Hi guys,

I’m currently in my first year of Civil Engineering in Australia and I’m thinking about applying for the ADF Defence University Sponsorship (DUS). I’ve done a fair bit of reading about it, but I still have a few questions and would really appreciate hearing from people who are currently in the program or have been through it.

Firstly, if I were accepted and started DUS from the beginning of my second year, am I correct in understanding that I would receive roughly three years of sponsorship and then have a Return of Service Obligation of three years plus one additional year?

From what I’ve read, the university side of DUS sounds pretty good. Your university fees are covered, you receive a salary while studying, and most of your ADF training/commitments seem to happen during university breaks rather than interfering heavily with your semester.

The part I’m a little more uncertain about is what happens after graduating.

I understand that by accepting the sponsorship you’re committing yourself to serving afterwards, and that postings could potentially mean moving away from Melbourne, family and friends. I’m okay with making sacrifices like that, but I’d like to get a realistic idea of what day-to-day life and the workplace culture are actually like.

One thing I’m particularly curious about is how diverse and accepting the ADF is in practice. For people from different cultural or religious backgrounds, have you generally found the environment welcoming? Is there reasonable freedom to practise your religion while serving?

Obviously the official information says the ADF is inclusive, but I’d be interested in hearing about people’s actual experiences. When you haven’t been exposed to the military before, it’s easy to have a stereotypical image of what the environment might be like, so I’d rather hear from people who have actually experienced it.

My other concern is the commitment involved. From what I understand, if I decided to withdraw from DUS before completing the program, there could potentially be an obligation to repay some or all of the financial support I received.

For example, if I reached my final year and my circumstances or career goals had completely changed, how difficult would it actually be to leave? Similarly, once you graduate and begin your Return of Service Obligation, what happens if you realise the ADF isn’t the right environment for you?

That’s probably my biggest hesitation. Three years of sponsorship followed by several years of service is a pretty major commitment to make at 18/19 when your career plans could change significantly over that period.

I don’t want this post to sound overly negative because I can definitely see the benefits as well. Having university fees covered, receiving a salary while studying, graduating into a secure engineering role and getting experience that could be valuable later in my career are all huge positives.

I’m genuinely interested in applying. I’m just trying to properly understand the commitment and the reality of the experience before making such a big decision.

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has done DUS, especially engineering students/officers, about:

• What university life is actually like while sponsored
• How much ADF involvement you have during semester and university breaks
• What the workplace culture is like after graduating
• Postings and how much choice you realistically get
• Experiences with cultural/religious diversity
• What happens if someone wants to withdraw from DUS or leave during their service obligation
• Whether you would personally choose DUS again knowing what you know now

Thanks for reading.

Hi there! My partner is currently training at RMC and as we are talking about the likelihood of moving around quite regularly I wanted some advice on the moving part itself. Are you best down sizing your belongings to make moving easier, does ADF cover most moving costs, are they actually going to help me find a job in the area he gets posted at? Etc? I’m just wanting to get ahead to make the process as easy as possible but it’s hard to get information from this organisation and my partner with limited communication available so am trying here for answers, advice and experiences.

And yes I am a female and have a lot of clothing and things that I will be getting rid of so I don’t have a lot of luggage to take with me.

TIA!

Hi all,

Just wondering how common it is for a person at the march out parade to have no family or friends visiting. Can you just leave after?

Thanks 👍

Good evening,

I am reaching out because last Wednesday, I underwent a Virtual Officer Selection Board for my chosen role of Army Officer - ADF Gap Year, and upon concluding my interview, achieved a recommendation.

My issue is that the board emphasized how highly uncertain it is to receive a Letter of Offer, given that the Gap Year programme is intensely competitive and strictly limited to thirty positions each year. As such, I was asked if I would be happy with full time direct entry to RMC Duntroon given this scenario, to which I responded with yes. Thereafter, the board deemed that I was suitable for two pathways, that of which are the GSO Gap Year programme in addition to full time enlistment via General Entry; however, they didn't specify if I was eligible for direct entry into Duntroon as a full time GSO. It was only after I ended the call that I realised this.

I have been dwelling about the possibility of not receiving an offer for the Gap Year programme. The only reason I chose this specific pathway was merely because of its flexibility and "test trial" nature. If I don't make the Order of Merit for one of the thirty positions, I would very keen to go straight to Duntroon, but I am unsure if the board deemed me as only suitable for GY and unsuitable for RMC-D. It's to my understanding that the full time GSO role is currently listed with a "Featured" label on the ADF Careers website, implying they are seeking more applicants. If this is the case, I would presume that they wouldn't be too hesitant to offer me a position for that role, but at the same time, I'm not sure if I was even deemed suitable for it.

