Ways to join
There are several ways to join the Navy, Army or Air Force with many roles offering more than one entry method. To help you choose the right way, we’ve broken down the entry methods into a simple summary. The choice is yours.
General Entry
General Entry
Join without experience
No prior experience or qualifications are needed to pursue an exciting career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. The role-specific training you receive will place you among the best in your field and you’ll be paid while you train.
Non-technical positions
Join without qualifications
There are many excellent career options in the ADF that don’t require experience or qualifications. You’ll receive all the training you need and be paid while you train.
Entry method
- General Entry: Non-technical
Who it’s for
- Those seeking general roles and career opportunities in administration, communications, logistics and more.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths
- Some roles require a pass in Year 10 Science, or passes in Year 11 (or equivalent) and above.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information please feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
Technical and trade apprenticeships
Receive nationally recognised trade training
Join the ADF and learn a trade. You’ll receive all the training you need, be paid while you train and can earn industry-recognised qualifications.
Entry method
- General Entry: Technical
Who it’s for
- Those seeking nationally recognised trade training to undertake hands-on tasks in aviation, mechanical, electrical and constructions trades, communications and more.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) required with passes in English, Maths, Science and one other subject
- Some trade roles also require Science with a Physics component.
Be paid while you learn trade skills. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information please feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
Qualified positions
Find a role in your chosen profession
Apply your existing skills to exciting new challenges in the ADF. Pursue your profession in fields such as healthcare, business and more. Earn a competitive salary plus allowances and benefits you won’t get with other jobs.
Entry method
- General Entry: Qualified
Who it’s for
- Those who already hold recognised qualifications.
Requirements
- Requires appropriate qualifications specific to each role.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information, feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers. You can reach out to us by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
General Entry
Join without experience
No prior experience or qualifications are needed to pursue an exciting career in the Navy, Army or Air Force. The role-specific training you receive will place you among the best in your field and you’ll be paid while you train.
Non-technical positions
Join without qualifications
There are many excellent career options in the ADF that don’t require experience or qualifications. You’ll receive all the training you need and be paid while you train.
Entry method
- General Entry: Non-technical
Who it’s for
- Those seeking general roles and career opportunities in administration, communications, logistics and more.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths
- Some roles require a pass in Year 10 Science, or passes in Year 11 (or equivalent) and above.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information please feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
Technical and trade apprenticeships
Receive nationally recognised trade training
Join the ADF and learn a trade. You’ll receive all the training you need, be paid while you train and can earn industry-recognised qualifications.
Entry method
- General Entry: Technical
Who it’s for
- Those seeking nationally recognised trade training to undertake hands-on tasks in aviation, mechanical, electrical and constructions trades, communications and more.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) required with passes in English, Maths, Science and one other subject
- Some trade roles also require Science with a Physics component.
Be paid while you learn trade skills. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information please feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
Qualified positions
Find a role in your chosen profession
Apply your existing skills to exciting new challenges in the ADF. Pursue your profession in fields such as healthcare, business and more. Earn a competitive salary plus allowances and benefits you won’t get with other jobs.
Entry method
- General Entry: Qualified
Who it’s for
- Those who already hold recognised qualifications.
Requirements
- Requires appropriate qualifications specific to each role.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information, feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers. You can reach out to us by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
Officer Entry
Officer Entry
Build on your ambition and become a leader in your field
If you're a driven and ambitious individual, the ADF will teach you to lead teams, mentor others and manage complex scenarios as an officer. This could be either Direct Entry (by completing officer training) or via Tertiary Education options (combining officer training with studying for a degree).
Direct Officer Entry
Become an officer
You can choose to become an officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force via Direct Entry and have your training paid for while also getting paid. As long as you’re a school leaver who has passed year 12, you can head straight into officer training with the ADF service of your choice.
- Navy Officer Train at the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC), HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay, NSW, with or without a degree. Discover Navy training.
- Army Officer Train at the Royal Military College - Duntroon (RMC) in Canberra, ACT, with or without a degree. Discover Army training.
- Air Force Officer Train at Officers’ Training School, RAAF Base East Sale, VIC, with or without a degree. Discover Air Force training.
Entry methods
- Officer Entry: Officer (Navy or Air Force)
- Officer Entry: Royal Military College (RMC) – Duntroon (Army)
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Qualified professionals.
Requirements
- Completed Year 12 (or equivalent).
