After six years you'll not only have Army trade proficiency but also excellent long-term employment prospects. Your trade training is fully accredited with exportability of that trade qualification into the civil community providing a broader scope for your future employment.

The Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process will be completed prior to a Letter of Offer (LOO) being sent. The LOO will detail any competency gap training required to be qualified. This gap training will be undertaken as part of your initial trade training.

Applicants who hold a Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Heavy Road Transport) are considered for qualified entry.

If you hold a Certificate III, in any automotive discipline, have evidence towards a partial completion or the completion of an approved apprenticeship or traineeship you may be given advanced standing as part of the Recognition of Prior Learning process towards the Army Vehicle Mechanic course. This will reduce the amount of time you will spend in training.

Regardless of civilian qualifications held, you will be required to complete military specific Units of Competency at the Army Logistic Training Centre as part of your initial employment training.

You should present your trade paperwork at the recruiting interview as the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process can not be completed after enlistment.

Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and able to complete the Initial Minimum Period of Service before reaching Compulsory Retirement Age (60).

Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age.

Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Mathematics, Science and one other subject.

Partially Qualified: Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Mathematics, Science and one (1) other subject as well as evidence that supports attainment of competencies towards a Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical (Heavy Road Transport or Heavy Vehicle Mobile Plant Equipment or Light Vehicle or equivalent) delivered by a recognised training institution.

To be enlisted or appointed, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You will also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment before appointment.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of seven years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation.

Your Careers Coach can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

The Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) is completed as part of the application process to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Some jobs may also require you to complete a further evaluation at a later date.

The JOA is used by Defence to establish suitability for ADF entry, and then identify jobs that best match your abilities.

Further information about the JOA can be found in the Guide to the Job Opportunities Assessment for the ADF.

To get a feel for the types of questions that are used in the Job Opportunities Assessment and how they will look on your screen some examples can be found in the Job Opportunities Assessment Example Questions.

To serve in the ADF you must be an Australian Citizen.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary deferral of the citizenship requirement if the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian Citizenship as early as possible following enlistment or appointment.

Find out more in our Citizenship page or ask your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.

The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have a security clearance appropriate to their employment.

A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and if required, interviews, enables the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.

The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1 (NV1), and current policy requires applicants to have a checkable background for the previous 10 years.

This means applicants must provide credible referees (non-family members) who are able to provide information about the applicant covering an extended period of time. Required information for an NV1 includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Residence
• Employment
• Education
• Financial information
• Travel

Some ADF jobs may require a higher level of security clearance such as Negative Vetting Level 2 (NV2) or Positive Vetting (PV). Your individual circumstances will determine the number and complexity of the questions and the supporting documents required for these levels.

Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in exceptional circumstances.

The security clearance is critical to an applicant's successful progression through the recruiting process. It is strongly recommended that all applicants action the Security Clearance Package (ePack) and provide the required documentation without delay to provide the best opportunity to commence training and be employed in their preferred employment category.

For more detailed information on the security vetting process and specific clearance level requirements set by AGSVA, please refer to the AGSVA website.

Support will be provided by DFR during the initial application process.

As a General Entry recruit, you’ll be required to complete the Recruit Course.

During training, you will take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.

Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.

For more information, visit Soldier Training at Kapooka.

Vehicle Mechanic Course: Approximately 18 months (self-paced training)

On the Job training: Approximately 12 Months.

Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.

Initial trade training is conducted at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME), which is located within the Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC) in Victoria. The courses and competencies attained by a Vehicle Mechanic are gained through successful completion of the Army Technical and Trades Vehicle Mechanic Course (ATTVM). This training is self paced and is expected to be completed in approximately 18 months. Students are taught theory and practice of motor vehicle systems including brakes, clutches, steering, drivelines, fuel systems, electrical systems, transmissions, hydraulics and internal combustion engines. Both petrol and diesel engines are covered with an emphasis on diesel.

Removal, testing and replacement of components are combined with their overhaul while the final stage concentrates on diagnostic procedures. Trainees must also attain skills in fitting, machining, oxy-acetylene and arc-welding as allied trades.

Following completion of the residential component of the course, students are posted to a Regional Training Centre to complete a 12 month nominal On the Job Training (OJT) program before becoming fully qualified.