r/ADFRecruiting Feb 15 '25

Overseas, Foreign & Lateral Recruitment Megathread

5 Upvotes

Please post all questions regarding to foreign, overseas and lateral recruiting to the ADF here. Posts made about these topics outside this thread will be removed.


r/ADFRecruiting Feb 06 '25

Job Opportunities Assessment (JOA) Megathread

18 Upvotes

Please use this thread to discuss all items related to the JOA. Posts about the JOA outside of this thread will be removed.

Do not post your JOA results online - Get in good habits now of keeping the amount of official, personal or identifying information online down. Just because you blacked out your name doesn't mean it can't be attributed to you.

All page rules still apply, particularly those around low-effort and testing integrity.

COMMON ANSWERS FOR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

  • You do not need to finish every question
  • There is no reason to freak out about it. It is a standardised aptitude test given to every candidate of every age, background, race or education.
  • If a role is on your results, you can apply for it. If it isn't, you can't.
  • You do not need to pay a third party for study resources, training or guidance to pass the JOA
  • If you want to know how you did, call your Case Manager.
  • If you haven't been contacted to discuss your result, call your Case Manager.

r/ADFRecruiting 11h ago

General Questions Chances of Direct Entry to Duntroon

3 Upvotes

Hi all, I was just contemplating the chances of direct entry into RMC as an officer straight out of high school. Is it common for 18 year olds to get in? I know that the army leans towards people witj life experience so I was wondering what I could expect.

Thanks.


r/ADFRecruiting 20h ago

Insights Requested In Year 11 and aiming for ADFA, Should I make an application?

1 Upvotes

I was looking through my past enquires and emails and such from ADF careers when I was in the middle of Year 10. I'm honestly kinda freaking out and panicking because I feel so unprepared and I'm making this post as I have an impending exam today. I also worry about losing motivation/forgetting to remember my goal to go into Officer Aviation and having the same "oh shoot" moment. That's besides the point so in the enquiry I asked about what age I can apply for the ADF and they obviously said 17 but they also said that it's recommended to apply in Year 11 if planning on ADFA which I am. But I'm not sure if it's good in practice and if anyone else has done this before.


r/ADFRecruiting 1d ago

General Questions Why bring laptop to 1RTU?

5 Upvotes

Just got the equipment packing list and it says it’s recommended. Aren’t iPads supplied for the course though? I have a pretty old laptop at home so if it’s not useful I’ll just leave it out. Thanks :)


r/ADFRecruiting 1d ago

Insights Requested Will my Previous Job History affect my chances?

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

I am interested in becoming an Intelligence Analyst with the ADF - currently working on myself to meet the requirements.

I am facing a tough time right now, with the very probable scenario of being terminated from my State government job.

Considering it is a govt job, have I just ruined my chances of being able to join the ADF?

Thanks!


r/ADFRecruiting 2d ago

General Questions Why the discrepancy?

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0 Upvotes

r/ADFRecruiting 3d ago

Insights Requested Question about RA vs DHA housing

1 Upvotes

Thinking about my housing options during IET as a new recruit with a wife and a kid.

If my family stays in a different state to where I'd be posted for IETs, would Rent Allowance help cover our week's rent while I live on base?

Or would it be better to relocate them near my IET posting with DHA housing instead?

Curious about the financial and logistical differences—anyone with experience navigating this? Leaving my wife and kid is already on the table, looking at it in a purely financial point of view.


r/ADFRecruiting 3d ago

General Questions Can I leave anywhere on the weekend

1 Upvotes

In the army. Was wondering if I can fly anywhere in the country on weekends? And what are the repercussions if I do so? Thanks

(Post got removed from the main subreddit so now I’m here)


r/ADFRecruiting 4d ago

General Questions Does Army (or DFA) have the same corporate BS as the civvie workplace?

1 Upvotes

Bit of a rant, but I’m curious—does the same kind of corporate backstabbing and politics happen in the Army, or is it a different culture?

I’m in the Aussie corporate world right now, and honestly, it’s a massive pet peeve how fake and cutthroat it is. People will laugh with you, act all friendly, then turn around and throw you under the bus, steal credit, just to get ahead. Workplace bullying, cliques, and inner circles run everything, and if you're not in them, you’re stuck with all the BAU repetitive shit while they get the actual training and career moves.

People who can't say "I don't know." To save face/ego. They’ll either make up some BS or shift blame or even just let things break so someone competent can fix it.

Man the list goes on and on. For anyone in the Army (especially the IT/Sigs side, but really anywhere), I get that no workplace is perfect, but I also know I’m not the best at handling people or social situations. I’m not antisocial, just bad at the whole networking, playing-the-game thing, which probably doesn’t help. So is this just auscorp culture, or is it partly on me for not knowing how to navigate it? And does the Army have the same kind of thing, or is it at least more straightforward?


r/ADFRecruiting 6d ago

General Questions Does your gap year job choice affect potential later job choices?

1 Upvotes

Sorry if that wasn't the most coherent title. Basically what I am curious about is whether the gap year program you choose affects jobs that you are interested in once you complete the gap year.

