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 For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired. 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

The minimum requirement for entry into this role is general registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). You may commence your application if you are currently undertaking the requirements for general registration with AHPRA. However, you must hold general registration as a Psychologist at the time of your appointment as an Air Force Officer.

In addition to the above requirements,



it is desirable you have a Master of Organisational Psychology and/or experience delivering organisational psychology services.

Health and fitness

To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.

You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.

Female

- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.

Male

- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.

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 appointed 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 and provide a minimum of 3 months' notice.

Training Military training

Course: Initial Officer Course
Duration: 12 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic

Phase 1: Military Introduction.



During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to life in the military. The themes of values-based behaviour, self-leadership, team membership and followership are explored through collaborative problem solving, self-mastery and resilience building activities. Weapons qualification and martial skills are included in this phase.

Phase 2: Education. During this phase of training, you’ll be introduced to leading military teams, effectively managing a workplace and applying critical thinking skills. The themes of moral courage, moral judgement and social mastery are explored through scenario-based experiential learning opportunities and facilitated decision making. Air and space power immersion in the joint environment is included in this phase.

Phase 3: Application. During this phase of training, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learned so far and you'll apply those skills in practical leadership exercises in a simulated combat workplace. The themes of values-based behaviour and the development of Officer Qualities are explored through the application of transformational leadership.

You’ll be challenged early, well supported and physically prepared. Outside of the classroom you’ll participate in physical training, adventure training and visit other Air Force bases to contextualise what you've learnt. Upon graduation, you'll undertake specialist employment training or proceed direct to your workplace.

Employment training

Course: Regimental Officer Basic Course Psychology
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Army Logistics Training Centre (ALTC), Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla, Vic

Building on your existing unive

📌 Psychologist (Canberra)
🏢 Australian Defence Force
📍 Canberra