To apply for a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force, applicants must be at least 16 years and 6 months old. However, if you are over 10 years old you can still register for a Defence Jobs Membership.
From the Recruitment Centre you will be able to maintain contact with Defence Force Recruiting, keep your personal information current, review your job preferences and view additional features. You will also be given the option to receive communications from Defence Force Recruiting via email.
Alternatively, you may prefer to call Defence Force Recruiting on 13 19 01 to lodge your application or request information over the phone. Your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre is also able to provide you with information on careers in the Australian Defence Force
ADFA Education Award
If you are 15 years and 6 months old, you may be eligible to apply for the ADFA Education Award. The ADFA Education Award is presented annually to Year 12 students in recognition of outstanding achievement exhibited during the recruiting process for entry into ADFA.
The award comprises of a laptop computer and certificate for you, along with a plaque in recognition of your school. It is presented on behalf of the Navy, Army or Air Force to the 120 most suitable applicants.
Australian Defence Force Cadets
The Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADFC) is open to young men and women aged from 12 years and 6 months to 18 years and includes the:
The ADFC is a community-based organisation made up of 25,000 youth and 2,000 adult staff in more than 480 units throughout Australia. The ADFC aspires to be Australia's leading youth development organisation recognised by the community as developing youth with a sense of purpose, responsibility, respect of self and others, leadership ability and a commitment to voluntary service. As an ADF Cadet, young Australians are able to take part in adventurous, fulfilling and educational activities in a military setting.
The opportunities provided through the ADFC are made possible because of the thousands of qualified adult volunteer officers and instructors operating in cadet units all over Australia. The ADFC is strongly supported by the ADF. Serving military personnel work hand in hand with the Navy, Army and Air Force Cadet Corps to support ADFC activities. For many youth, participation in the ADF Cadets is the first voluntary step towards recruitment in the permanent forces or Reserve forces. For those who choose to pursue non-military careers, they leave Cadets with skills and attributes that set them up for life.
Official Policy on Employment of Under 18 Year olds
The Australian Defence Force abides by the spirit and intent of the Optional Protocol on the Rights of the Child on Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict. For further information refer to the official Defence policy on the recruitment and employment of young people under the age of 18.