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Join the way you want to
There are several ways to join the Army and some jobs can have more than one entry method. You can explore your options here:
- Many Soldier and Officer roles to choose from
- No obligation to stay beyond the program
- A great opportunity to find out what life's like in the Army
- Offers a fulfilling year of paid work, adventure, experiences, mateship, learning and travel
- Hands-on and team orientated jobs, which can be trade related
- No work experience necessary
- Fully-paid training, which may lead to nationally-recognised qualifications
- Qualified trade roles are also available
- Management focused jobs, requiring team leadership and decision making
- Some roles require a relevant qualification
- Degree courses can be fully or partly-funded by the Army
- Choice of General Entry and Officer Entry roles
- Education requirements vary by role
- Flexible commitment to match your location and circumstances
Find more information at Army Entry Methods and Gap Year.
Alternative entry pathways and programs
If you show potential but do not yet meet our entry standards, you may be offered one of the alternative entry pathways below. We also offer programs for those with specific timing or location needs. But first, you’ll need to apply through the standard recruitment process.
AIDP may be offered to you if you do not currently meet the standards for General Entry.
You’ll have the opportunity to undertake work-related training and improve your fitness and understanding of Army life before you embark on recruit training. During the application process an Indigenous Career Coach will talk to you about your options and assess if this is the right pathway for you.
- Gives you a minimum of a TAFE Cert II in Foundation Skills
- Introduces you to life in the Army
- Open to all General Entry roles in the Army
- Minimum fitness levels apply
What you'll learn
Based at Kapooka, NSW, or Defence Establishment Berrimah, Darwin, NT you will train in the following areas:
- Language, literacy and numeracy
- Self-confidence and self-awareness
- Leadership and character development
- Physical fitness
- Military skills
Where it will take you
You'll leave the course with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a great start in the Army.
IPRP is for you if you’ve been selected to join the Army, but would benefit from developing your confidence, resilience and fitness before starting recruit training for your full-time or Reserve role.
- Six-week residential course held on a rotational basis at:
- HMAS Cerberus, VIC,
- Kapooka, NSW, or
- RAAF Wagga, NSW.
- Open to all General Entry roles
- Requires a minimum fitness level of 4 push-ups, 20 sit-ups and 6.1 beep test score
What you'll learn
- Your training will include:
- Classroom-based instruction
- Physical fitness development
- Teambuilding activities
- Military site visits
Where it will take you
You'll leave the course with the skills, knowledge and confidence for success at recruit training and in your role in the Army.
APCP runs for seven weeks at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion in Kapooka and aims to help candidates develop their skills and adjust to life in the Army. It is suited to candidates who have the attributes and personal drive we’re looking for in the Army, but would benefit from additional physical and mental preparation.
During the program, Army instructors will guide you through:
- Fitness activities to help you to achieve your fitness goals, including aerobic conditioning, circuit, strength and endurance training.
- Army skills, including daily routine, basic drill and field craft, navigation, environmental survivability and how to work in a team environment.
- Adventure training to build your confidence and team-building skills. This includes caving, roping, abseiling or kayaking activities.
Improving your fitness, confidence and resilience will help you truly unlock your potential and assist with your Initial Recruit Training.
APCP can be combined with Recruit When Ready and Recruit to Area pathways. To be eligible for the program you must be applying for a General Entry role, aged over 17 years and able to achieve a minimum of:
Females
Push ups: 2
Sit ups (feet held): 20
Shuttle run score: 5.5
Males
Push ups: 8
Sit ups (feet held): 20
Shuttle run score: 6.1
This pathway may be offered to you if you've shown us you have what it takes and you are keen to start work as quickly as possible.
- Aims to let you start at a time that suits your personal circumstances
- Open to all General Entry roles
- Cannot be combined with the Indigenous Pre-Recruit Program or Army Indigenous Development Program
This pathway may be offered to you if serving near a specific location is important to you, for reasons such as family commitments.
- First posting can be near your home or another desired place
- Available for first posting after completion of training
- Open to all General Entry roles
- Can be combined with the Indigenous Pre-Recruit Program and Army Indigenous Development Program (noting that the programs themselves take place in designated locations throughout the year)
See what’s on offer
Select a category that appeals to you to learn more about the jobs available.
Like some help and guidance?
Indigenous Career Coaches are available to assist you throughout the application process, just ask.
The terms Indigenous and Indigenous Australians are used to describe all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. Please be aware that this website may contain images or content relating to deceased persons. It may also contain words and descriptions that are culturally sensitive.