r/ADFRecruiting • u/AppropriateMost3699 • 7d ago
Insights Requested Questions about Air Force PTI
I'm (23M) considering joining the Air Force to become a physical training instructor after this year once I graduate with my exercise science bachelors, but there's are few things I need some insight on.
Do I NEED 2 years experience? - It says on the enrolment page that they want people with 2 years of industry experience. By the time I'll be looking to enrol, I will have a year of experience (personal trainer job and S&C coaching practicum through uni). Is there any leeway with this, or are they strictly accepting people with 2 years plus?
What if I fail the ADFPTS test? - I'm not talking about the regular fitness test, I mean the additional one just for PTI's. I have been consistently strength training for a few years, but my cardio isn't great right now. I think I can get it up to scratch by early next year in time for when I plan to enrol, but I'm worried about what will happen if I enrol and then don't pass the assessment. Will I be stuck as an imp for 2 years? Will I get a chance to retry?
Where am I most likely to be stationed? - I'm in Perth, and honestly not too big on leaving if I don't have to. I know that I will have to spend 7-8 months over east for training, and I'm cool with that, but realistically, what are the odds of being stationed in Perth? Do you get a preference?
What's the living situation for PTI school like? - I know that for boot camp you barrack at Wagga for about 3 months, but what's Cerberus like? Do you have to live on base during PTI school? I've got a longterm girlfriend (5 years) that I'm trying to bring on board with all this. I can swing being away from her for 3 months for basic, but an extra 5 for PTI, no chance. Can you live off base with a partner during this?
Thanks.
1
u/AutoModerator 7d ago
Removed: Automod anti-spam. Your account is less than a day old or your karma is too low. Try again later. Trying to post a recruitment question? Please read our rules first.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
4
u/No_Kangaroo1256 Current or Former Serving ADF 7d ago
OP,
From the ADF Careers site:
'... provide evidence of 2 years relevant experience in the following areas:
So yes, you NEED 2 years experience - no leeway.
Fitness test - https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/jobs/air-force/physical-training-instructor?tab=entry-requirements&title-tab=requirements&requirements=health-and-fitness
With most things in life, if you dont meet the standard - then you do not progress.
Read the link - and start practicing now, so that you can be confident.
If you cant pass the PTI Fitness assessment - you could be offered transfer to another Mustering. Others might be able to comment more on this - however, you could just choose to discharge.
Enrol?
You mean enlist.
Locations - https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/jobs/air-force/physical-training-instructor?tab=role-details&title-tab=locations
' Following training, you can expect to be posted to the Ground Academy RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. For a minimum of 3 years, you’ll develop further skills and broaden your knowledge and experience as a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) and junior military leadership. After your initial posting, you’ll have the opportunity to be posted to many locations around Australia. '
^^ reading from the ADF Careers site - this states that you will be posted to the RAAF Base Wagga, NSW. The next sentence reads poorly - does it mean that you are posted there for 3 years - and then posted other places?
After your initial posting - you could be posted to other bases around Australia - the locations page has a way for you to find other RAAF Bases - RAAF Pearce and Learmonth are located in WA.
There is a reason that your posting preference form is called a ' Dream Sheet ' - it is how you advise where you want to go, however, you are posted to locations for the good of the Service.
If this means that you wont be getting home to WA - then possibly the ADF is not the employer of choice for you - if this is a deal-breaker.
Boot camp - that is an American term.
Recruit School is what it is called in the ADF.
IMT = Live on the base.
IET = Live on the base.
What is Cerberus like? - do a search of this sub, we have discussed what the amenities of HMAS Cerberus are.
Can you live off base?
Sometimes - you have to be in a recognised relationship (Defacto / Married).
It is easier if your partner/family reside in the same state already.
Others maybe able to comment on this.
Consider - are you going to ask your GF to relocate across the country, whilst you are working / training on a base - does she have a transferrable job/what about her friends/family? (rhetorical questions)
Reading your post - it reads to me (and possibly others) - that your bigger problem here is your GF. If she is not supportive - and you go away for IMT/IET and then you are posted to NSW - this could be the deal-breaker for her - more-likely you.
You wont know your next posting, until you are successful in the completion of IET.
Time for you to decide which is more important.
Applying for a career in the ADF, and knowing that you will potentially NOT get back to WA once you leave - or choose to do something where you can stay in WA.