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Before you can be accepted into the ADF you will need to pass a number of medical tests to ensure you are in peak physical condition and able to serve to your maximum capability. Once you become a member, you'll need to maintain a fit and healthy lifestyle in order to cope with the physical demands of full-time or Reserve service.
Due to the fact that all members may be called upon to perform operational service at short notice, medical fitness is a fundamental requirement for entry to, and retention in, the ADF. To be able to fulfil these duties, personnel are required to undertake varying degrees of intense training, both during Initial Entry courses and throughout their career. For such activities the highest level of medical fitness is required. Those who cannot meet these standards may jeopardise the safety of others, or unfairly cause their duties to be performed by others. Any injury or illness permanently affecting a member's fitness for duty may ultimately result in discharge from the ADF.
Equally, high standards of physical fitness are necessary for ADF members to effectively carry out operational tasks to which they have been assigned. All ADF personnel must be capable of achieving and maintaining a certain level of physical fitness, so they can remain operationally prepared. Personnel are required to undergo regular physical assessments to ensure they are maintaining the required level of physical fitness. Personnel who cannot meet these standards after remedial training will normally face discharge from the ADF.
If you are successful in gaining entry into the Australian Defence Force, your offer of enlistment will be subject to you being tested before enlistment for HIV (the AIDS virus) and other viral infections, including Hepatitis B and C. If you have personal objections to HIV or Hepatitis testing, you have the right to withdraw your application at any time prior to being appointed or enlisted.
Australian Defence Force personnel must maintain medical and dental fitness. After entry into the Australian Defence Force, all Service personnel are required to undergo regular dental treatment, inoculation, HIV and Hepatitis testing, re-vaccination and any urgent surgical treatment that may be required as determined by competent medical authorities.
By following the tips in our fitness section you will be well prepared to meet the requirements of the Physical Fitness Assessment. Learn More
All applicants applying for entry into the ADF are required to meet the entry BMI standards. The ADF uses the National Health and Medical Research Council endorsed BMI approach to assess healthy weight ranges. BMI is the most reliable method to assess body mass and its link to health effects on the body. Individuals who are not in the healthy weight range are at higher risk of being injured during training, as well as developing long term health complications.
The ‘healthy’ BMI range is considered to be between 20 and 25. Defence recognizes that individual body build has an impact on the BMI and sets a standard with that in mind. Evidence strongly supports that for those who do not meet the BMI standards experience significant health and injury risks in military training. Defence will not accept candidates who do not meet the defined standard. The standards are in place to not only protect the individual member but also other ADF colleagues and the ADF mission.
The maximum allowable BMI for entry to the ADF is 32.9 (29.9 for pilot candidates who also have additional weight requirements).
Minimum BMICandidates with a BMI less than 18.5 are also potentially at risk of injury in training and may be deemed temporarily unfit by DFRC medical staff.
Candidates are advised that a BMI between 18.5 and 30 is ideal. It will allow candidates to maximise fitness and minimise the risk of injury in a military environment. Your BMI measurements will be conducted on Assessment Day as part of your medical examination. Your BMI will be measured again on the day of entry to the ADF (enlistment or appointment day) and if you do not meet the standards, you will not be able to join at that time. This can be very disappointing and all candidates are encouraged to make sure that any exercise program or pre joining preparation does not result in a significant change to their BMI.
Medical fitness for entry does not solely rely on meeting the BMI standards. Prior to conducting any lifestyles changes and/or commencing any fitness programs in an attempt to achieve this BMI it is recommended that you consult your treating doctor first. You should also understand that should you undergo lifestyle changes (e.g. weight loss and fitness program) that this will not necessarily guarantee you will meet entry medical standards.
Are you within the acceptable weight range for ADF entry? Launch BMI Calculator