There are few jobs out there as physically or mentally demanding as being an Airfield Defence Guard in the Air Force. You'll be at the peak of your physical ability, able to think fast on your feet and make clear decisions under extreme pressure. You'll be technologically minded too - capable of mastering sophisticated weapons systems and surveillance platforms. This is a career that will test your limits. But the rewards are unlike any other.
Airfield Defence Guards (ADG) are non-commissioned Air Force members who provide the specialist ground (combat) force required to protect air power assets from the effects of hostile ground action in and around Air Force Bases and Installations, both in Australia and overseas during peacetime and on operations;. During peacetime ADGs support Air Force Security (AFSEC) and Air Base Protection (ABP) by conducing routine security tasks, including vehicle and foot patrols, static guarding and control of entry points. On operations ADGs form the basis of the Air Force's ground combat force, protecting Base assets, infrastructure and personnel against attack from enemy ground forces both inside and outside of the airfield perimeter. They also instruct other Air Force personnel in relevant ground defence techniques.
The mentally and physically demanding nature of the duties carried out by ADGs requires the maintenance of very high physical fitness and physical employment standards. You will frequently be absent from your home base and family for several months of the year. During training and operations, ADGs work in all terrains and climatic conditions by day and night. You must be able to function in extreme conditions for indefinite periods and endure high levels of fatigue, with the purpose of locating and defeating the enemy.
ADGs require a high level of personal discipline, adaptability, tenacity, team focus and be willing to undertake hard physical work for long periods in close proximity of other team members for extended periods. Note it is not unusual for ADGs to patrol for up to 5 days or more without access to amenities, carrying mission essential items, personal food and water.
Even though you will be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, the ADG working environment is often hazardous and you will be exposed to a high level of noise, small arms weapon systems and high explosives. ADGs may also be required to work in nuclear, biological and chemical protective ensembles for prolonged periods. In a non-operational environment, ADGs will work in instructional settings, on ground weapon ranges, under simulated operational conditions and use small arms weapons systems and high explosives.
ADGs live and work as a team, normally in groups of five to ten personnel. Some typical tasks performed by ADGs are:
- Foot and vehicle patrolling by day and by night in and around both established and bare base airfields and through vegetated or urban environments in all extremities of weather conditions and locations within or outside of Australia
- Aircraft Security Operations providing protection to aircraft, infrastructure and personnel
- Construction of field defences and obstacles such as weapon pits and bunkers, fences and road blocks
- Search and clearance operations
- Manning of crew served weapons such as machine guns and anti-armour weapons and
- Instruction on small arms such as rifle, shotguns and machine guns
Equipment Carriage (Very important)
During training and on operations, ADGs will be required to carry equipment such as:
- Patrol Order (combat ensemble and individual weapon) 15 kg
- Field order (Pack, webbing and rifle) minimum 25 kg and
- Additional equipment specific to the mission such as specialist weapon systems, communication systems and surveillance systems
The operational role of an ADG will require them to develop the specialised Ground Combat skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties in an operational environment.
