Hello all!

Im currently 16 years and 4 months old and have been looking at applying as soon as I become eligible at 16 and 6 months with my friend who will also be of age by then.

We are both looking at Infantry solider roles.

I am wondering if applying this soon is a good idea or not? Should I wait a while travel and experience some things before heading into the ADF?

I've been reading around a little and its become quite apparent that infantry is that Infantry isn't a great idea, because of the lack of civilian applications.

I am not interested at becoming an officer at the moment, although my mind may change.

My friend and I are both physically fit, and pass the minimum fitness requirements easily.

We both attended a week long work experience course that showed us different parts of the ADF and we both agreed that our minds where between Infantry soldiers and or Artillery.

We both fully intend on finishing year 12

I realise this is all over the place, I am happy to answer any questions though. Thank you

As you guys can tell by the title my concerns and question are regarded around the COVID vaccine/jabs. So my question is are they still mandatory? Am I able to say no to getting it? Can this disqualify me for military service? For a little bit of context I want to go in the army as an infantry soldier and have been going through the application process in which I haven’t expressed my concern to my military recruiter yet. I want to know if you guys can shed any light on the matter as I’ve never wanted to get the jab or booster shots do you guys have any insights on my questions or how it works in the army?

Hey everyone! This might be a little lengthy, my apologies.

I am a current uni student looking into a DUS pathway as it will grant myself and my partner enough time for him to complete his PhD without having to uproot our lives halfway through.

The role most relevant to my degree and my skillset is the RAAF air intelligence, but as of right now (07/26) the DUS entry method is "currently not recruiting" according to the ADF careers website.

If it is allowed to be shared, do we know when recruitment rolls around/timelines for specific roles/how to apply to it in the future?

Thank you so much for any assistance!!

I am nearing the end of my application process into ADFA as a pilot candidate and was wondering if anyone had knowledge or contact with the CDFSP. I’m going to study bachelor of technology (aero) and am thinking about doing the program. I have looked online but I cannot find much that goes deeper than surface level information such as accounts from people who have done it, hence why I am asking. I haven’t talked to my recruiter about this directly, though I did mention it at the end of my formal interview and she wasn’t entirely sure either.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to doing it and is it worth the extra workload? Just asking for guys’ thoughts to see if should do it and keep my options open.

This is my first time posting on this platform, and I’m sure there is some key things I have missed out so please ask any questions if you need more context to provide better answers.

G’day all.

I’m just under two weeks to go till I head to kapooka.

Packing list has been nearly all bought and ready to be packed.

I have just a few questions regarding what to bring.

Obviously the packing list states what you need. What do you get provided with down there ? I assume you get pt gear, cams , boots , all the works. Do you get provided socks for pt (black/white) or do you need to bring white socks yourself. Do you get provided winter gear as it is winter currently or do we bring hoodies and jackets with us.

They added it on the website but I can’t find information on this degree? I’m just curious on what it is

Bit of background. I'm currently 18 and looking do join the ADF in a combat role. I know it is extremely unlikely that I do get picked since I lack experience etc but I do want to put this as one of my main interest (as any big ego person would /j).

However, I don't want to fail my interview the 3rd time because the recruiter says I'm unfit for service again.

I was told by the recruiter that special forces (via the direct pipeline thing) has a entirely different interview process and again, afraid I'll fail that and be put on hold for another 6-12 months which I cannot do.

Hey everyone that can help. Im an 18 year old male who’s planned on joining the infantry reserves. Im stuck between joining full time or joining part time as reserve.

I’m planning on having my own business so that’s why I wanted to join and a reserve to work on business as well or full time complete 4 years then pursue my business.

So I just wanted to ask what’s the smarter decision to do and the main differences between reserves and full time

I wouldn’t mind full time because I know I would change as a person in those 4 years but I wouldn’t mind being a reserve because a lot more freedom to pursue my business only worry is that if I’m a reserve I won’t be as properly trained as the full timers and I won’t feel fullfilled so just wondering if it’s actually a big difference between reserves and full time and the better move thanks.

I was confused as to whether I should pursure a degree in engineering through ADFA or DUS (adelaide university), particularly for mechanical engineering (or aerospace). At adelaide uni, i am able to do mech eng then major in aerospace/mechatronics later on, but ADFA is fixed from the start. The reason i want to do DUS is because i want to stay with family, but am worried that it will inhibit me from making important connections, getting 'better' training and degree (UNSW degree) etc. I am a smart individual imo and have really good grades and will hopefully get a >99 ATAR, so would it be wasted in pursuing engineering for ADF through DUS? Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated, also related to what life is like in ADF as an engineer (pay, work, if there is actual engineering done or mostly just officer-like role)
Note: By engineer, i want to be involved in more innovation and design compared to hands on stuff

Currently doing an extra uni course in communications, but I meet the Bachelors degree requirements and experience for all three services. With that said, I’m debating whether to continue with the process as I’m unsure my school commitments would get in the way of Defence duties as I haven’t gotten a clear answer on how accessible I need to be outside of training. I am aware as an officer, the expectations would be higher. I’m considering just waiting until my other commitments are finished so that won’t be a factor.

