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.

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 Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English, Maths and 2 other subjects. If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered.

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 before appointment.

Female

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20     
• Push-ups: 4
• Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.

Male

• Sit-ups (feet held): 20     
• Push-ups: 8     
• 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 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: 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: Geospatial Technician Basic Course
Duration: 128 days
Location: School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy, Sydney, NSW

The aim of the Geospatial Technician Basic Course is to provide you with the fundamental skills and knowledge required to perform the role of a Geospatial Intelligence Analyst.

Course content includes:

• basic geodesy
• cartography
• terrain analysis
• geospatial product creation
• data management
• image rectification and classification.

Once you’ve completed your Initial Employment Training, there will be a period of approximately 18 months in which you can consolidate and apply your basic geospatial skills at the unit you have been posted. In that time, you’ll be required to complete the Introduction to Defence Intelligence Course (IDIC) and the Defence Intelligence Research Analysis Course (DIRAC).

Course: Introduction to Defence Intelligence Course (IDIC)
Duration: 10 days
Location: Kokoda Barracks Canungra, Qld or School of Military Engineering at Holsworthy Sydney, NSW

The aim of the IDIC is to provide you with initial core training in intelligence. The emphasis throughout the course is on learning and development of the individual. The IDIC covers the minimum essential theory, but the focus is on your application of theory and skills in a practical environment.

Course: Defence Intelligence Research Analysis Course (DIRAC)
Duration: 15 days
Location: Canungra, Qld

The aim of the DIRAC is to train you in research skills and analytical techniques. The emphasis throughout the course is on learning and the development of the individual, with the focus on the application of your theory and skills in a practical environment.