First space operators graduate

The ADF has strengthened its space capability by formally accrediting its inaugural cohort of military personnel as space operations officers and space operations specialists.

Sixteen members from Army, Navy and Air Force graduated from the first Space Initial Employment Training Course at Fairbairn, Canberra, last month.

CO Defence School of Space and Cyber Lt-Col Benjamin Grant said it was a critical step in building Australia’s sovereign space capability.

“Space operations are critical for enabling the integrated force, inclusive of assuring satellite communications and navigation, space domain awareness, space control and missile warning effects,” Lt-Col Grant said.

“Building a skilled, capable and sovereign space workforce is a long-term investment in Australia’s security and resilience, and these graduates are ready to contribute from day one.”

The graduates will join the Space Surveillance Unit or 74 Squadron of the Space Force Group within Space Command.

They will predict space weather impacts, enable precision navigation and surveillance, and provide space-based insights to enable decision advantage.

Course director Flt-Lt Sean Buchanan praised the cohort’s resilience in getting through the demanding 15-week program.

“Although some of the course content was quite challenging, they all pulled together and worked as a team to ensure the entire course graduated,” Flt-Lt Buchanan said.

The group included Army medics, armoured corps soldiers, signallers, Navy electronics technicians, and Air Force logisticians. No previous science background was needed.

Among them was LAC Jialin Geng who was drawn to the role after completing a Defence STEM course last year.

“Space is a new and fast-growing industry, and I like challenges. New industry, new challenges,” LAC Geng said.

He said working with peers from different technical backgrounds was a highlight of the course.

To learn more about these roles, visit ADF Careers.