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 57 years.

You must be at least 18 years of age on commencement of overseas training.

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 12 education required with passes in English and Maths.

If you already have Year 12 Algebra, then you may be eligible for an accelerated pathway.

Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for this job. Year 10 Trade and Business Maths is acceptable.

RPL FOR CANDIDATES ENTERING WITH A TRADE BACKGROUND

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align your civilian trade with the military. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.

The RPL process

The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) status can be awarded.

The second stage of assessment will be conducted during recruit training where you’ll find out if you’re eligible for any advance standing. This will determine which pathway you’ll undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements.

Your RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. You’ll need to present your trade certificates, course result sheets, and evidence of On-the-Job-Training (OJT) and life experience at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and subject matter expert will interview you in order to determine whether you have sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.

You can be granted RPL at all levels, provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide and minimise the amount of time a sailor spends under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any particular qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place. Please note, even though you may possess trade qualifications other than those listed, the qualification may not satisfy Navy's requirements and prevent you achieving QES-T status.

To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.

Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors.

Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.

During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.

The Navy swim test

During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:

• safety jump off a 3m tower
• 10m underwater swim
• 50m swim using survival strokes
• treading water or floating for 15 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 3 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.

Electrician Nuclear Submariner trainees must hold an NV1 clearance before commencing overseas training, and will subsequently require an NV2 clearance.

Selection to overseas nuclear-powered submarine training is not guaranteed, and you must successfully pass United States Navy testing to be selected. If you are not successful in this testing, or are unable to compete the overseas portions of the training, you will be given the opportunity to transfer to another role in the Navy.

Australian Submarine Agency Screening

Due to the security settings of the Nuclear Powered Submarine Program, members will be subject to additional eligibility and suitability screening by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA). This screening also considers foreign partner security requirements. You’ll have a Careers Coach you can speak to for more information.

Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic

You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.

NESC Course

• Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
• Military life: General service knowledge, including drill and ceremonial procedures.
• Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
• Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.

After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.

On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.

Prior to the commencement of overseas nuclear submarine training, you’ll spend at least 6 months preparing in Australia. Your employment training will focus on upskilling and submarine employment familiarisation.

Entry into the overseas nuclear submarine training system requires the successful completion of Year 12 Algebra. After NESC, any recruits who have enlisted with a lower level will complete 6-12 months of academic upskilling to bridge the gap before they proceed to overseas training.

Course: Nuclear Field Class ‘A’ School Electrician’s Mate
Duration: 24 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina (USA)

This course provides basic knowledge of technical mathematics and a basic understanding of power distribution and a working knowledge of DC and AC motors and generators. You’ll learn to operate electrical equipment using controllers, and to properly test, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electrical circuits, motors, cables, circuit breakers, and other related electrical equipment for power distribution.

Course: Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS)
Duration: 24 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina (USA)

After ‘A’ School, Nuclear Electricians learn the theory and practical application of nuclear physics and reactor engineering. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of a pressurised-water Naval nuclear power plant, including reactor core nuclear principles, heat transfer and fluid systems, plant chemistry and materials, mechanical and electrical systems, and radiological control.

Course: Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU)
Duration: 26 weeks
Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Commonly referred to as ‘Prototype’, this course teaches the fundamentals of a Naval nuclear power plant and the interrelationship of its mechanical, electrical, and reactor subsystems. Students develop oral communications skills, obtain an understanding of nuclear radiation, and gain knowledge of the safe operation of a complex Naval nuclear power plant.

There are opportunities for a wide range of personal and professional development training and education, and leadership training continues throughout your career.