The maximum entry age

The maximum entry age into the Navy, Army or Air Force is calculated by subtracting the Initial Minimum Period of Service, (IMPS) from the Compulsory Retiring Age (CRA) for ADF personnel. IMPS can be anywhere from 3 to 14.5 years, and is determined by the length of employment training.

CRA for Permanent ADF members is 60 years of age and 65 years of age for Reserve ADF members. As a general rule, the maximum recruitment age for the Navy, Army or Air Force is three to six years before Compulsory Retiring Age (CRA), depending on the length of IMPS for the candidate's preferred avenue of entry.

Additional requirements

In addition, the maximum recruitment ages for some employment categories may not match the CRA minus IMPS model. For example, due to the physical nature of the role of Commando, the maximum age for entry is 35 years.