You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.

You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 58 years.

You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.

All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.

For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.

Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.

To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.

Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.

During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.

The Navy swim test

During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:

• safety jump off a 3m tower
• 10m underwater swim
• 50m swim using survival strokes
• treading water or floating for 15 minutes.

For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.

You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.

You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

Preferred qualities:

• good motor skills and hand-eye coordination
• appreciation of safety requirements
• good attention to detail
• ability to work under pressure
• able to sustain long periods of lifting
• resourcefulness and common sense.

For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.

Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic

You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.

NESC course

• Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
• Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
• Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
• Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.

After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.

On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.

Course: Initial Chef Course (called ADF Catering Operator Course)
Duration: 27 weeks
Location: ADF School of Catering (ADFSC), HMAS Cerberus, Vic

This consists of 27 weeks of chef training delivered through TAFE, with time spent in the HMAS Cerberus Galley Simulator to consolidate the skills learnt at TAFE and develops bulk cookery skills using modern cooking technologies. Here you’ll complete a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and commence your trade apprenticeship.

You’ll learn integrated catering skills applicable to the Navy, Army and Air Force to enable you to provide effective service in both the sea and land domains.

The Initial Chef Course provides both practical and theoretical instruction in all aspects of cookery and kitchen activities, including developing the skills essential to working successfully at sea and ashore. You'll also be educated in aspects of equipment safety, nutrition, customer service and working in a small team.

Topics include:

• participating in environmentally sustainable work practices
• working effectively with others and as a cook
• use of hygienic practices for food safety
• participating in safe food handling and safe work practices
• cleaning kitchen premises and equipment
• preparing dishes using basic methods of cooking
• using food preparation equipment
• preparing appetisers, salads, stock, sauces and soups
• preparing vegetables, fruit, eggs and baked goods
• preparing poultry, seafood and meat dishes
• producing pastry, cakes, breads and desserts
• preparing food to meet special dietary requirements
• planning and cost basic menus
• dealing with conflict situations and co-ordinating cooking operations
• coaching others in job skills
• producing and serving food for buffets
• maintaining the quality of perishable items.

On successful completion of the training at HMAS Cerberus, you’ll be awarded a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.

Then subject to completion of 3 years' service in the trade and all training, including successful completion of the ADF Chefs’ Competency Logbook, you’ll be awarded Chef Trade papers, which are industry recognised.

Course: Initial Collins Class Course (ICCC)
Duration: 5 weeks
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA

You’ll complete a series of computer-based and instructor-based modules that introduce you to the systems and construction of the submarines and undertake Submarine Firefighting and Submarine Escape courses.

Course: Submariner Sea Qualification Experience
Duration: 3-6 months
Location: HMAS Stirling, Rockingham, WA

You’ll be posted to an available training billet onboard a submarine to undertake the Submarine Sea Qualification (SMSQ) task book. The task book will consolidate all your knowledge to earn the submarine sea qualification and be awarded the Dolphins you can proudly wear on your uniform.

Course: ADF Catering Supervisor’s Course
Duration: 15 days
Location: ADF School of Catering (ADFSC), HMAS Cerberus, Vic

For promotion to Leading Seaman Chef, this course provides both practical and theoretical instruction in all aspects of cookery and kitchen supervision.

Also, you will further develop integrated catering skills applicable to the Navy, Army and Air Force to enable you to provide effective service in both the sea and land domains.

Topics include:

• supervising catering operations
• providing quality customer service
• leading and managing people
• rostering staff
• monitoring staff performance
• implementing a food safety program
• implementing and monitoring Workplace Health Safety and security practices
• the control and order of stock
• provisions management and accounting
• supervise catering trade training
• prepare, deploy and redeploy a Land Domain Catering Detachment
• supervise field kitchen operations and maintenance.

Course: Maritime Catering Manager’s Course
Duration: 15 days
Location: ADF School of Catering (ADFSC), HMAS Cerberus, Vic

For promotion to Petty Officer Chef, this course provides you with the appropriate skills to manage a catering department in the maritime environment.

Topics include:

• providing a safe working environment
• participating, initiating, leading and reporting on quality audits
• managing mess arrangements
• developing and implementing a food safety program
• developing and implementing operational plans
• managing work operations
• managing and overseeing menu planning and production
• managing physical assets
• managing and overseeing financial operations
• managing , developing and overseeing storing plans
• providing quality customer service
• managing quarantine and waste
• managing and overseeing food safety.