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Eligibility Checklist

Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic role requirements. You'll find detailed information on the <a href="?tab=ways-to-join">Ways to join</a> tab.

Earn a fully funded degree
Originating from a unique partnership between the ADF and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), ADFA offers world-class education plus cutting-edge military and leadership training at our Canberra campus. In addition to being expertly trained in the art of leadership and management, you'll undertake a degree in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Computing.
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those wanting a fully funded world-class degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). You&rsquo;ll earn a salary while you study and graduate HELP-debt-free.

Officer Entry: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)

You'll be paid while you study. On completion of your degree, Initial Military Training and Initial Employment Training, you'll earn at least:

Training

Your salary while studying

Trained

Your salary once trained

In the Air Force you'll be paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications.

Officer Entry: ADFA

Further specialist courses will provide you with specific knowledge on the functions of your specialisation and are normally completed within the first 12 months of service.

The following Joint Technical Trade Training courses are conducted as distance learning at your posting unit:
<ul>
<li>Diploma of Project Management</li>
<li>Diploma of Construction Management</li>
<li>Certificate IV/Diploma in Procurement and Contracting. </li>
</ul>

Become an officer with your existing degree
If you have a recognised degree in a field such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Business or IT, you can apply for an officer role through Graduate Entry. Whether you're a recent graduate or in a career, you&rsquo;ll receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities in the ADF.
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those who already have a recognised degree and want to receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities. You&rsquo;ll pursue your profession as an officer and add an exciting new dimension to your work.

You'll be paid while you train, and on completion of your Initial Military Training and Employment Training, you’ll earn at least:

Officer Entry: Graduate

Have your current studies sponsored
As an undergraduate studying for a role-relevant degree at an accredited university of your choice, you can join the ADF via Defence University Sponsorship (DUS). This means you&rsquo;ll have your fees paid for, earn a salary while you complete your degree, and walk straight into a great ADF role following graduation.
Who it&rsquo;s for:&nbsp;Those already studying a relevant degree (or in some cases, those who have accepted an offer) at an Australian university. You&rsquo;ll earn a salary while you study and have the remainder of your university fees paid in return for a commitment to an officer role.

Officer Entry: Undergraduate

Further specialist courses will provide you with specific knowledge on the functions of your specialisation and are normally completed within the first 12 months of service.

The following Joint Technical Trade Training courses are conducted as distance learning at your posting unit:

<ul>
<li>Diploma of Project Management</li>
<li>Diploma of Construction Management</li>
<li>Certificate IV/Diploma in Procurement and Contracting.</li>
</ul>

Key Information

Still have questions? Check out our FAQs.

Interested? Complete an Expression of Interest and we'll be in touch.

Hear first-hand about what working in the ADF is really like. 

Explore what training in the Air Force will look like.

Discover upcoming events and experiences. 

Visit UNSW and begin your application to study a relevant degree.

As an Airfield Engineer, you'll draw on your specialist military and technical civil engineering skills, while working on Air Force infrastructure, aerodromes and a wide range of projects. You’ll play an important role, contributing to the Air Force’s capability, and supporting operations in Australia and overseas.

You’ll develop and maintain infrastructure on military bases, surveying airfields and establishing temporary runways in remote locations in Australia and overseas for use by military aircraft. Working with tradespeople and contractors, you’ll provide advice to the wider Air Force across a range of areas, including: 
<ul>
<li>the provision, protection and regeneration of air bases</li>
<li>the ability to rapidly deploy to, assess, prepare, maintain and regenerate both onshore and offshore airfields</li>
<li>the protection and sustainment of air power</li>
<li>the provision of infrastructure and expertise for passive defence and physical security to airfields.</li>
</ul>

Gain and develop your engineering and project management skills, working on civil engineering projects that provide critical support to Air Force and ADF operations. 

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Airfield Engineer

Find out what it’s like

Benefits you won't see anywhere else

You’ll enjoy the following:

Great salary from day one, which increases with experience

Generous superannuation of 16.4% – a huge 4.9% over the Australian standard

Help to buy a home, a subsidised home loan or rent allowance

Free medical and dental for you, and subsidised healthcare for you and your family

Fully paid training

Want to apply but need more info?

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