Tens of thousands of Australians apply for a position in the Australian Defence Force every year.
Not only is a career within the ADF very well recognised nationwide, but a career in the Australian Defence Force also provides a number of additional advantages.
Men and women in the ADF experience career benefits including a great deal of training and upskilling, financial benefits including allowances and subsidised accommodation as well as lifestyle benefits including good work/life balance and opportunities to travel.
Find out more about the opportunities available in the Australian Defence force as well as the defence force graduate job application process.
Types of Defence Force Graduate Jobs
In the Australian Defence Force, there are over 200 career paths.
Within the Army, Navy and Air Force, you have the choice of working in areas such as:
- Administration
- Aviation
- Business
- Chaplaincy
- Combat
- Communications
- Education
- Engineerings
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Human resources
- Information and communications technology (ICT)
- Intelligence
- Logistics
- Management
- Science
- Security
- Trades
From helicopter pilot to physiotherapist, there is plenty of demand for a variety of careers.
Wherever your interests lie, the first thing you should do is understand the entryways offered by the Australian Defence Force.
Different Entryways into Australian Defence Force Jobs
The entryways offered by the Australian Defence Force include:
- Direct entry after completing year 10 or higher at high school
- Studying at university through ADFA
- Achieving an Australian Defence Force sponsorship for university studies
- Applying for reserve (part-time) positions
Application processes can be lengthy but with the right attitude, they are perfectly attainable.
The Australian Defence Force application process is outlined below.
1. Online Application
The recruitment process begins by applying online.
You will be required to provide your personal details and job preference(s).
2. Supplementary Application Form
You will be required to support your application by accessing your candidate hub and completing additional information about your education, experience, hobbies and interests.
You will also be required to provide your documentation including citizenship documents, birth certificates and current passport.
3. Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) Session
Normally held as a physical function, the Your Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) is now held as a virtual session due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
During your virtual YOU session, you will be asked to complete any outstanding forms in your Candidate Hub, take an aptitude test and talk to career coaches about the Australian Defence Force jobs on offer.
4. Assessment Session
After the YOU session, you will need to undertake a series of tests to ensure you are fit for a career within the Australian Defence Force.
Tests include a medical assessment, psychological interview and a final defence interview.
5. Office Selection Process
Depending on your preferred role, you will need to complete a few more tests before you will be officially appointed.
Office Selection Boards typically involve a written exercise, oral presentation, group exercise, practical exercise and a panel interview.
6. Fitness Test
To ensure you are physically fit and able to complete physically demanding tasks, you will be required to pass a number of fitness tests.
Typically, a fitness test for the Army, Air Force and Navy will involve sit ups, push ups and a beep test.
7. Enlistment/Appointment Day
A final medical check will be conducted before you are officially enlisted in the Australian Defence Force.
You will get to enjoy a formal ceremony with family and friends and take photos of the very memorable appointment.
Find out more about the opportunities on offer and start applying for the best jobs in the Australian Defence Force today!