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Frequently Asked Questions

Women In Defence

Can I wear jewellery?

Yes. You are allowed to wear minimal jewellery on most occasions, when safety is not an issue.

Watches of subdued colour and practical design can be worn when in uniform, except under certain safety, operational or ceremonial circumstances.

Depending on what service you are in, you may wear plain gold or silver studs, providing they are less than 4mm in diameter or plain sleepers of 1cm diameter.

Necklets and chains are not permitted. ADF members are not permitted to wear any body piercings (visible or not), including nose, tongue, eyebrow, navel and nipple rings.

Can I wear make-up?

Yes. Provided it is appropriate for a military environment, female members when in uniform can wear makeup. Each service has clear guidelines for what is appropriate within its environment.

Do men and women have to do the same fitness tests?

Essentially, yes. Men and women complete the same basic fitness test for enlistment and undergo a fitness test annually. However, the required standards differ depending on age and gender.

Test requirements will vary between services and women will have slightly adjusted requirements for the number of repetitions for a particular activity or running and walking times during the assessment.

Do women have equal opportunities to gain promotions and access courses to expand their skills?

Yes. Promotions are based upon performance and qualifications gained. Selection for courses is based on performance and the availability of course positions.

How can I wear my hair?

Each service has clear guidelines and policy on appropriate hairstyles. However, in general hair is to be neatly groomed at all times. It should not fall below the eyebrows or extend below the lower edge of a button-up shirt collar or sweep across the shoulders.

Essentially, hair colour should be complementary to yourself and the ADF's military image and be kept relatively natural. Extreme hair colourings or vast combinations of colour are not permitted.

Hair ornaments such as ribbons, headbands or scrunchies cannot be worn while in uniform. Hair accoutrements are to be plain pins, combs or hairnets, similar in colour to your hair. Black rubber bands and tortoise shell or clear hair sides are also permitted. During physical activity, bun pieces and scrunchies can be worn.

Long hair should be tied back in a bun or worn braided, in a single plait, in a way that secures the hair to the head (i.e. French braid, roll or bun). This should be pinned so as not to extend below the top of your collar.

During field exercises or deployments, you can wear your hair in a braid, plait or bun.

How fit do I have to be to get in to the ADF?

It varies from service to service. Before you join the ADF, you will undergo a pre-entry fitness assessment. Ask your Defence Recruiter for more details or call 13 19 01

How many women are there in the ADF and what is the ratio?

There are currently over 10,000 women enlisted in the ADF, either as full-time or part-time members.

The ratio of women to men depends on the role of a particular unit. In some units, given the frontline nature of its mission, there won't be any women.
The current percentages of women in the ADF by service are:

  • Navy – Approximately 18%;
  • Army – Approximately 12%; and
  • Air Force – Approximately 17%

What kinds of jobs are available to women?

With the exception of a handful of combat and security roles, all ADF jobs are accessible to women.

What leadership roles can I perform in the ADF?

Just about every role in the ADF gives you the opportunity to lead. Obviously, the more experience you gain progressing through the ranks, the more opportunities you will have to lead and manage people.


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