Tertiary education
Become an officer and earn a degree
You can choose to become an officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force while you study, which means you could get your tuition and officer training paid for while also getting paid. If you are interested in, enrolled in, or have completed study at an Australian university, there are a number of ways for you to join as an officer.
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
Earn a fully funded degree
Forged from a unique partnership between the ADF and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), ADFA offers world-class education plus cutting-edge military and leadership training at our Canberra campus.
In addition to being expertly trained in the art of leadership and management, you'll undertake a degree in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Computing.
While military training and academic pursuits are the focus, there's plenty of time for sport, recreation and socialising with friends. Living on campus (with subsidised accommodation) means you have easy access to all that Canberra offers, including restaurants, museums, bars and other local entertainment nearby.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
Who it’s for
- Those wanting a fully funded world-class degree in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Computing from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
- You’ll earn a salary while you study and graduate HELP-debt-free.
Requirements
- To apply, you must have completed Year 12 with passes that meet the requirements of your chosen ADF role and UNSW degree
- Be at least 16 years of age when applying and 17 on the day of entry.
Undergraduate
Have your current studies sponsored
As an undergraduate studying for a job-relevant degree at your choice of an accredited university, you can join the ADF via Defence University Sponsorship (DUS). This means you’ll have your fees paid for, earn a salary while you complete your degree, and walk straight into a great ADF role following graduation.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Undergraduate
Who it’s for
- Those already studying a relevant degree (or in some cases, those who have accepted an offer) at an Australian university. You’ll earn a salary while you study and have the remainder of your university fees paid in return for a commitment to an officer role.
Requirements
A Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) is available:
- For Army, you must have completed the first semester of your studies and possess your academic results
- For Navy and Air Force, you must have accepted an offer for a relevant degree from an Australian university.
Tertiary Aviation Reimbursement Scheme (TARS)
Get reimbursed for your aviation qualifications
TARS is for candidates who join the Air Force with a relevant Bachelor level degree in aviation from an Australian university. If you are studying, or have studied, an aviation qualification at an Australian university, Air Force may reimburse your university costs if you successfully reach certain training milestones in your officer aviation career.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate
Who it’s for
- Those who want to join the Air Force with a relevant Bachelor level degree in aviation.
Requirements
- You must be studying, or have studied a relevant Bachelor’s degree in aviation from an Australian university
- You may be eligible to have your academic costs reimbursed if you successfully reach certain training milestones in your Officer Aviation career.
Graduate Medical Program
Use your degree to move into medicine
Graduates who hold an appropriate undergraduate degree, have successfully completed the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT) and have been accepted into an Australian university, can apply to enter the ADF through the Graduate Medical Program. If successful, you’ll be sponsored as a medical practitioner, then serve as a Medical Officer.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate Medical Program
Who it’s for
- Those with a degree looking to move into medicine through the Graduate Medical Program.
Requirements
- Successful applicants must have a relevant undergraduate degree and have passed the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT)
- You will need to have been accepted into an Australian university
- Be sponsored as a medical practitioner then serve as a Medical Officer.
Graduate
Become an officer with your existing degree
If you have a recognised degree in a field such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Business or IT, you can apply for an officer role through Graduate Entry. Whether you're a recent graduate or in a career, you’ll receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities in the ADF.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate
Who it’s for
- Those who already have a recognised degree and want to receive further training and post-graduate study opportunities. You’ll pursue your profession as an officer and add an exciting new dimension to your work.
Requirements
- Leverage your degree in Medicine, Psychology, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Business and IT among others
- Receive further training and post-graduate study opportunities
- To apply, you must have a tertiary degree or be in your final year of a degree.
Officer Entry
Build on your ambition and become a leader in your field
If you're a driven and ambitious individual, the ADF will teach you to lead teams, mentor others and manage complex scenarios as an officer. This could be either Direct Entry (by completing officer training) or via Tertiary Education options (combining officer training with studying for a degree).
Direct Officer Entry
Become an officer
You can choose to become an officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force via Direct Entry and have your training paid for while also getting paid. As long as you’re a school leaver who has passed year 12, you can head straight into officer training with the ADF service of your choice.
- Navy Officer Train at the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC), HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay, NSW, with or without a degree. Discover Navy training.
- Army Officer Train at the Royal Military College - Duntroon (RMC) in Canberra, ACT, with or without a degree. Discover Army training.
- Air Force Officer Train at Officers’ Training School, RAAF Base East Sale, VIC, with or without a degree. Discover Air Force training.
