Logistics Officer
As a Logistics Officer, you’ll be a creative problem solver for the Air Force that plans, establishes and manages logistical support across the entire supply chain. Far more than just ensuring integral supplies get from A to B, you’ll contribute to the Air Force on both a tactical and strategic level, ensuring the successful acquisition, storage and distribution of supplies, advanced technology, and sensitive materials.
What you'll do
While your responsibilities will depend on which logistics function role you’re posted to, they may include:
- supply chain and materiel management operations to enable and sustain the warfighting capabilities of Air Force on the ground and in the air
- air, ground and joint movement operations to deploy, sustain and redeploy personnel and assets
- fixed base and field catering operations to feed Air Force and ADF personnel
- materiel logistics support to acquire, sustain and dispose of air and ground mission and support systems
- logistics capability planning which includes management and governance at the Headquarters level, combined with future logistics capability development and training.
This role can range from being a member of the executive team of a flying squadron, to being part of a unit that’s required to set up airfield services at short notice anywhere in the world.
Duties may include:
- planning and executing supply chains, warehousing and distribution, movements and catering support to domestic and overseas operations and exercises
- leading and managing diverse groups of personnel in the fields of logistics, movements, and catering
- managing information and overseeing contracts for logistics, catering and materiel
- establishing and maintaining relationships and networks that enable effective support.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Air Force will provide you with leadership, management and communications training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related skills. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Air Force.
As an officer in the Air Force, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Following training, you could be posted to one of the many Air Force bases or other Defence establishments within Australia, as well as limited overseas opportunities. Your preferences regarding the nature and location of your posting will be considered although other factors such as Air Force requirements and your particular qualifications and skills may be overriding considerations in this respect.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
Air Force operations require lots of moving parts, my role brings them all together.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply to join ADFA from 16 years of age and must be at least 17 on the day of entry. The maximum age to join is 53 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for entry to ADFA, but this role requires you to attain your driver's licence while at ADFA, in your own time and at your own expense. If you already have an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence, it can't be suspended or cancelled. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
To be eligible for admission to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, you’ll need to have completed Year 12 with passes in English and 3 other Board of Secondary School Studies registered (or state equivalent) subjects and obtained an entrance rank high enough to qualify for entry into the relevant degree program.
Note: As well as applying to the Air Force for entry, you’ll also need to apply to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for entry to the University of New South Wales (UNSW). For more information, visit the UAC website or our ADFA page.
While at ADFA, you won’t incur a HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This includes the higher costs associated with ADFA studies and may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
Officer Cadets can leave ADFA at any time within their first 2 years. Please note, if you choose to leave university, you'll be expected to reimburse the ADF for the academic training provided to date (i.e. you are not liable for the full cost if you leave before completion of the course). However, if you leave university but continue your career in the ADF by transferring to a Direct Entry role, you will not be expected to reimburse the ADF in this case.
You can choose to study any degree offered at ADFA by the UNSW, except for a 4-year engineering degree.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 7 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a 2-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have any outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: Year One Familiarisation Training (YOFT)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
YOFT is Initial Military Training to prepare you for life in the ADF. It’s made up of the fundamental basic lessons and requirements to allow you to thrive and succeed in your new career.
Training includes:
- leadership
- ceremonial
- field training
- physical training
- adventurous training
- weapon training.
Course: Joint Military Education and Training (JMET)
Duration: 10 hours per week
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
ADFA’s JMET program establishes foundational military knowledge for Trainee Officers (TOs) in the profession of arms.
JMET has 5 core modules:
- Foundational Military Skills
- National Security Policy and Strategy
- Character Leadership and Ethics
- Technology and Capability
- Joint Warfare.
JMET integrates the professional military education of TOs with the academic program to establish foundational skills and historical, philosophical and technical literacy. The ADFA program of JMET and academic studies encourages curiosity and critical thinking so that TOs understand their role as leaders within the ADF, and their service’s contribution to the Joint Force.