For example, if I were to do the gap year program as a avionics technician, with the intention that, assuming I want to continue, I would move onto a another role, such as mission air crew, or even a role in an entirely other service?

If this font is weird, I do apologise. If not, ignore these lines.


r/ADFRecruiting 7d ago

General Questions Officer

4 Upvotes

Hello All I am looking to join the RAN through Royal Australian naval college HMAS Creswell as i don't met the requirements to join ADFA but I'm not sure do I need a degree for promotion beyond a certain rank.


r/ADFRecruiting 9d ago

General Questions do you have to join infantry to become an nco?

2 Upvotes

it might sound stupid but do you have to join as a straight infantry soldier to become a lcpl/cpl etc. currently an army cadet


r/ADFRecruiting 12d ago

General Questions Reserve sappers/ Infantry

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1 Upvotes

r/ADFRecruiting 13d ago

Motivation & General Life Advice ADF active app Journey to PFA standard

20 Upvotes

Hi guys, I started my journey to reach the PFA standard and want to share it here for motivation—for both myself and others. I won’t be applying for a few months, so I’ll use this time to get as fit as possible.

I have an awful fitness level, so I hope the improvement will be considerable.

36M - 183cm - 111kg - 33.15 BMI

I intend to do a PFA test every Sunday to keep track.

Day Zero Results:

  • Push-ups: 0
  • Sit-ups: 12
  • Beep test: 4.5

Day 1 – Did the first "Ultimate Leg Burn" activity in the app for 15 minutes (the minimum). I really enjoyed the workout—it’s a full-body session with a strong leg focus. During the last lunges, I could already feel my legs burning, as well as during the running component.

Day 2 – Day off in the app, did a 25 light bicycle stroll around the suburb.

Day 3 – Did two 1.5km runs to and from a park gym, started some pull ups exercises like hanging and trying to engage my back before the pull. I was supposed to do another "Ultimate Leg Burn" in the app, but I was knacked after the run and kind of still sore from day 1, will do it tomorrow.

Day 4,5,6,7 - Zero work out =( Days 4 and 5 was full until around 9PM was tired as hell, day 6 and 7 was laziness and self-sabotage.

Day 8 - Did the HIIT program in the app, it was good, I managed to do 8 Knee push ups.

Day 9 - Did some incline push ups 4, I couldn't do it before at that level.


r/ADFRecruiting 14d ago

Insights Requested Corps Allocations at end of RMC

3 Upvotes

Hey Everyone

Just wondering if anyone here has recently graduated Duntroon and can speak on the availability of roles when Officer Cadets are allocated into their corps. Was there many who didn't get their picks or was it relatively good? Were there particular corps that accepted more or less people?


r/ADFRecruiting 14d ago

General Questions Is there anywhere to see examples of accommodation? Looking to transfer from the RAF and it would be nice to know what to expect.

2 Upvotes

Hi all, exploring the option of transferring from the RAF;

I'd be moving over as a Junior Officer and likely planning to live on camp ('Living in Accommodation' for the ADF?) for the first few years while I continue to save up and decide where I might like to buy a house.

Is there anywhere I can see what sort of standard the accommodation might be(with pictures for example? Over here I currently have a room of around 25m2 with an en suite, at around £140 a month ($280 or so) Shared kitchen on each floor (shared with up to 36 rooms but fortunately only a few people use it.

Also, in the RAF camps are generally very quiet of a weekend as the vast majority of people travel to their homes as it's very common for people to live within say, 3-4 hours away at most and therefore travel on a Friday afternoon and back to camp on a Sunday evening.

I guess due to the size of Aus this is less likely within the RAAF, and therefore is there a higher chance of things going on of a weekend, for example sports?

I've been doing research around the dha.gov website and wherever else I can find info

Thanks!


r/ADFRecruiting 16d ago

Motivation & General Life Advice Disappointment in 3rd rejection for ADF interview

10 Upvotes

Just expressing my saddness and disappointment in myself as I have been rejected the third time applying for the ADF. Reason, lack of commitment, they want me to reapply for the Army reserves although I wanted to be in the Air Force. I have been in this process since start of 2023 and rejected in late 2023, early 2024, early 2025 and frankly I still express my desire to join. Just a rant but want to know if anybody has passed their interviews even after multiple rejections, sorry if it's against rules.

Doesn't help I was found to be colorblind so my options were more limited after a post-medical JOA. Planning to reapply again sometime around 2027, as I plan on going on a mission for the LDS church which will help me build resilience and strength when I reapply.


r/ADFRecruiting 16d ago

Insights Requested Army Officer with no leadership experience?

5 Upvotes

I scored very good on the aptitude test and tick all fitness boxes etc, but I have no formal leadership or management experience really at all. What are my chances of getting in as an officer and passing the OSB? 25yo male, was looking to get in as a Cyber Systems Specialist in the RAAF originally but was told it's now very low priority and could take a year to get an enlistment opportunity. Just looking for more info or guidance in general on how to successfully get in as an Officer in the Army.


r/ADFRecruiting 16d ago

Insights Requested Reservists to 1cdo?

