfare • School of Air Traffic Control • Officers’ Training School 60 | Serving Australia’s Interests Air Force Training Group aerobatic team, Air Force Band, Air Force Balloon and RAAF Museum. Overview AFTG capability Air Force Training Group (AFTG) has primary responsibility to train Air Force personnel The successful delivery of Air Force’s next and selected personnel from Navy, Army generation capabilities will rely heavily on the and overseas defence forces. This includes well trained personnel that AFTG will deliver the provision of common recruit and officer through leading edge training on modern training; initial employment training; initial air power systems. To ensure this outcome pilot training and aviation training for air into the future, AFTG is engaged in major combat officers. AFTG is also responsible investments in future training such as Project for delivery of selected postgraduate AIR 5428 (Pilot Training System) that will training and Air Force’s Professional Military ensure effective and efficient training of future Education and Training (PMET) continuum. aviators. In addition, AFTG supports a substantial Other Air Force training. In addition to portion of Air Force’s public relations the training provided by AFTG, Air Force program through the Air Force personnel also train alongside members of the Army and Navy at joint training

Darwin

RAAF Base Townsville • Combat Survival Training School

NORTHERN Tamworth • ADF Basic Flying Training School TERRITORY

QUEENSLAND RAAF Base Amberley • RAAF Security and Fire School

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Brisbane SOUTH Orchard Hills AUSTRALIA • Defence Explosive Ordnance Training School NEW SOUTH WALES RAAF Base Wagga Perth Sydney • HQ Ground Training Wing Canberra • HQ RAAF College Adelaide RAAF Base Pearce • RAAF School of Administrative and Logistics Training • No 2 Flying Training School VICTORIA Melbourne • RAAF School of Technical Training • School of Postgraduate Studies RAAF Williams • No 1 Recruit Training Unit • No 31 (City of Wagga Wagga) • RAAF Band Squadron • RAAF Museum

RAAF Base East Sale Hobart • HQ Air Training Wing • Central Flying School TASMANIA • No 32 Squadron • School of Air Warfare • School of Air Traffic Control • Officers’ Training School Air Force Training Group 61 establishments such as the Australian RAAF Base Wagga near Wagga Wagga, Defence Force Academy, the Australian New South Wales. RAAF Williams comprises Command and Staff College and the the two bases of Laverton and Point Cook, Defence Strategic Studies Course. Joint which previously existed as two separate training is the responsibility of the Australian RAAF Bases. RAAF Williams is also host Defence College, and Air Force provides to the ADF’s Defence Force School of both students and staff to these joint training Languages and the Defence International establishments. Additionally, selected Training Centre (DITC). members of Air Force attend overseas Headquarters AFTG, at RAAF Williams, courses with international partners and allies. commands three major elements: Air Force Training Group employs • Air Training Wing responsible for approximately 1100 personnel, with units , conducting basic and instructor primarily located at RAAF Williams on the training for pilots, air combat officers, outskirts of Melbourne, Victoria; RAAF Base operations officers and joint battlefield East Sale near Sale, Victoria, RAAF Base airspace controllers and combat survival Pearce, near Perth, Western Australia and

62 | Serving Australia’s Interests training for Air Force and selected ADF air force air combat officers and navy personnel aviation warfare officers utilising a fleet of • Ground Training Wing, responsible eight King Air aircraft operated by No 32 for overseeing over 180 post-initial Squadron. The aircraft are fitted with employment training (PIET), entry level console-based training and simulation and specialist training courses and equipment and supported by a suite of ground-based simulators. • RAAF College, responsible for all initial, career development, promotion and • School of Air Traffic Control, at RAAF leadership training. Base East Sale. AFTG is also responsible for: • No 32 Squadron at RAAF Base East Sale, operating KA350 King Air aircraft • Air Force Roulettes, Air Force’s elite that support the School of Air Warfare. aerobatic display team An additional eight King Air aircraft • Air Force Balloon, providing a valuable are based at RAAF Base Townsville in public relations capacity Queensland. These aircraft are operated • Air Force Band, supporting Government by No 38 Squadron for air mobility and Air Force ceremonies and parades support, pilot development, imagery in Australia and overseas and acquisition and command and control. • RAAF Museum, offering an insight into • RAAF Museum, at RAAF Williams (Point the history of Australian military aviation Cook), which offers a unique insight from the pre-World War I era to current into the history of Australian military capabilities. aviation from the pre-World War I era Boxkite aircraft, through to World War AFTG Capability Elements II Boomerang and Catalinas, Vietnam era UH-1B Iroquois, and more recently Air Training Wing F‑111 and C-130H Hercules. Visitors Air Training Wing manages the following to the Museum will see aircraft from all units. eras of Australian military aviation and • No 2 Flying Training School at RAAF will also have the opportunity to see Base Pearce, operating Pilatus PC-9/A detailed aircraft restorations and special aircraft for pilot training. exhibitions. • Central Flying School at RAAF Base East Ground Training Wing Sale, also operating the PC-9/A for pilot Ground Training Wing oversees training for instructor training. employment groups including security, fire, • Combat Survival Training School at ground defence, administration, logistics, RAAF Base Townsville. technical trades, and explosive ordnance. • ADF Basic Flying Training School at The wing acts as the Training Development Tamworth. and Quality Assurance Authority for courses • School of Air Warfare, at RAAF Base conducted at: East Sale providing aviation training for

