There are no gender restrictions to join the Australian Army. If you are under 17, but older than 12 years and 6 months, you can join the Australian Defence Force Cadets to start developing leadership, team-building, and survival skills as well as get a taste of what it’s like to be in the Army. There is no set maximum age at which you can join the Australian Army, as it varies by role. However, as a rule of thumb you can’t join if you are less than 3 years away from the compulsory retirement age for a specific role.
If you are a citizen born on or after August 20, 1986, you also need to be able to prove that 1 of your parents was an Australian citizen or permanent resident when you were born. If you plan to present a passport as your proof of citizenship, it must have at least 2 years of validity left. If you are going to present a citizenship certificate, you must also provide an extract from the register of citizenship or an extract from the register of Australian births abroad.
You can browse different jobs and see their educational requirements here: https://www. defencejobs. gov. au/jobs?page=1&perPage=21&query=&jobStates=full-time.
Females must be able to complete 8 push-ups, 45 sit-ups with their feet held down, and achieve a shuttle run score of 7. 5. Males must be able to complete 15 push-ups, 45 sit-ups with their feet held down, and achieve a shuttle run score of 7. 5. All Army Special Forces members have to be able to do 30 push-ups, 60 sit-ups, and achieve a shuttle run score of 10. 1.
There is a BMI calculator on the Australian Army’s fitness info page here: https://www. defencejobs. gov. au/joining/can-i-join/health-and-fitness.
Keep in mind that in addition to receiving military training and becoming proficient in the use of weapons, you will also learn trade skills and professional skills that can be applied to civilian careers after completing your service in the military. You may also be deployed as part of disaster relief or search and rescue missions.
Keep in mind that some jobs require more than the basic educational requirements of passing Year 10 English and Maths. For example, some roles might require a pass in Year 10 Science as well or passes in Year 11. You can check the exact requirements for different entry methods here: https://army. defencejobs. gov. au/joining-and-training/how-to-join/entry-methods.
Regardless of the officer entry method you choose, all officers start their career with leadership training at the Royal Military College near Canberra. If you choose to start a career as an officer and earn a degree at the same time, you can enter through the Australian Defence Force Academy and study for a degree at the University of New South Wales. If you have already earned a recognised degree in medicine, law, nursing, dentistry, business, engineering, IT, or another relevant field, you can continue to pursue such a career as an officer and receive additional opportunities for training and post-graduate studies.
The Australian Army Reserve offers many of the same military roles as the Army, such as Army Officer, Artillery Light Gunner, and Infantry Soldier roles. There are also many professional, technical, and trade roles like Accountant, Administration Assistant, Carpenter, Doctor, Combat Engineer, and many more. You can browse all the available Reserve positions on the jobs page here: https://army. defencejobs. gov. au/jobs?page=1&perPage=21&query=&jobStates=reserves&tab=view-all-jobs.
Read and make sure that you fully understand all the documents that the Army sends you after you apply. Before you attend the YOU session, make sure to complete and sign the application form, the medical history questionnaire, and the consent form for a background check.
The documents you must bring to the YOU session are: photo ID, completed application form, completed medical history questionnaire, consent form for a background check, official birth certificate or passport, proof of education, and a list of references who have known you for at least 10 years. Additional documents you may need to bring include: relevant details of employment history and trade qualifications, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, any supporting medical documentation.
During the medical assessment you will receive a full-body exam and be assessed for your physical fitness and ability to perform certain duties. You may also have to perform flexibility tests and exercises like push-ups and sit-ups. In the psychological interview, you will be asked about things like your educational and employment histories, your family life, your social and athletic activities, and your interest in joining the Australian Army. This is to assess how well you are likely to cope with living in a military environment and whether your life outlook and values fit with being in the Army. The Australian Defence Forces interview is an opportunity for you to justify why you have applied for a specific job in the Army. You will be assessed for your ability to fulfill a specific role and to endure the requirements of military service.
An Officer Selection consists of some combination of a written exercise, an oral presentation, a practical exercise, a group exercise, and an interview with a panel. You will spend several days at the Royal Military College getting to know the campus and potential future classmates. If you pass the selection process, you will be ranked against other officer candidates with a national order of merit. If you don’t pass, you will get feedback about why and might be given another opportunity.
Keep in mind that different roles in the Army will require higher or lower levels of fitness throughout your career. For example, battlefield roles require you to have a higher fitness level than administrative roles.
Prior to attending an enlistment and appointment day, you will receive an official job offer letter from the Australian Army along with instructions. An Enlistment Coordinator will arrange your enlistment and appointment day. Immediately after the enlistment ceremony, you will head off to begin your initial training.
