Information
Benefits
The ADF offers more than just a career. Your students can also get trade or university qualifications, learn new skills, and enjoy a stable and well-paid job.
Take your students through our Career Match Tool to help them find their ideal career.
Professional development and training opportunities
The ADF provides extensive training programs and continuous professional development, allowing individuals to acquire valuable skills and knowledge. This includes specialised technical training, leadership development, and opportunities for advanced education and qualifications.
Diverse career pathways
There’s a wide range of career pathways including aviation, engineering, logistics, medical, submarines and combat roles. This allows students to choose the one that aligns with their interests and strengths.
Competitive remuneration and benefits
Competitive salary packages and benefits include 16.4% superannuation, free medical and dental, paid training and assistance in renting and purchasing a home.
Job security and stability
A career in the ADF means guaranteed employment with long-term career prospects. Your students will benefit from the job security that comes with playing a critical role in national security.
Types of careers
Aviation
Join a dynamic team that includes pilots, ground support crew, and the engineers and technicians that keep our technologically advanced aircraft safe and airworthy.
Business, Administration and Education
Reinforce the reputation and capability of the ADF in a variety of outstanding career opportunities including Human Resources (HR), public affairs, administration and law.
Combat and Security
Be part of the team at the centre of the action. You’ll contribute to protecting Australia, its interests, and ADF infrastructure, in a mentally and physically challenging role.
Communication, IT and Intelligence
Discover a high-tech world where you'll use some of the world's most sophisticated systems and devices to keep the ADF communicating effectively.
Engineering
Work at the peak of your profession on incredible military assets such as warships, tanks, fighter aircraft and all the systems that control them.
Healthcare, Science and Chaplaincy
Look after the wellbeing of ADF personnel as a doctor, nurse, dentist, psychologist, scientist or chaplain, in what could be the most rewarding job you’ll ever undertake.
Logistics, Hospitality and Support
Accept the challenge of organising one of Australia’s most dynamic and widely spread workforces, when you join the team that feeds, supplies and transports the ADF.
Officers and Management
Receive unrivalled management and leadership training in preparation for a demanding role leading and mentoring as well as demonstrating expertise in your chosen specialty.
Trades
Choose from a wide variety of trades ranging from electronics, mechanics and carpentry to cooking and plumbing, and enjoy training, good pay, mateship and job security.
Navy Careers
The Royal Australian Navy operates advanced ships, weapons, submarines and aircraft. We’re expertly trained to defend Australia and perform a variety of maritime duties.
Army Careers
The Australian Army is a versatile and modern fighting force that helps maintain the security of Australia. Our mission is to prepare land power to enable the Joint Force in peace and war. We also provide critical support to communities in need, both here and overseas.
Air Force Careers
The Royal Australian Air Force is a world-class military force, operating some of the most advanced aircraft and defence technology in use anywhere today.
Gap Year opportunities
Spend an exciting 12 months in the Navy, Army or Air Force and get paid for meaningful work while gaining skills for life and making lifelong friends.
Part-time opportunities
Make a difference and challenge yourself with a flexible part-time role in the ADF Reserves.
Full-time opportunities
Take on an exciting career unlike any other with over 300 full-time roles to choose from.
Get a fully paid degree
Study at ADFA and gain a degree from University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Get degree sponsored
Study at any Australian university leading to a guaranteed career in the ADF.
Learn specialised skills
Build on an established career or do something completely different by obtaining trade or technical qualifications through the ADF.
Become a leader
With world-class training, we’ll help unlock your leadership potential, making you a strong manager and decision-maker.
Learn a trade
Acquire highly sought-after skills and qualifications, working on some of the world’s most exciting vehicles, ships, submarines, aircraft, technology and infrastructure.
Fit a role into your existing lifestyle
Experience adventure outside the everyday with a flexible, part-time role.
Find if the ADF is for you
Get a taste of life in the ADF with a 12-month paid Gap Year.
