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.

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

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 of RPL will be conducted during recruit training and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. 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 the 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 you spend 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.

Once achieving QES-T status, you will be afforded the rank of Recruit on entry, with promotion to Provisional Able Seaman on successful completion of Recruit training, providing approval for the transfer to QES-T has been granted.

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.

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.

Course: Electronics Technician Initial Technical Training
Duration: 48 weeks  
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic 

This course consists of technical theory and practical instruction and self-paced computer aided instruction. 

Topics

• Fabricating, assembling and dismantling components.
• Fault finding and repairing complex power supplies.
• Solving electronic communications system problems.
• Selecting electronic components for assembly.
• Assembling, setting up and testing computing devices.
• Using engineering applications software.
• Installing and configuring client computer operating systems and software.
• Setting up and configuring basic local area networks (LAN).

Course: Specialisation Training
Duration: 11-15 weeks (dependent of specialisation)
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic

The specialisation course commences after completion of initial training. You’ll commence your work group training being a sensors, communications, weapons or fire control rate. You'll consolidate your training and learn basic principles and theories for your specialisation.

Further Navy specific training will be conducted to prepare you for your first deployment to sea, which includes Damage Control, Fire Fighting and Survival at Sea.

Equipment Training

On completion of your training at HMAS Cerberus, you’ll be required to complete Equipment Application Training. This gives you the specialist knowledge to maintain and/or operate various equipment onboard ships. The length and location of this training varies from one day to 9 months and could include some training in other countries.

Course: Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)
Duration: 5 weeks 
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA

You’ll complete a series of computer-based and instructor-based modules that introduce you to the systems and construction of the submarines and undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses.

Course: Submariner Sea Qualification Experience
Duration: 3-6 months 
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA

You’ll be posted to an available training billet onboard a submarine to undertake the Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) task book. The task book will consolidate all your knowledge to earn the submarine sea qualification and be awarded the Dolphins badge you can proudly wear on your uniform.

To provide the appropriate continuing level of training, you’ll also receive common and specialist training at promotion from Leading Seaman to Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer and to Warrant Officer ranks.

As you progress in your Navy career and complete further technical training and associated competencies, you may be entitled to the award of National Qualifications of Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications to Diploma in Electronics and Communications. You may also have the opportunity to be selected into the Engineer Officer ranks to further your studies via Advanced Diploma or Degree entry schemes.