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defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/InfantryOfficer
Document generated on Monday, 1 February 2016 at 3:16:06 PM

Infantry Officer
Infantry Officers command elite soldiers in challenging, diverse and sometimes very remote
environments. Your team will depend on you, as you will on them, and your role will be essential to
the operations of the Army. This is a highly sought after role and best suited to those that have high
standards of mental and physical toughness.

Job Details
The role of Infantry is to seek out and close with the enemy, to kill or capture him, to seize and hold
ground and to repel attack, by day or night, regardless of season, weather or terrain. As this role
implies, Infantry is the major combat element of the Army.
This role demands high standards of mental and physical toughness, esprit de corps, battle craft and
determination from soldiers, and doubly so from officers who are expected to lead from the front.

Entry
The Army Reserve General Service Officer First Appointment Course (ARes GSO FAC) focuses on
instilling Armys values (courage, initiative, respect and teamwork) in a similar fashion to soldier basic
training and then providing junior officer candidates with the leadership, management, operational
skills and knowledge required of a junior officer to command a platoon.
During training candidates will learn and be assessed on weapons, basic unarmed self defence,
fieldcraft, leadership, administration and management and lots more.
Training is conducted through a combination of non-continuous training (self-paced workbooks,
parade nights and weekends) with local Army Reserve University Regiments and residential continuous
training (Training Blocks1 to 5) at centres of expertise throughout Australia, culminating with
completion of the last module at the Royal Military College Duntroon (RMC).
RMC is an elite officer training college with an enviable international reputation. It has been in
existence since 1911. Like West Point in the United States and the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst,
in the United Kingdom, RMC is renowned for providing one of the best standards of leadership and
management education in the world.
Graduates receive a Queen's Commission upon successful completion of all ARes GSO FAC training
blocks, and are able to say that they have achieved a prestigious and prized commission from one of
the world's premiere military leadership colleges.
Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves
Support Council website.
The Council promotes the benefits of Reserve service by establishing partnerships with the community
and employers.

Pay & Allowances

While undergoing Initial Officer Training trainees receive $97.52 a day.

Members of the Reserve on part-time service are paid at a daily rate of pay which is tax-free. Daily
rates of pay for commissioned Reserve Force Officers commence at $138.36.
In addition to your salary, a Reserve Allowance of $27.09 per day is payable to compensate for the
unique demands of Reserve Service.
Your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed
in that rank. Your pay grade may increase following the acquisition of additional skills and completion
of further training. Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
Note: A higher salary may be granted in recognition of relevant work experience. This will be
discussed at the Officer Selection Board.

General Requirements

Age Requirement
Applicants must be aged between 17 and 58 years of age inclusive on entry.
Applicants will not normally be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of
age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of
age, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting centre.
Candidates whose age exceeds the age guidelines may still be considered for appointment, providing
they have special skills or training that is of value to the Army.

Citizenship Requirement
Only Australian citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the
citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who
meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be
required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.
More information on citizenship requirements and the citizenship waiver process is available from the
Recruitment Centre and your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Security Requirement
The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to obtain a security clearance appropriate to their
avenue of entry.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews
enables the Regional Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a
security clearance.
Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the
preceding 10 years, or have a checkable background for this period.

Aptitude Requirement

The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of
aptitude tests including verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may
also require you to complete additional testing at a later date.
Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.
The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular
jobs. Defence Force Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that best match your abilities.
Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.

Gender Restriction
Consistent with an exemption provided for Defence under the Commonwealth Anti-Discrimination Act,
women may not be employed in direct combat roles.
The Direct Combat exclusion applies to all Armour, Artillery, Infantry and Combat Engineer Squadrons
and precludes women from being employed in direct combat roles within these units. However, female
personnel are capable of serving within Direct Combat Units (except Combat Engineer Squadrons) in
combat support positions.
Note: This role will be opened to women entering the Army from January 2016.

Education & Experience

You must have completed Year 12 with passes in English and three other subjects. Or you may be in
your final year and expect to reach these levels. (South Australian officer applicants may achieve a
pass at Year 11 English and a pass in a language rich subject at Year 12 and three other subjects);
Or
If you do not satisfy the education requirements or do not possess evidence of your educational
attainment there is an alternative pathway available to you.
You may be eligible to sit an Alternative Education Equivalency (AEE) Assessment to ascertain your
ability at the required educational level for this employment category. However, you should be 21
years of age at the time of assessment and be able to demonstrate relevant work or life experience
skills that will facilitate completion of your Employment Training.
Further information is available here.
A tertiary qualification is not required to be an effective junior officer, however officers without
degrees will be encouraged to complete a degree later in their career.

