Info for Parents & Guardians


If you have any questions regarding your child's desire to join the Navy, Army or Air Force, follow the link below or check out the most popular FAQs.

Parents and Guardians Guide Info for Parents and Guardians

Parents & Guardians Hub

We've created an online information resource to give parents and guardians a better idea of what working for the Australian Defence Force is all about. Click below to get all the answers.



Popular FAQs

What kind of lifestyle will my child have in the ADF?

Life in the ADF is in some ways very much like that of civilian life. Once your son or daughter has completed their initial training, for which they'll be paid, they are generally allowed to live off base, whether they're single, married or still living at home. So going to work is similar to any other job, with after hours and weekends generally free to do what they like. They'll receive a regular salary plus generous superannuation from day one of their employment.

While living and training on base, the standard of accommodation is very good and your son or daughter's accommodation and food is subsidised to reduce any financial burden. During Recruit Training, trainees will share a room with up to four other recruits (same gender). However, if undertaking Officer Training, rooms are single berth. After completion of initial training, all accommodation is, generally, single room accommodation with communal facilities such as bathroom, kitchenette and living room. The meals provided by the ADF are of a high standard. During training everyone gets three cooked meals a day in a Mess, with a choice of several dishes, including vegetarian dishes.

The facilities available vary for each base. Generally, each features:

  • Accommodation
  • Sporting facilities including a gym, pool, playing fields, and/or tennis courts
  • Leisure facilities including recreational clubs and/or sporting clubs, and a bar
  • Shopping facilities plus a canteen and EFTPOS facilities
  • Access to internet, PCs, phones (mobile/land), TV, DVDs and game machines
  • Parking for private vehicles – so no need to use public transport to and from the base
  • Email and provisions for letter writing

All facilities are maintained to a high standard and cater for a diverse range of interests and hobbies. Your child will also receive free healthcare, so you won't have to worry about any more medical or dental bills.

What education opportunities are available to my child?

In addition to providing a range of degree courses at ADFA, the ADF sponsors university students who have started their degree through the Defence University Sponsorship scheme. Sponsorships are available across all three Services and across a number of different disciplines. The ADF makes university much more affordable by covering your child's tuition fees, as well as paying a salary of up to $46,368 per year (if they're an undergraduate) or up to $64,517 per year (if they're a postgraduate student pursuing the graduate medical program) while they study. Personnel also have the opportunity to undertake post-graduate studies that are fully funded by the ADF.

What if my child is under 18 years of age?

The ADF has a duty of care for personnel who are under the age of 18. Measures are taken to ensure that proof of parental permission is obtained for leave beyond a certain distance from the ship/base/unit and that there is strict adherence to the law in regards to alcohol. While ADF service requires members to serve wherever and whenever required, the ADF must meet international obligations in respect of minors. So if your child is under 18 years of age, all feasible measures are taken to ensure that they are not deployed to any hostile areas.




Still need help?

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