Mid-career entry captures fast jet skills

Former United States Navy F/A-18 pilot and contracted civilian F-35A simulator instructor Sam Boyd has been appointed an officer of the Royal Australian Air Force through the mid-career entry pathway. 

Now Flight Lieutenant Boyd, who was sworn in on March 10 at RAAF Base Williamtown, will be an F-35A Lightning II fast jet pilot.

People like Flight Lieutenant Boyd, who join the ADF via mid-career entry, have the skills and experience required to rapidly fill ADF workforce capability shortfalls. 

Flight Lieutenant Boyd moved to Australia nine years ago and had been working in Defence industry as a contracted civilian F-35A simulator instructor. During this period, he became an Australian citizen. 

“This type of recruitment is great for both the member and the ADF. Having previous credentials and experience recognised makes the pathway into service efficient, and sets you up for fulfilling roles based on your experience,” Flight Lieutenant Boyd said.

“For the ADF, being open to recruiting folks [through] the mid-career entry pathway brings a variety of new skill sets to the ranks, whether it be from the civilian industry sector or foreign militaries. I think that bringing a diverse set of experiences to any organisation can improve its capacity.” 

The mid-career entry pathway is a new initiative administered by the ADF Alternate Entry section. It has enabled Defence to efficiently recruit Flight Lieutenant Boyd and get him into the ADF workforce. 

'Sam’s recruitment is a leading example of how the ADF is changing its processes to efficiently capture the skill sets inherent in this cohort.'

Commander Air Combat Group Air Commodore Peter Robinson was pleased to welcome Flight Lieutenant Boyd to Air Combat Group (ACG).

“Ab-initio recruitment will always provide the mass of ADF inflow, however, Defence has recognised that evolving and consolidating mid-level career entry, lateral recruitment and re-hiring avenues is critical to accelerate ADF workforce growth,” Air Commodore Robinson said. 

“We have often been too slow in capturing these opportunities, but Sam’s recruitment is a leading example of how the ADF is changing its processes to efficiently capture the skill sets inherent in this cohort. 

“We are always open to having a conversation with any person who has a desire and appropriate background for mid-level career entry, lateral recruitment or re-hiring. In Sam’s case, he was known, trusted and respected and had the right background. It was an easy decision for ACG to advocate for his wish to join the Air Force.

“The Air Force Directorate of Personnel and ADF Alternate Entry section made it happen. It’s a win for Air Force and Sam.”

For Flight Lieutenant Boyd, the opportunity to serve in the Air Force is exciting. 

“I have had a strong desire to fly the F-35A for a while,” Flight Lieutenant Boyd said. 

“But when it comes down to why I applied to join, it is because of the people. Reflecting on my time in the United States service, what I missed most is the feeling of purpose and camaraderie and that’s what pushed me to apply to serve in the RAAF. 

“It is incredibly exciting and I am so grateful for the opportunity to wear the uniform. To have a chance at serving in such an elite organisation among so many dedicated people is a dream come true.”