Medical & Fitness Requirements

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen
occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your
medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness test before enlistment.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer toPhysical Fitness Standards
for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

 ADFA
Reserve

Period of Service
All candidates who are appointed or enlisted into the Army Reserve may undertake volunteer service
until the age of 65 (Compulsory Retiring Age) subject to the requirements of the Army and suitability
for further service. Members may transfer out of theactiveArmy Reserve at any time.

Military Training
ARMY RESERVE GENERAL SERVICE OFFICER - FIRST APPOINTMENT COURSE
(ARes GSO FAC):
The ARes GSO FAC focuses on instilling Armys values (Courage, Initiative, Respect and Teamwork) in
a similar fashion to soldier basic training and then providing junior officer candidates with the
leadership, management, operational skills and knowledge required of a junior officer to command a
platoon.
During training, candidates will learn and be assessed on weapons,fieldcraft, leadership, tactics,
administration and management and lots more.
Location and Duration of Training:
Training is conducted through a combination of non-continuous training (self-paced workbooks,
parade nights and weekends) with local Army Reserve University Regiments and residential continuous
training (Training Blocks1 to 5) at centres of expertise throughout Australia, culminating with
completion of the lasttraining blockat the Royal Military College Duntroon.
The ARes GSO FAC is modularised to allow candidates the flexibility to complete the training around
civilian employment commitments.Training Block 1 is conducted continuously throughout the year at
the ArmyRecruit Training Centre, Kapooka. Training Blocks 2 to 5are conducted twice annually in a
sequence. Ideally, mostcandidates willcompletethe course within 18 months 2 years andare
expected to complete the ARes GSO FAC within a maximum of 3 years. It is possible for a candidate to
complete the ARes GSO FAC within a minimum of 9 - 14 months; however, these are usually
in-Service candidates who been given recognition of prior learning.
The ARes GSO FAChas five (5) training blocks totalling 111 days residential training:
Training Block1 -Military Foundation Skills 35 days duration delivered at the Army Recruit
Training Centre, Kapooka (Wagga Wagga, NSW) is actually the Reserve Recruit Training Course.
Qualified soldiers who are selected to be officers may be granted recognition of this training and
commence the ARes GSO FAC at Training Block 2. Likewise any officer candidate who does not wish
to continue officer training is able to become a soldier on completion of this training block. This
training block is conducted throughout the year.
Training Block2 - Small Military Team Leader Theory is 16 days duration and is conducted in
the January to February andJune to Julyperiods by Sydney University Regiment at Singleton, NSW.
This training block builds on the skills introduced at Recruit Training and provides Officer Candidates
with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to operate as part of a section.
Training Block3 -Small Military Team Leader - 16 days duration conducted in the January to
February andJune to Julyperiods by Sydney University Regiment at Singleton, NSW. This training
block provides Officer Cadets with the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to command at section
level. This training block is also your first step along the way to learning the leadership and
management skills that you will need to successfully command soldiers in the Australian Army. This
training block also gives qualifications in the conduct of military live fire weapons range practices.
Training Block4 -Command, Leadership and Management 16 days duration conducted in
the January to February andJune to Julyperiods by Sydney University Regiment at Singleton, NSW.
This training block provides Officer Cadets with the theoretical knowledge required for the conduct of
platoon level operations and introduces Officer Cadets to command at platoon level.
Training Block5 -All Corps Army Reserve Platoon Commander 28 days duration conducted
in January and Julyby External Training Wing RMC Duntroon at Majura (near Canberra), ACT. This
training block provides Officer Cadets with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to command at platoon

level and confirms you have all attributes, skills and values to become an officer in the Australian
Army. It also confirms that you have the leadership, management, operational skills and knowledge
required of a junior officer to command a platoon on likely Army Reserve operations. On the
successful completion of Training Block 5 you will be commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Australian
Army Reserve.
Training in Your Unit
In between doing the residential training blocks you will undertake training and assesment and
consolidate your skills in your University Regiment. You will be expected to attend parade nights and
weekends organised by your parent Army Reserve University Regiment. Your unit will look after all
your administration for attending the ARes GSO FAC training blocks. The training staff will help you
prepare for the residential training blocks, revise the skills you learn as well as provide instruction and
assessment on military skills like fieldcraft, drill, training, military justice and writing and oral
communication. There are also some additional requirements for training which can be obtained
through external organisations. These requirements will be explained to you by unit training staff.

