RAAF TELSTECH Association History

History

The mustering of Telecommunictions Technician (TELSTECH) was formed to manage the new mechanised telecommunications equipment (Teletype) and up to date mechanical cryptographic equipment which was being introduced to the RAAF in the early 1950s. Previous to this, the new equipment was looked after by Radio Servicemen, but the RAAF saw the need for a specialist mustering, which was in the first instance, called Telegraphist Technician. The TELSTECH mustering dragged behind the Radio Serviceman (soon to be called Technician) mustering in many ways, the greatest of which was the disparity in pay levels. It took quite some years for the TELSTECHs to be given equal pay (1965) with the Radio Technicians (Radtechs), and a few more years to become completely autonomous (read get rid of the RADTECHs who had been trained on new crypto equipment installed in the 60s, instead of TELSTECHs).

The TELSTECH mustering came into being in 1953, and during that year several courses were completed, one at Ballarat, and the others at the PMG School at Annandale in Sydney. Members of these courses were not the first TELSTECHs, the honour going to remusters from other musterings (Wireless Operator Mechanic, Telegraphist Supervisor, Radio Serviceman) - who were the first TELSTECHs is unknown at this time.

The TELSTECH mustering grew as newer and more complex equipment was installed. Personnel numbered up to 250 in the mustering's heyday in the 70s and early 80s, with new TELSTECH courses commencing regularly. By the mid 80s, new telecommunications technology was being considered, which would sound the death knell for the mustering, and on 30 November 1989, all serving TELSTECHs were remustered to RADTECH (Ground) (RADTECHG), much to their disgust.

The stigma of being called a RADTECH (G) was not to last long, when a new mustering was formed to manage all ground telecommunications equipment. This mustering was called Communications Electronics Technician (CETECH), and was the amalgamation of the TELSTECH, RADTECH(G) and Telsrig (Linesmen) musterings. The CETECH mustering has 23 Warrant Officers, 50 Flight Sergeants, 112 Sergeants, 159 Corporals, and 205 AC/LAC/ACW/LACWs at last count. CETECHs are posted to all RAAF bases in Australia, and selected overseas posts.

Many reunions and get togethers have been organised over the years to commemorate the TELSTECH mustering. If you are planning a reunion or get together, contact the TELSTECH Association as we can do mailouts and have contact details of TELSTECHS in your area. Doesn't have to be official, and you will be surprised who comes out of the woodwork.

Where is Everyone?

Lists of Telecommunications Technicians (TELSTECHs) is publically available. The lists include title, initials, given name, nickname, state of residence, and a course number.

For security reasons and to prevent spamming/phishing by the irreputable, email addresses and other identifying info is withheld. If you see the name of a person you would dearly love to make contact with, contact the association and we will endeavour to make the link for you.

We will not disclose any specific information about you to anyone without your express permission.