As Mission Support Groundcrew, (known as Aviation Operations Specialist in the Army), you will be part of the Australian Army Aviation (AAAvn) Corps which is a key element in providing the Army with its mobility and dedicated aerial reconnaissance. AAAvn provides mobility for soldiers and equipment in the battle zone, as well as conducting specialist armed reconnaissance, firepower support, surveillance, in a combined, joint or interagency environment.
AAAvn is also involved in providing, casualty evacuation, mobility for commanders and an airborne command and control capability. Army Aviation play an important role in humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions both in domestically and overseas.
Army Aviation currently operate four types of helicopter – theCH-47F Chinook, ARH Tiger, MRH-90 Utility and AW139 Commercial Helicopter. In future, the UH-60M Blackhawk and AH-64E Apache will be introduced alongside a Light Army Fixed Wing Capability.
As Mission Support Groundcrew you will play an integral role in Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare including facilities in support of Army aircraft operations.
As a Mission Support Groundcrew you will learn the skills required to prepare, deploy and operate in a number of Command Post roles:
1. Aviation Task Group
2. Aviation Tactical Operations Cell (TOC)
3. Radio retransmission detachment
4. Humanitarian Aid and or disaster relief mission
5. Short notice single Command Post deployment
The skills and tasks you will learn to complete include:
6. Prepare, configure and operate Combat Radio Systems (CRS), Aviation Mission Systems (AMS), field power generators, cryptographic equipment
7. Establish and maintain communications on radio systems, satellite communications, tactical data networks
8. Establish and maintain local area networks and gateways
9. Establish and maintain flight following procedures in support of aircraft operations and activate Search and Rescue (SAR) elements
10. Perform the duties of an aviation operations cell operator including: Compilation and dispatch of aviation reports, aircrew briefing packs, Intelligence Summaries (INTSUM)Management and security of flight authorisationsMaintenance flight following boards and task trackers, and updating of flying programs and electronic task filesReceipt and processing of correspondenceData transfer of battlespace informationEnsuring integrity of aeronautical productsCompilation and update of hardcopy and electronic battle mapsCompile and deliver Situation, Current Operations and Weather briefsLoad cryptographic encryption, Precision GPS codes to Army aircraftDrive, operate and maintain vehicles including night driving procedures, camouflaging and concealing vehicles and equipment, and using night fighting equipmentSet-up and operate within Aviation command posts (CP) including performing ground to air communications with Army AircraftUtilise basic soldiering skills to provide for the defence and security of aviation units Perform ground navigation (vehicle mounted and dismounted)Interpret and input military tactical symbology onto digital and hard copy battle maps
In-Service Information
This role is known as Aviation Operations Specialist within the Army.
Employment Category Number (ECN): 165
Employment Category: Combat Support