Anyone have experience in this or around this role, iv heard it can be a mixed bag, I mainly want to focus in on the rescue side of things, I understand that’s a very small percentage of the job, however with past experience as a life guard and other ses volunteering could I apply for a squadron that focus more on that side of things.

TLDR: want to be a rescue swimmer and shoot some guns once in a blue moon, will this be for me or should I look elsewhere, any other roles that would line up with rescue related tasks.

I’d like to join one of the helicopter rescue guys like westpac or life flight how ever from my research they prefer adf experience.

Hi there, I applied for the navy last year when I was in year 11, and i have completed all my assessments but pre entry fitness and I am also currently waiting on an enlistment date, but i don’t want to go when I’m fresh out of high school and 18. If I decline my application and withdraw would that hurt my chance of reapplying later on? And does it make it harder?

Hi there, I recently had my ADF career session and put down Space operations officer, Aerospace Engineer and GEOINT specialist as my preferences.

I am 40 and have a diploma in aerospace which I obtained years ago. Should I replace GEOINT with Avionics technician instead?

I am thinking more of picking up a technical skill and certificate that I could use in the far future.

Im off to kapooka soon and have a couple questions regarding luggage.

Firstly id like some clarity on weither or not i can bring books to read. The one i have in mind is a manual for snipers, although i know this is probably asking to get chewed out its either that or other military related books anyway.

Secondly. I am planning on bringing a digital watch with an alarm. Although i know its not permitted to be used, will they confiscate it?

Any tips, tricks or general pointers are welcome.

Cheers

Im in year 11 sem1 right now and my dream is to become a pilot, unfortunately the cost of it is too much so i was looking into the adf and realised i would actually want to be a fixed wing pilot. Im currently doing apps, english, accounting, and japanese for atar (i dont have the option for doing physics/methods) and currently on the road for a 83 atar. I definitely can get higher which is what im aiming for this semester. Has anyone gotten into the adfa or deo with similar scores. Ive been told its extremely competitive. Does anyone have any tip or experience doing it, if so i would really appreciate the insight.

I'm looking at doing an air-force security gap year but have read a lot of negative things about the job online. Does anyone have any more insight into the job or positive things to say, or recommend other ADF gap year jobs?? I imagine even if the work is boring, it's only for one year and training will be a decent portion of that anyway. I am mainly looking for a new experience where I can learn different skills and get paid well. Cheers

I’m 19 male, qualified bricklayer, and since I was around 16-17 I wanted to join the Army but always got talked out of it and inevitably talked myself out of it. I have always like the idea of just going away for work either FIFO or Army were my best two options. If anyone can give me some insight happy to answer whatever questions might change factors or anything.

I picked Combat Rescue Operator as my first prefrence for job role and i was really set on it. I got past all my assesments and was just waiting on some medical files from CAHS in WA due to some appointments as a kid. I got the call this morning saying the job role had been filled out and wasn't expected to be available till 2027. Recruitment suggested taking up my 3rd Prefrence, Combat Engineering to get in faster.

I just wanted some insights, both roles are part of RAE. I know you can transfer roles once in the ADF but i am unaware of how difficult this is. Am i better off just waiting till mid 2027 and trying my luck or just going in as a Sapper then transfering over?

Thanks

i’m 27f, and become a qualified cabinet maker in april of next year. my boss has made it clear he won’t need me when i’m qualified and i’m at a bit of a crossroads for what i should do next. im considering all my options, one of them joining the military.

for women especially, would it be worth joining? my only standout qualifications would be my eventual cabinet making trade, an inattentive issue with my brain (that i take stuff for) and im gay. i also live in rural qld but i believe the closest base to me in rosewood

would my trade be valuable for the military? is it even safe enough to join as a woman? and as a lesbian woman? i know attitudes have changed around who can join, etc but ive never heard anyone really speak on being a gay woman in the army, just gay males.

i genuinely know nothing about the military so please consider all these questions good faith! i want to make an informed deduction about my future and this is the only place i really know to ask about the army

Genuine question: Why does everyone seem to talk down on the ARA compared to the Navy and Air Force?

