Airborne Electronics Analyst selection (RAAF)
I'm not an AEA, so I can't really give you any 'inside' professional advice specific to the mustering, except to suggest the following jot points:
1. Know everything about the training involved in becoming an AEA - from 1RTU, right through to 'check to line' at the SQN.
2. Have a solid understanding of the RAAF Leadership 'model' and what is expected of you as a SNCO. Remember, in the 'eyes' of the RAAF - you are a SNCO first and an aircrewman (AEA) second.
3. Know what each sensor station does and how you will progress through each 'station' (e.g. acoustic, radar, etc).
4. Have a basic idea of radar theory (from a strong physics perspective) and how it applies to the sensor suite on the AP-3C. I believe the AP-3C uses the ELTA 2022 radar. I'd read up on it !
5. How does the FLIR operate onboard the aircraft ? (Star Saphire III)
6. Understand clearly, crew interoperability on board the aircraft. Know who is who and what their respective functions are (e.g. ACO/TACCO; ACO/COMM's; etc)
7. How does the AP-3C fit in with the whole Air Battle Space Management concept ?
8. Learn a fair bit about 'Wedgetail' and the functions of this aircraft as an AEW&C platform. What does an AEA do on board the aircraft ?
9. Learn about sonobuoys and how they are deployed ? What function do they serve ?
10. Learn precisely where the RAAF is deployed at the moment and what role/s we're playing ? How does the AP-3C fit into all of this ?
11. Have an idea of the AP-3C's Offensive & Defensive weapons suite. How and when would these be deployed ?
12. Have an understanding of the AP-3C's performance parameters (i.e. speed, endurance, etc)
13. Understand the role of the AP-3C in terms of SAR and border protection commitments.
14. Know what the EEZ is and how it relates to the Continent of Australia.
15. Understand the interoperability Air Force has with external agencies such as 'Customs' (Surveillance Australia); AQIS; DFAT; AeroRescue etc, and how the AP-3C operations relate to them ?
16. Clearly define the differences between 'joint' and 'combined' operations.
17. Have a clear understanding of our relationship with NAVY and other services such as the RNZAF ? Do you know anything about the P-3K ?
18. Know everything there is to know about your NCO training and AEA specialist course.
19. Be prepared to answer some heavy questions relating to mental calculations. You WILL be asked to perform these types of questions under pressure. You can expect these will be similar to Speed/Distance/Time calculations. Understand the concept of Knots (KTS) and how that relates to nautical miles / minute ? Know how to divide by the number '6' very quickly - as this is the factor used to work out rates of change etc. This is an area where many candidates' fail the interview process.
20. You will be given leadership scenarios to perform both individually and in a group dynamic. Don't be the 'load mouth' of the group or too over bearing. Just participate and think about your ideas before trying to implement them. Always consult the 'team' and communicate your ideas clearly, so that everyone understands. The worst thing you can do, is sit or stand around and do nothing. Being a 'follower' in team activities will be viewed quite dimly by the board.
21. At 18, it will be very difficult to demonstrate leadership experience. You need to think about what activities you have been involved in over the years, where you have performed a leadership role (e.g. AAFC; Cadets; Team Sports; School Captain; St.Johns Ambulance; etc, etc).
22. The board may ask how you as a 19-20 year old NCO (SGT), would deal with an insubordinate member of the service, who maybe nearly twice your age ? (think about this answer clearly).
23. With the continued influx of Illegal Boat Arrivals into Australian waters - you can expect a few questions about the role and responsibilities of the Australian Govt. in this controversial matter ? What role does the RAAF play in all of this ? (NB: Have an opinion on this issue, but don't be over opinionated ! The board will be looking for answers that have elements of compassion; integrity and commitment to your role in border protection).
24. Know who the Federal members' of parliament are that directly relate to defence, security and border protection ? Know who all the defence chiefs are too !?
25. When entering the interview room, walk in with 'purpose' and address each member of the board as either Sir or Ma'am (if a WOFF or Commissioned Officer) or by their rank in the first instance. Look them in the eye as you speak and move your gaze between each member of the board as you answer a question. Be confident, but not arrogant. Sit up straight in your chair and make certain you wear nothing less than a conservatively tailored suit, tie and polished shoes. Turn off your mobile phone !! Do not have sunglasses resting on top of your head or hanging from a shirt pocket.
26. Never offer the board 'excuses'. If you have been unsuccessful or under achieved in certain aspects of your life, then use this as a positive to describe what you learnt from that experience and how you have or can improve.
27. Don't ever try and spin bull crap to the board. They can detect a liar from a mile away !
28. If you don't know the answer to a question - then say so. Don't try to muddle your way through with rubbish. The best answer you can give, if you get stuck - is something along these lines: "Sorry Sir, I don't know the answer to that question. However, I am prepared to go away and research the topic and present you with an answer at a later stage." OR "Sorry Ma'am, I did research that topic and I do know the subject matter, but the answer escapes me for the moment."
There is so much more I could write here (ad nauseum), but at the end of the day; you really should know all of this by now (and, I sincerely hope that you do ?). Finishing your HSC and being too busy is no excuse - don't use it with the board ! Guys I know have done their HSC and gone directly onto flight screening for pilot course the following week (and passed !).
If I were you, I would make every effort to call 292SQN again ASAP ! Don't hound them, but be polite and describe your situation in clear terms. If this is unsuccessful, then I suggest you try calling either 10 or 11SQN.
If you had have posted earlier, I might have been able to set you up with an AEA.
Anyway, I hope this helps and I wish you all the very best success with your endeavours.