1. Chapter 1 is essential reading for any user of this Manual.

2. Reading Chapter 1 is the first step towards achieving these goals.

   1. For members – understanding their pay and conditions benefits and the obligations that go with them.

   2. For Commanding Officers and managers – understanding the framework of conditions of service that applies to the members they are responsible for.

   3. For administrators – making the right decisions and getting the best results for members in the quickest time.

   4. For other persons – understanding their benefits and the obligations that go with them.

      Examples: Conditions are paid to former members, or to a member's partner.

3. Chapter 1 sets out these important matters.

   1. It defines terms and basic concepts used throughout Chapters 2 to 17.

   2. It explains equivalent ranks and classifications across the three Services and the APS.

   3. It sets out a member's rights and obligations that must be met when they have an entitlement or benefit.

This Chapter contains the following Parts.

Part 1 About this Manual

Part 2 Defence Determination on conditions of service

Part 3 Definitions

Part 4 Equivalent ranks and classifications

Part 5 Member's rights and obligations

Part 6 Payment of benefits in special circumstances

Part 7 Imprisonment, detention and custody within Australia