What is 'starting pay'?

In the ADF, you'll be paid a good salary from day one and your ‘starting pay’ is what you’ll receive during your initial military and employment training.

If you’re studying your degree at Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) or another university as an undergraduate student, you’ll be paid while you study, plus your pay will increase as you progress.

Additionally, if you are studying at university, your starting pay depends on how far you have progressed in your studies (for instance, third year starting pay is higher than first year starting pay).

Please visit the individual role pages for specific information about the starting pay.

What is 'pay once trained'?

Once you’ve completed your paid initial military and employment training or studies, your salary will increase to your ‘pay once trained’.

Your salary will then continue to increase based on your rank and years of service. You may also receive additional benefits, allowances and bonuses, plus extra pay for relevant qualifications.

Please visit the individual role pages for information on what you’ll be paid once trained.

What are allowances?

In addition to your salary, you may receive a variety of allowances , plus extra pay for relevant qualifications.

Several roles attract additional allowances to compensate for the unique service conditions and some allowances increase as you progress in your ADF career.

Please visit the individual role pages to see if allowances are offered.

What is military training?

Military training is the first training you’ll receive in the ADF. Known as ‘Initial Military Training’ (IMT), you’ll be introduced to military life and learn the values and attitudes of the service you’ll be joining – Navy, Army or Air Force.

IMT is fully paid and will prepare you for the unique demands of a career in the ADF, ensuring you're ready to carry out your duties.

After you’ve completed this training, you’ll move on to your employment training, which focuses on the role you’ll be doing.

Please visit the individual role pages to earn about the military training specific to the role.

What is employment training?

Your employment training takes place after completion of your Initial Military Training (IMT) and is specific to your role.

Known as ‘Initial Employment Training’ (IET), you'll be paid while learning the skills of your trade or profession under the guidance of subject-matter experts.

IET could take you to one or more locations, equipping you with transferable skills that will be of benefit wherever your career takes you in the future.

Please visit the individual role pages for the employment training specific to each role.

What further training opportunities are there?

When you’re accepted into a role in the ADF, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to access a wide range of personal and professional development training and education throughout your career.

Known as ‘further training’, this includes any training beyond your initial military and employment training.

Further training can include advanced skills and specialisation, leadership training for promotion up through the ranks or the chance to earn additional qualifications.

Please visit the individual role pages to see the further training offered for each role.

What is meant by ‘age’?

‘Age’ refers to the age range for each role.

The age range takes into account your ‘Initial Period of Service’ (IMPS)’ which is the minimum time you agree to serve when you join the ADF. Careers that require more training, generally have a longer IMPS.

The minimum age to enter the ADF is when you can start training for a role. The maximum age to enter the role is shown so that you’re able to complete your IMPS before the retirement age in the ADF.

Please note, the application age is slightly earlier than the minimum age to give you time to prepare your application. In most cases, the application age in 16, or 16.5 for ADFA.

Please visit the individual role pages for specific information on age for each role.

What is meant by ‘education and experience’?

Each role and entry method has its own education and experience requirements, which are the minimum requirements you’ll need to apply for the role.

Opportunities and pathways may still be available even if you don’t meet the minimum requirements. Speak to an ADF Careers Coach as there may be another way you can apply for the role.

Please visit the individual role pages for the education and experience information specific to each role.

What does 'fitness requirements' mean?

'Fitness requirements' refers to the minimum fitness levels required to join the ADF.

Fitness requirements may be in the form of a test or assessment and the requirements vary depending on the role and service you’ve chosen.

Some fitness requirements need to be met before entering the ADF while others can be attained during your training and met prior to graduating.

Being paid to stay fit and healthy is one of the many benefits of joining the ADF. The good news is, reaching the necessary medical and fitness requirements for the Navy, Army or Air Force for entry is well within most people’s capability.

Support is available, so please speak to your ADF Careers Coach throughout your application process to help get you there.

Please visit the individual role pages for more information on the fitness requirements specific to each role.

What is meant by ‘period of service’?

The period of service, is the minimum time you’ll need to commit to the ADF once you’re accepted into the role.

Known as “Initial Minimum Period of Service” (IMPS), this duration depends on the role's entry method and takes into account factors such as any sponsored tertiary study and extensive on-the-job training.

Once you’ve completed your IMPS, you may request to leave at any time by providing the required notice. If you’d like to stay on longer, subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the ADF’s requirements and your suitability. Some roles and entry methods offer grace periods after joining.

Please visit the individual roles pages for information on the IMPS specific to each role.