Entry methods
- Officer Entry: Officer (Navy or Air Force)
- Officer Entry: Royal Military College (RMC) – Duntroon (Army)
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Qualified professionals.
Requirements
- Completed Year 12 (or equivalent).
Tertiary education
Become an officer and earn a degree
You can choose to become an officer in the Navy, Army or Air Force while you study, which means you could get your tuition and officer training paid for while also getting paid. If you are interested in, enrolled in, or have completed study at an Australian university, there are a number of ways for you to join as an officer.
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
Earn a fully funded degree
Forged from a unique partnership between the ADF and the University of New South Wales (UNSW), ADFA offers world-class education plus cutting-edge military and leadership training at our Canberra campus.
In addition to being expertly trained in the art of leadership and management, you'll undertake a degree in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Computing.
While military training and academic pursuits are the focus, there's plenty of time for sport, recreation and socialising with friends. Living on campus (with subsidised accommodation) means you have easy access to all that Canberra offers, including restaurants, museums, bars and other local entertainment nearby.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA)
Who it’s for
- Those wanting a fully funded world-class degree in Arts, Business, Science, Engineering or Computing from the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
- You’ll earn a salary while you study and graduate HELP-debt-free.
Requirements
- To apply, you must have completed Year 12 with passes that meet the requirements of your chosen ADF role and UNSW degree
- Be at least 16 years of age when applying and 17 on the day of entry.
Undergraduate
Have your current studies sponsored
As an undergraduate studying for a job-relevant degree at your choice of an accredited university, you can join the ADF via Defence University Sponsorship (DUS). This means you’ll have your fees paid for, earn a salary while you complete your degree, and walk straight into a great ADF role following graduation.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Undergraduate
Who it’s for
- Those already studying a relevant degree (or in some cases, those who have accepted an offer) at an Australian university. You’ll earn a salary while you study and have the remainder of your university fees paid in return for a commitment to an officer role.
Requirements
A Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) is available:
- For Army, you must have completed the first semester of your studies and possess your academic results
- For Navy and Air Force, you must have accepted an offer for a relevant degree from an Australian university.
Tertiary Aviation Reimbursement Scheme (TARS)
Get reimbursed for your aviation qualifications
TARS is for candidates who join the Air Force with a relevant Bachelor level degree in aviation from an Australian university. If you are studying, or have studied, an aviation qualification at an Australian university, Air Force may reimburse your university costs if you successfully reach certain training milestones in your officer aviation career.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate
Who it’s for
- Those who want to join the Air Force with a relevant Bachelor level degree in aviation.
Requirements
- You must be studying, or have studied a relevant Bachelor’s degree in aviation from an Australian university
- You may be eligible to have your academic costs reimbursed if you successfully reach certain training milestones in your Officer Aviation career.
Graduate Medical Program
Use your degree to move into medicine
Graduates who hold an appropriate undergraduate degree, have successfully completed the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT) and have been accepted into an Australian university, can apply to enter the ADF through the Graduate Medical Program. If successful, you’ll be sponsored as a medical practitioner, then serve as a Medical Officer.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate Medical Program
Who it’s for
- Those with a degree looking to move into medicine through the Graduate Medical Program.
Requirements
- Successful applicants must have a relevant undergraduate degree and have passed the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT)
- You will need to have been accepted into an Australian university
- Be sponsored as a medical practitioner then serve as a Medical Officer.
Graduate
Become an officer with your existing degree
If you have a recognised degree in a field such as Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Business or IT, you can apply for an officer role through Graduate Entry. Whether you're a recent graduate or in a career, you’ll receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities in the ADF.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate
Who it’s for
- Those who already have a recognised degree and want to receive further training and post-graduate study opportunities. You’ll pursue your profession as an officer and add an exciting new dimension to your work.
Requirements
- Leverage your degree in Medicine, Psychology, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Business and IT among others
- Receive further training and post-graduate study opportunities
- To apply, you must have a tertiary degree or be in your final year of a degree.
Gap Year
Get a taste of the ADF in a Gap Year
Get an exciting taste of life in the Navy, Army or Air Force with just a one-year commitment. Choose between a general or officer role and you’ll receive a salary and valuable training to get where you want to go. Plus, you’ll gain skills, make lifelong friends and you may get the opportunity to travel around Australia.
Challenge yourself with a one-year commitment
Develop your skills and take time to think about your future career direction by spending a memorable year in the ADF.