JMET training:
- character, leadership and ethics
- drill and ceremonial
- field craft
- joint warfare
- national security, policy and strategy
- physical training
- technology and capability
- weapons training.
Course: Single Service Training (SST)
Duration: During academic semester breaks
Location: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), ACT
Air Force SST gives you the opportunity to experience life in the Air Force close up. Topics include:
- adventure training
- Air Force heritage
- air power knowledge
- communications
- drill and ceremonial
- ground defence training
- leadership and management
- military justice
- weapon training
- work experience.
Course: Logistics Officer Initial Course
Duration: 45 days
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Richmond, NSW
This course will prepare you for your role as a Logistics Officer and you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform your core role in the ADF environment.
Course modules
- Defence Logistics – How logistics works within Air Force and the broader logistics network of the Australian Defence Force.
- Unit Logistics – Learn the unique logistics support required to operate Air Force Units.
- Information and Data Management – how to source, interpret and deliver the right information to solve complex logistical challenges.
- Governance and Assurance: Defence manages Billions of dollars of inventory and public funds and Logistics Managers play an integral role in maintaining an accurate record of assets and finances. You'll learn how to oversee and report on the governance and assurance of millions of dollars of equipment and funding.
- Aviation and Weapons Sustainment – How Logistics Officers manage complex, global supply chains to ensure Aircraft and weapon systems have what they need.
- Operational Logistics – How to be a Logistics Officer within a deployed environment. Topics include operational logistics planning, providing logistics support to operations and expeditionary logistics.
You’ll also have an opportunity to meet and seek first-hand advice from fellow Logistics Officers.
Many Logistics positions are of a specialist nature. To prepare you, the Air Force will provide appropriate training in areas such as explosives, catering, movements and transportation and dangerous goods handling, project and integrated logistics support management and joint logistics operations. In addition, enhancement courses are available at later stages of your job, and attendance at professional seminars and conferences is both encouraged and supported.
Postgraduate education
As an Officer, you’ll be encouraged to continue your professional development by accessing Defence-funded study options. The Logistics Professional Development Program (LPDP) provides you with professional development opportunities via logistics or business-related formal education. The program allows you to develop and broaden your logistics knowledge, and to keep abreast of continuing changes within the industry.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You’ll need to have either completed Year 12 with passes in English and 3 other board accredited academic subjects (or be in your final year and on track to pass them all) and/or have a tertiary qualification in a relevant field (AQF7 or higher).
Relevant fields
- Arts and Humanities
- Business, Commerce, Economics, Marketing and Management
- Communications and Media Studies
- Information Technology and Information Systems
- Data Analytics & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Science, Applied Science and Technology
- Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
- Education and Training.
Regardless of either education requirements, you’ll need to demonstrate how your collective experience to date will make you an effective Logistics Officer, provide value to the Military Logistics profession and make you a competitive candidate.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you will undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Logistics Officer Initial Course
Duration: 45 days
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Richmond, NSW
Course description:
This course will prepare you for your role as a Logistics Officer and you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform your core role in the ADF environment.
Course modules:
- Defence Logistics – How logistics works within Air Force and the broader logistics network of the Australian Defence Force.
- Unit Logistics – Learn the unique logistics support required to operate Air Force Units.
- Information and Data Management – how to source, interpret and deliver the right information to solve complex logistical challenges.
- Governance and Assurance: Defence manages Billions of dollars of inventory and public funds and Logistics Managers play an integral role in maintaining an accurate record of assets and finances. You'll learn how to oversee and report on the governance and assurance of millions of dollars of equipment and funding.
- Aviation and Weapons Sustainment – How Logistics Officers manage complex, global supply chains to ensure Aircraft and weapon systems have what they need.
- Operational Logistics – How to be a Logistics Officer within a deployed environment. Topics include operational logistics planning, providing logistics support to operations and expeditionary logistics.
You’ll also have an opportunity to meet and seek first-hand advice from fellow Logistics Officers.
