Must be aged between 17 and 55 years inclusive on day of entry.

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting centre.

• You are an Australian citizen;
• You are a permanent resident who can provide a Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) receipt to prove you have applied for Australian citizenship. (A permanent resident is generally eligible to apply for citizenship after two years. A permanent resident married to an Australian can apply immediately); or
• You are a permanent resident who is not eligible to apply for Australian citizenship but are prepared to sign an undertaking to apply after completing at least 3 months service in the ADF or at least 6 months part-time service in the ADF Reserve. (Permanent residents become eligible to apply for citizenship on completion of 3 months service in the ADF or 6 months part-time service in the ADF Reserve).

• Fail to apply for citizenship when eligible to do so;
• Are not offered citizenship; or
• Fail to accept citizenship when it is offered.

The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to attain a security clearance appropriate to their avenue of entry.

For entry in this employment you should be aware that the following security issues need to be considered:

• To obtain the necessary security clearance, you must be an Australian citizen. Your security application will not be progressed until your citizenship is confirmed;
• For employment in this category, you will need to hold a TOP SECRET POSITIVE VETTED clearance. The clearance process is lengthy (usually between 6-12 months) and by necessity, detailed and intrusive. The POSITIVE VETTING process cannot begin until you are an Australian citizen.
• Applicants should be aware that to be granted this level of clearance, you must have a checkable background for the past ten years. You should also be aware that any lengthy overseas stay during this period could make security checking difficult. Such difficulty may result in a conclusion that it is not possible to adequately check your background, thereby disqualifying you from being considered for employment in this occupation.
• Applicants should also be aware that delays to Initial Employment Training are possible if the Top Secret security clearance is not processed prior to commencement of this training.  
• To be employed in some areas, members may be required to undertake an Organisational Suitability Assessment (OSA), as well as being TOP SECRET POSITIVE VETTED. If a member unsuccessfully attempts the OSA, they will not be able to work in this area and may be deemed unsuitable for this employment field.

Aptitude testing is undertaken to assess your ability to cope with the training and intellectual demands placed on you whilst serving in the ADF. The standards are sound and realistic in expectation, with psychology support staff explaining what is involved with each test.