ADF Australia

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Role description:

In the Army Reserve, you can put your photography and video skills to the test, shooting powerful imagery of the Australian Defence Force in action as a part-time imagery specialist. It is a creative, flexible, and dynamic part-time role and a chance to travel the world, full of adventure and camaraderie with a close-knit team that will support you every step of the way.

Flexible around your life, it also offers tax-free pay and opportunities you’ll not have in a regular job.

You will help tell the Army’s story. You’ll do all of this and more during regularly scheduled unit meet-ups to prepare for upcoming shoots, fine-tune your creative skills, and build team spirit.

An important role in telling compelling stories about the ADF. It’s a great opportunity to broaden your skills and experience in a rewarding role.

Your duties include:

Taking professional-quality photos and videos of ADF operations, training exercises, international engagement, and other activities
Quickly processing and uploading your imagery so it can be supplied to meet news media deadlines
Editing short and engaging videos for social media platforms
Providing ADF members and military personnel from other countries with photography and videography training
Providing advice to public affairs officers and commanders about opportunities and requirements for capturing newsworthy imagery.

Training:

With paid training, you’ll gain all the skills to tackle anything this rewarding role throws at you. Plus, you’ll be supported by professional and enthusiastic Army personnel who’ll provide the necessary guidance to ensure you’re prepared. This training and support continue as your career progresses, equipping you with a range of skills that will benefit you, wherever your career takes you.

Additional information

In-Service Information
In the Army, this role is known as: Army Imagery Specialist
Employment Category Number (ECN): 312
Employment Category: Combat Support
Corps: Australian Public Relations Service.

Locations

The Army Reserve has units located all across Australia and offers you the flexibility to serve where you live. There are training locations in cities, small towns, and regional areas. Even if there isn’t a unit close to you, there may be other ways to serve. You’ll have a career coach whom you can ask about your options.

About this entry method

Receive nationally recognised trade training

Join the ADF and use your existing trade skills in a unique military environment.

Who it’s for: Those with a nationally recognized trade seeking to undertake hands-on tasks.

You need to be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF, although permanent resident non-Australian citizens may be eligible to join.

Age

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age, and must be at least 17 to join. For Reserve service, the maximum age to apply is 60 years, with a Compulsory Retirement Age (CRA) of 65. Candidates who wish to enlist in the Reserves beyond the age of 61 years will need further assessment to ensure they can complete all prerequisite training in their chosen field before reaching CRA.

Education and experience

Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education is required, with passes in English and Maths.

CERT IV in Digital Photography (or equivalent/higher) and demonstrate sufficient digital photographic competency through the submission of a digital portfolio demonstrating the breadth of your experience over a wide range of subjects.

You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.

Female

Sit-ups (feet held): 20
Push-ups: 4
Shuttle Run Score: 6.1

Male

Sit-ups (feet held): 20
Push-ups: 8
Shuttle Run Score: 6.1

Security requirements

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information, including background checks and/or interviews, so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of government resources and information. Your careers coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

Military training

Course: Army Reserve Recruit Course
Duration: 3 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW

During training, you’ll take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You’ll be challenged both mentally and physically.

Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course, feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.

You’ll need to complete this course within 6 months of enlisting.

Employment training

Course: ADF Joint Imagery Specialist Course (JISC)
Duration: Approximately 6 months (self-paced)
Location: Online

The training covers:

How to work as an Imagery Specialist with the Army, Navy, and Air Force
How to do your job as an Imagery Specialist safely while working around weapons, military vehicles, and potentially hazardous equipment or situations
How to work as part of an ADF Public Affairs team
The ADF’s imagery policies and procedures
Further training on taking and editing still photos
Training on taking and editing basic videos.

Further training

Further video and also leadership and management courses are available as you progress in your career. These include the Intermediate Video Course (4 weeks) and the Senior Imagery Specialist Course (3 weeks).

Period of service

There is no minimum number of years required in the ADF Reserve as service is voluntary. You can volunteer until the Defence retirement age of 65, subject to the requirements and your suitability for further service.

Reserve service is flexible and can fit around your family, life, and work responsibilities. In your first year, you can choose to serve between a minimum of 21 and up to 100 days, which includes initial Employment and Military Training. After that, you can choose to serve 20 to 100 days each year. On training completion, you can serve from as little as one night a week, one weekend a month, or in consecutive weeks – in a way that suits your lifestyle.

Service Type

Reserve

Entry Methods

General Entry: Technical Reserve

Salary

You’ll be paid to train, and on completion of your Initial Military Training and Initial Employment Training, you’ll earn a tax-free daily rate of at least:

$240 per day

Imagery Specialist ADF (Australia) Full Time