SSO Engineer (ADF)

[13Beast]

Hi everyone,

I posted this in one of the other sub-forums, but didn't get any replies, so figured I should post here in the military section. Perhaps it's more appropriate. :D

I am looking at studying Mechanical Engineering at a civilian university here in Australia, and hopefully qualifying for an undergraduate sponsorship from the ADF after my first year. I'm very interested in getting into an Aeronautical position with the Australian Army (working on choppers) or perhaps a similar role with the RAN/RAAF (choppers with the RAN, fixed wing with the RAAF). I also haven't ruled out a general M.Engineering role within the Army, or perhaps even a Marine Engineering role with the RAN, although these would be distant 2nd or 3rd choices, behind working within aviation in the ADF.

My one concern is that I am 32 years old, and can't see myself hitting university to start my degree until approximately 34 or 35 years old, which would then have me graduating at approximately 38-40 years old give or take.

I am currently in Japan and working quite a good sales job and putting savings away to help fund my endeavours at university when I return. I'd like to develop on my (brief so far) experience working in sales, as that should help a future life as an engineer as a civilian post-military, and may also enhance my attractiveness to the ADF as well. I will also need to budget 6-12 months to complete pre-requisite advanced maths and science units to qualify for Engineering at Uni (and a life as an SSO Engineering officer in the ADF).

My one burning question is; do I have a snowball's chance of actually getting an undergrad SSO sponsorship and later recruitment into the ADF at such an advanced age? Of course the general recruiting webpages state that people can be accepted well into their 50's, but I am curious as to the REAL hiring policy that takes place, and as to if I should re-adjust my plans accordingly.

If there are any current or former ADF Aeronautical/Mechanical/Marine Engineers, then I'd love to hear any advice you may have for me.

Much obliged,
David

[Arm out the window]

As you may already be well aware, and apologies if so, engineering officers in the RAAF (and in similar roles in the other two services) are far more at the man management end of the spectrum rather than actually working on aircraft. The vibe I get from your post is that you're thinking of getting your hands dirty rather than supervising those who do, is that right?

Anyhow, the squadron ENGO job is basically about organising and reporting on the maintenance system, being the liaison between the workshop and the rest of the organisation etc. SNCOs do the hangar floor supervisor job and some of the spanner swinging, then CPL and below do most of the hands on stuff.

Aeronautical engineers at places like ARDU could expect to do some real engineering, eg designing mods and so on, but as I say, your squadron ENGO doesn't do a lot of real engineering.

a future life as an engineer as a civilian post-military

If by this you mean LAME qualifications, you'd need the hands on experience, ie the other ranks path. Serving as an SSO would set you up with some management experience for the resume but not the technical quals.

I worked as a breaker rather than a fixer, so apologies for any rash generalisations, but my mates who were ENGOs certainly often bemoaned the fact that they spent all their time signing leave apps and doing paperwork rather than putting their uni qualifications to use.

[13Beast]

Cheers for the feedback. When I mentioned an engineering career post-military, I wasn't necessarily referring to just a 'hands on' role. I am curious as to if the team/project management experience in an ADF SSO Eng role will relate to good chances at continuing that in the civilian sector? Or are they left in limbo post-military as hamstrung engineers with no LAME quals/hands on tech experience that will actually prevent them from most civvy Eng jobs?

[Arm out the window]

Sorry I can't give you any info on that score; with luck some serving or ex-ENGOs will be able to enlighten us. Good luck with it, anyway.