Pros
1. Autonomy 2. Employee benefits (subsidised rent, unlimited sick leave, free medical & dental, training & development opportunities, physical training/sports during work time) 3. Variety of work (you post into a new job role every 3 years) 4. Teamwork is encouraged 5. Family health card (can claim $400 per dependent for out of pocket medical expenses per FY if Medicare & Private Health Insurance doesn't cover all medical fees) 6. Flexible work arrangements (can work from home, set variable working hours or opt for part-time work) 7. Superannuation employer contribution rate is 16.4% 8. Removal costs for postings is fully covered
Cons
1. You have to be flexible to live anywhere in Australia 2. You have to be prepared to move every 6 years (generally 3 years in one job) 3. You have to be prepared to deploy on exercises and operations, so expect time away from family 4. You have to be prepared to attend courses, meetings & conferences that are interstate, so more time away from family 5. Promotion can be bitter sweet. If you take this up, be prepared that you may have to move interstate. Some people will take up promotion interstate but go unaccompanied (away from their family) to not disrupt schooling of their children 6. The performance management system is flawed & antiquated 7. All Officers are expected to manage & develop their people correctly, but quite a few of them do this poorly as they don't want to recognise their own weaknesses 8. An AF reserve establishment review is being undertaken which will see a reduction of reserve days against support positions (PCS, SUP etc.). The organisation is heavily reliant on these individuals to assist with the workload as most business units do not have enough permanent employees. Burnout is a concern.