To become an AMMO TECH, personnel have two avenues to pursue the technical aspects of the trade. The first is via ab initio recruitment as an AMMO SUP who will progress through the trade to become an AMMO TECH at the rank of CPL/SGT. Alternatively, in-service trade transfer is also available as an avenue to become an AMMO TECH.

The AMMO TECH is a soldier who is an ammunition and explosives specialist with the principle role of providing ammunition safety and performance assurance to commanders. The AMMO TECH provides technical advice, technical support and management functions relating to ammunition and explosives to commanders, staff and other organisations at all levels. Through detailed knowledge of ammunition design and explosives engineering, the AMMO TECH encompasses all aspects of construction, function, use, storage, distribution, transportation, inspection, repair, maintenance, disposal and accounting of ammunition and explosives, including the operation of related equipment and facilities. The AMMO TECH also undertakes specific tasks for military and civil authorities by the provision of support for the identification and disposal of un-exploded ordnance (UXO) and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

The AMMO TECH is to provide the Army with specialist managers of ammunition and explosive ordnance.

• The AMMO SUP is responsible for accounting and issues of ammunition related classes of supply along with providing assistance to qualified AMMO TECH.
• Technician Ammunition training and subsequent employment enables the provision of advice, technical support and management functions relating to ammunition and explosives matters to Commanders, staff and other organisations at all levels.
• The responsibilities for the management of stores, equipment and finance on issue to the AMMO TECH Section. This may include ammunition, vehicles, communication equipment and specialised IED equipment.
• More senior technicians (WO) may be required to provide advice on all aspects involving ammunition and explosives transportation, storage, handling and conduct inspections of unit ammunition storage. There may also be a requirement for technicians to conduct investigations into ammunition and explosives related incidents.

The pay levels for this employment are:

• AMMO SUP (ECN 401-1) PTE-PTE(P) Pay Grade 3
• AMMO SUP ADV GDE 1 PTE-LCPL Pay Grade 4
• AMMO SUP ADV GDE 2 CPL Pay Grade 5
• AMMO TECH SPVR CPL-SGT Pay Grade 6
• AMMO TECH MNGR WO2 Pay Grade 6
• AMMO TECH TECHNICAL MNGR TIER A WO1 Pay Grade 6
• AMMO TECH TECHNICAL MNGR TIER B WO1 Pay Grade 7

• C2/MR2 Drivers Course (To be completed prior to or at the completion of IET training)
• IET AMMO SUP Basic Course: 50 training days conducted at ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.
• AMMO Sup Advanced Course: 20 days conducted at ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.
• Subject 4 SGT Ammunition Technician course: 120 days conducted at ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.
• ADF Explosive Ordnance Recon Course
• Subject 4 WO Ammunition Course: 20 days conducted at ALTC, Bandiana, Victoria.
• ADF Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course

The AMMO SUP/AMMO TECH is employed in Combat Service Support units, Force Support Battalions and integrated units throughout the Army and the ADO.

Feeder categories may be drawn from lateral, ab initio and trade transfers.

Prior Training
Soldiers must have completed recruit training at Army Recruit Training Centre.

Education Requirements
Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics.

This category's courses meet the requirements for both civilian and military authorities and may provide a statement of attainment towards:

• Certificate III/IV in Public Safety (Explosive Ordnance Maintenance)
• Certificate IV in Public Safety (Explosive Ordnance Operations)
• Diploma of Public Safety (Explosive Ordnance)
• Diploma in Public Safety (Explosive Ordnance)

All applicants for trade transfer to this category are to undergo a Psychological Review. Potential lateral enlistment's that are assessed against appropriate qualifications, generally enter the employment category stream at a prescribed rank and will normally be required to undertake some form of refresher training prior to appointment. Ab initio and category transfers will generally enter to category stream at the Initial Employment Training (IET) level and be required to complete the IET
Courses and suite of applicable specialist courses.
Category transferees who hold the rank of CPL and are not Subject 1 SGT qualified and below, prior to a transfer will generally be required to revert to PTE upon successful completion of IET, however each individual is to be assessed on their merits IAW DI(A) PERS 116-3 Grant, Retention and Relinquishment of Employment Category and Associated Pay Procedures - Soldiers.

Category transferees who hold the rank of SGT and above or a CPL that is Subject 1 SGT qualified, prior to a transfer are to successfully complete the following courses:

• Ammunition Supplier Advanced;
• ADFEOR;
• Subject 4 SGT Ammunition Technician; and
• ADF Explosive Ordance Disposal (ADFEOD).

Member's are not to be transferred to AMMO TECH or posted to an AMMO TECH position until successful completion of the training requirements listed above.
On successful completion of the above suite of courses, members can be allocated to Ammunition Technician Supervisor (ECN 401- 4). Members who hold the rank above SGT are to revert to SGT.

A soldier may elect to trade transfer to this employment category. If a soldier elects to trade transfer to this category, a ROSO is required. Other training conducted by this category may also incur a ROSO. The length of ROSO for both trade transfer and other category training is in the Chief of Army Determination on ROSO (Army Schedule) on the DGPERS-A website, (DefWeb only). If a member has an existing ROSO from prior training, this ROSO may be served concurrently. Defence policy on ROSO is in DI (G) PERS 33-2 Return of Service Obligation.

Detailed employment category information about TECH AMMO can be found within the Manual of Army Employments. (DefWeb only)