Aviation
Join a dynamic team that includes pilots, ground support crew, and the engineers and technicians that keep our technologically advanced aircraft safe and airworthy.
Business, Administration and Education
Reinforce the reputation and capability of the ADF in a variety of outstanding career opportunities including Human Resources (HR), public affairs, administration and law.
Combat and Security
Be part of the team at the centre of the action. You’ll contribute to protecting Australia, its interests, and ADF infrastructure, in a mentally and physically challenging role.
Communication, IT and Intelligence
Discover a high-tech world where you'll use some of the world's most sophisticated systems and devices to keep the ADF communicating effectively.
Engineering
Work at the peak of your profession on incredible military assets such as warships, tanks, fighter aircraft and all the systems that control them.
Healthcare, Science and Chaplaincy
Look after the wellbeing of ADF personnel as a doctor, nurse, dentist, psychologist, scientist or chaplain, in what could be the most rewarding job you’ll ever undertake.
Logistics, Hospitality and Support
Accept the challenge of organising one of Australia’s most dynamic and widely spread workforces, when you join the team that feeds, supplies and transports the ADF.
Officers and Management
Receive unrivalled management and leadership training in preparation for a demanding role leading and mentoring as well as demonstrating expertise in your chosen specialty.
Trades
Choose from a wide variety of trades ranging from electronics, mechanics and carpentry to cooking and plumbing, and enjoy training, good pay, mateship and job security.
Navy Careers
The Royal Australian Navy operates advanced ships, weapons, submarines and aircraft. We’re expertly trained to defend Australia and perform a variety of maritime duties.
Army Careers
The Australian Army is a versatile and modern fighting force that helps maintain the security of Australia. Our mission is to prepare land power to enable the Joint Force in peace and war. We also provide critical support to communities in need, both here and overseas.
Air Force Careers
The Royal Australian Air Force is a world-class military force, operating some of the most advanced aircraft and defence technology in use anywhere today.
Gap Year opportunities
Spend an exciting 12 months in the Navy, Army or Air Force and get paid for meaningful work while gaining skills for life and making lifelong friends.
Part-time opportunities
Make a difference and challenge yourself with a flexible part-time role in the ADF Reserves.
Full-time opportunities
Take on an exciting career unlike any other with over 300 full-time roles to choose from.
Get a fully paid degree
Study at ADFA and gain a degree from University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Get degree sponsored
Study at any Australian university leading to a guaranteed career in the ADF.
Learn specialised skills
Build on an established career or do something completely different by obtaining trade or technical qualifications through the ADF.
Become a leader
With world-class training, we’ll help unlock your leadership potential, making you a strong manager and decision-maker.
Learn a trade
Acquire highly sought-after skills and qualifications, working on some of the world’s most exciting vehicles, ships, submarines, aircraft, technology and infrastructure.
Fit a role into your existing lifestyle
Experience adventure outside the everyday with a flexible, part-time role.
Find if the ADF is for you
Get a taste of life in the ADF with a 12-month paid Gap Year.
Commitment and dedication
Willing to commit to a cause, with the ambition, dedication and motivation to see it through.
Physical fitness
The energy and enthusiasm to take on every day with a goal to achieve optimal endurance, strength and performance.
Teamwork and collaboration
The ability to work collaboratively in a team, supporting colleagues to solve problems and achieve objectives.
Integrity and ethical conduct
A strong desire to do what is right, holding themselves accountable and acting in an ethical manner.
Mental resilience and adaptability
The ability to cope with uncertainty, challenges and adversity, and adapt to new or unexpected situations.
Willingness to learn and grow
Striving to be the best they can be with a desire to learn and grow, both professionally and personally.
Discipline and respect
Demonstrating they value others while treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Concerns students may have
Help address student concerns with the correct answers to common misconceptions.
Misconception: The ADF only hires people whose first language is English.
