NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF SAILORS FOR COMMISSIONED RANK 10

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1 CHAPTER 10 NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF SAILORS FOR COMMISSIONED RANK 10 Introduction There are many sailors and WO in every category who possess the ability and motivation to achieve commissioned rank; but all require advice, assistance and encouragement if they are to realise this aim. CO are to periodically bring the contents of this chapter to the notice of all Divisional Officers and sailors who are volunteers for appointment to commissioned rank ABR 6289 RAN Officers Career Management Manual and DI(N) PERS 42 9 Return of Service Obligation should be read in conjunction with this chapter. Sailors of the Naval Reserve Unless indicated otherwise, the following guidelines also apply to sailors of the Active Reserve (AR). In accordance with paragraph 18.9 of chapter 18, sailors enrolled in the Stand-by Reserve (SR) who have not completed reserve service within twelve months of their nomination will be required to undertake a four week evaluation period to assess their suitability for commission. Rank on appointment Rank and seniority on appointment offered to sailors and WO is contained in ABR 6289, chapter 13, annex C and advised in the letters of offer forwarded by DNOP to successful Officer Candidates (OC). Avenue of entry Sailors and WO may be appointed to the PN through: a. Sailor Entry (SE); b. Engineer Officer Scheme (EOS); c. Undergraduate Entry (UE); and d. Sailor Entry to the ADFA (SEA) or Defence Academy Entry Naval Officer Year One (DAE NOYO) schemes or the Naval Reserve (NR) through the SE scheme General provisions applicable to all officer entry schemes are contained in the body of this chapter. Specific selection procedures for each scheme are contained in the following annexes: a. Sailor Entry (SE) annex A; b. Engineering Officer Scheme (EOS) annex B; c. Sailor Entry to ADFA (SEA) annex C; d. Defence Academy Entry Naval Officer Year One (DAE NOYO) annex D; e. Undergraduate Entry (UE) annex E; f. Pilot (SE/SEA/DAE) annex F; and g. Scheme Matrix entry requirements annex G.

2 10 2 ELIGIBILITY 10.7 Age To be eligible for appointment, officer candidates must be aged such that they are able to complete any: a. standard Initial Minimum Period of Service on appointment; b. ROSO; and c. undertaking for further service, prior to reaching compulsory retiring age (CRA). Rank Nominations will be accepted from SMN (Qualified) and above with the exception of the EOS Advance Diploma Technical (ADT) and SEA scheme. Sailors must be of the substantive or provisional rank of LS or above to nominate for the SEA scheme and PO or above for the EOS ADT. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR NOMINATION OF SAILORS 10.9 Terminology The generic term OC applies to those personnel who have had eligibility for the nominated primary qualification confirmed in writing by DSCM. The term nominee relates to those personnel who are yet to have eligibility as an OC confirmed Primary qualifications within both the PN and NR, for which a sailor may nominate, are as follows: Abbreviation Primary Qualification Note(s) a. AE Aeronautical Engineering (b), (c) b. BD Bandmaster (d) c. DN Dental (a) d. INT (Reserves) Intelligence (f) e. LE Legal (a), (b) f. MA Medical Administration (h) g. MD Medical (a), (b) h. ME Marine Engineering (b), (g) i. NCS (Reserves) Naval Coordination of Shipping (f) j. NPC Naval Police Coxswain (i) k. NS Nursing (a) l. O Observer (a), (b), (j) m. P Pilot (a), (b), (j), (l) n. PREL (Reserves) Public Relations (f), (m) o. SMN Seaman (a), (b) p. SU Supply (a), (b) q. TS Training Systems (a), (e) r. WE Weapons Electrical Engineering (b), (k)

