Postings

• Do I have to go to sea?
• Do I have to move away from my hometown?
• Do I need to move all the time?
• Do you get a choice where you are posted?
• Do you have to live on base?
• How often are you posted to a new location?
• What facilities are available on base?
• What is the standard of accommodation like?
• What’s the food like?
• Where are the postings, after Basic Training?
• Where will I have to live if I join the Navy, Army or Air Force?
• Will I still get posted if I have a family?

Do I have to go to sea?

All Navy personnel are required to serve at sea in ships and submarines as required by their job classification.

Do I have to move away from my hometown?

Yes, as the Navy, Army and Air Force does not have bases in every person's hometown. However, you will be given the opportunity to request a posting to a base close to your hometown (if one exists), but while we will try to fulfil your posting preferences, a posting to a different locality may occur if there is a Service requirement. Reserve members may be able to choose a unit in their locality then try and enter into an employment that is available at that unit.

Do I need to move all the time?

When joining the ADF, you should be aware that you may need to move frequently during your career. For some people, this is part of the attraction of joining!

The ADF understands postings need to be long enough for our personnel to develop an understanding of their job, achieve job satisfaction, as well as maintaining domestic stability. The ADF posting policy aims to achieve postings of a minimum of three years duration.

Do you get a choice where you are posted?

You have the opportunity to express a preference of the localities to which you would like to be posted, either, facilities, bases, ships or units. While Defence will try to fulfil your posting preferences, you may be posted to any locality if there is a Service requirement.

Do you have to live on base?

Once initial training is completed and depending on individual Unit policies, you are allowed to live off-base, whether you are single, interdependent, or married.

How often are you posted to a new location?

Once initial training has been completed you will be posted to facilities, bases, ships or units where you will be employed as per your job classification. Posting policy reflects the ADF need, which is not only to fill vacancies, but also to prepare for the future through career development. In this respect, the rotation of personnel through operational units and staff and training jobs is an essential requirement in the peacetime Defence Force. This policy is designed to provide personnel with the maximum exposure to operational and related Service environments, even if only in a training context, while ensuring that members are relieved before staleness or fatigue.

Factors taken into consideration when posting personnel include personal preferences, family welfare or compassionate circumstances. A member's preferences are recorded and reviewed at regular intervals and remain readily accessible to posting planners for consideration. However, personal preferences cannot be the overriding influence on selection. ADF personnel should be aware that on joining the ADF they might be required to move frequently throughout their careers. Although in many cases, such moves are anticipated and an attraction to join in the first place, the degree of willingness to accept frequent moves can vary through a member's career depending on family circumstances.

It is in the interests of the ADF that postings be sufficiently long for personnel to develop an understanding of their jobs. This is necessary if we are to develop sound techniques, procedures, doctrines and organisation. Longer postings also contribute to job satisfaction, family welfare and domestic stability. The posting policy therefore aims at achieving lengthy postings, preferably of three years minimum duration. Postings may be of a lesser period in exceptional circumstances. Every effort is made to provide geographical stability for personnel who have children in the last two years of secondary school.

What facilities are available on base?

The facilities available vary for each major base (facilities, bases, ships or units). Generally, each base has accommodation facilities, sporting facilities (e.g. gym, pool, playing fields, tennis courts), leisure facilities (e.g. bar and recreational clubs, sporting clubs), and shopping facilities (e.g. canteen, EFTPOS). Generally, these facilities (bases, ships or units) are maintained to a high standard, and cater for a diverse range of interests (e.g. various hobby and sporting clubs).

What is the standard of accommodation like?

Generally, the standard of accommodation on Defence bases is very good. During initial training recruits will share a room with up to four other recruits (same sex). After initial training the accommodation provided is, generally, single room accommodation with communal facilities such as bathroom, kitchenette and living room.

What’s the food like?

The meals provided by Defence are of a high standard. Generally, all avenues of entry get three cooked meals a day in a mess, with a choice of several dishes for each meal.

Where are the postings, after Basic Training?

After your recruit course, or Basic Training, you will undergo your initial employment training before being posted to a unit. Check out the base locator to find out where you can go.

Where will I have to live if I join the Navy, Army or Air Force?

The ADF has many facilities, bases, ships and units across Australia and around the world. After basic and initial employment training, you will have the opportunity to express a preference for the localities to which you would like to be posted (move to). While Defence will try to fulfil your posting preferences, you may be posted to any locality if there is a Service requirement. All Navy personnel are required to serve at sea in ships and submarines at some time as required by their job classification. Reserve members choose a unit in their home locality then try to enter into a job that is available at that unit.

Will I still get posted if I have a family?

Yes, you will. However, you will be afforded leave, removal assistances and financial assistance in moving your family. There are also services provided to assist in schooling requirements, spouse employment assistance and settling into a new community. For more information visit the Defence Community Organisation website.