A.P.S.L Main Ranks
Consist of associate members whom are gaining knowledge (preparatory) and others whom involve hands on local and dispersed crisis assistance, planning and practice. The ranks are signified by markings on their shoulder epaulettes. The more markings, the larger number of members they are in charge of, until they reach Warrant Officers whom are signified by white squares, which oversee the ranks beneath them. Main ranks have minimal administrative functions forming the bulk of our membership groups who take up actionable positions in civil defence. Some NCO's participate in single focused administration functions. Those who aspire to become a Commissioned Officer are trained whilst in the position of Warrant Officer, undergoing the Commissioned Officer training program. We are uniquely different to how other organisations approach this, since we don't want to refer to trainee Commissioned Officers as "Officer Cadets" as they do in the military. Since we are not the military, we believe that warrant officers are the ideal bridge to stepping up to this esteemed role.
The ranks on this page are for Adult members only. Cadet members are under 18 years of age. All operational (full and volunteer members) are collectively and proudly known as survivalists.
Associate Members
This is the starting point for new members of any age, and it's currently free/trial. There are no obligations for Associate members.
Associate members are preparatory. They prepare themselves with knowledge, equipment, supplies or training. They are getting to know our organisation with limited access.
It enables them to commence their journey with us, receive some training courses and then go on to upgrade their membership when they are ready. Associates are in full control of their participation, with no obligations. Associate members do not have any rank or insignia and wear no uniforms, just their membership identification when required.
Member
A member, is an adult who is volunteering to assist. Member's have no insignia when wearing a plain uniform. Members are granted access to more training units and are undergoing training in becoming a survivalist.
Members undergo induction training and further training, in the leading and formation of mutual assistance groups.
Members have passed probity checks to ensure they are genuine volunteers, wanting to make a difference. At APSL we respect and recognise those who are volunteering, because volunteering is altruistic, and compassionate, showing active commitment to our cause, without any membership fee being imposed.
To be eligible for free member level membership, an associate member must submit probity check documentation and then provide proof of active volunteering every twelve (12) months. Active volunteering includes but not limited to, fundraising, membership promotion, creating a mutual assistance group in your local community or joining one and promoting our organisation in basic ways both in the community and via online communities relevant to your local area. This is the minimum rank required to join civil defence services in the local area. Some members provide highly technical knowledge or expert advice, but are unable to commit to further involvement due to external pressures such as paid work commitments, those members are consulting members and don't wear uniforms, but do wear their identification badges when required.
Full Member
A full member, is an adult who has paild a membership to volunteer and assist. Full member's have no insignia when wearing a plain uniform. Full Members are granted access to more training units and are undergoing training in becoming a survivalist. Often our full members pay their membership through fundraising, making them eligible for full membership. Full membership enables full access to resources at their current achieved level, as well as access to our threat assessment matrix, voting rights at meetings, discounts at our supply store etc.
Full members undergo induction training and further training, in the leading and formation of mutual assistance groups.
Some full members provide highly technical knowledge or expert advice, but are unable to commit to further involvement due to external pressures such as paid work commitments, those full members are consulting members and don't wear uniforms, but do wear their identification badges.
Fellow
A fellow is an adult member who has been upgraded to the level of survivalist. This is the result of their involvement efforts, minimum level of basic training being completed, fully inducted and qualified. A full member does not lead anyone, but aspires to increase their skills and help out in their mutual assistance groups, or when called upon. Fellow members wear uniforms.
Leader
This is the first, adult non commissioned officer rank and is in charge of either their household family or a small number of 2-3. Household Leaders are nominated by an agreement or vote, conducted in their own household or group. This rank is non centralised, making it the easiest rank to achieve through basic training and involvement. It's also an ideal opportunity to showcase their skills and responsibility, to then apply or be eligible for potential promotion. Some leaders are highly technical in their skills and abilities provided, but unable to offer further due to personal circumstances.
(Special consideration is given to solo members who may earn this rank as recognition of their service.)
Corporal
Corporals are in charge of either their extended family or small groups of individuals in their local area. Corporals are recommended for appointment by sergeants and oversee the delivery of important crisis support leadership.
Sergeant
Sergeants are in charge of a small community group. These can span a district. It consists of two or more corporals which includes multiple family units or groups of individuals. They are responsible for the execution of civil defence duties with their corporals to deliver civil defence outcomes.
Warrant Officer
Warrant Officers are in charge of a large community. This consists of 2 or more Sergeants. This rank can be awarded for ongoing service and outstanding achievements from being a Sergeant.
Warrant Officers are also appointed into special roles such as training and other specialisations. These are specialisations in demand, in a time of crisis. This determination is made by the command in their respective area.
Note: Warrant Officers are also appointed in the absence of commissioned officers and where there is a requirement to act in the role for administration leadership functions where there is a shortage of commissioned officers to form a quorum in command. Warrant Officers are a unique rank in that they can be invited to 'sit in' to assist, but are not permanently positioned in command, since they don't hold a commission. Warrant Officers may be invited or given a warrant when operationally required.
Senior Warrant Officer
Senior Warrant Officers are in charge of multiple communities (if there is a technical need based on groups, sizes).
The rank is also awarded for ongoing service and outstanding achievements after being a warrant officer for a long period of time and provided an enormous contribution to our organisation. This can occur with those who do not want to commit to a permanent commissioned officer role, due to personal circumstances and skills.
Note: rank responsibilities and oversight are subject to variability in geographic area make up and leadership needs, to fulfil civil defence functions.