3 10 3 Abbreviation Primary Qualification Note(s) s. WEA Weapons Electrical Aircraft Engineering (b), (c) Notes a. In-service targets are not established for this primary qualification. OC vie for positions against Direct Entry (DE) or Undergraduate Entry (UE) (if applicable) civilian targets. b. Available to SMN (Qualified) and above through EOS, UE and DAE schemes and LS and above through SEA scheme. c. Specific Senior Sailor targets may be established through EOS that are restricted to applications from PN Aviation Technical senior sailors only. Applicants for these targets must hold the Air Technician Charge Certificate and demonstrate acceptance to an Advanced Diploma Program at TAFE/University. d. Open to PN Musician senior sailors, and PN junior sailors who hold a recognised Music Degree in Performance, Education or Arts. e. Open to SMN (Qualified) and above. Applicants are required to hold a Degree in Training, Human Resource Development or Adult Education or, if not a degree in another discipline and a Graduate Diploma in Training, Human Resource Development or Adult Education. f. Open to NR sailors only. g. Specific Senior Sailor targets may be established through EOS which are restricted to applications from PN MT senior sailors. Applicants for these targets must hold the MTCC and demonstrate acceptance to an Advanced Diploma Program at TAFE/University. h. Open to PN and NR Medical (MED)/Dental (DEN) senior sailors only. Applicants are required to have: (1) 12 months experience post Phase 4; and (2) successfully completed the Professional Test (Medical Administration) (see annex H). i. Open to PN NPC senior sailors only. Applicants are required to have a minimum of two years seniority as an NPC senior sailor at time of appointment. j. Applicants are required to have successfully completed the Aircrew Suitability Testing (AST) at time of nomination. k. Specific senior sailor targets may be established through EOS which are restricted to applications from PN ET senior sailors. Applicants for these targets must hold the ETCC (ET Certificate of Competence) and demonstrate acceptance to an Advanced Diploma Program at TAFE/University. l. See annex G for selection procedure. m. Demonstrated experience in public relations, promotions work and/or journalism. Education qualification To qualify educationally for commissioned rank, an OC is required to hold passes in English, Mathematics and two other subjects at a suitable level as determined by the NPTC Canberra. This is generally at Year 12 level (or equivalent). Those candidates without formal Year 12 qualifications may apply to have their previous civilian and Service work experience and qualifications assessed by NPTC C for Year 12 equivalence. The education requirements for pilot and observer candidates are contained in ABR 6289 RAN Officers Career Management Manual.

4 Applicants for Pilot or Observer must have a pass in at least NSW 2 Unit Mathematics (or its equivalent). Mathematics in Society or General Mathematics (or their equivalent) will not satisfy the level of Mathematics required. Note A pass varies between the states and territories but is generally a result that places the OC in the top 70 per cent of students in the State, for a given subject in a given year. NPTC C will be consulted in all cases to determine the suitability of a nominee s academic achievements EOS candidates will be required to undertake an entry examination to assess suitability to undertake degree studies Education requirements for OC may be satisfied wholly or partly by courses: a. conducted by the RAN for that express purpose; b. undertaken by personnel in their own time at civilian institutions; or c. conducted by the RAN Nominees who do not satisfy the educational requirements, but who are considered by their CO to be an exceptional candidate may be considered but with a view to providing them with an opportunity to qualify educationally for appointment. This option will be considered on a case by case basis only. Medical Nominees are to be medically tested in accordance with ABR 1991 RAN Health Services Manual prior to nomination. If the health standard of an OC falls below that which permits appointment to a particular primary qualification, advice is to be forwarded to DSCM. Medical suitability for OC is to be reviewed every 12 months and a copy of the medical suitability is to be forwarded to DSCM. Psychological testing and interview Nominees for OC are to be psychologically assessed prior to nomination to DSCM. Personnel graded as Suitable on Tests for OC will retain that tested suitability level for a period of three years, and will not require further psychology test. Personnel who do not meet the psychometric test criteria required for officer entry are not to be nominated and are ineligible for retesting for a further 12 months. Appointments for psychological testing are to be arranged locally, through the closest ADF Psychology unit or section. The Unit responsible for conducting the testing will advise the referring ship or establishment of the outcome of the assessment. Note that a person is eligible to attempt the Officer Test Battery on no more than three occasions If a period of 12 months or longer has passed since the nominee was interviewed by a psychologist, then the nominee should be re-interviewed prior to appearing before the Officer Selection Board (OSB). It is the responsibility of the parent ship or establishment to arrange for OC to be re-interviewed prior to each OSB. After psychological review, a copy of the psychological suitability for OC is to be forwarded to DSCM. Aircrew suitability test Arrangements for AST are to be made through the closest ADF Psychology unit or section. Nominees who fail to qualify on AST are ineligible to nominate for Pilot or Observer or to re-attempt the AST for 12 months. Note that a person is eligible to attempt the AST on no more than three occasions. AST results remain current for the following periods: a. Assessed as Band 1 or 2 three years from AST date; and b. Assessed as Band 3 12 months from AST date.