I’m joining the Australian Regular Army in February 2027 for a trade role, and whenever I read discussions online, there always seems to be people saying the Navy or Air Force have better conditions, better accommodation, better work-life balance, or an easier lifestyle.

Is the Army really that bad, or is it just a different experience?

The reason I’m joining isn’t because I’m looking for the easiest option. I want to challenge myself, build discipline, learn a valuable trade, earn my place, and be able to look back one day and be proud of what I’ve accomplished. If I only cared about comfort, I probably would’ve chosen a different path altogether.

“Do not pray for an easy life. Pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” — Bruce Lee

Not everything in life that’s easier is necessarily more rewarding. Sometimes the harder road teaches you more about yourself.

I know conditions might be better elsewhere, but I’m trying
to understand whether the criticism of Army is genuinely deserved or if it’s mostly people comparing different lifestyles and priorities.

For those who have served in the Army, Navy, or Air Force, especially in trade roles, would you make the same choice again? Why or why not?
Cheers.

Hi all, I'm currently a first year electrical engineering student at UNSW and have recently become interested in the Defense University Sponsorship (DUS) scheme.

I'm aware that it's a massive commitment and I'm not fully sure whether military life would suit me in the long term or if I would have second thoughts later down the line. Because of this I was thinking about doing the Navy Electronics Engineer Gap Year to try and get a better understanding of what I would be committing to through DUS.

However, this idea has recieved mixed opinions from friends and family who think that the gap year is not worth delaying graduation by a year and that i should either commit to DUS or stay on the civilian path of engineering.

I'd really appreciate advice from people who have done the ADF gap year program or who have gone through the DUS pathway, primarily on whether the gap year is a good way to understand Navy engineering life and whether you think it would help provide clarity to the DUS path.

Hey guys,

I finished my Year 10 in an equivalency program via Department of Human Services x TAFE, looking at some ADF roles and unfortunately some of the ones peaking my interest are Year 12 required (typically with passes in English, Math and another STEM subject).

What’s the most effective way to achieve a Year 12 education in the eyes of the ADF?

I’m already working full time so ideally it’s an online or part time study option.

I see tertiary preparation programs with universities, I see a Cert IV in Adult Tertiary Prep with TAFE and I see the ACER ran STAT test to basically sit down and run an exam that results in your ATAR.

Any options I’m missing and which is best for matching the requirements of the ADF?

Thanks all

Hey crew,

I'm 26 turning 27 this year, in a professional career at the moment, feeling incredibly unfulfilled and very stagnant.

I have a mortgage, a missus and a dog at home.

I'm pretty much looking for a full 180 in my working & personal life, and have always toyed with the idea of joining the ADF, but I suppose never had the courage or the strength to look into it seriously, until now.

I have hundreds of questions, but no one in my life close to me who has served, so no one really to ask.

I suppose the big one is; what branch and jobs are the ideal ones to look for? I initially thought about a trade through the ADF, but then saw some intelligence roles I love the sound of, but also considering life after the ADF, what employment prospects would be most abundant / prosperous. Anyone got any insider intel on that?

And also, frankly how hard and uncomfortable is the interview and training process?
I'm not the blokiest bloke out there, pretty in tune with my emotions and whatnot, don't play footy or AFL either, will I struggle? Is it as hard as how I'm building it up in my mind?
Any general comms around life in and after the ADF would be super appreciated, or even just a DM would be rad
Thanks

Hi, I’m currently in the process of getting ready to apply to join the reserves. My main concern is from what I’ve read online about parade.
I live in a small rural town approximately 4 and a bit hours from a major city (Toowoomba QLD).
Would I have to travel there once a week? It’s approximately 10 hours of travel for a round trip (fuel stops, ect).
It is doable, but I just don’t like the idea of the cost, the wear on my vehicle, plus fatigued driving in a remote area with large kangaroos and potentially loose cattle and horses.

Sorry if this seems like a silly question, but I’d love to know other people experiences from rural areas.

Thank you 😊

I am 16, almost finished highschool, and for about 4 years i have wanted to join the commandos. I'm starting my application into infantry in a month or two and am physically and mentally where I want to be but am still trying to better myself.

I have heard from people on reddit and recruiters that there is no guarantee that you will be accepted into the selection entry test let alone selection. Is this true to an extent. In the past 6 months I have worried less on if I will pass selection/be chosen to continue the reinforcement cycle and more on plainly being accepted into the course.

Is there any reasons they would plainly say no to me doing the entry test and selection?

I feel like it would be fair to let everyone have a crack or else they might be missing out on some of the best possible operators because of dumb reasons like grades.

Summary:

What does the application to SF look like between the finish of IET(Singleton) and the Special forces entry test/Selection.