How to Join the Australian Army

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 1, 2022 References

If you want to proudly serve Australia while performing exciting job duties, developing your professional skills, and receiving a good salary and benefits, the Australian Army might be for you. In order to join the Army, ensure you meet the minimum requirements, then select an entry method based on your qualifications, interests, and goals. When you’re ready to apply, fill out an application and go through the recruitment process to be enlisted in the Army and start your career in your appointed role.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Meeting Minimum Requirements

1
Wait until you are at least 17 years old. This is the minimum age required to join the Australian Army, though you can begin your application when you are 6 months away from turning 17. You must have your application approved in writing by both your parents or legal guardians if you want to apply to join at 17 years old, as you are still considered a minor.^{[1]
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- There are no gender restrictions to join the Australian Army.
- If you are under 17, but older than 12 years and 6 months, you can join the Australian Defence Force Cadets to start developing leadership, team-building, and survival skills as well as get a taste of what it’s like to be in the Army.
- There is no set maximum age at which you can join the Australian Army, as it varies by role. However, as a rule of thumb you can’t join if you are less than 3 years away from the compulsory retirement age for a specific role.
2
Gather the paperwork to prove that you are an Australian citizen. You must be able to present either an Australian birth certificate, an Australian passport, or an Australian citizenship certificate. This is required for reasons of national security.^{[2]
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- If you are a citizen born on or after August 20, 1986, you also need to be able to prove that 1 of your parents was an Australian citizen or permanent resident when you were born.
- If you plan to present a passport as your proof of citizenship, it must have at least 2 years of validity left.
- If you are going to present a citizenship certificate, you must also provide an extract from the register of citizenship or an extract from the register of Australian births abroad.
Exceptions: There are some exceptions that allow non-citizens to join the Australian Army. Permanent residents who can prove they have already applied for citizenship or who are ready to apply for citizenship after completing 90 days of service in the military can apply to join the army. Foreign applicants who have relevant military experience may be allowed to join if a certain role cannot be filled by an Australian.

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3
Pass Year 10 English and Maths. This is the minimum educational requirement for entry-level roles in the Australian Army. Certain jobs require higher levels of education.^{[3]
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- You can browse different jobs and see their educational requirements here: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/jobs?page=1&perPage=21&query=&jobStates=full-time.
4
Get in shape to be able to pass the physical fitness test. You will have to pass a fitness test consisting of push-ups, sit-ups, and shuttle runs in order to be accepted into the Australian Army. Practice doing these exercises until you can achieve the minimum scores required to pass.^{[4]
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- Females must be able to complete 8 push-ups, 45 sit-ups with their feet held down, and achieve a shuttle run score of 7.5.
- Males must be able to complete 15 push-ups, 45 sit-ups with their feet held down, and achieve a shuttle run score of 7.5.
- All Army Special Forces members have to be able to do 30 push-ups, 60 sit-ups, and achieve a shuttle run score of 10.1.
5
Calculate your BMI to make sure you are in the accepted weight range. You must have a body mass index of between 18.5 and 32.9 to join the Australian Army. Calculate what your BMI is using your height and weight and consult a doctor about making lifestyle changes if you fall outside of the accepted range.^{[5]
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- There is a BMI calculator on the Australian Army’s fitness info page here: https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/joining/can-i-join/health-and-fitness.
6
Be committed to defending Australia and ready to accept the duties of the job. Remember that as a member of the Australian Army you could at any time be required to deploy in or near an active combat zone or on a peacekeeping mission. You will be required to have the flexibility to move and travel, be able to work long and irregular hours, and serve for at least 1 year and up to 6, depending on your role.^{[6]
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- Keep in mind that in addition to receiving military training and becoming proficient in the use of weapons, you will also learn trade skills and professional skills that can be applied to civilian careers after completing your service in the military.
- You may also be deployed as part of disaster relief or search and rescue missions.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Selecting an Entry Method