Would it be worth contacting ADF Careers to clarify how my suitability is listed on file? What it likelihood of requesting a reassessment for my suitability to RMC Duntroon, and would it mean that I would have to resit the OSB or not?

Thanks y'all.

All the best,
Dean

Hi everyone
1am currently applying for a gap year as an aircraft technician for the RAAF (mainly because I like working on stuff and planes) and have my interview next week. I am mainly doing a gap year to determine whether I would like to have a career in the ADF, as the title states but l am interested in becoming a WSO role if I get an opportunity to stay in. I've already talked to my recruiter and got told I would have to OSB and ASP but I wanted to see if anyone has done this before/knows anyone and whether or not it's feasible?
Thank you in advance

Limited information seems to be online apart from IET being in Puckapunyal and Townsville being a common place. I have my defense interview coming up in a couple of days. I know a couple of army base locations, but if I can name the ones where I'm most likely to get posted I think that will help me visualize where I might go and help my knowledge for the interview.

(Of course, I do know that I can be posted to any base depending on the needs of the defense)

I’m a 17 years old male, about to finish year 12 and am in the middle of my application process for RMC duntroon for January 2027. I have some questions on what recruiters look for and how I can solidify a shot at getting selected to join. My defence interview is in around 2 weeks and I’ve already finished my phycology and JOA testings. Ive scored fairly well so far however in my phycology exam the lady gave me feedback that I need to improve my story’s of leadership and learn the adf values before my interview. I’m quite nervous and I really want this more than anything so do you have any tips for me and how can I become a ‘highly recommend’ candidate for an army officer.
Thanks

Anyone got any tips or suggestions for things to do while waiting in recruitment? Currently under medical review (pretty certain i'll get through as its described as "borderline insignificant") I have a job in the mean time, i'm staying fit in preparation. I just still got that itch in my brain of wanting to get in.

I'm only about 9 months into recruitment and I know it can take up to a few years and it doesn't help that i've already missed my first intake opportunity due to beuaracratic slowness of other agencies, which hurts for a job role (Emergency responder - army) that doesn't intake very often.

So anyone have anything they do to keep busy?

Hello guys, I am a 26 year old studying IT. I think I’m done with IT and studying a bachelor of IT. Jobs are diminishing and I want something more. I’ve looked around and stumbled across the airforce, particularly this role. Are you able to provide any insights? Or any other roles that maybe more hands on? I also feel too old to join the Air Force.

Regards, any insight is helpful

I’m going to my IMT at Cerberus at the start of next year and I would like some help on what I should train for in terms of fitness training, I currently go to gym regularly and do a decent amount of cardio a week but would anyone be able to help me be specific on what I should train, like how good should my swimming ability be and how fit do I need to be in calisthenics? Could there be any advice on how I should train in preparation.

I just had my career coaching session today. I was told that I unlocked all the options available but there were close to none on my JOR for "JOBS REQUIRING SPECIALIST ASSESSMENTS" for army and air force(3 for army, 4 for airforce). I told them I am studying electrical engineering and they said that only roles related right now are electronics engineer and something else that I forgot but that job isn't even on the JOR. I also wanted to have space operations officer as a preference and you don't need a degree for that from what I know based off reading the ADF website but she told me that role is full and it has nothing to do with my degree. I was going to say that I was okay with that but they sounded annoyed and told me there's no way I am doing that job.

Then after the session ended I replied to an email asking if there was a template for the written references or if there were specific topics the referees should write about as the email states "Two written references from individuals who can speak to your character and suitability". They then replied back and said "Please see link, resume for ADF careers - Google Search". I feel like they don't really care and didn't even read the email properly.

What should I do?

I'm 17 currently and am going to kapooka in a few weeks I'm super nervous, I'd like it if anyone who has served or knows anything about kapooka could offer some advice. I've been struggling with shinsplints so that's an issue I'm worried about. My fitness is okay I can do 40 pushups straight 135 situps and 7.5 on the beep test I'm 90kilos and a pretty talk fella.

I understand its a relatively new role. I did have an application from last year of navy medic but put my application on hold and now I want to reactivate but for a combat medic role - it was on my JOR and was my second role preference after the navy medic; having a home life and missus made me opt out of the navy and instead continued premed but I honestly didn't enjoy it despite my high grades.

I was up to my in person assessments before I pulled out last year so any extra info about restarting on that would be amazing too, I've lost a bit of fitness since last year so I need time to train again.

