Army
Full Time

Psychiatrist

Full Time
In-service title: Military Medicine Trauma Specialist - Psychiatry
As a Psychiatrist in the Army, you’ll apply your expertise to a new environment, contributing to the mental health system for members of the ADF.
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Psychiatrist

What you'll do

You’ll be the clinical leader in the mental health care system, responsible for direct patient assessment and treatment in garrison and field environments. You’ll be a member of a multi-disciplinary team comprising general practitioners, other medical and surgical specialists, nurses, medics, psychologists, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals.

The advice and guidance you’ll provide will have direct, tangible effects on the management of individuals suffering from, or at risk of mental illness. You’ll contribute to the activation of a vast network of resources to support individuals and families from within the ADF and from the broader veteran and non-veteran community.

Your duties may include:

  • developing and reviewing policies, procedures, training and education resources to support the prevention, detection, management and treatment of mental health disorders at population, system, facility and individual levels
  • supporting the training and development of other medical, nursing and allied health professionals in the prevention, detection, assessment and management of mental illness in Army and the ADF
  • coordinating and participating in collaborative case meetings involving non-clinical commanders of ADF personnel who have a legal responsibility for the welfare of their subordinates
  • overseeing the delivery of mental health support to critical incidents involving real, perceived or potential trauma to ADF personnel, other country armed forces members and civilians e.g. in isolated events, natural disasters, conflict and violence in Australia and overseas
  • contributing to the continuous improvement of the ADF mental health system – including individual research or in collaboration with the ADF Centre for Mental Health, other government agencies and civilian research centres
  • translating research findings into action within Army to enhance and maintain capability.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Army will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Army.

Following training, you’ll be employed in Army, as well as Navy, Air Force and Special Operations units domestically and internationally.

Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map. 

Requirements and training

About entry methods
Use your degree
Officer Entry: Graduate
Requirements
Citizenship

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.

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

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.

Education and experience
The standard requirement for entry into this role is a medical degree and a Fellowship at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
Health and fitness

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.

Male

  • Push-ups: 8
  • Sit-ups: 20
  • Beep Test: 6.1.

Female

  • Push-ups: 4
  • Sit-ups: 20
  • Beep Test: 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.

Period of service

You’ll be appointed 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 and provide a minimum of 3 months’ notice.

Training
Military training

Course: Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC)
Duration: 25 days
Location: Royal Military College – Duntroon, Canberra, ACT

You’ll learn fundamental knowledge of:

  • leadership and military justice
  • weapons handling
  • command and control
  • unit and personnel administration
  • basic military skills
  • the ideals of officer behaviour
  • attitudes necessary for future employment.

The course is delivered in 2 parts and is for both full-time and part-time (Reserve) Officers.

  • Part 1 – 10 days
  • Part 2 – 15 days.
Further training
As a medical specialist, you are employed specifically for your psychiatry specialty. If you wish to be considered for general medical officer employment, you’ll need to meet further training requirements which can be discussed with you.