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.

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 54 years.

For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.

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.

Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in Year 10 English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.

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.

You'll have to be both mentally and physically fit to train as a Loadmaster. There is a high degree of physical, manual handling in unsupported and remote locations. You'll also need to be able to cope with the dynamic gravitational forces generated during aircraft tactical manoeuvring.

Weight and Height

You must be at least 152cm tall, with a Body Mass Index between 18.5 to 32.9.

Swim Test

You’ll be required to pass the Air Force Swimming Proficiency Test (AFSPT) before completing Aircrew Combat Survive Evade Resist Escape (SERE) Course. This assessment will be conducted in your first couple of weeks after Initial Military Training (IMT).

• Swim 200 metres, split into 150 metres breaststroke, sidestroke, freestyle method or a combination of all, plus 50 metres on your back with or without the use of arms. Enter the pool in a controlled manner, keeping the head above the water, then submerge entire body and swim 15 metres underwater. Upon completion of the underwater swim, approach and right an overturned craft device and climb in/onto it.
• Enter the water with a safety jump keeping the head above the water to maintain visual contact and swim 20 metres and using recognised lifesaving methods tow the patient 20 metres.
• Retrieve a 5kg weight from a depth of at least 2 metres.
• Tread water for 10 minutes.

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 enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 6 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.

Course: Air Force Recruit Course
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW

During this training, you'll transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.

The major elements of the course include:

• personal development and teamwork
• parade drill
• weapon handling and firing
• airfield defence
• fire fighting
• physical fitness
• Air Force history, customs and traditions
• military law.

After graduation, you'll undertake Initial Employment Training (IET) in your trade or category.

Loadmaster Initial Employment Training (IET) consists of 2 phases.

PHASE 1

Course: Air Mobility Group Enlisted Aircrew Initial Course
Duration: 2 weeks
Location: Air Mobility Training and Development Unit Training Flight, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld

This course will provide you with general knowledge in aeronautical and aviation principles, basic aircraft systems, aviation safety, aviation related documentation, procedures and meteorology.

Course: Aircrew Combat Survive Evade Resist Escape (SERE)
Duration: 3 weeks
Location: Combat Survival Training School, RAAF Base Townsville, Qld

This course provides training in the case you may be forced down or separated from friendly forces in a combat environment (and non-combat zones). You’ll be taught evasion, resistance to interrogation, indoctrination and exploitation, and escape and it involves practical exercises conducted in the sea and along the coast, and in arid and jungle environments.

Course: Non-Pilot Initial course
Duration: 1 week
Location: Institute of Aviation Medicine, RAAF Base Edinburgh, SA

This course will prepare you for the physiological effects of flying through theory and practical exposure using a hypobaric chamber.

Course: Dangerous Goods Pack and Accept Air Course
Duration: 1 week
Location: Training location can vary

Course: Air Mobility Group (AMG) Loadmaster Basic Course
Duration: 3 weeks
Location: Cargo Compartment Training (CCT) Link Simulation and Training facility, RAAF Base Amberley, Qld (Training provided by Boeing Defence Australia (BDA))

This course provides theoretical and practical instruction on generic AMG Loadmaster responsibilities and Air Movements Operations.

Course: 9-mm Mk3 Pistol Course
Duration: 3 days
Location: RAAF Base Amberley, Qld

This course provides the practical instruction to employ the weapon system. The pistol is the primary weapon used by Aircrew.

Course: Non-technical Skills and Risk Management (NTS and RM)
Duration: 3 days
Location: RAAF Base Amberley, Qld

These courses provide you with the fundamental skills of assessing risk in the Aviation environment as well as the fundamental skills of operating effectively as a part of a crew in the Aviation environment.

PHASE 2

Course: Aircraft Conversion Course
Duration: 3-6 months ground/flying phase (this depends on which aircraft type you’re posted to)
Location: Selected flying units – 35 Squadron or 36 Squadron RAAF Base Amberley Qld or 37 Squadron RAAF Richmond, NSW

The ground/flying phase covers areas such as:

• aircraft safety equipment
• emergency procedures
• in-flight drills and emergencies
• aircraft specifications
• pre, during and post-flight checks and procedures
• flight documentation.

Throughout the ground phase, you’ll consolidate your training by conducting a flying phase. Flights are carried out during the conversion to ensure consolidation of knowledge is being met.

You’ll have clear routes for career advancement and promotion, along with ongoing training. Courses such as Professional Military Education Training (Promotion Courses), Airborne Instructional Technique and Work Place Assessor may be offered based on your performance.

On completion of an initial flying tour, you’ll be posted to a designated ground position for a minimum of 3 years to develop further skills and broaden your experience as a Senior Loadmaster. You’ll be posted into ground positions after each flying tour.