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The Australian Defence Force has put itself forward as an alternate training pathway to fill workforce shortages in the Australian trucking industry.
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The Australian Army trains and licenses thousands of soldiers to drive and operate the ADF’s extensive heavy-vehicle fleet, according to Commanding Officer Army School of Transport Lieutenant Colonel Philippa Cleary.
The ADF offers 12 months of intensive complex heavy transport and armoured vehicle recovery training at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Wodonga; as well as recovery technician training.
LTCOL Cleary said people joined Defence for high-quality training and qualifications.
“The training continuum requires candidates to have only a provisional car licence before commencing driver training at Puckapunyal at the Army School of Transport,” LTCOL Cleary said.
“The continuum licenses drivers for heavy vehicle over mass over size codes through an 11-week, comprehensive training program. Defence issues the licence under an exemption framework and all licences can be transferred to the civilian equivalent upon separation from the ADF.
“Army supports lifelong careers in the Australian transport and logistics industry, both in and out of uniform.
“Our part-time soldiers play a vital role in helping us to respond to domestic disasters and contribute to maintaining and protecting Australia’s national interests, while keeping Australia moving.
“If heavy vehicle drivers are up for a challenge, the Australian Army offers fast-track pathways for experienced operators, in both full-time and part-time roles.”
Although there is no formal agreement between the industry and Defence, the benefits of a strong transport workforce move both ways.
The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) recommended that work and transport systems should be set up to supply the northern airbases and centres of the nation, after it was unveiled by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Defence Minister Richard Marles, and Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy earlier this year on 24 April.
The network of bases, ports, and barracks stretched across Australian territory from Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the north-west, through RAAF bases Learmonth, Curtin, Darwin, Tindal, Scherger, and Townsville are integral to sovereign Australian posture and require urgent, comprehensive remediation, according to the report.
As a priority, it recommended that work should be undertaken for hardening and dispersal, runway and apron capacity, fuel storage and supply, aviation fuel supply, accommodation and security. A productive and predictable supply must also be made for fuel distribution in the north and northwest.
It also recommends that work can be achieved by leveraging capabilities offered by civil minerals and petroleum resources infrastructure.