Employment Training
Royal Australian InfantryRegimental Officer Basic Course (ROBC)
The aim of the ROBC is to qualify newly commissioned LT in the Corps requirements for command of
a Rifle Platoon.
The course is undertaken residentially at the School of Infantry, Lone Pine Barracks Singleton, NSW.
Thefirst two modules are each of 16 days duration.
Module one prepares the trainee for offensive operations and includes patrolling, platoon attacks, the
advance and ambushing. This module is conducted in November / December each year.
Module two is the defensive operations phase which focuses on the withdrawal, vital asset protection,
vehicle check points and the platoon in defence. This module is conducted mid year.
Modulethree is completed as on the job training as a platoon commander within the unit.
Platoon commanders will also complete the 4 week ADF Range Qualification Course at the School of
Infantry. This course will equip new officers with the skills and knowledge required to supervise
infantry field-firing exercises. Components of the ADF Range Qualification Course may be completed
within ARes units, therefore reducing the time required to spend at the School of Infantry.

Employment Location
The Royal Australian Infantry is organised into Reserve (Part-time) units in the following regions:
QLD
11 Brigade, 31/42 RQR with depots located at Townsville, Rockhampton, Cairns, Mackay, Ayrand
Charters Towers.
25/49 RQR with depots located at Greenbank, Toowoomba, Warwick, Wondai, Bramston,
Stanthorpe, Dalby, Gatton and Roma.
9 RQR with depots located at Enoggera, Maryborough, Bunbaberg, Loganlea, Gympie, Caboolture and
Yandina.
42 RQR with depots located at Mackay, Gladstone and Rockhampton.
NSW
5 Brigade, 4/3 RNSWR with depots located at Holsworthy, Sutherland, Wollongong, Canberra and a
Platoon at Parramatta.
1/19 RNSWR with depots located at Orange, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Leeton, Marrangaroo
and Parkes.

8 Brigade, 2/17 RNSWR with depots located at Pymble, Blacktown, Rockdale, Erina, Adamstown Newcastle.
41 RNSWR with depots located at Lismore, Tweed Heads, Casino, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Kempsey,
Port Macquarie and Taree.
VIC
1 Commando Regiment with an infantry company located in the historic Fort Gellibrand at
Williamstown.
4 Brigade, 5/6 RVR with depots located at Hawthorn, Moonee Ponds, Sunshine, Surrey Hills,
Sandringham and Macleod.
8/7 RVR with depots located at Ballarat, Newtown, Laverton, Bendigo, Warrnambool, Mildura,
Shepparton and Swan Hill.
SA/TAS
9 Brigade, 10/27 RSAR with depots located at Adelaide, Berri, Broken Hill, Kadina Mt, Gambier, Port
Augusta, Port Pirie, Whyalla and Port Noarlunga.
12/40 RTR with depots located at Hobart, Launceston and Warrane.
WA
13 Brigade, 11/28 RWAR with depots located at Perth, Rockingham, Kattaning, Albany, and
Bunbury.
16 RWAR with depots located at Perth, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton.
The Infantry Corps also includes Regional Force Surveillance Units (RFSU) and Special Forces (SF).
RFSU
NT: NORFORCE, with depots located at Darwin, Nhulunbuy, Alice Springs and Broome.
QLD: 51 FNQR with depots located at Cairns, Weipa, Thursday Island and Mt.Isa.
WA:The Pilbara Regiment with depots located at Tom Price, Port Hedland, Karratha, Newman.
The RFSU operate in the north of Australia, with their Headquarters and out stations spread from
Karratha in the Pilbara Region of WA, through the top end of the NT and across to Cairns and the
Cape York Peninsula.
In addition to2Commando Regiment, the SF group includes the Special Air Service Regiment based in
Perth WAand 1CommandoRegiment with itsheadquarters and one company based in Sydney with
another company located in Melbourne.

National Qualifications
It is proposed that graduates of the Army Reserve First Appointment Course will be eligible for
Certificate IV in Military Leadership, as issued by the Australian Army as a Registered Training
Organisation (0050).

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