Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh has announced that prospective personnel looking to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can now be directly recruited to space operations roles.
Previously, ADF candidates were required to join through more traditional ADF roles such as an engineer. The latest policy will allow recruits to apply for two new roles — Space Operations Officer and Space Operations Specialist.
Mr Keogh said the new roles would grow the ADF’s capabilities in space operations, which he described as a critical domain.
“This marks a significant step in building Australia’s sovereign space workforce,” he said.
One small step into space operations means a giant leap in capability for our ADF.
Direct-entry recruitment is now open for two new roles, Space Operations Officer and Space Operations Specialist.
These exciting new roles will grow the ADF’s capabilities in space operations, a critical domain as we respond to the most challenging strategic environment since the Second World War.
This marks a significant step in building Australia’s sovereign space workforce.
The space workforce will progressively be employed across the full spectrum of space mission sets, which include:
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Satellite communications
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Position, navigation and timing
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Space domain awareness
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Missile warning
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Satellite operations
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Space control
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Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
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Environmental monitoring
Successful applicants will undertake specialist space training at the Defence Space and Cyber School, located at a new dedicated facility, the Florence McKenzie Building at HMAS Harman.
The building’s namesake, Florence McKenzie, was Australia’s first female electrical engineer, and a pioneer of modern signalling and technical military training, laying foundations for many of the technologies relied upon in modern space and cyber operations.
She recognised the importance of cutting-edge technical training for military personnel and played a vital role in boosting the Royal Australian Navy’s signalling capabilities in World War Two.
The purpose-built facility named in her honour provides a range of signals- and cyber-focussed training and simulation courses for units across the ADF including the Army, Joint Operations Command and Joint Capabilities Group.
To learn more about a space career in the ADF, visit www.adfcareers.gov.au