Many Logistics positions are of a specialist nature. To prepare you, the Air Force will provide appropriate training in areas such as explosives, catering, movements and transportation and dangerous goods handling, project and integrated logistics support management and joint logistics operations. In addition, enhancement courses are available at later stages of your job, and attendance at professional seminars and conferences is both encouraged and supported.
Postgraduate education
As an Officer, you’ll be encouraged to continue your professional development by accessing Defence-funded study options. The Logistics Professional Development Program (LPDP) provides you with professional development opportunities via logistics or business-related formal education. The program allows you to develop and broaden your logistics knowledge, and to keep abreast of continuing changes within the industry.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 60 years, less the Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS).
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
With Defence University Sponsorship (DUS), you won’t incur a HELP or HECS-HELP debt as the Air Force will cover the cost of your course up to the Commonwealth Supported Place amount. This may also cover any necessary equipment and education materials.
You can apply for DUS at any point during your degree (so long as you have an offer of placement from an Australian university for a degree that meets Air Force requirements), however, you’ll only have your study sponsored from your date of appointment into the Air Force.
If you’re in high school, it's best to apply in your final year of school, to maximise your sponsorship time. If you join after having started your degree, you are ineligible to have your degree back paid. If you’re out of high school, you should apply as early as you can so you can maximise the benefits of your sponsorship.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS). Once you've graduated, your IMPS full-time service will be your number of years of university sponsorship plus one year (minimum of 3 years' service). Subsequent periods of service or open-ended appointment may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. There is a one-year grace period from appointment where you may resign, without any obligation. Sponsored study of less than 2 years only has a grace period of 3-months. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Undergraduate Familiarisation Course
Duration: 1 week
Location: Officers' Training School (OTS) RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
During your first year of sponsorship, you'll attend a one-week Familiarisation Course at RAAF Base East Sale, Vic. This will introduce you to basic military protocols and procedures.
Following graduation, you’ll undertake the Initial Officer Course of 12 weeks duration. This is a live-in course completed at RAAF Base East Sale.
Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic
Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.
Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.
Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you will apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.
You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you have learnt. Upon graduation, you'll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.
Course: Logistics Officer Initial Course
Duration: 7 weeks
Location: RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training (RAAFSALT), RAAF Base Richmond, NSW
This course will prepare you for your role as a Logistics Officer and you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to perform your core role in the ADF environment.
Course modules
- Logistics in Defence - The role of a Logistics Officer in the Air Force and the wider Australian Defence Organisation, including an overview of Logistics organisations and relevant organisational structures.
- Inventory and Account Management - An introduction to Defence materiel, inventory management, stores accounting, corporate governance, logistics information systems and capability support arrangements.
- Finance and Procurement - Introduces the budgetary process, funds control and financial planning, allocations and accounting, resource management, contract management and simple procurement.
- Warehousing and Distribution - Describes basic warehousing, stock management, safety management and distribution principles.
- Operational logistics - How to be a Logistics Officer within a deployed environment. Topics include operational logistics planning, providing logistics support to operations and expeditionary logistics.
The course also includes a road trip component where you’ll get the chance to hear from the organisations which you’ll learn about on course. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet and seek first-hand advice from fellow Logistics Officers.
Many logistics positions are of a specialist nature. To prepare you, the Air Force will provide appropriate training, usually conducted at Air Force schools in different locations. Courses are provided in explosives, catering, movements and transportation and dangerous goods handling, project and integrated logistics support management and joint logistics operations. In addition, enhancement courses are available at later stages of your job, and attendance at professional seminars and conferences is both encouraged and supported. As you progress in rank (Flight Lieutenant and beyond), your duties, training and job development will tend to place a greater emphasis on logistics functions rather than purely supply aspects.
Postgraduate Education
As an Officer, you’ll be encouraged to continue your professional development. The Logistics Professional Development Program (LPDP) provides you with professional development opportunities via logistics or business-related formal education. The program allows you to develop and broaden your logistics knowledge, and to also keep abreast of continuing changes within the industry.