Airborne Electronics Analyst selection (RAAF)

[allahstare]

I was just wondering if I could get any info regarding my application for RAAF AEA. Unfortunately there is little info online (i have looked at defence jobs) that is of use. I have a board in Adelaide in a few days time - any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

cheers,
AM

[Aussie_Aviator]

Firstly, I must state that you've left your 'run' a bit late ! You have a selection board sitting in a few days and you're only just preparing for it now ?

I'm not trying to state the bleeding obvious; but you should have had everything researched and 'down pat' well before now. Relying upon the internet to conduct your interview research at the last minute, is really just poor form. The Board will pick up on ill prepared candidates' in an instant ! :ugh:

My suggestion to you is this: telephone the 292SQN Orderly Room first thing tomorrow and explain that you are preparing to go to Board for AEA and wish to speak with an AEA student (assuming there's a course running at the moment ?). They will have a protocol for doing these things ... but, essentially it can happen. If there are no students' available, then ask if you might be able to speak with an Instructor ?

I wish you luck and truly hope someone can provide you with last minute answers !

[allahstare]

Yes, most of the study for it has been completed already, its just i wouldn't mind getting some suggestions or tips for board. I also finished year 12 exams less than a week ago so ive been pretty busy! I was hoping for some tips here to maybe give me a bit of an 'edge'. Unfortunately none of my calls and messages to 292 SQN have been either answered or returned :uhoh:

thanks anyway,
AM

[green granite]

You could try reading this. EW 101: A First Course in Electronic Warfare Radar Library: Amazon.co.uk: David L. Adamy: Books (http://www.amazon.co.uk/EW-101-Electronic-Warfare-Library/dp/1580531695/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1291034738&sr=1-2)

[Aussie_Aviator]

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.

[Siggie]

AA :D:D:D:D

[allahstare]

thank you! this does help a lot, and helps to highlight a few areas i might need to work on before board. On the whole i think im almost set.

thank you again,

AM

[revised_estimate]

How did you get on with your board interview ?

[Sand4Gold]

A excellent post/reply AA - some very good advice for any budding aviator.

[allahstare]

The board went alright on the whole. here's a few things i would recommend to anyone going for board:
1) know why you want to become an AEA, and why you want to join the RAAF.

2) know that you could be sent to a war zone and may have to take a human life - understand under what circumstances you may be required to do this.

3) make sure you have a thorough understanding of all the equipment on board the aircraft, the roles of the AP-3C and the wedgetail (as well as what each crew member does) and where you could be deployed (and for what period of time)

4) MENTAL ARITHMETIC! to my surprise this section took up about a third of the actual interview, so practice! some of the questions i was asked included
"if a ship travels 3kms in 9 mins, how far will it travel in 45 mins?" and;

"A four engined aircraft uses 4200 pounds of fuel in 1 hour, how much does one engine use in 20 mins?"
also brush up on your time tables - you will need to answer questions like "17x9" ie - break it down into parts (10x9 plus 7x9) = 153

My advice is to write down a list of questions like these and get some one to sit down and ask you them - so you get used to answering them under pressure. In the interview you will need to explain what your doing as you work out the answer. also get them to ask you questions like "why do you want to join the RAAF" and "what does an AEA do on a day too day basis?"

Overall you just need to be confident with every answer you give.

If you have any questions just ask.

[K. Napier]

Hi,
First off im new to this forum thing but this seems way relevant so;
In regards to AEA can anyone tell me what the combat survival course entails aside from the obvious? The defence jobs website doesnt help a whole lot in that respect, also has much changed since the last post as far as joining is concerned? And what is the mysterious 'additional testing' thats required involve exactly?

Also can i do this if ive only done yr12 general maths? The guy in the video on the defence jobs website said only yr 11 passes were needed. Im asking because like 80% of all defence jobs need that stupid horribly difficult 2 unit advanced maths subject.

Also, could i in theory take up a uni degree while doing the job? and would defence help me with that?,
Thank you,
K. Napier
P.S. im in yr 12 and have already done a 'you' session and scored AEA on doing the aptitude test, their advice was to come back at the end of the hsc (late 2011- early 2012)

[Rossian]

...I was a long time instructor on a not dissimilar aircraft. I would imagine that most of Aussie Aviator's points are the core of basic training/OCU/OTU - all valid though they are.

The points raised by Allahstare, post his interviews, are the really valid points for others. Mental arithmetic is a much maligned skill these days, but vital for aviators for when the tac system crashes and you haven't a calculator to hand.
Verbal communication is another vital skill which does get a fair amount of attention in schools nowadays but less so outside. Having listened some dire briefings I can attest to the fact that communicating ideas WITHOUT powerpoint is a good skill to have.

Anyhoo Allahstare - did you get in?

The Ancient Mariner

[Charlie Luncher]

Naps
The ADF supports tertiary education through Defence Assited Study Scheme(DASS) at varying levels including fulltime degrees studied at ADFA, leave the webcam at home though:E.
Mathematics are important from planning missions, conducting them, making sure you have enough doughnuts/muffins to last the sortie:ok:.
For example Siggie is on your crew and you have a 10hr ASUW sortie how many muffins do you need?
Your answer ...........:ooh:
Charlie sends

[herkman]

Based upon my experience as a Loadmaster, you would need lots.

