You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.

The minimum requirement for entry into this role is a documented 3-year degree at bachelor or postgraduate level in theology, ministry, pastoral care or chaplaincy, with at least one unit of pastoral counselling skills and one unit of pastoral counselling theory.

Postgraduate qualifications in pastoral counselling skills and pastoral counselling theory preferred.

You’ll also need to provide:

• documented completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Level 1 (or higher) or equivalence in supervised experience or other equivalent supervised programs
• documented evidence of being a recognised faith group religious leader with the invested authority to represent your faith in the Air Force
• documented evidence of a minimum of 3 years full-time supervised pastoral care experience (preferably in chaplaincy).

Pastoral care experience can either be when pastoral care is a substantial part of your full-time role, post degree or supervised pastoral care that includes formal supervision and regular feedback regarding skills, knowledge and attitudes.

Recent experience in chaplaincy related roles, relevant professional experience in multi-faith contexts, or engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait people is also advantageous.

If you’re considering completing a training course advertised as ‘suitable for military chaplaincy’ and would like some further guidance, please feel welcome to contact dgchapaf.recruiting@defence.gov.au.

To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.

Female

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20
• Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.

Male

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20
• Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.

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’ll be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 3 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.

You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

To be an Air Force Chaplain, you’ll also need the following:

• a current Working with Children’s Check (WWCC)/Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) as required for your current location
• be a recognised faith group religious leader who has the invested authority to represent your faith group in Air Force
• a minimum 3-years full-time recognised supervised pastoral care experience (preferably in Chaplaincy)
• be deemed suitable for appointment by the Director General Chaplaincy Air Force
• endorsement from an Air Force approved endorsing authority e.g. Religious Advisory Committee to the Services (RACS).

Faith groups represented on RACS are:

• Anglican Church of Australia
• Churches of Christ in Australia
• Executive Council of Australian Jewry
• Lutheran Church of Australia
• National Sikh Council of Australia
• Presbyterian Church of Australia
• Salvation Army Australia
• Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Australia
• Uniting Church in Australia
• Vishnu Hindu Parishad of Australia.

Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic

Phase 1: Military Introduction. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.

Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.

Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you'll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat environment. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.

You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you've learnt. Upon graduation, you'll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.

Course: ADF Support Chaplaincy Course
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: Defence Force Chaplaincy College (DFCC), Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA), Canberra, ACT

This course is structured as a distance learning and residential course that consists of 4 parts.

• Part 1 Introduction to Defence Chaplaincy (this is conducted ‘on the job’ over a 6-month period) – includes conducting or facilitating religious and secular observances/activities and effective administration and management.
• Part 2 - Pastoral Policy and Advocacy (one week at DFCC) – prepares you to provide support networks, pastoral care support and maintain pastoral care records.
• Part 3 - Character, Ethics, and Morality (one week at DFCC) – prepares you to provide timely and accurate advice on character development, personal morality, ethics, military ethical decision making and to develop and deliver educational programs.
• Part 4 – Pastoral Counselling, Mental Health Literacy and Wellbeing (2 weeks at DFCC) – prepares you for mental health research, pastoral counselling, record-keeping, referral practices and the requirements for your own professional supervision, self-care and professional development.

You’ll have the opportunity to complete additional training including youth safety, critical incidents, moral injury, key religious leaders, and community engagement.

The Defence Force Chaplaincy College (DFCC) provides ongoing training to prepare you for varying roles and increased responsibilities. There are currently 2 Chaplaincy career progression courses available.

• ADF Coordinating Chaplaincy Course for chaplains posted into coordinating roles.
• ADF Senior Chaplaincy Course for chaplains posted into senior leadership roles.