Entry method
- General Entry: ADF Gap Year
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Undergraduates.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 12
- Only commit to 12 months
- To apply, you must meet the educational standards of the role you are applying for
- Be aged between 17 and 24 years of age at the time of your enlistment.
Learn to lead with a one-year commitment
Unlock your potential and learn to lead others by spending a memorable year developing your leadership and management skills through world-class training.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: ADF Gap Year
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Undergraduates.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 12
- Only commit to 12 months
- To apply, you must meet the educational standards of the role you are applying for
- Be aged between 17 and 24 years of age at the time of your appointment.
Get a taste of the ADF in a Gap Year
Get an exciting taste of life in the Navy, Army or Air Force with just a one-year commitment. Choose between a general or officer role and you’ll receive a salary and valuable training to get where you want to go. Plus, you’ll gain skills, make lifelong friends and you may get the opportunity to travel around Australia.
Challenge yourself with a one-year commitment
Develop your skills and take time to think about your future career direction by spending a memorable year in the ADF.
Entry method
- General Entry: ADF Gap Year
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Undergraduates.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 12
- Only commit to 12 months
- To apply, you must meet the educational standards of the role you are applying for
- Be aged between 17 and 24 years of age at the time of your enlistment.
Learn to lead with a one-year commitment
Unlock your potential and learn to lead others by spending a memorable year developing your leadership and management skills through world-class training.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: ADF Gap Year
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Undergraduates.
Requirements
- Completion of Year 12
- Only commit to 12 months
- To apply, you must meet the educational standards of the role you are applying for
- Be aged between 17 and 24 years of age at the time of your appointment.
Reserves (Part time)
Join the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserves part time
Make a difference and challenge yourself with a part-time role in the ADF Reserves. Enjoy fulfilling work, help the community and give something back to your country. You’ll also gain extra training and experience that benefits your day job with tax-free daily pay.
General Non-technical part-time positions
Join without qualifications
There are many excellent career options in the ADF that don’t require experience or qualifications. You’ll receive all the training you need and be paid while you train.
Entry method
- General Entry: Non-technical Reserve
Who it’s for
- Those wanting a part-time role that doesn’t require previous experience.
Requirements
- Choose from roles in administration, communications, logistics and more
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths
- Some roles require a pass in Year 10 Science, or passes in Year 11 (or equivalent) and above.
General Technical part-time positions
Receive nationally recognised trade training
Join the ADF and use your existing trade skills in a unique military environment.
Entry method
- General Entry: Technical Reserve
Who it’s for
- Those seeking nationally recognised trade training to undertake hands-on tasks.
Requirements
- Choose from roles in aviation, mechanical, electrical and construction trades, communications and more
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) required with passes in English, Maths, Science and one other subject
- Some trade roles also require Science with a Physics component.
- Be paid while you learn trade skills.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information please feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
Officer part-time positions
Build on your ambition and become a leader in your field
If you're a driven and ambitious individual, the ADF will teach you to lead teams, mentor others and manage complex scenarios as an officer. As long as you’re a school leaver who has passed Year 12, you can join and learn to lead and mentor others.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Officer Reserve
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Qualified professionals.
Requirements
- Completed Year 12 (or equivalent).
Officer graduate and specialist part-time positions
Receive nationally recognised training
If you already have a degree, you can advance your current profession and apply your tertiary qualifications part-time as a Graduate Reserve. Or if you’re qualified in a profession such as healthcare, finance, law, chaplaincy, management, aviation, engineering or education, you can join the ADF part-time as a Specialist Reserve. Either way, you can apply your existing skills and knowledge to an exciting new role.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate Reserve
- Officer Entry: Specialist Reserve
Who it’s for
- Those who already have a recognised degree
- Those who are a specialist in specific fields.
Requirements
- Leverage your degree and specialist skills in medicine, psychology, law, dentistry, nursing, engineering, business and IT among others
- To apply, you must have a tertiary degree or be in your final year of a degree.
Join the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserves part time
Make a difference and challenge yourself with a part-time role in the ADF Reserves. Enjoy fulfilling work, help the community and give something back to your country. You’ll also gain extra training and experience that benefits your day job with tax-free daily pay.
General Non-technical part-time positions
Join without qualifications
There are many excellent career options in the ADF that don’t require experience or qualifications. You’ll receive all the training you need and be paid while you train.
Entry method
- General Entry: Non-technical Reserve
Who it’s for
- Those wanting a part-time role that doesn’t require previous experience.
Requirements
- Choose from roles in administration, communications, logistics and more
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths
- Some roles require a pass in Year 10 Science, or passes in Year 11 (or equivalent) and above.
