General Requirements

Age Requirement

Graduate

Applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age 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.

Maximum age on entry is 56 years of age.

Graduate Medical Program

The maximum age for entry is such that an applicant must be able to complete their degree, any periods of residency and their Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation incurred under the Program prior to compulsory retirement age (normally 60 years of age).

Undergraduate

The maximum age for entry is such that an applicant must be able to complete their degree, any periods of postgraduate experience, or professional development placements and their Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation incurred under the Scheme prior to compulsory retirement age (normally 60 years of age).

Specialist Reserve

The compulsory retirement age (CRA) for Air Force Specialist Reserve officers is 65 years. The Minister may on one or more occasions extend the CRA age for serving Reservists.

Citizenship Requirement

Only Australian citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.

If you are a Permanent Resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

More information on citizenship requirements and the citizenship waiver process is available from the Recruitment Centre and your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

Security Requirement

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

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews enables the Regional Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or have a checkable background for this period.

Aptitude Requirement

The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests including verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also need additional testing at a later date.

Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.

The aptitude tests provide information about your suitability for the Defence Force and for particular jobs. Defence Force Recruiting can then help you identify jobs that match your abilities.

Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.

Gender Restriction

Graduate, Graduate Medical Program, Undergraduate, Specialist Reserve

There is no gender restriction for this role. Employment is available for both males and females.