Employment as a Commando requires sacrifice, hard work and dedication in a challenging, demanding, high-risk and operationally focussed work environment. However, you are well paid for your service. The amount of salary and allowances at each stage is described below.

While undertaking your basic military (Recruit) training, you will receive basic trainee pay. This is $1,076 per fortnight ($28,060 per year).*

On successful completion of your basic training, your salary will increase to $1,216 per fortnight ($31,719 per year)* while undertaking your Infantry initial employment training at the School of Infantry, Singleton; your Advanced Infantry Training Program and your Commando Initial Employment Training.

You will also receive an allowance for each day that you are required to spend in the field during your basic, initial employment, Advanced Infantry Training Program and your Commando Initial Employment Training. Field allowance is either $27.69 or $47.21 per day (depending on the type of field training being undertaken).

If you have dependants you may be entitled to Trainee's Dependant Allowance during your basic and initial employment training. This allowance is paid to enable those trainees with dependants to receive a salary of not less than $1,406 per fortnight ($36,658 per year) while training. However, conditions apply. If you have dependants you should speak to your Careers Counsellor.

At the successful completion of your Commando Initial Employment Training, you will be recognised as a qualified Commando Grade One. At this point you will be paid at pay group two and your salary will increase to $1,483 per fortnight ($38,662 per year).* You will continue to receive this level of pay through your Commando reinforcement training.

Service Allowance at the rate of $409 per fortnight ($10,672 per year) is paid (except while undertaking Recruit and Employment training) to compensate a member for the unique requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family. Your pay and service allowance gives you a salary of $1,892 per fortnight ($49,334 per year)* at this stage.

After completing a Commando insertion skill, either the Special Forces Parachute Course or the Commando Amphibious Operations Course, and while still completing Commando reinforcement training, you will be entitled to Trainee - Specialist operations allowance. This allowance recognises the special demands that are expected of a qualified Commando, even while undergoing training.

After qualifying as a Commando Grade One, the next step is to achieve Commando Grade Two. You will achieve Commando Grade Two after you complete your six Commando reinforcement courses. However, there is a minimum period of six months between achieving Commando Grade One and Commando Grade Two. If you complete your courses in five months, you will be required to complete one month of regimental service in 4 RAR (Cdo) before becoming eligible for Grade Two. Be aware, it could take longer than six months to complete your courses; therefore, you will not achieve Commando Grade Two until then.

Commando Grade Two employment is classified as a pay group three occupation. On the successful completion of your Commando reinforcement training, as a qualified Commando Grade Two (Private) serving in 4 RAR (Cdo), with your service allowance, you can expect to earn a salary of $1,969 per fortnight ($51,338 per year)* plus your special operations allowance.

Your pay and your special operations allowances will continue to increase as you progress within the Commando employment. If you perform well you will be considered for promotion. If promoted, you will also receive an increase in salary.

Refer to the Salary Scales.

* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.

Employment as a Commando requires sacrifice, hard work and dedication in a challenging, demanding, high-risk and operationally focussed work environment. However, you are well paid for your service. The amount of salary and allowances at each stage is described below.

Salary while undertaking Military (Recruit) Training will be $66.88 per day tax free which is equal to $936.32 per fortnight tax free.

Upon successful completion of your basic training, you will be paid as a regular soldier but you will be taxed. Your salary will increase to $1,216 per fortnight ($31,719 per year)* and remain at that level while you undertake Initial Employment Training (IET) at the School of Infantry, Singleton.

If you have dependants you may be entitled to Trainee's Dependant Allowance during your basic and initial employment training. This allowance is paid to enable those trainees with dependants to receive a salary of not less than $1,406 per fortnight ($36,658 per year) while training. However, conditions apply. If you have dependants you should speak to your Careers Counsellor.

After completion of IET your salary will increase to $1,483 per fortnight ($38,662 per year)*(plus a service allowance payment of $10,672) to match your new qualification as an Infantry Private. The service allowance is paid (except while undertaking Recruit and Employment training) to compensate a member for the unique requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his family. Your salary will now total $1,892 per fortnight ($49,334 per year)* and will stay at that level for the Advanced Infantry Training Program and Commando Initial Employment Training courses.

You will also receive an allowance for each day that you are required to spend in the field during your basic, initial employment, Advanced Infantry Training Program and your Commando Initial Employment Training. Field allowance is either $27.69 or $47.21 per day depending on the type of field training being undertaken.

At the successful completion of your Commando Initial Employment Training, you will be recognised as a qualified Commando Grade One. At this point you may commence training in Army Reserve service or continue your training under an extended full-time service contract. As a Reservist you will be paid $116.93 per day tax free (including a service allowance of $11.01).

The next step is the six Commando reinforcement cycle courses including the Special Forces Parachute Course and the Commando Amphibious Operations Course. While still completing Commando reinforcement training, you will be entitled to Trainee - Specialist operations allowance. This allowance recognises the special demands that are expected of a qualified Commando. These courses will qualify you to Commando Grade Two.

* Note: These figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); or superannuation.