General Technical part-time positions
Receive nationally recognised trade training
Join the ADF and use your existing trade skills in a unique military environment.
Entry method
- General Entry: Technical Reserve
Who it’s for
- Those seeking nationally recognised trade training to undertake hands-on tasks.
Requirements
- Choose from roles in aviation, mechanical, electrical and construction trades, communications and more
- Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) required with passes in English, Maths, Science and one other subject
- Some trade roles also require Science with a Physics component.
- Be paid while you learn trade skills.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application. For more information please feel free to get in touch with ADF Careers by phone, through our online form, or in person via our Contact Us page.
Officer part-time positions
Build on your ambition and become a leader in your field
If you're a driven and ambitious individual, the ADF will teach you to lead teams, mentor others and manage complex scenarios as an officer. As long as you’re a school leaver who has passed Year 12, you can join and learn to lead and mentor others.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Officer Reserve
Who it’s for
- Year 12 graduates
- Qualified professionals.
Requirements
- Completed Year 12 (or equivalent).
Officer graduate and specialist part-time positions
Receive nationally recognised training
If you already have a degree, you can advance your current profession and apply your tertiary qualifications part-time as a Graduate Reserve. Or if you’re qualified in a profession such as healthcare, finance, law, chaplaincy, management, aviation, engineering or education, you can join the ADF part-time as a Specialist Reserve. Either way, you can apply your existing skills and knowledge to an exciting new role.
Entry method
- Officer Entry: Graduate Reserve
- Officer Entry: Specialist Reserve
Who it’s for
- Those who already have a recognised degree
- Those who are a specialist in specific fields.
Requirements
- Leverage your degree and specialist skills in medicine, psychology, law, dentistry, nursing, engineering, business and IT among others
- To apply, you must have a tertiary degree or be in your final year of a degree.
Previously served
Return to the ADF or transfer from overseas
Thinking of returning or looking to transfer from overseas military? You can apply for your previous role or choose something different – either way you’ll benefit from world-class training and personal development.
Re-enlistment (ADF)
Return to a previous or new role in the ADF
Who it’s for
- Anyone who has previously served in the ADF.
Requirements
- You must meet the requirements of the job you are applying for.
Overseas Lateral Entry (foreign military)
Bring your foreign military experience to the ADF
Who it's for
Overseas Lateral Entry is managed through the Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme (OLRS). The OLRS is designed for overseas applicants with relevant and recent foreign military experience.
Note: The ADF is streamlining processes for overseas lateral entry, moving from a single service approach to a tri-service, integrated system. Navy and Air Force will continue to accept new applications over this period in line with the guidance below. Please note Army will not accept new applications throughout this transition until 01 Feb 25, and applications received before 01 Feb 25 will not be actioned.
Requirements
- Meet the criteria specified in the ‘Options for non-Australian citizens’ section of the ‘Eligibility’ tab Eligibility - ADF Careers
- You must have relevant and recent experience in an ADF-equivalent role that you are seeking to join.
- Submit an OLRS Application Form with associated documents to the email addresses below.
Applicants should note that the OLRS aims to fill capability shortfalls within the ADF, and the need for particular ranks and employment categories may vary over time. The Overseas Lateral Entry team will discuss this with you upon receipt of your application.
Applicants should also note that new applications cannot be processed over the December-January period due to reduced staffing within the Overseas Lateral Entry team and broader stakeholder group. Applicants received between February and November will continue to progress over this reduced activity period.
What you need to do
Joining the ADF via the OLRS is a significant life-changing event for applicants and their families. Each applicant’s recruitment journey will be tailored to their personal circumstances and not all assessments will be required; however, assessments may include the following:
- Application submission and verification - Using the Overseas Lateral Entry application form.
- Trade and Skills Assessment - Your full application will be assessed to ascertain your suitability, based on your qualifications, experience and potential.
- Medical Assessment - You will need to undertake medical and dental examinations through your current service and/or private medical practitioner and provide those documents for review.
- Specialist Interview and Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Interview - The reports/assessments from both interviews will be used to ascertain you and your family’s suitability for the OLRS.
- Psychologist Assessment - To help determine organisational suitability.
- Other Selection Interviews as required.
Upon successful completion of assessments, applicants will receive a Letter of Offer to join the ADF. Once accepted, the Overseas Lateral Entries team will work with the applicant to initiate visa applications for them and their family via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), finalise entry processes, and facilitate the relocation of the applicant and their family to Australia.
