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Australian Defence Force Academy

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is designed to provide young Officer Cadets from all three Services (Navy, Army and Air Force) with the finest tertiary education in Australia.

ADFA is a College of the University of New South Wales and officers graduate with a University of New South Wales degree. ADFA offers degrees in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil and Aeronautical), Science, Arts and a Bachelor of Technology Aeronautical. But academic pursuits are just a part of being a student at ADFA. There's also the military studies, fitness training, leadership and management skills you'll develop.

It is the Academy's philosophy to provide cadets with every possible resource and opportunity to help them do their best, which in turn helps the Academy and its graduates live up to the maxim "To lead. To Excel".

You are paid to study at ADFA and receive a textbook allowance, free medical and dental treatment, free uniforms and Higher Education Contribution Scheme payments are met by the ADF. In addition, you are guaranteed a job as an Officer in the Australian Army when you graduate. While you are studying, you will enjoy one of the best student/teacher ratios in the country and have access to state-of-the-art technology and facilities on campus dedicated to giving you the best academic and military qualifications possible.

The rules for Arts and Science degrees at the Academy are quite liberal and allow you to select majors and minors from a broad range of disciplines. Other subjects, which may be of particular interest to you, are also available. Meteorology, Computer Science and Mechanics of Flight, for example. Higher degrees are offered (normally to serving officers); Masters degrees by course work and/or research and Doctorates of Philosophy for original research.

A Bachelor of Business (BBus) is available to all Army candidates. The BBus will seek to achieve a more pronounced emphasis on business-related study than is possible within the scope of a major in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc).

The first academic year essentially consists of the following components:

1 week Orientation;

4 weeks Academy Military Education and Training (AMET);

1 week Chief of the Defence Force Parade;

16 weeks Session 1 academic studies (This period includes a 2 week recess of career development and field trips which can be either academic or military in nature);

2 weeks mid-year examinations, followed by two weeks Single Service Training (SST) at HMAS Creswell (Navy), Royal Military College, Duntroon (Army) or RAAF Williams, Point Cook (RAAF);

14 weeks Session 2 academic studies (This period includes a 1 week study recess);

2 weeks study and end of year examinations;

3 weeks SST at respective Single Service Colleges;

1 week - Graduation; and

5 weeks end of year leave.

Breaks during the year provide scope for academic field trips, military tours, excursions and adventurous training. Military training is also provided in Defence Studies, which include Current Affairs, Military History, Physical and Recreational Training. You will also take your place in Drill and Ceremonial Parades throughout the year.

Note: During 2nd and 3rd year, Single Service Training normally takes place at the beginning and end of each academic year and includes, for example, Ground Defence Training, Management and Operations theory and practice, Navigation and Single Service Drill and Ceremonial. It may also include Specialist Courses, visits to Military Units and opportunities for Service Attachments or Engineering Work Experience.

After completion of academic study at ADFA, cadets proceed to the Royal Military College, Duntroon, to complete a further 12 months of military studies before graduation as an officer into the Regular Army. Towards the conclusion of their training at the Royal Military College, cadets will be allocated a Corps in the Regular Army to which they will proceed upon graduation. Individual Corps personnel requirements and the cadet's personal preference are considered when allocating a cadet to a particular Corps. Additionally cadets are in competition with their graduating peers for each position.

Graduate

If you are already a degree qualified professional, and looking for a job that offers satisfaction, excitement and a challenge, and the opportunity to utilise and further develop your management and leadership skills, then you may wish to consider a career as an Officer (Graduate) in the Australian Regular Army.

Candidates seeking appointment in the ARA as a Graduate Civil Engineer will be required to complete the 18 month initial General Service Officer course at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, Canberra.

Graduate (Reserve)

If you are already a degree qualified professional, and looking for a job that offers satisfaction, excitement and a challenge, then you may wish to consider a career as a Specialist Service Officer (Graduate Only) in the Australian Army Reserve. The Army Reserve will also provide you with the opportunity to utilise and further develop your management and leadership skills.

Specialist Service Officers are enlisted direct to their unit and are required to complete the Specialist Service Officer First Appointment Course (SSO FAC) which is described in the 'Military Training' section.

Further information on part-time ADF careers can be found by accessing the Defence Reserves website.

The Defence Reserves Support Council also promotes the benefits of Reserve service by establishing partnerships with the community and employers.