Applications Open For Commander - Australian Air Force Cadets Position

The opportunity exists for a suitably skilled and motivated person to lead and develop one of the premier youth development organisations in Australia for the next three years.

The Royal Australian Air Force administers the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) and is seeking a suitable person to lead the AAFC as Commander-AAFC (CDR-AAFC). The person to fill this role will need to be a dynamic leader with: vision; excellent people skills; a passion for youth development and aviation; and possess an appreciation of the military environment.

We are looking for a dedicated individual to:

  • Develop Australian youth
  • Shape the future of the AAFC
  • Provide inspirational leadership and promote the values of the AAFC
  • Maintain and develop excellence across the organisation especially in aviation, safety and equity

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate: a successful career at line or general management level; inspirational leadership skills; appropriate negotiation and facilitation skills; a consultative leadership approach; and the ability to manage change effectively. Experience as a military officer or AAFC Officer of Cadets is an advantage but is not essential. Safety is a key organisational value of the Air Force and the AAFC. The successful applicant will be expected to understand that safety and the protection of youth is the key responsibility of this leadership role.

The CDR-AAFC is a part-time, volunteer position at Group Captain (AAFC) rank appointed by the Chief of Air Force (CAF). The CDR-AAFC is responsible to the Director General Cadets – Air Force (DGCADETS-AF). Remuneration is based on the Defence Cadet Volunteer Payment allowance. However, the effort and time invested in the role will far outweigh the financial compensation. As with all AAFC uniformed officers and instructors, the true reward is seeing young lives enhanced through a positive cadet experience.

As part of the Australian Defence Force Cadet Program, the mission of the AAFC is to inspire and develop young people in an air and space environment to achieve and maximise their potential to contribute to Australia’s future success. The AAFC is based in every Australian State and Territory with approximately 7,300 young Australians (aged between 13 and 18 years) and approximately 1,650 adult volunteers.

The appointment of CDR-AAFC will be for three years commencing on 13 December 2022 with an option for a further two years at the discretion of the CAF.

If you are an Australian citizen and have the passion and time to devote to a rewarding part-time volunteer organisation, this is an opportunity worth consideration. All appointments are subject to the applicant obtaining the relevant ‘Working with Children’ and police checks.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss the requirements and rewards of the position with the DGCADETS-AF, Air Commodore Craig Heap, Tel: (02) 5109 8821, before submitting an application. Selection criteria are available at: https://www.airforcecadets.gov.au/cdr-aafc-selection-criteria. Applications close at 2359 hrs AEST on Sunday, 7 August 2022, and may be forwarded to email: cb-af.admin@defence.gov.au. 

The Australian Air Force Cadets acknowledges this country and its traditional custodians.

We acknowledge and respect the spiritual relationship between the traditional custodians and this country which is inspired by language of songs, dance law and dream time stories over many thousands of years and we pay our respect to the elders who have passed into the dreaming, those here today, and those of tomorrow. May we continue to peacefully walk together in gratitude, respect and kindness in caring for this country and each other.