The Australian Defence Force can take you where you want to go
Have you ever thought about a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force? To begin with, there are over 200 different job roles in the Australian Defence Forces (ADF). Not only is it stimulating and varied work, you’ll also be making a positive contribution to the world we live in. Plus there are heaps of benefits (we’ll come to in a minute).
There are a couple of ways you can join the ADF:
- General Entry. This includes:
- Non-technical jobs
- Technical jobs
- Gap year jobs (you can spend 12-months in the Navy, Army or Air Force, travel Australia, get paid, and gain skills for life)
- Part-time jobs (the Reserves)
- Officer Entry:
- The Royal Australian Naval College
- Royal Military College for Army Officer
- The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) for a university pathway to an officer role
- Graduate Entry
While you don’t need to be an ‘A’-student at school, all Defence Force roles need a pass in Year 10 English and Maths. Of course, many roles have extra entry requirements. These could include:
- Year 10 Science
- Passes in certain TCE courses
- A minimum ATAR for ADFA courses.
With so many career options, there’s a lot to wrap your head around. So it makes sense to do your research. Start by drilling down into the job opportunities.
Steps to exploration
Make the defence jobs website a priority target
Are you ready to start exploring an amazing career in the ADF? Everything you need to know is on the Defence Jobs website – www.defencejobs.gov.au Explore Defence Force jobs by:
- Services – Army, Navy or Air Force
- Categories
- Entry methods – Full Time or Reserves (Part Time)
For each job, make sure you read the ‘Job overview’. If one sparks your interest, then read the ‘Full details’ to get the nitty gritty on all the requirements.
Read up on the lifestyle and benefits of joining the Defence Forces and see if it’s for you. This includes:
- Excellent salary packages.
- Unique experiences
- Job satisfaction
- Lifelong friendships
- Training and development
What to look out for
If you want to go to ADFA:
- Apply through Defence Force Recruiting
- Apply to UAC (University Admissions Centre) for your ADFA course at the University of New South Wales Canberra Campus – www.uac.edu.au
- Or maybe you’d like to test the water. If you’re interested in an ‘ADF Gap Year’ job keep an eye out for when ADF Gap Year applications open. Remember though, many ADF Gap Year jobs fill fast! So you’ll need to get a wriggle on when applications come out.
Applying
How to apply
There are several pathways to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including General Entry, Officer Entry, Gap Year, Reserves (Part-Time), Previously Served, and Mid-Career Entry options. Applicants can choose the pathway that best matches their experience, qualifications, and career goals.
For many General Entry roles, no prior experience or qualifications are required. Successful applicants receive comprehensive role-specific training and are paid while they train.
To apply:
- Explore available roles in the Navy, Army, or Air Force and identify a position that matches your interests and skills.
- Select your preferred entry pathway, such as General Entry, Officer Entry, Gap Year, or Reserves.
- Submit an online application through the ADF Careers website. Applicants interested in the Reserves can apply through the same process by selecting the‘Reserve’ or‘Part Time’ entry method when applying.
- Complete the ADF recruitment process, which includes a series of assessments designed to determine suitability for service.
- Commence training upon successful selection and enlistment, where you will develop the skills and knowledge required for your chosen role.
For detailed information on eligibility requirements, role-specific pathways, and the recruitment process, visit the ADF Careers website.
Key takeaway
With over 200 different job roles in the Australian Defence Forces, there is a job to suit just about everybody