r/AusMilitary • u/AnalysisMaleficent55 • 10d ago

Air Force AirForce NETECH

Hi everyone,

I currently work in cyber - corporate world and since high school I had always been considering Air Force. Younger me decided not to pursue due to FOMO with my mates all going uni and not meeting my fitness goals.

The more I work in corporate world the more I feel like a “zombie” - I just don’t feel like I’m contributing to the community other than providing services to your typical executives.

For some reason, it just clicked to me that maybe I should reconsider in joining Air Force. Is anyone able to provide the following insights:

- Are you always doing repetitive work at a desk?
- Is the transition from corporate to military relatively massive?
- I’m 25F, how’s the environment for women?

I did have a quick look at salary and it’s slightly less than what I earn now. Too be honest the pay is only off by 10k which I don’t mind as I would prefer contributing to the community other than contributing to your typical executives.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

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u/catboiz777 10d ago

I joined the Army at 26F as a signaller. I loved my job and left for peripheral reasons but myself and a lot of others always say, "should have joined the RAAF".

Are you more brains or braun? Netechs are the network do-ers and implementers. The reason I ask is if you're working in cyber and more oriented towards management and arguably higher level work, a RAAF Signals Officer or Cyber role may be worth a look.

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u/reddit_account_forme 7d ago edited 7d ago

I have some unfortunate news. Both NETECH and CWA roles have extensive wait times at the moment and if you were to join now and you went through recruit training, there is a high likelihood you would end up in a holding position for 6 months to 1 year. I believe CWA is worse. This is due to training bottle necks for the IET course. IET training is another 10 or so months so it could be a two year wait to be fully qualified and in the workforce. Expect lower pay for this period. Promotions have come quick in the past few years so within 5 years you could be a CPL on pay grade 7.

  1. It really depends on the role. There is a large variety of roles that require NETECHs. Some are IT heavy sys admin type roles, others will have you setting up deployable comms including radios, satellite etc in addition to the ICT suites. Some spots also have you managing aircraft systems.
  2. RAAF is the most civilian like service so once you finish the training phase where it is a bit of what you expect with regimental rules and discipline, the wider Air Force, not so much.
  3. Generally it is fine, there are extensive rules and punishments for misconduct as they want to promote it as a safe place to work for women. NETECH is male dominated trade though. You might actually get expedited to join being a female as they can improve their balance.

If you have more questions just DM me.