About the Job

Take on a high-tempo security role like no other in the Military Police. Uphold law and order and progress your career by specialising as a dog handler, working in forensics or becoming a tactical bodyguard.

What you'll do:

As a Military Police member, you'll maintain law and provide specialist security across a variety of Australian Defence Force activities including high-threat situations. Once trained, you will conduct general policing tasks within field, barracks and operational environments. These general policing tasks include:

  • Security and protection of personnel
  • Identification and management of crime prevention and deterrence
  • Traffic control
  • Maintenance of general law and order
  • Asset Protection including buildings and critical infrastructure

Military Police is a combat support role, however, it's fast-paced and will position you close to the action.

Training and Progression

You don't need any prior policing experience to join. You'll learn everything you need to know about policing through your Initial Employment Training (IET). Upon completion, your first posting will likely be to the 1st Military Police Battalion where you'll undertake a General Duties policing role to further develop your skills and experience.

A General Duties role involves combat policing and will also see you stationed outside of the barracks. You will conduct training exercises and operations in the field environment, where you are likely to work with and in support of other Army Corps.

Once you have honed your policing skills through a General Duties role you may have the opportunity to transfer to a Tri-service unit where you will operate alongside Navy and Air Force. This role involves enforcement, investigation and discipline maintenance within a Tri-service barracks environment.

After gaining experience as a General Duties Military Police member and demonstrating suitability, you may have the opportunity to specialise in the following fields:

  • Australian Defence Force Investigators (ADFI) - Conduct high level police investigations, both domestically and internationally, work with civilian investigative authorities and even apply trained forensic skills to collect evidence.
  • Military Working Dog Handling - Partner with a highly trained Military Police Dog to undertake a range of tasks such as tracking, crowd control and the apprehension of threats.
  • Close Personnel Protection (CPPO) - Provide close tactical protection to VIPs - these are the personal bodyguards of the Army.

Each specialisation involves comprehensive training and is offered based on individual preference, suitability and Army capability requirements.

Additional Information

As a member of the Military Police, you'll have the opportunity to connect with indigenous cultures, communicate across cultural barriers and interact with the local populace.

Your role may involve accessing sensitive personal information as part of your police duties, including investigations. Military Police are expected to enforce the law whilst maintaining the highest professional standards and integrity at all times.

As a Military Police member, you'll develop a set of unique policing skills and gain world-class training in law enforcement and security. This military policing capability cannot be transferred into a state or federal police qualification. However, this high-tempo role will build your confidence, decision making abilities and help you lead a small team in both a field and barracks environment.

Not many jobs can give you the sense of pride that comes from serving your country and providing support to communities in need, both here and overseas. Take on this role if you're after great benefits, strong friendships and a law enforcement job with a real difference.

In-service Information
Employment Category Number (ECN): 315
Employment Category: Combat Support

Key Information

Preparing for Your Recruitment Process

This document provides information that will assist applicants for roles in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including details about the recruitment process, how to prepare yourself for assessment, and what to expect if you are successful in joining the Australian Defence Force.

National Qualifications

Upon completion of your Initial Employment Training you will receive:

  • A Certificate IV in Government Investigations.

Additional qualifications that may be awarded on completion of specialist courses include:

  • A Diploma in Government Investigations - awarded on completion of the Australian Defence Force Investigators Course.
  • A Diploma of Forensic Investigations – awarded on completion of the specialist course in crime scene examinations.

Salary & Allowances

In the Army you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.


For more details download our Salary Scales.


Locations

Military Police General Duty personnel are initially employed in the 1st Military Police Battalion. Subsequent postings are based upon the service need, career development needs and individual preferences.

Military Police serve within Army, Tri-Service and Special Operations units domestically and internationally. Military Police are employed in support of most major bases within Australia. Principal employment locations on completion of initial employment training are Darwin, Townsville and Brisbane. After gaining experience you may have the opportunity to be located in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne as well as regional locations across Australia.


Requirements

Age

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.

Education & Experience

Completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics.

If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your ADF Careers Centre representative to discuss options.

Medical & Fitness

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.

Period of Service

Military Police soldiers are enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of four 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.

Additional Requirements

If an applicant has a civilian licence that is under suspension or has been cancelled, that applicant is not eligible to enlist as an MP until such time as the suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired

Aptitude

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.

Citizenship

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 ADF Careers Centre.

Security Requirements

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.

Training

Military Training

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

Army Recruit Course
Duration: Approximately 12 weeks.
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.

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.

Employment Training

Military Police Initial Employment Training
Location: Defence Force School of Policing, Holsworthy, NSW.
Total Duration: Approximately 5 months

Military Police Initial Employment Training consists of three main components comprising of Military Police Common phase, Military Police Investigations Course and Army Single Service Phase.

Military Police trainees will be taught Operational Safety Skills, Speed Measuring Device, Self-Loading Pistol and Investigative procedures. On successful completion of the course you will be awarded a Certificate IV in Government Investigations. Throughout your career, you will also have the opportunity to develop your skills with specialist training.