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RAN Personnel

The heart of the RAN's capability is its people. Even with the continuing drive towards minimum-crewed ships, automated weapons systems, and uninhabited vehicles, it is impossible to see a future RAN where men and women do not play a central role. As powerful as a warship may appear alongside the wharf, the quality of the crew dictates the effectiveness of the unit and the level of capability it can deliver.

It is not sufficient for the RAN to have all of its organisational positions filled. If the RAN is to deliver the capability required by the government, each and every member needs to have the appropriate skills and knowledge to perform proficiently in their position. The RAN relies on each member performing competently in a team. In the past, where these skills and knowledge have been shown to be deficient, results have often been disastrous.

Equally as important as the required skills and knowledge are the values, beliefs and attitudes of members. RAN personnel require the appropriate attitudes and values to carry out their duties in a professional manner. Without appropriate values instilled and inculcated within their teams, commanders would not be able to rely on their subordinates to carry out their intent in the likely absence of direct control.

A well-trained and ethical force needs to be sustained, across the spectrum of operations. The RAN attempts to create a work environment to which people want to belong; one that caters for diversity, provides security, challenge, balance and a sense of doing something important. The RAN actively sustains its workforce not only with worthwhile employment but also with healthcare, housing, moral guidance and social support.

The RAN's ability to fight and win at sea is directly dependent on the skills and capabilities of its people. The RAN must produce personnel who are capable of supporting themselves, their unit and their equipment in potentially extreme or hostile environments for long periods of time. Training is a continuous through-career process, due to changes in doctrine, tactics and equipment. Most RAN personnel are in the position of training others, and of being trained themselves, regardless of whether they are working in a formal training environment or not.