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 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 11 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English, Biology (WA: any of the human biological science disciplines) and Year 10 Maths (at a minimum). Year 11 Chemistry is also highly desirable.

A Paramedic, Registered Nurse or Enrolled Nurse who holds current registration (without notation) with a national board is highly desirable. You'll still be required to complete specific modules of the Joint Medic Initial Employment Training, depending on the type of registration you hold. If you hold partial qualification, your application will be assessed for suitability by a civilian education provider and the ADF before granting any recognition of prior learning, however, you must be prepared to complete the full Joint Medic Initial Employment Training if your recognition of prior learning is unsuccessful.

Enrolment into the TAFE course Diploma of Nursing requires you to complete Language Literacy and Numeracy Assessment through the Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB). Access to the BKSB testing will be provided just prior to enrolment into the course, and candidates must gain an Exit Level 3 or above for Reading and Numeracy, to meet the requirement eligibility for enrolment into the course.

Applicants with overseas education

You’re required to have completed 5 years (full-time equivalent) of education taught and assessed in English in a recognised country, as a registration requirement.

The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia website provides more detailed registration requirements.

Medics are required to gain national registration in accordance with the requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia in conjunction with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Due to registration requirements of health practitioners, applicants with an offence history relating to the use of illicit drugs or misuse of prescribed and non-prescribed medications are not suitable for entry. If you have been charged with convictions relating to assault, or any other offences that would preclude working with vulnerable people, you are also not suitable for entry.

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: Joint Medic Training Course
Duration: 18 months (plus 6-7 weeks leave)
Location: ADF School of Health, Bonegilla, Vic

As a Navy Medic, you’ll undertake comprehensive employment training over 18 months using a combination of military and civilian contracted staff.

The course will include:

• an overview of the history and structure of the ADF health services
• Geneva Conventions
• health logistics
• infection control principles and practice
• primary health care
• resuscitation bay duties
• pre-hospital clinical care
• ADF health documentation
• specific treatment protocol policies
• tactical combat casualty care
• other micro skills associated with health care delivery within the military.

The training will lead to a Diploma in Nursing (Enrolled/Div 2) qualification and national registration as an Enrolled Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

If you’re already an AHPRA Registered Nurse (RN), Enrolled Nurse (EN), or Paramedic, you may be able to fast track this training to 20 weeks.

Experience: On-the-Job training
Duration: 6-12 months
Location: Joint Health Command Unit

You’ll operate in Joint Health Commands ashore for a minimum of 6 months to consolidate your Joint Medic Course skills and gain experience in clinical placements to complete your Clinical Readiness Journal.

Course: Maritime Operational Health Course
Duration: 7 weeks
Location: HMAS Penguin, Sydney, NSW

This course enhances the application of primary health care and medical skills in shore and maritime environments for dedicated sickbay role management and functions.

Experience: Maritime Foundation Role
Duration: 12 months
Location: Maritime environment

On completion of the Maritime Operational Health Course, you’ll complete a minimum 12-month healthcare role in the maritime environment and consolidate your training on a major fleet unit under the supervision of a Clinical Manager.

You may be selected to undertake advanced medical training which can include management courses and category specialisation courses for promotion, including:

• Underwater Medicine Clinicians Course
• Extended Care Medic Course