5 10 5 Security Nominees need to be eligible for a SECRET/TOP SECRET security clearance. Full security checking for OC is not completed until such time as a candidate is recommended by an OSB for appointment. Therefore, OC are to be made aware that recommendations by an OSB are subject to the candidate satisfying security requirements. Once the appointment has been approved, CO will be requested to instigate necessary upgrade of an OC security clearance in accordance with current security regulations. Initial nomination Subject to fulfilling the criteria detailed in these instructions, nominations are to be forwarded to DSCM under cover of a minute that is to include the CO s recommendation for appointment. Only nominations recommended by the CO are to be forwarded. The following format is to be used when forwarding an OC nomination: a. Current rank, full name, and employee identification number. b. Entry scheme and primary qualification for which recommended (and any second preference) eg SE (SMN), SEA (WE) or EOS RMIT (AE). c. Date of birth, current security clearance and confirmation that the nominee is eligible for a SECRET/TOP SECRET security clearance. d. Divisional officer s report and recommendation for commissioned rank. e. An essay (no longer than one page) from the candidate stating why he/she wishes to become a commissioned officer and his/her expectations. f. Confirmation that copies of the highest level achieved at secondary school are forwarded as an enclosure to the nomination. Documentary evidence of any post secondary qualifications attained may also be enclosed. Where education qualifications have been ratified by NPTC C, a copy of the relevant authorisation is also to be enclosed. g. Confirmation that the sailor is medically fit and psychologically suitable for the primary qualification/s recommended above. Where applicable, the results of the AST (pilot/observer only). Copies of all suitability s are to be forwarded with the nomination. h. Confirmation that an Initial Form AC ADF Performance Appraisal Supplementary Report is forwarded as an attachment to the nomination. Details of required information is outlined in paragraph i. SEA/DAE candidates only specific details on the type of degree course the nominee wishes to undertake at ADFA if successful (refer to ADFA Handbook). j. SEA/DAE candidates only if unsuccessful for entry to ADFA, is the nominee a volunteer for commissioned rank through the SE scheme. k. Pilot candidates only number of flying hours (if any) or other relevant information. l. CO s recommendation for commissioned rank (brief details only required). m. Any other relevant information. Confirmation of eligibility DSCM will acknowledge receipt of a formal nomination and confirm a nominee s eligibility for appointment to their preferred primary qualification.

