Defence Physical Employment Standards on show
News Item
- Date:
- 26 November, 2012
- Media Release Number:
- -
The new objective physical employment standards being introduced into the Australian Defence Force have been demonstrated for the first time.
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- Minister Snowdon (far right) observes participants of a lifting exercise
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), working in partnership with the University of Wollongong, has developed the Australian Defence Force Physical Employment Standards to reflect the varying demands of the different roles in the three services.
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said a trade’s peak physical demands for strength, speed and endurance have been translated into a generic set of physical tests specific to that trade.
“The science that underpins this work is of the highest standard. The research process applies a rigorous scientific methodology to the identification of physically demanding tasks.”
Participants from the Army contingent of the Federation Guard provided a demonstration of the assessment activities that make up the All Corps Standard. They also demonstrated the leopard crawl and casualty drag which are included in Physical Employment Standard Assessments for the Combat Arms Standard.
“The standards will provide a sound basis for assessing whether an individual has the physical capacity required to safely and effectively perform each role,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The standards will enable the Australian Defence Force to ensure that its people are matched to the tasks they will be required to perform.”
The demonstration was held as a curtain-raiser Physical Employment Standards Conference which will be held at the Australian War Memorial from 27-29 November.
Media contacts
- Lidija Ivanovski (Mr Snowdon) - 02 6277 7820 or 0407108 935
- Defence Media Operations - 02 6127 1999
Images
See the Defence Image Gallery for high resolution images.
Audio interviews
Trooper Stephen Gavin, from the Australian Federation Guard, speaks to DSTO about his participation in the Physical Employment Standards (PES) assessments at Defence HQ in Canberra.
The interview with Stephen is followed by a discussion with the leader of the PES project, DSTO scientist Dan Billing.
Listen to the unedited audio interviews for more.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.