In order to serve in the Australian Defence Force, you need to be an Australian citizen with the appropriate citizenship documents. There are a number of other ADF eligibility requirements and we recommend that you review these in detail, before you submit an application to join the Navy, Army or Air Force. Learn More
To be considered for entry into the Australian Defence Force you must be at least 16 years and 6 months old to apply with parental or guardian consent and at least 17 years old at the time of enlistment.
If you're interested in the Australian Defence Force Academy you can apply at 16 years of age, with parental or guardian consent and we recommend that you start applying at the end of Year 11, or beginning of Year 12.
After submitting your initial application you will attend a Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) Session at a Defence Force Recruiting Centre.
The YOU Session includes an Aptitude Test, a Medical Interview and an interview with a Careers Counsellor, to establish the job roles you are most suited to and are eligible to apply for.
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Once you have successfully completed a YOU Session and submitted all of the required documentation, you'll attend an Assessment Session. This will include a Medical Assessment, a Psychological Interview and a Defence Interview. Learn More
All successful applicants must attend their Enlistment/Appointment day which is held at a Defence Force Recruiting Centre. You will undergo a final medical check and a welcome ceremony will be conducted, which family and friends are welcome to join. At the conclusion of the ceremony you will head straight to initial military training. Learn More
This DefenceJobs website allows you to complete your entire job application online. To get started find a job you're interested in and click the 'Apply Now' button.
You will receive an email acknowledging your application, alternatively you can also apply over the phone on 13 19 01.
The Officer Selection Board is an extra step for officer applicants, designed to test leadership skills, teamwork and other individual abilities considered critical to the role of an officer. On the day you'll participate in a series of group and/or individual activities, as well as an interview in front of a panel of military officers and a psychologist. Learn More
All candidates who have been recommended for Appointment or Enlistment must pass the Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) to proceed to their Enlistment or Appointment day. The PFA includes push-ups and sit-ups to test upper body strength and a Beep Test / Shuttle Run, to measure aerobic capacity. Learn More