6 10 6 Officer candidate reports Reports on OC are to be made on Form AC Form AC is an open report and as such is to be read and signed by the OC. Reports are to be rendered annually, on the anniversary of nomination, on posting (provided that the sailor has been observed for 91 days since the previous report), and as requested by DSCM. Reports are to continue to be rendered until the OC: a. is approved for appointed to commissioned rank, b. ceases to be eligible for appointment, or c. ceases to be a volunteer Form AC is to provide additional assessments not contained in the SPAR (Form AC Sailors Performance Appraisal Report). The narrative field is to include, as line one, a heading Anticipated Performance as an Officer. Where insufficient space exists on the Form AC , additional narrative pages may be attached. Specific comments are required in the following criteria: a. Development potential. Displayed capacity or assessed potential to undertake continued personal development. b. Supervisory skills consisting of: (1) analysis of problems and/or situations; (2) foresight and objective vision anticipation of consequences and flow on effects of decisions/plans; (3) acceptance and appropriate application of responsibility; (4) professional judgment/exercising common sense; and (5) decisiveness. c. Change management skills. Assessment under this criterion should specifically address the OC potential for personal acceptance and professional management of change in both a technical and cultural sense. The assessment should specifically address the OC adaptability and flexibility in dealing with and implementing change management issues OC will not be afforded an opportunity to appear before an OSB whilst: a. the most recent Form AC carries a recommendation other than suitable or highly suitable ; or b. their overall performance in the current rank is considered to be below an acceptable standard. Professional tests Professional tests for Medical Administration candidates will be conducted on an as required basis. There is no limit to the number of times an OC may attempt the professional test however, OC for MA will be required to undergo further testing at three-yearly intervals until they are appointed or cease to be an OC Arrangements for the compilation and issue of professional test papers is administered by DSCM. MA tests are compiled and marked by the Naval Health Service Branch category sponsor Details of the tests and syllabi are provided in annex H.

7 10 7 Officer Selection Board OSB are convened at the direction of DGNPT. Each OSB comprises a president and at least two members, one of whom is a Defence psychologist. OSB are scheduled as follows: Board EOS (including ADT) EOS ADT (only) ADFA (SEA/DEA NOYO) (non Engineering/Pilot) SE (non Engineering/Pilot) UE (non Engineering) Scheduled date February/March August/September April March/April and October March/April To be eligible to attend an OSB, nominations for each entry type in accordance with paragraph must be received in DSCM by the following cut off dates: Entry Type EOS (including ADT) Cut Off Date 01 October of the year preceding the February/March OSB EOS ADT (only) 01 April of the year of the OSB (August/September) ADFA (SEA/DEA NOYO) SE UE 01 January of the year of the OSB (April) (non Engineering/Pilot) 01 January of the year of the OSB (March/April) 01 January of the year of the OSB (non Engineering/Pilot) 01 January of the year of the OSB (March/April) Any changes to cut off dates will be advised when OSB dates are promulgated OC who are undertaking studies in order to meet the required educational standards and who will complete their studies prior to appointment, may appear before an OSB; however, any recommendation for appointment made by the OSB will be subject to the OC attainment of the prerequisite academic qualifications. The final results of the OC outstanding education qualifications are to be forwarded to DSCM at the first available opportunity All OC identified for appearance before an OSB will be notified by DSCM of OSB dates and requirements All costs associated with an OC appearance at an OSB will be borne by DNOP OC interviewed by the OSB will be given an indication of relative suitability for appointment to commissioned rank as follows: a. Recommended, b. Not Yet Recommended, or c. Not Recommended. AL1

8 The number of OC to be appointed is determined having regard to Naval personnel requirements. Those OC identified for appointment will be advised by DSCM. OC afforded a High Recommendation through to Recommended who miss selection due to the lack of a vacancy or who are in the category Not Yet Recommended will be eligible to appear before further OSB until appointment as an officer, or until they cease to be eligible OC in the category Not Recommended will have their officer candidature cancelled. These sailors may not be re-nominated as OC for a period of 12 months from cancellation of OC nomination. Officer Selection Board administration DSCM will provide the OSB with a copy of the following documentation: a. current Defence Service Record; b. CO s recommendation; c. DO s recommendation; d. psychological suitability; e. AST (for Pilot and Observer only); f. Form AC reporting history; g. last two fully assessed SPARs (Form AC ); h. discipline and welfare history; i. ROSO/other obligation details; j. education documentation; and k. any other relevant documentation Candidates are to prepare a resume (no more than two pages) for presentation at the board. Resumes should be forwarded to DSCM once approval has been given for the candidate to appear before an OSB. Cancellation OC papers may be cancelled by: a. DGNPT: (1) after an OC has been categorised Not Recommended by an OSB; (2) at any time it is considered that the OC is not maintaining a satisfactory level of report (Form AC ); (3) at any time it is considered that the OC is not making satisfactory academic progress; (4) at any time an OC conduct is considered unsatisfactory; (5) at any time the OC falls below the required medical standard for the chosen primary qualification; or (6) if OC is within a period applicable to CRA in accordance with paragraph AL1

