Drone Operator
As a Drone Operator, you’ll remotely pilot an Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) to locate targets, track threats and gather information to support Army missions. The support you provide will keep troops on the ground informed with threat locations, accurate targeting details and battle damage assessments. You’ll need solid technical know-how, and be capable of maintaining state-of-the-art communications equipment and vehicles.
What you'll do
You’ll learn how to pilot the latest Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), identify threats, and operate sophisticated surveillance and targeting instruments. As the Army’s eyes on the battlefield, you’ll provide information to troops and command that will have a real impact on missions.
Working day or night as part of a dedicated team, you’ll operate high-tech surveillance and targeting instruments while also controlling the aircraft in flight. It’s an important role, and one that can be mentally and physically demanding. To succeed, you’ll need to be a team player who brings excellent problem solving, communication and technical skills to the role.
Your duties may include:
- operating Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) to observe the battle space
- gathering vital information to enable tactical decision making
- observing meteorological data that could affect UAS in flight
- liaising with air traffic control to maintain safe flying conditions
- assisting with flight planning and briefings
- controlling UAS in airspace with other crewed and uncrewed aircraft
- operating individual and team combat weapons
- assisting in the defence of ground troops
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, navigation, and camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training will strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
Following training, you’ll be employed within the 20th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery located at Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Qld near Brisbane, you may have opportunities to work around Australia and abroad.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
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 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 56 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
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): 45
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 45
- Push-ups: 15
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
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 enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 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.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Combat Communications Courses
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: School of Artillery, Puckapunyal, Vic
Course: RAA Common Induction Training
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: School of Artillery, Puckapunyal, Vic
Course: Defence Remote Pilot Licence Course
Duration: 1 week
Location: School of Artillery, Puckapunyal, Vic
Course: Operator UAS Modules 1 & 2
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: School of Artillery, Puckapunyal, Vic & Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Qld
Course: Tactical UAS Course
Duration: 17 weeks
Location: School of Artillery, Puckapunyal, Vic & Gallipoli Barracks, Enoggera, Qld