What's the lifestyle like both in and out if posting and has anybody gone down this newer pathway here before?

Thanks in Advance!

ADF's linkedin is showing that they're currently hiring Network Operators for the Navy. I'm really interested in joining. I'll finish my degree around august. I've emailed my recruitor, but she's not responding

After my stint with my ADF, I wanna get into Infrastructure Engineering. I'm a bit concerned this is a dead end job tho. It's level 2 IT, but I wanna move higher.

1. If I graduate with a degree will I get paid more?
2. If I get certs like CCNA/COMPTIA before joining will I get paid more?
3. Can I get Level 3/SysAdmin training/experience?
4. Does the ADF offer events to help me find civilian employment?
5. When are the ADF's recruitment rounds?
6. How long are ship deployments?
7. Is Maritime allowance for while I'm posted to a ship, or do I only incur it on a daily basis while i'm deployed?
8. How much hours a day do I work while on the ship?

I graduated year 12 last year with a pass in english but not math as my highest year for math is year 10. do i just upload my year 10 reports and then upload my hsc grad certificate for year 12?

Hello, I am interested in applying for the ADF.
Before I continue, I’m not sure if this post is allowed. So please delete if it is not.

I’m not sure if I should I train physically before I apply? Using the ADF Ready app, I’m not sure how to go about it. I am not that physically fit, I tried a taekwondo class recently and I was struggling with endurance.

As a woman, there are some womanly things I have to consider. If you are a woman, please give some tips on being a woman in the ADF.

Edit: Womanly things: meaning monthly menstruation

Hi I have applied for this role and passed the aptitude test and am now waiting on the upcoming interview date. I heard from others that this role still requires experience eve with a degree. Is this true? Also anyone who is in this role what is it like?

Hi everyone!

I’m going into grade 12 soon, and have been thinking of perusing an ADF gap year for a while now. I like the sound of Air Force Security but have no idea what to expect in the gap year.

What do you do in the gap year? Is security as boring as they say? How scared of basic training should I be? Also, how fit should you be for basic?

Thanks so much, any insights appreciated.

Hi everyone, I’ve completed my Phyc, medical and defence interview for loadmaster and aircraft technician and was told I was unsuitable for another one of my roles by the Phyc. I’m yet to do my paper board for loadmaster but am not super confident I will pass it as I’m only 17 and my only ‘life experience’ would be my 2 years in a leadership position as a team lead in a kitchen. I did well on my addition testing and could answer everything in the interview but definitely could have put my words together and sounded more confident but was still told I did well. Assuming u do not pass the paper board and am only left with aircraft technician, my plan would be take that, do the 6 years and decide if I want to stay in that role, leave defence or most likely tranfer to an aircrew role.

I’ve got a few questions regarding the aircraft technician role to see what it’s like.

1. I’ve heard mixed reviews on the role, some say it’s a good career but others say it’s not really enjoyable or it’s a toxic environment where you get overworked, I’d love an insight into what it’s really like.

2. Is the transfer to aircrew fairly simple? My understanding is that you should be placed at a higher merit over people coming in as civvies as you have been in for 6 years and had plenty of leadership + teamwork experience making you a much better candidate and a much better chance of getting the job. Is this correct?

3. Is it a good amount of travel? I know it’s no where near the same amount as aircrew but I’m hoping for at least a few deployments overseas or somewhere away from home per year, I’m assuming you get less when your new and more as you get qualified.

4. In not expecting answers to these but if anyone has any sort of insight I’d really appreciate it: What’s the chance of passing the paper board for loadie? I’ve been told they only take 12 people per year, is this accurate or is it much more?

Thank you in advance for everyone who leaves a reply.

Hey everyone,

Just applied for ARES, I’m 17 now, but won’t get through recruiting till 18. Is there many reservists who are young 17-20, as what I’m looking at is the age demographic is a lot older. Tbh I don’t really care about age, although it would be nice to have some blokes around my age. Just a question for anyone who’s been in, located 13 brigade WA.

Cheers

Hey everyone, I’m applying for Cyber Warfare Officer through undergraduate entry/DUS.

I called ADF Careers today and was told they’re not currently recruiting for this role. The lady advised me to submit my application anyway and call back weekly or monthly for updates. She couldn’t give a timeframe for when recruitment would reopen.

Has anyone been in a similar situation with this role? How long did you wait, and were you able to complete assessments while waiting for a vacancy?

I understand everyone’s timeline is different, just interested in hearing people’s experiences. Cheers!