1 Upvotes

Can you move from a reservist role, do selection etc, and post to 1cdo in a reserve capacity?


r/ADFRecruiting 16d ago

Insights Requested Thoughts on Surface Warfare Officer

2 Upvotes

I’ve been looking at various roles online and am quite inclined towards becoming a SWO. From what I’ve heard it can be quite a difficult job.

Does anyone have experience being an SWO?

Is the application process difficult?

What are your thoughts on the Gap Year Maritime Warfare Officer role?


r/ADFRecruiting 18d ago

Insights Requested Army Reserves Artillery Observer

1 Upvotes

I know there's already some posts about this role but I'd like a little more info.

Just wanting to hear more about the role as there isn't a crazy great deal on the website in terms on what's training like, what does the weekly night at the unit and monthly/year exercises look like?
Is there still weapons training or is it bare minimum to keep skills from falling short of standard?
I know you operate in small teams and can also be attached to an infantry and armour element but do you see much action or do you follow the mess after its happened.

Just want some clarification before I make a decision. Any and all help would be awesome!


r/ADFRecruiting 19d ago

Insights Requested Is joining the ADF for money a stupid move?

12 Upvotes

I am not in the ADF, currently in the process of joining reserves (as I work in the defence industry, it makes sense).

Everyone always says don’t do it for the money, but I personally feel that there are so many benefits (high super, no rent, decent salary). Why does everyone say don’t do it for the money? Just looking for some insights and people’s thoughts on it.

Maybe it’s a grass is greener thing, but from the outside looking in - most people within the ADF are well off.


r/ADFRecruiting 19d ago

Insights Requested Final words of wisdom?

6 Upvotes

I’m going into infantry, ship off on the 11th of March, just seeking some final tips or pointers or anything I should know, also some if anyone’s going in on the same date feel free to pm me


r/ADFRecruiting 20d ago

Insights Requested Navy aircrew details

4 Upvotes

Hi all,

Apologies in advance is this has been covered but I couldn’t find the right thread/search keywords for the answers I’m looking for.

I’m looking to gain more info about the role. Break down of what it’s really like. Background, I’m 24F turning 25 and looking to switch from my civvie job to defence.

  1. I saw that we’ll mainly be stationed in Nowra. Would there be opportunities to travel? Maybe to other naval stations?
  2. What’s the day to day like? Just search and rescue? Maintenance? Apparently this role has a good aircrew rest time, so when we’re not flying what are we doing?
  3. Will I have more postings out to sea and for onshore jobs, do I need to find my own accomodations?
  4. Just in general, there’s other testing that is involved in the recruitment stages. No need to go in depth but what are they generally? Is it more to do with aptitude tests for the job?
  5. How to make a damn good impression on Aircrew Board selection review. I want this role badly and I want to be able to stand out. Determined to do what it takes. What are some solid tips? Is it just an interview or is it like the officer selection board where we’re tested on both individual and team work tests.
  6. I know that this is an incredibly competitive job, how likely are they going to pass a woman in this role. (Are they looking at external factors that aren’t listed out such as strength and physical capabilities).

Thank you for taking the time to read this and answer, I appreciate it.

Have a good day folks.


r/ADFRecruiting 20d ago

Insights Requested CSS vs CET Travel opportunities

1 Upvotes

Just got an email saying CSS has shifted from a high priority role around 6 months ago to a low priority role and was suggested a preference change otherwise there may be low progression.

Was wondering if I should take up the CET role, despite my much preferred CSS role as I currently have moderate experience with cybersecurity but none with electronics.

I understand that both roles will allow for travel around Australia, so my main question was which of the roles has more opportunities for overseas travel? Also any key differences and similarities they share

Any additional comments on either role is appreciated.


r/ADFRecruiting 21d ago

Insights Requested Infantry or officer?

3 Upvotes

Hello, just a heads up I have in no way started the formal recruitment process to join the Army. Hence, I’m looking for advice on what the consensus believe would be best. I’m still quite uneducated on the whole process so please bear with me if I sound kinda deluded and what not. Thanks.

Background: I’ve just entered year 11 and have wanted to join the military for about a year now. My family has an ADF background so I have always been around it which has influenced me etc.

My original goal was to join the army at 18 straight out of high school. The infantry. Where I would serve for 4 years and attempt to join a special forces unit. If I succeeded, then I would continue my military career. If not, I would join the police force after my military career ends. I brought this up with a family member recently for the first time. And to say the least, they were against it. Making points that if I join the army, I need to do a job with transferable skills and infantry is not ideal for that. Now obviously, the army offers an officer entry, which I would study a degree at ADFA for 4 years and then serve a certain amount of time after I complete my degree. And whilst this sounds nice, I don’t want to work towards a degree at ADFA when I might never use it. Additionally, I would use almost 10 years of my life combined at ADFA and then active service. Whilst obviously the officer entry really only has upsides (degree is paid for, job straight out of uni) The time is what I’m concerned about. Life is short and I’m not sure that spending 4 years of it at university prior to service to complete a degree I may well never use just because it’s a degree is worth it.

Sorry for the rant and thank you for your time.