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 together with completion of an approved apprenticeship or an approved traineeship at a recognised training institution and any period of full-time employment stipulated for the trade.

Suitable trade qualifications include:

• Certificate IV in Plumbing
• Certificate in Plumbing and Gasfitting
• Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship Plumbing and Gasfitting
• Trade Certificate for Plumber and Gasfitting
• Certificate of proficiency in Plumbing and Gasfitting.

You must also be able to demonstrate:

• competency in the trade, with continuous, recent employment
• the ability to work in a variety of trade environments being domestic, semi-industrial and/or underground services
• proof of employment (3 x referees - mandatory last employer).

You’ll also need to provide copies of your construction industry licences and qualifications.

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
• 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 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.

Desirable criteria:

• possession of current Construction Industry Induction training card
• confined spaces experience
• the ability to work in an isolated area.

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.

Regardless of civilian qualifications held, you may be required to complete military specific Units of Competency at the School of Military Engineering as part of your initial employment training.

Course: Military Engineering Course
Duration: 25 days
Location: School of Military Engineering, Holsworthy Barracks, NSW

This course will provide you with the skills, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours to utilise basic military engineering skills under operational conditions. You’ll also learn valuable skills in humanitarian aid disaster relief and high-threat weather responses. Training includes:

• basic combat communications course
• construction induction training (white card) accreditation
• working at heights certification
• chainsaw operator (basic) and basic tree felling certification
• basic tools (hand / power tools, small engine driven equipment)
• basic military engineering
• Army Combatives Program LVL 2.

Throughout your military career, you’ll undertake formal courses of both a military and technical nature to be eligible for promotion and widen your technical competence.