Ten hours listening to four T56 running will surely make you hungry,

Ah to kick the tyres and light the fires once more, would be good though.

regards

Col

[K. Napier]

Hi all, Thank you for contributing but....Could i perhaps get a reply that answers my questions? please?:hmm:

[aussiepilot]

Comsurv is a three week course held in Townsville and the surrounding areas. It covers the three phases of Sea/coast, arid and jungle. You will be taught how to survive in these environments in peace and wartime (escape & evasion) scenarios. Expect lots of running up Castle Hill and not much food.

As Charlie Luncher mentioned above, the Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) allows you to get a degree at government expense. This is done through Open Uni as a distance education course. I believe there are other opportunites to do full time tertiary study, but I don't know the details. You can apply for DASS once you're in, and you probably won't have the spare time for the first few years.

I can't help you with your questions about the maths courses or the specialised testing, perhaps a phone call to recruiting would give you a straight answer.

Good luck.

ap

[K. Napier]

Hi, Thank you, so when u said running up castle hill do u mean running at full speed or moving quickly cause the gradient on that thing is bit intenese in places.:sad:
Would you be able to also provide an example of the jungle, arid,sea/coast scenarios/training that would occur?
TQ
K. Napier

[aussiepilot]

I wouldn't be too worried about Castle Hill, you'll have been put through your paces at rookies well before you get there. It will be running and the gradient changes since a few different routes are used.
As to the phases, sea/coast involves a night in a life raft and then a few days on the beach on one of the nearby islands.
Not sure what else can be said about arid and jungle.

ap

[K. Napier]

Hi thank you for replying how do you about the details of the training? are you a serving member of the raaf/adf? Which branch and job?

[Veej]

Hi Everyone,

I am new here. I just passed my YOU session ADF. I am going for AEA in RAAF.
I have a special 45 minute test in two weeks. I was wondering if any of you have sat this test before.The case managers told me its General Maths and english. But they why its a special test. Does anyone know what they ask in general maths. Is their lot of trig questions or physics ..? any help will be appreciated.

veej

[Around The Traps]

Hi all,

I've just completed the You session and have been offered to apply for AEA which was my No.1 preference. I was wondering if anyone would be able to point me in the right direction in regards to current information about the interview.

I'm currently living in Adelaide and have been in the civil aviation industry for over 10years.

I'm happy for people to pm me also if it's easier.

Thank you in advance.

[Poseiden]

Hi all,

I've just completed the You session and have been offered to apply for AEA which was my No.1 preference. I was wondering if anyone would be able to point me in the right direction in regards to current information about the interview.

I'm currently living in Adelaide and have been in the civil aviation industry for over 10years.

I'm happy for people to pm me also if it's easier.

Thank you in advance.


How did you go? Im also going for a AEA career and up to my second testing? Any advice to give to prepare for that?

[thompson111]

How did you go? Im also going for a AEA career and up to my second testing? Any advice to give to prepare for that?


Hey! I have my AEA Board at the end of the month. It's most likely going to be virtual which will be interesting.. Have you done your board yet? I have read the thread above - has anything changed majorly or is it quite similar? Besides the change in aircraft.

Thanks! :)
Meg

[Clar]

Hey Meg,
congrats firstly and all the best for the AEA Board this month, I was just wondering how long it took you from when you did your You session to your invitation to the Board interview?

thanks heaps!
Clar

[thompson111]

Hey Meg,
congrats firstly and all the best for the AEA Board this month, I was just wondering how long it took you from when you did your You session to your invitation to the Board interview?

thanks heaps!
Clar



Hey Clar,

Thank you :) my situation was a little different because I'm a re-enlist, so I didn't have to do my YOU session the 2nd time around. But you have the YOU session, then maybe additional testing?? I didn't have to do that part again either, and then Assessment Day. Once you've passed your assessment day, then you get booked in for an AEA Board after - you'll probably here from them a month or 2 later. They only have a certain amount of boards each year I believe. So I guess it just depends. But my rough guess from YOU sesh to AEA Board would be between 3-8 months. Super rough guide. But just be prepared for anything. They told me about the board 3 weeks before I had it. And I hadn't completed my medical yet, so I wasn't expecting a call yet. So just be on your toes! If you're genuinely interested in the career, then just learn as much as you can about it and be passionate. Know about yourself too. Your why's (why do you want this job/air force, etc) and how you deal with situations/your strengths and weaknesses. Also a tip when telling any interviewer a weakness, is to make sure you are doing something to improve that weakness (eg. I'm introverted and need to work on my communication skills within a group - BUT I'm working on this by attending Toastmasters each week to develop those skills). Weaknesses aren't a problem if they can see that you're doing something to better them. But also, don't go listing off 5 weaknesses ;)

I hope my babbling helps in some way and has answered your question.

Good luck!
Meg