While anyone in the ADF must be proficient in written and spoken English, our people reflect the rich multicultural diversity of Australia, bringing with them a unique blend of skills, strengths and knowledge. We offer many roles across a variety of disciplines and professions, and welcome applications from all Australians. In some cases, proficiency in other languages may be recognised by the ADF.Misconception: The ADF is a male-only environment
Women – and women from all backgrounds – enjoy rewarding careers in the ADF, across a broad range of trades and professions. The ADF strongly believes opportunities offered should be based on attributes and potential, regardless of gender.Misconception: If harassment occurs, the ADF looks the other way
The ADF takes a zero-tolerance stance towards harassment, abuse, bullying and discrimination. The ADF has numerous options for reporting allegations of abuse committed by a serving member.Misconception: The ADF only offers combat roles
There’s a lot more to the ADF than just combat roles. From doctors and human Resources to pilots and carpenters, the ADF has over 300 different roles across a broad range of employment categories including:
- Aviation
- Business, Administration and Education
- Combat and Security
- Communications, IT and Intelligence
- Cyber
- Engineering
- Healthcare, Science and Chaplaincy
- Logistics, Hospitality and Support
- Officers and Management
- Submarines
- Trades.
Misconception: There are some roles in the ADF that are only available to men
Women are eligible for all roles in the ADF.Misconception: The ADF is not well paid
ADF offers competitive salaries to those in similar civilian roles. Personnel benefit from free medical and dental care, generous super, subsidised accommodation, generous leave and access to sporting and fitness facilities – all of which add significant extra value to a salary package in the ADF.Misconception: The ADF does not provide a good work/life balance
A role in the ADF is not 24/7. Outside of training, exercises and deployments, members generally work an 8-hour day (which includes time spent exercising) and 5-day weeks. So, they will generally be free during evenings and weekends to do whatever they want on or off base.Misconception: The ADF isn’t fulfilling or enjoyable
Many aspects of life in the ADF make it deeply fulfilling and enjoyable. These include friendships developed through shared experiences, teamwork, community assistance, career progression, opportunities for promotion, the satisfaction of what can be achieved and the variety of the work itself.Commitment and dedication
Willing to commit to a cause, with the ambition, dedication and motivation to see it through.
Physical fitness
The energy and enthusiasm to take on every day with a goal to achieve optimal endurance, strength and performance.
Teamwork and collaboration
The ability to work collaboratively in a team, supporting colleagues to solve problems and achieve objectives.
Integrity and ethical conduct
A strong desire to do what is right, holding themselves accountable and acting in an ethical manner.
Mental resilience and adaptability
The ability to cope with uncertainty, challenges and adversity, and adapt to new or unexpected situations.
Willingness to learn and grow
Striving to be the best they can be with a desire to learn and grow, both professionally and personally.
Discipline and respect
Demonstrating they value others while treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Concerns students may have
Help address student concerns with the correct answers to common misconceptions.
Misconception: The ADF only hires people whose first language is English.
While anyone in the ADF must be proficient in written and spoken English, our people reflect the rich multicultural diversity of Australia, bringing with them a unique blend of skills, strengths and knowledge. We offer many roles across a variety of disciplines and professions, and welcome applications from all Australians. In some cases, proficiency in other languages may be recognised by the ADF.Misconception: The ADF is a male-only environment
Women – and women from all backgrounds – enjoy rewarding careers in the ADF, across a broad range of trades and professions. The ADF strongly believes opportunities offered should be based on attributes and potential, regardless of gender.Misconception: If harassment occurs, the ADF looks the other way
The ADF takes a zero-tolerance stance towards harassment, abuse, bullying and discrimination. The ADF has numerous options for reporting allegations of abuse committed by a serving member.Misconception: The ADF only offers combat roles
There’s a lot more to the ADF than just combat roles. From doctors and human Resources to pilots and carpenters, the ADF has over 300 different roles across a broad range of employment categories including:
- Aviation
- Business, Administration and Education
- Combat and Security
- Communications, IT and Intelligence
- Cyber
- Engineering
- Healthcare, Science and Chaplaincy
- Logistics, Hospitality and Support
- Officers and Management
- Submarines
- Trades.