Quick Eligibility Check


Our needs vary by role, but if you can tick all the following boxes you’ve met the basic requirements for the Navy, Army or Air Force.


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I am an Australian Citizen

You need to be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF, although permanent residents may be considered for some positions.

Learn about citizenship requirements


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I am over 16.5 years old or 16 years for ADFA

These are application ages but you need to be at least 17 when you enter the ADF. Min. and max. ages vary by role.

Browse job pages for specific age restrictions


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My background can be checked

To achieve the minimum security clearance you must have lived in Australia or have a checkable background for the past ten years.

Browse job pages for specific security requirements


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I have passed Year 10 English and Maths

This is the minimum entry-level requirement.

Browse job pages for specific education requirements


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I have the required licences for my role

For certain roles, you may need to a hold current licence to perform your duties, such as a trade, plant, machinery or manual driver's licence.

Browse job pages for specific licence requirements


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I am reasonably fit and healthy

You'll need to pass a physical fitness test before you join, but we'll give you some tips to help you prepare.

Find out about fitness requirements and testing


If you passed:

Apply online for the role you're interested in, or browse job categories below to see what you might be interested in and apply without a preference.



Browse all job categories


Popular FAQs

Got a question about joining? If the answer's not here, click below to access all FAQs or call us on 13 19 01.

CAN I HAVE TATTOOS AND/OR BODY PIERCINGS?

The ADF has a strict policy on tattoos and body piercing. Tattoos and/or brands are prohibited on the face of candidates wishing to enter the Navy, Army or Air Force. For Navy candidates, the face includes the scalp, ears and neck. For Army candidates, tattoos are prohibited on the face (which includes the scalp ears and neck) and the hands. Air Force candidates are prohibited from having or obtaining tattoos on the face excluding the scalp, ears and neck.

Additionally, female candidates are permitted to have tattooed eyebrow forms (excluding eyeliner) providing they follow the natural arch line of eyebrows and are of a natural colour that matches the colour of the hair. Females may have lip tattooing to enhance the outline of the lips providing it does not look unnatural i.e. is not outlined in black, is not a non-flesh colour and does not change the natural shape of the lips.

Apart from the face (and hands for Army candidates), tattoos and/or brands are permitted on other parts of the body, unless the tattoo or brand is considered offensive and undermines the dignity and authority of the Australian Defence Force. Further guidance on this policy can be received by contacting ADF Careers.

Candidates who have tattoos for religious reasons which are in those areas prohibited above, are advised that ADF Careers is required to seek approval from the appropriate single Service authority prior to applicant appointment or enlistment.

What does the recruitment process involve?

A typical application process includes two separate visits to a ADF Careers Centre. At the first session, you will identify which of the hundreds of ADF jobs you wish to apply for and are eligible for through an aptitude test and a discussion with a Defence Recruiter. You will also have a basic medical history review.

On the second visit, you will be required to have more comprehensive interviews with a doctor, psychologist and a senior member of the ADF (Defence Interviewer). If recommended to progress by the Defence Interviewer, Officer Entry candidates will also have to sit an Officer Selection Board, which is similar to a formal job interview.

For more information contact your nearest ADF Careers Centre.

HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET IN TO THE ADF?

Fitness requirements vary for each Service. Before you join the ADF, you will undergo a Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment (PFA). Check out the PFA requirements and training tips to help you meet them here.