9 10 9 b. OC s Commanding Officer: Notes (1) at any time the OC is no longer recommended, or (2) at any time the OC ceases to be a volunteer. The powers conferred on DGNPT by this paragraph may be exercised by DSCM, who is authorised to act for and on behalf of DGNPT. OC nomination may also be cancelled where educational qualifications have not been attained within a reasonable time frame after initial nomination. When cancellation is effected by the CO, a minute outlining the circumstances surrounding the cancellation is to be forwarded to DSCM. Form AC is not required on cancellation of OC status. Renomination Renominations are to be raised in accordance with paragraph giving due regard to the required intervening period of 12 months if the cancellation of OC papers was due to any of the reasons in sub-subparagraph a.1), 2), 4) or 5) or sub-subparagraph b.1). Eligibility for promotion as a sailor All OC who are selected to undertake ADT or Associate Diploma in Scientific Computing and Applied Physics (ADSCAP) are ineligible for promotion after commencing the training. Failure/withdrawal procedure (prior to appointment as a commissioned officer) Sailors who withdraw from or fail RAN sponsored studies that were to academically qualify them for commissioned rank ie ADSCAP, will resume their career in their current rank and category. Posting action will be taken by DSCM as soon as practicable after notification of withdrawal of failure. Subject to meeting seniority and promotion prerequisite requirements, the sailor will be placed on the next framed promotion list in a position commensurate with the MAT score. Previous SPARs rendered will be used. Re-entry following appointment as a commissioned officer Subject to meeting seniority and promotion prerequisite requirements, the sailors will be placed on the next framed promotion list in a position commensurate with the MAT score. Previous SPARs will be used for promotional purposes. Where no SPARs are available, the sailor will be placed on the bottom of the promotion list. Acceptance by academic institutions (Degree studies only) Once an OC is approved to attend an OSB, they are to apply to the relevant University Admissions Centre in the state where the study is to be undertaken as attendance at an academic institution remains subject to approval by the relevant University Admissions Centre. University Admission Centres throughout Australia are: a. NSW and the ACT Universities Admissions Centre (UAC); b. Victoria and Tasmania Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC); c. South Australia South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC); d. Western Australia Western Australia Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC); and e. Queensland Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). AL1

10 10 10 Return of service obligation RAN sponsored studies are subject to a ROSO in accordance with DI(N) PERS The ROSO for academic studies is based on one year for each year of academic training, plus an additional year. For example, the ROSO associated with a four-year engineering degree is five years. Acquittal of this ROSO will normally commence on completion of application course. For those not required to undertake application courses, acquittal commences at completion of academic studies. Administrative action Where an officer requests to revert to the former rank held immediately prior to appointment, and that request is approved, a new oath or affirmation (Form PE 255) employee s particulars (Form AD 125 New Employee Particulars Australian Defence Force (ADF)) are to be completed and returned to DSCM (SO Enlistments and Discharges) at the earliest opportunity. Specific conditions of service on re-entry will be provided by DSCM. Annexes: A. Sailor Entry Scheme entry requirements and selection procedure B. Engineer Officer Scheme entry requirement and selection procedure C. Sailor entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy Scheme entry requirements and selection procedure D. Defence Academy Entry Naval Officer Year One Scheme entry requirements and selection procedure (formerly Defence Academy Entry Scheme) E. Undergraduate Entry Scheme entry requirements and selection procedure F. Pilot Entry entry requirements and selection procedure G. Scheme entry requirements matrix H. Professional test medical administration AL1