1
Choose a general entry method based on your qualifications and goals. The Australian Army offers non-technical, technical, and qualified entry-level jobs. Choose a non-technical role if you want a more general position, a technical role if you want to receive technical training or complete a trade apprenticeship, or a qualified role if you already have a trade qualification.^{[7]
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- Keep in mind that some jobs require more than the basic educational requirements of passing Year 10 English and Maths. For example, some roles might require a pass in Year 10 Science as well or passes in Year 11. You can check the exact requirements for different entry methods here: https://army.defencejobs.gov.au/joining-and-training/how-to-join/entry-methods.
2
Pick an officer entry method based on your education level to be an officer. All officers must have completed at least Year 12. There are also officer entry options for those who want to earn a degree while starting a career as an officer, as well as options for those who are already studying or have already earned a degree.^{[8]
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- Regardless of the officer entry method you choose, all officers start their career with leadership training at the Royal Military College near Canberra.
- If you choose to start a career as an officer and earn a degree at the same time, you can enter through the Australian Defence Force Academy and study for a degree at the University of New South Wales.
- If you have already earned a recognised degree in medicine, law, nursing, dentistry, business, engineering, IT, or another relevant field, you can continue to pursue such a career as an officer and receive additional opportunities for training and post-graduate studies.
Tip: If you’ve already complete at least 1 year of a relevant 3 or 4 year course or 2 years of a relevant 5 or 6 year course at an Australian university, you might be able to get the fees for your studies paid via a Defence University Sponsorship in exchange for committing to an officer role.
3
Join as an Army Reserve member if you want to serve part-time. The Australian Army Reserve offers both part-time general entry roles and officer roles. Join the Army Reserve if you want to receive extra training and experience in your profession while helping your community and serving your country on weekends and days off.^{[9]
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- The Australian Army Reserve offers many of the same military roles as the Army, such as Army Officer, Artillery Light Gunner, and Infantry Soldier roles. There are also many professional, technical, and trade roles like Accountant, Administration Assistant, Carpenter, Doctor, Combat Engineer, and many more.
- You can browse all the available Reserve positions on the jobs page here: https://army.defencejobs.gov.au/jobs?page=1&perPage=21&query=&jobStates=reserves&tab=view-all-jobs.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Applying and Going Through the Recruitment Process

1
Apply at a Defense Force Recruiting Centre, online, or by calling 131901. You will have to provide your personal details, academic achievements, and any job preferences you have. The Australian Army will then send you an information pack and an invitation to attend a “Your Opportunities Unlimited” (YOU) session at a Defence Force Recruiting Centre.^{[10]
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- Read and make sure that you fully understand all the documents that the Army sends you after you apply.
- Before you attend the YOU session, make sure to complete and sign the application form, the medical history questionnaire, and the consent form for a background check.
2
Go to a YOU session with all the required documents. During the YOU session, you will complete an aptitude test, a medical interview, and an interview with a careers coach. These will help determine which service roles and positions you are most fit for.^{[11]
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- The documents you must bring to the YOU session are: photo ID, completed application form, completed medical history questionnaire, consent form for a background check, official birth certificate or passport, proof of education, and a list of references who have known you for at least 10 years.
- Additional documents you may need to bring include: relevant details of employment history and trade qualifications, proof of citizenship or permanent residency, any supporting medical documentation.
3
Go to an assessment session after applying and attending a YOU session. You will be invited to an assessment session after you have completed the first steps of joining the Army. During this session you will take a medical assessment as well as complete a psychological interview and an Australian Defense Forces interview.^{[12]
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- During the medical assessment you will receive a full-body exam and be assessed for your physical fitness and ability to perform certain duties. You may also have to perform flexibility tests and exercises like push-ups and sit-ups.
- In the psychological interview, you will be asked about things like your educational and employment histories, your family life, your social and athletic activities, and your interest in joining the Australian Army. This is to assess how well you are likely to cope with living in a military environment and whether your life outlook and values fit with being in the Army.
- The Australian Defence Forces interview is an opportunity for you to justify why you have applied for a specific job in the Army. You will be assessed for your ability to fulfill a specific role and to endure the requirements of military service.
Tip: You can find more information and tips for preparing for the assessments here: https://army.defencejobs.gov.au/joining-and-training/how-to-join/recruitment-process.
4
Attend Officer Selection if you have selected an Army Officer role. This only applies if you chose an officer entry method. You will be evaluated by the Officer Selection Board on your leadership potential, ability to influence and motivate people, and learning capability.^{[13]
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- An Officer Selection consists of some combination of a written exercise, an oral presentation, a practical exercise, a group exercise, and an interview with a panel. You will spend several days at the Royal Military College getting to know the campus and potential future classmates.
- If you pass the selection process, you will be ranked against other officer candidates with a national order of merit. If you don’t pass, you will get feedback about why and might be given another opportunity.
5
Take and pass the fitness test. Complete the required number of push-ups for your gender, do 45 sit-ups, and achieve a shuttle run score of 7.5 to pass the test. This is to make sure you have the base level of fitness needed to complete your initial training.^{[14]
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- Keep in mind that different roles in the Army will require higher or lower levels of fitness throughout your career. For example, battlefield roles require you to have a higher fitness level than administrative roles.
6
Attend an enlistment and appointment day. Go to an enlistment day and appointment day at a Defence Force Recruiting Centre after you have completed the entire recruitment process. You will receive a final medical check-up and go through an enlistment ceremony while friends and family watch. Congratulations, you’re now an official member of the Australian Army!^{[15]
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- Prior to attending an enlistment and appointment day, you will receive an official job offer letter from the Australian Army along with instructions. An Enlistment Coordinator will arrange your enlistment and appointment day.
- Immediately after the enlistment ceremony, you will head off to begin your initial training.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I join if a have a high school diploma?

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Community Answer

Yes, you can. To join any branch of the army, your high school diploma or ATAR is sufficient to enable you to enlist.