Quick Eligibility Check
There's a good chance you could tick all the boxes for a career in the Air Force. Check your general eligibility here, and see individual job pages for role-specific requirements.
I am an Australian Citizen
You need to be an Australian citizen to serve in the Air Force, although permanent residents may be considered for some positions.
I am over 16.5 years old or 16 years for ADFA
These are application ages but you need to be at least 17 when you enter the Air Force. Min. and max. ages vary by role. You can view specific age requirements under the “Age” tab on your desired job page.
My background can be checked
To achieve the minimum security clearance you must have lived in Australia or have a checkable background for the past ten years.
I have passed Year 10 English and Maths
This is the minimum entry-level requirement. You can view specific education requirements under the “Education and Experience” tab on your desired job page.
I have the required licences for my role
Most Air Force roles require a valid driver’s licence, and for certain roles you may need to hold a current licence to perform your duties, such as a trade, plant, machinery or manual driver's licence. However, if you don’t have a licence you can still submit an application. Find out more information by speaking with your local Defence Force Recruiting.
I am reasonably fit and healthy
You'll need to pass a physical fitness test before you join, but we'll give you some tips to help you prepare.
If you passed:
Apply online for the role you're interested in, or browse job categories below to see what you might be interested in and apply without a preference.
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Popular FAQs
Got a question about joining the Air Force? If the answer's not here, click below to access all FAQs or call us on 13 19 01.
The ADF has a strict policy on tattoos and body piercing. Tattoos and/or brands are prohibited on the face of candidates wishing to enter the Navy, Army or Air Force. For Navy and Army candidates, the face includes the scalp, ears and neck. For Army candidates, tattoos are also prohibited on your hands.
Additionally, female candidates are permitted to have tattooed eyebrow forms (excluding eyeliner) providing they follow the natural arch line of eyebrows and are of a natural colour that matches the colour of the hair. Females may have lip tattooing to enhance the outline of the lips providing it does not look unnatural.
Apart from the face (and hands for Army candidates), tattoos and/or brands are permitted on other parts of the body, unless the tattoo or brand is considered offensive and undermines the dignity and authority of the Australian Defence Force. Further guidance on this policy can be received by contacting Defence Force Recruiting.
Candidates who have tattoos for religious reasons that are in the areas prohibited above are advised that Defence Force Recruiting is required to seek approval from the appropriate Service authority prior to applicant appointment or enlistment.
A typical application process includes two separate visits to a Defence Force Recruiting Centre. At the first session, you will identify from the hundreds of ADF jobs available which ones you wish to apply for and are eligible for through an aptitude test and a discussion with a Defence Recruiter. You will also have a basic medical history review.
On the second visit, you will be required to have more comprehensive interviews with a doctor, psychologist and a senior member of the ADF (Defence Interviewer). If recommended to progress by the Defence Interviewer, Officer Entry candidates will also have to sit an Officer Selection Board, which is similar to a formal job interview.
For more information contact your nearest Defence Force Recruiting Centre.
Fitness requirements vary for each Service. Before you join the ADF, you will undergo a Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment (PFA). Check out the PFA requirements and training tips to help you meet them here.