63 • Defence Explosive Ordnance Training Band. No 31 Squadron administers base- School wide support activities to enable other units • RAAF School of Technical Training at RAAF Base Wagga to effectively and efficiently conduct induction and training. • RAAF Security and Fire School and • RAAF School of Administration and Air Force Roulettes Logistics Training. The Roulettes, drawn from the instructional RAAF College staff at the Central Flying School, provide technically demanding, spectacular, flying RAAF College provides administrative displays to the public. When the Roulettes oversight to, and manages: are not delivering these displays, they teach • No 1 Recruit Training Unit at RAAF Base qualified RAAF pilots to become flying Wagga instructors at the Central Flying School at • Officers’ Training School at RAAF Base RAAF Base East Sale in Victoria. East Sale Air Force Balloon • School of Postgraduate Studies at RAAF Base Wagga The Canberra-based balloon often travels to regional or remote communities that • Corporal promotion centres at RAAF do not have an . These visits are an Bases Richmond and Amberley and opportunity for members of the community • Air Force Band, at RAAF Williams to meet Air Force personnel, introduce young which supports Government and Air people to aviation and inspire an interest in Force ceremonies and parades, both in the RAAF. Because the balloon can launch Australia and overseas. from small open spaces, such as school In addition to managing those units, RAAF ovals, they regularly visit schools around College is also responsible for No 31 (City Australia where staff deliver aviation related of Wagga Wagga) Squadron and the RAAF education programs.

Air Training Wing Ground Training Wing RAAF College

No 2 Flying Training School RAAF School of Technical Training School of Post Graduate Studies Combat Survival Training School RAAF Security and Fire School Officers’ Training School ADF Basic Flying Training School RAAF School of Administration and No 1 Recruit Training Unit Logistics Training Central Flying School Air Force Band Defence Explosive Ordnance School of Air Warfare Training School No 31 Squadron School of Air Traffic Control No 32 Squadron RAAF Museum

64 | Serving Australia’s Interests 65 Air Force Reserve Approximately one-third of Operational Reserve members serve ‘part-time’ The Reserve operates across the continuum support daily operations, including of Air Force functions and missions overseas deployments. In recent years, the performing day-to-day support and Operational Reserve provides an annual mobilisation roles in peacetime, warlike, equivalent of about 750 staff years of contingency, domestic and humanitarian service. emergencies. The cost effective Reserve workforce retains The Reserve’s primary focus has shifted the training and experience investment in from a purely strategic role to a day-to-day former permanent members who transfer to support role whilst retaining its requirement the Reserve (70% of reserve) blended with to provide a workforce surge capability in the the valuable skills and experiences brought event of a major contingency. by Direct Entry reservists from the public and Since 2006 Reserve members have been private sectors. fully integrated within Air Force, tri-Service The integrated workforce structure has units and non-Service organisations provided significant additional capabilities, across Australia. The Reserve comprises encouraging identification of further all Permanent Air Force musterings and opportunities to better utilise the Reserve, to specialisations and several Reserve-unique assist new systems being introduced in the employment streams. coming decade. Reserve personnel are a direct enabler to Air Force capability by providing niche support on a part-time basis in roles that Australian Air Force Cadets do not require a full-time person allocated The Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) is to a task. The employment of Reservists in a community based, youth development this manner provides greater flexibility to the organisation with an aviation focus that is Air Force and at the same time meets the administered and supported actively by the requirements of many Reserve personnel. Air Force. There are two main categories of Reserve The AAFC was formed in 1941 as the Air service: Training Corps (ATC) as part of the Empire • Operational Reserve (with training Training Scheme. Its original aim was to obligations) contains 4000 members and provide pre-entry training for air and ground • Standby Reserve (no training obligations) crews for the RAAF during World War II. The contains 4300 members. 75th anniversary is to be celebrated across Australia in 2016. The Operational Reserve comprises the High Readiness Reserve, the Active Reserve and The AAFC evolved from the ATC as an the Specialist Reserve (includes personnel effective and popular youth development with specialist skills, such as the medical, organisation for boys and girls between the legal, chaplaincy and public relations ages of 13 and 18 years of age who are professions). Australian citizens and who are physically

