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.

Applicants must be no older than 56 on appointment.

You will need a driver’s licence for this role but 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.

The minimum requirement for entry into this role is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant communications discipline such as public relations, communications or journalism from a nationally recognised and accredited tertiary institution. 

Alternatively, you’ll need a minimum of 5 years of prior naval service and 2 years’ experience in a relevant public affairs field, pending the recency of both.

Consideration will be given to non-communications specific degrees on a case-by-case basis, provided you have at least 2 years’ experience in a communications field. Marketing degrees may be considered where they apply to communications rather than finance. Other types of bachelor degrees such as Arts may be considered where a candidate majored in a relevant field or has a significant number of units related to media and communications. Bachelors of Photography or similar disciplines focussed on technical skill in camera operation will not be considered.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate their work experience by providing examples of work that align with the duties of this role. Examples include written work including media releases, published work, communications planning and reputation management. 

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 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.

In addition to demonstrating current knowledge, skills and experience, you’ll also need to display the following:

• highly developed written and verbal communication skills across different mediums
• sound understanding of media dynamics
• confidence in dealing with the media and senior officers
• ability to work well in a crisis and
• broad understanding of the Navy.

Course: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW

You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.

NEOC course

• Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
• Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
• Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
• Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
• Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
• Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.

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

Course: Military Public Affairs Officer Basic Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: Joint Training Command Simpson Barracks, Melbourne, Vic

Course description: This course is a blended learning course over a 12-week period consisting of 10 online evening sessions over 10 weeks followed by a 9-day residential phase.

You’ll consolidate your employment training on-the-job by completing a Professional Development Journal over no-less than one year. A supervisor will help you find opportunities to complete each module of your journal.