ADF now recruiting non-citizens

New Zealanders who call Australia home will soon be able to apply to join the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force.

FILE PHOTO (March 2022): Australian Defence Force trainee medics from the Australian Defence Force medic course march onto the parade ground at the Army School of Health graduation at Latchford Barracks in Bandiana, Victoria. Photo by Sergeant Tristan Kennedy.

Eligible applicants from the UK, US and Canada will be able to join up next year.

Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said the plan to expand eligibility criteria, announced by the government today, 4 June, aligned with the National Defence Strategy’s requirement for Defence to recruit, retain and grow a highly specialised and skilled workforce.

“This will enable more people to join the ADF, including permanent residents who have been living in Australia for 12 months,” Mr Keogh said.

“From July 2024, eligible New Zealanders who are living in Australia can apply to join the ADF.

“Additionally, from January 2025, eligible permanent residents from the UK, US and Canada will have the same opportunity.”

Minister for Defence Richard Marles indicated in parliament today that ‘South Pacific’ countries may also be considered in the longer term.

As well as meeting ADF entry standards and security requirements, permanent residents wishing to join the ADF must have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately before applying, not have served in a foreign military in the preceding two years, and be able to attain Australian citizenship.

Minister Keogh said people were Defence’s most important capability and addressing shortfalls in recruitment required innovation.

“We’re being bold in order to grow the Australian Defence Force,” he said.

“Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure our Australian Defence Force reflects the full diversity of Australia and is able to draw on the talents of the entirety of Australian society.”

Mr Marles said opening the ADF to New Zealanders living in Australia would increase opportunities while strengthening the Anzac bond.

“The Australian government has chosen to grow the Australian Defence Force because it is essential to meet the nation’s security challenges through the next decade and beyond,” he said.

Defence will also streamline the Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme, which allows the ADF to fill capability shortfalls by recruiting skilled military overseas applicants.

 

 

.

.


.


.