66 | Serving Australia’s Interests able to participate in some of the many and flying, gliding, engineering (basic aeroskills), varied activities on offer. aero-modelling, firearms handling and safety, musician skills, first aid courses and Cadets attend weekly parades (as well as adventure training. Cadets also have the holiday encampments) where they have a set opportunity to apply for the International training syllabus with topics such as Service Air Cadet Exchange Program (IACE) and to Knowledge, Aviation, Fieldcraft, Survival, Drill complete the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Ceremonial. The training imparts new scheme. knowledge and the cadets acquire valuable life skills and develop qualities such as There are 6800 Cadets and 840 volunteer leadership, self reliance, self discipline, self Officers of Cadets and Instructors of Cadets respect, good communication, teamwork in each state and territory. and citizenship. All interested persons may access As well as the standard syllabus areas of information about the AAFC at: interest, the AAFC offers young people www.aafc.org.au. new opportunities and training in powered

67 68 | Serving Australia’s Interests Acronyms These acronyms are used in this booklet.

AAFC Australian Air Force Cadets CCS Combat Communications ABATS air base air traffic services Squadron ACG Air Combat Group CJOPS Commander Joint Operations ADF CSG Combat Support Group AEW&C airborne early warning and CSCC Combat Support Coordination control Centre APS Australian Public Service DACAUST Deputy ACAUST ACAUST Air Commander Australia DCAF Deputy Chief of Air Force AFHQ Air Force Headquarters DGACOPS Director General Air Command Operations AFI Air Force Improvement DGAIR Director General Air AFTG Air Force Training Group DGCP-AF Director General Capability AOC Air and Space Operations Planning–Air Force Centre DGSP-AF Director General Strategy and AOSG Aerospace Operational Planning–Air Force Support Group DGPERS-AF Director General Personnel ALS air logistics support –Air Force AMCC Air Mobility Control Centre DGRES-AF Director General Reserves AME aeromedical evacuation –Air Force AMG Air Mobility Group DGS-AUS Distributed Ground System AMTDU Air Movements Training and – Australia Development Unit DGTA Director General Technical ASW anti-submarine warfare Airworthiness ASuW anti-surface warfare DTWG Development and Test Wing ATM air traffic management EW electronic warfare C3ISR command, control, FAC forward air control communications, ISR intelligence, surveillance and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance reconnaissance FEG force element group CAF Chief of Air Force HQAC Headquarters Air Command CASG Capability and Sustainment HQJOC Headquarters Joint Operations Group Command

69 HQWTR Headquarters Woomera Test MISRR maritime ISR and response Range MRTT multi-role tanker transport HSW Health Services Wing aircraft ISR intelligence, surveillance and OTHR over-the-horizon radar reconnaissance PC-9A Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft IWWG Information Warfare Wing PED processing, exploitation and JORN Jindalee Operational Radar dissemination (of intelligence) Network PMET Professional Military Education JTAC joint terminal attack controller and Training JAISREE joint airborne ISR exploitation RTS raise, train and sustain environment SRG Surveillance and Response JEWOSU Joint Electronic Warfare Group Operational Support Unit UAS unmanned aerial system JOC Joint Operations Command WRC Woomera Range Complex MESA Multi-role Electronically WTR Woomera Test Range Scanned Array

70 | Serving Australia’s Interests Airman’s Code I am an Australian Airman I inherit a proud tradition I follow in the footsteps of many fine Australians Their legacy is my future

I am an Australian Airman The air is our domain I strive for excellence in all that I do To protect our skies, our country, the land I love

I am an Australian Airman I live for my family, work with my mates, support my community and fight for my nation I am a valued member of the Air Force team I do what is right

I am an Australian Airman

71