Requirements Citizenship You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF.
However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible.
For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
Age You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join.
The maximum age to join is 58 years.
Licences You don't need a driver's licence for this role but if you have one, it can't be suspended or cancelled.
Security requirements All ADF members require a security clearance.
As an ADF member, you'll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role.
You'll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information.
Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Education and experience Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
Health and fitness To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements.
Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve.
You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors.
Throughout your Navy career, you'll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you'll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate.
This includes: safety jump off a 3m tower 10m underwater swim 50m swim using survival strokes treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
Period of service You'll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years.
Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
You'll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Training Military training Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC) Duration: 10 weeks Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic You'll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training.




The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you'll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion.
You'll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you'll proceed to your respective employment training.
Employment training Course description: Course: Initial Maritime Personnel Operator Course Duration: 13 weeks Location: Maritime Personnel School, HMAS Cerberus, Vic Learn the functions and administration practices required to effectively perform your role.
Topics include: military personnel administration handling official and classified correspondence human resource information management systems and tools personnel management and support military benefits and remuneration administrative law maritime focused personnel management and support (including deployment and overseas operational administration).
Further training You may be selected to undertake advanced training courses later in your career.
These courses can include management courses and category specialisation courses for promotion.
RequirementsTraining Citizenship You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF.
However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible.
For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
Age You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join.
The maximum age to join is 58 years.
Licences You don't need a driver's licence for this role but if you have one, it can't be suspended or cancelled.
Security requirements All ADF members require a security clearance.
As an ADF member, you'll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role.
You'll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information.
Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Education and experience Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
Health and fitness To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements.




Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve.
You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors.
Throughout your Navy career, you'll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you'll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate.
This includes: safety jump off a 3m tower 10m underwater swim 50m swim using survival strokes treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
Period of service You'll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 2 years.
Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service.
You'll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Training Military training Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC) Duration: 10 weeks Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic You'll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training.
The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
Military life: General service knowledge including drill and ceremonial procedures.
Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you'll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion.
You'll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you'll proceed to your respective employment training.
Employment training Course description: Course: Initial Maritime Personnel Operator Course Duration: 13 weeks Location: Maritime Personnel School, HMAS Cerberus, Vic Learn the functions and administration practices required to effectively perform your role.
Topics include: military personnel administration handling official and classified correspondence human resource information management systems and tools personnel management and support military perks and remuneration administrative law maritime focused personnel management and support (including deployment and overseas operational administration).
Further training You may be selected to undertake advanced training courses later in your career.
These courses can include management courses and category specialisation courses for promotion.

📌 Personnel Administration Specialist (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Defence Force
📍 Canberra