Once you and your family have been granted permanent residency status, the OLRS will sponsor you for a security clearance. Applicants must obtain an appropriate security clearance before appointment or enlistment and must have resigned from their parent Service (including release from all Reserve Service obligations) before appointment.
Application form and additional information
- Overseas Lateral Entry application form
- Lateral recruit webpage on the Defence Member and Family Support website. Contains additional information for prospective candidates, including the Overseas Lateral Recruitment handbook
Contact Us
Applications for entry via the OLRS are processed by the Overseas Lateral Entries team in Defence Force Recruiting. Please note that Australian Embassies, High Commission staff and individuals outside of the Overseas Lateral Entries team do not have an active role in this process. For all applications and enquiries please use the email addresses below:
- Navy: ran.overseasrecruiting@defence.gov.au
- Army: OLE.Army@defence.gov.au
- Air Force: OLE.AirForce@defence.gov.au
Return to the ADF or transfer from overseas
Thinking of returning or looking to transfer from overseas military? You can apply for your previous role or choose something different – either way you’ll benefit from world-class training and personal development.
Re-enlistment (ADF)
Return to a previous or new role in the ADF
Who it’s for
- Anyone who has previously served in the ADF.
Requirements
- You must meet the requirements of the job you are applying for.
Overseas Lateral Entry (foreign military)
Bring your foreign military experience to the ADF
Who it's for
Overseas Lateral Entry is managed through the Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme (OLRS). The OLRS is designed for overseas applicants with relevant and recent foreign military experience.
Note: The ADF is streamlining processes for overseas lateral entry, moving from a single service approach to a tri-service, integrated system. Navy and Air Force will continue to accept new applications over this period in line with the guidance below. Please note Army will not accept new applications throughout this transition until 01 Feb 25, and applications received before 01 Feb 25 will not be actioned.
Requirements
- Meet the criteria specified in the ‘Options for non-Australian citizens’ section of the ‘Eligibility’ tab Eligibility - ADF Careers
- You must have relevant and recent experience in an ADF-equivalent role that you are seeking to join.
- Submit an OLRS Application Form with associated documents to the email addresses below.
Applicants should note that the OLRS aims to fill capability shortfalls within the ADF, and the need for particular ranks and employment categories may vary over time. The Overseas Lateral Entry team will discuss this with you upon receipt of your application.
Applicants should also note that new applications cannot be processed over the December-January period due to reduced staffing within the Overseas Lateral Entry team and broader stakeholder group. Applicants received between February and November will continue to progress over this reduced activity period.
What you need to do
Joining the ADF via the OLRS is a significant life-changing event for applicants and their families. Each applicant’s recruitment journey will be tailored to their personal circumstances and not all assessments will be required; however, assessments may include the following:
- Application submission and verification - Using the Overseas Lateral Entry application form.
- Trade and Skills Assessment - Your full application will be assessed to ascertain your suitability, based on your qualifications, experience and potential.
- Medical Assessment - You will need to undertake medical and dental examinations through your current service and/or private medical practitioner and provide those documents for review.
- Specialist Interview and Defence Member and Family Support (DMFS) Interview - The reports/assessments from both interviews will be used to ascertain you and your family’s suitability for the OLRS.
- Psychologist Assessment - To help determine organisational suitability.
- Other Selection Interviews as required.
Upon successful completion of assessments, applicants will receive a Letter of Offer to join the ADF. Once accepted, the Overseas Lateral Entries team will work with the applicant to initiate visa applications for them and their family via the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), finalise entry processes, and facilitate the relocation of the applicant and their family to Australia.
Once you and your family have been granted permanent residency status, the OLRS will sponsor you for a security clearance. Applicants must obtain an appropriate security clearance before appointment or enlistment and must have resigned from their parent Service (including release from all Reserve Service obligations) before appointment.
Application form and additional information
- Overseas Lateral Entry application form
- Lateral recruit webpage on the Defence Member and Family Support website. Contains additional information for prospective candidates, including the Overseas Lateral Recruitment handbook
Contact Us
Applications for entry via the OLRS are processed by the Overseas Lateral Entries team in Defence Force Recruiting. Please note that Australian Embassies, High Commission staff and individuals outside of the Overseas Lateral Entries team do not have an active role in this process. For all applications and enquiries please use the email addresses below:
- Navy: ran.overseasrecruiting@defence.gov.au
- Army: OLE.Army@defence.gov.au
- Air Force: OLE.AirForce@defence.gov.au
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions