How to Join
Even if you haven't decided on a specific role yet, simply click the 'apply now' button to start your application. Or click below for more about what's involved.
01. APPLY ONLINE, VISIT A RECRUITING CENTRE OR CALL 131901
You will be asked to provide your:
- Personal and details
- Academic achievements
- Job preference(s) (if you have them)
02. ATTEND YOU SESSION
At the Your Opportunities Unlimited session at your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre you will:
- Complete a medical questionnaire and tests
- Take an aptitude test
- Talk to a careers counsellor about the service and role(s) you are considering
03. ATTEND ASSESSMENT SESSION
Once through YOU and having submitted your application documents, you will be invited to an Assessment Session for:
- A medical assessment
- A psychological interview
- An ADF interview
04. ATTEND OFFICER SELECTION
If you've chosen an officer role you will have your leadership, teamwork and other areas of potential assessed:
- Attend an Officer Selection Board day
- Be interviewed by a panel of Officers and a Psychologist
- Participate in group and individual activities
05. TAKE A FITNESS TEST
During the Pre-entry Fitness Assessment you will need to show us you can:
- Do push-ups (Navy: 6 female 15 male, Army: 8 female 15 male, Air Force: 4 female 10 male)
- Do sit-ups (Navy: 20, Army: 45, Air Force: 20)
- Complete a shuttle run (Navy: Level 6.1, Army: Level 7.5, Air Force: Level 6.5)
06. ATTEND ENLISTMENT / APPOINTMENT DAY
If successful, at your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre you will:
- Have a final medical check
- Join family and friends for the ceremony
- Head straight to initial military training as an official member of the Reserves
Like to know more about joining?
Click below for more information about the recruitment process for each individual Service.
Methods of entry
Depending on the role you choose, you may have options regarding your method of entry into the Reserves.
Officer
You must have completed Year 12 with passes in English and three other academic subjects. Some Officer jobs require prerequisite vocational qualifications.
Graduate
You must hold a professional or technical qualification in one of a range of disciplines including Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Nursing, Engineering, Business or the Arts.
Army Reserve Traineeship & Apprenticeship Program
You must be interested in gaining a civilian trade qualification through learning and practicing your trade on the job as a Reserve.
Other Ranks (Technical)
For most roles you must have completed Year 10 with passes in English and Maths and have successfully completed an apprenticeship or traineeship and hold the appropriate industry qualifications and skills.
Other Ranks (Non Technical)
You must have completed Australian Year 10 with passes in English and Maths.
Fixed Term Specialist Entry (Navy only)
You must be a qualified and experienced technician or specialist technical manager, able to undertake day-to-day duties within three to five weeks of appointment.
Specialist Reserve
You must be a trained professional with specialist qualifications in areas such as Health, Medicine, Law, Public Relations and Chaplaincy.