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 56 years.

You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.

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 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 Special Forces Pre-Fitness Assessment (PFA) before enlistment. This PFA requires you to achieve a higher standard than the general entry fitness level for the Army. You must be able to complete:

• Sit-ups: 60
• Push-ups: 40
• Beep assessment (shuttle run) score: 10.1
• Over-grasp heaves (pull-ups): 6.

To assist you while you're training for your PFA, you can listen to and download audio clips for each category below:

• Beep test
• Pull-ups
• Push-ups
• Sit-ups.

The above PFA describes the minimum standard for enlistment as a potential Special Forces Operator candidate, however, a much higher level of physical fitness will be required to successfully complete the Special Forces Selection Course. The most suitable candidates are those who regularly participate in arduous work, team and individual sports, individual or group fitness activities or outdoors-adventurous pursuits.

Psychological. Prior to enlistment, your psychological suitability will be assessed by a psychologist. This assessment will require you to complete a series of questionnaires and a comprehensive interview.

There are specific psychological requirements for Special Forces Operators. In general, applicants must be capable of operating effectively at height, within dark and confined spaces, in the ocean over or under deep water and in a surf zone without signs of undue stress, panic or excessive fear.

Medical. Your medical fitness will be assessed by a doctor, prior to enlistment. This assessment will require you to complete an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history and it will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination. Applicants must meet medical requirements in accordance with Army requirements or seek a waiver.

Special Forces – 13 Common Attributes

During the Special Forces Selection Course, the character attributes of candidates will be assessed. While under physical and mental pressure in an unfamiliar environment, candidates will be required to demonstrate the Special Forces 13 Common Attributes to be deemed suitable to serve in Special Operations Command. These include:

• leadership – ability to effectively influence, organise or direct others to achieve a desired outcome in an operational environment
• judgement – exercises common sense and sound judgement when forming an opinion or conclusion from the information presented. Demonstrates sound perception and understanding leading to situational awareness
• trainability – ability to assimilate skills and knowledge to the degree and speed necessary, and apply those skills and knowledge
• teamwork – ability to operate effectively in a dynamic and demanding small team environment
• self-discipline – ability to control behaviour and desires independent of external stimulus, environment and supervision
• perseverance – the resolution or persistence to follow a COA despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
• initiative – ability to readily take action, make decisions and provide advice without external encouragement, prompting or direction
• adaptability – ability to modify, adapt, and innovate in rapidly changing and ambiguous situations
• integrity – consistently tells the truth and demonstrates strong moral principles under arduous conditions
• communication – ability to comprehend both verbal and non-verbal communication, and clearly and effectively convey intent
• emotional regulation – ability to control anxiety and stress and effectively manage mental and physical responses and performance under arduous conditions
• independence – ability to work alone in a dynamic and demanding environment without external encouragement, support or supervision
• humility – possessing the self-awareness to be confident without over-promoting skills or achievements, seeks to add value and support the achievements of others without seeking overt reward or recognition.

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 4 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.

Due to the role on operations, Special Forces (SF) are potentially exposed to high levels of enemy force activities. You’ll be required to perform for extended periods in a high-risk outdoor environment in arduous and unpredictable situations using a range of high-risk specialist technical skills and activities conducted in high-stress and potentially dangerous environments where there is real risk and consequence from poor judgement or error.

During operations, the level of concentration required will invariably increase as contributing factors coincide and develop simultaneously. A night assault in cold, wet weather at the end of a long, difficult approach over difficult terrain amounts to very challenging employment conditions. Special Forces employment conditions consistently require personnel to overcome and control fear and anxiety while under constant high levels of stress, while maintaining a high standard of performance. Other demanding factors are the requirement to treat and remove casualties; military and civilian, friendly and enemy, from the battlefield while under bombardment. These conditions make this employment very mentally and physically demanding.

Special Forces will regularly be required to:

• operate by day and night, in rural and urban environments
• operate while exposed, often for long periods, in a range of seasons, to the elements and associated extremes of climatic conditions with limited access to protective clothing, equipment and shelter. Weather conditions include extremes of temperature, high winds, rain, storms, blizzards and limited visibility. Personnel are often exposed to intensified solar ultra-violet radiation for long periods
• operate in remote areas away from command and leadership support, supervision, advice and assistance
• operate, for long periods of time, with limited access to emergency medical treatment, hygiene and sanitation, and the re-supply of rations and water
• operate for long periods of time with high levels of physical labour, carrying heavy loads for long distances and time over difficult terrain
• typically stand, bend, crouch and crawl, in addition to frequently lifting heavy objects weighing over 25kg, climbing and clambering over vehicles, boats, stores and other obstacles, without rest and or when deprived of sleep
• be exposed to high levels of noise for extended periods because of the use of explosives, bombardment and shooting
• operate with limited food and water intake due to operational and geographic/climatic conditions
• operate wearing nuclear/biological and chemical suits and gas mask throughout training and when a danger exists
• operate on exposed vertical rock-faces and buildings sides and at considerable heights (100 metres and greater)
• operate below ground, in the dark, and in tight confined spaces that are often uncomfortable, wet and dirty. This may also expose personnel to vertical entries and exits and to considerable heights
• operate in a marine environment including large expanses of the ocean, over deep water, in tides, rips and waves, at a considerable distance from the shore, and in surf zones
• operate in alpine conditions including steep terrain, varying snow conditions, ice, blizzards, poor visibility and in extremely low temperatures. It may require personnel to live in the snow
• be deployed to any part of the world at short notice on operational duties
• become exposed to a variety of medications for the prevention of diseases and illnesses from third world countries as well as for the prevention of diseases and illnesses from including radiological, biological and chemical weapons.

Entry

Anyone can apply. Special Forces are recruited externally via:

• direct entry through the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme (SFDRS).

Special Forces are also recruited internally from:

• all Corps within Army
• other ADF Services (Navy and Air Force)
• permanent and part-time forces
• Overseas lateral transfers.

Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW

During training, you'll 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 accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.

Key components of the course include:

• Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
• Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
• Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
• Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
• First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
• Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
• Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.

On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.

Course: Infantry Employment Training
Duration: 16 weeks
Location: School of Infantry, Singleton, NSW

You’ll learn infantry tactics, weapons and equipment to engage in close quarters battle in the field and urban environment. You’ll also learn how to shoot, move and communicate all at once in a highly skilled team within a combat environment.

Course: Special Forces Selection Preparation Course (SFSPC)
Duration: 8 weeks
Location: ADF School of Special Operations, Holsworthy, NSW

This course will enhance your basic soldier skills and intellectual, physical and psychological attributes.

Special Forces Entry Test (SFET)

Alongside applicants from the wider ADF, you’ll undergo the Special Forces Entry Test (SFET) prior to being assessed by the Special Forces Panelling Board. The collection of physical and psychological data through the use of aerobic, anaerobic and cognitive assessments predicts the likelihood of successful completion of the Special Forces Selection Course.

Course: Special Forces Selection Course (SFSC)
Duration: 21 days
Location: Bindoon Training Area, Perth, WA

If selected at the Special Forces Panelling Board, you’ll conduct the Special Forces Selection Course. This course is designed to identify your character attributes in very arduous and testing conditions to determine suitability to service in Special Operations and your ability to successfully pass the training continuum. Physical and mental preparation is key to increasing your chance of success.

Special Forces Reinforcement Training Cycle

Once selected, depending on your preferences and suitability you may be employed within Strike and Recovery, Special Reconnaissance or Special Warfare as a Special Forces Operator.