COVID-19 Updates

The latest information regarding COVID-19 and Defence Force Recruiting

COVID-19 Updates COVID-19 Updates

Defence Force Recruiting Remains Open for Business.

Defence Force Recruiting is open for business. Defence continues to offer exciting jobs and progress candidates through the recruitment process. We have made some changes to our business in order to safeguard the health of our candidates and staff.

In light of current events, we are enhancing how we deliver you information. DFR will move to virtual YOU sessions, including online aptitude testing and phone career counselling sessions. In the future we’ll also be conducting Defence interviews using phone and video based services. Fitness assessments are temporarily postponed and we are no longer inviting friends and family to attend appointment/enlistment ceremonies.

Where face to face interaction is required, Recruiting Centres across Australia are taking precautions in line with Government advice to ensure social distancing measures are applied. All Recruiting Centres will be screening candidates using a questionnaire and conducting temperature checks on arrival.

All candidates with active bookings will be contacted and advised of the new processes by e-mail, including how to access and complete the virtual sessions. If you have any questions about the status of your application, please call 13 19 02.

Due to the current situation, our call centre is unfortunately experiencing longer than usual call wait times. We’ll continue to make updates to the recruitment process, rolling out more digital solutions. We will keep you informed of changes and we thank you for your patience while we work through this together.

Your questions answered

Is Defence Force Recruiting taking new applications?

Defence continues to offer exciting job roles and is progressing applications; we have made some changes to our recruitment process in order to safeguard the health of our candidates and staff. Find out what jobs are available now visit www.defencejobs.gov.au

Can I use my year 11 results to apply for ADFA?

Applying for ADFA is a competitive, dual application process via Defence Force Recruiting and UNSW. An Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is required for entry to UNSW Canberra programs at ADFA. All inquiries regarding your university application should be directed to UNSW Student Administration at sas@adfa.edu.au or 02 6268 6000. UNSW Canberra at ADFA offers a range of outstanding academic programs. For more information, check out the application process and entry requirements here.

Will I have to attend a Recruiting Centre?

There remain key stages in the recruitment process where you will need to attend a Recruiting Centre. This includes elements of your psychological and medical assessment and your Enlistment or Appointment. You will be advised when you are required to attend. Be assured, where face-to-face interaction is required DFR is screening individuals attending our centres prior to arrival and ensuring social distancing measures are applied within the centre. DFR is also limiting the number of people in attendance at our Recruiting Centres at any time.

How will YOU and Information Sessions proceed?

In light of current events, we are enhancing how we deliver YOU and Information sessions. The last face to face session will occur on 07 April 2020 and from 13 April DFR will move to virtual YOU sessions, including online aptitude testing and phone counselling sessions.
Now when you submit an application, instead of booking a YOU session, you will receive an email advising how to access the new virtual sessions and receive a link to undertake the online Aptitude Test.
All candidates will be advised of the new processes by e-mail, including how to access and complete the virtual sessions. If you have any questions about the status of your YOU session, please call 13 19 02.
If you have a You Session scheduled prior to Monday 13 April and are no longer able to attend please contact your DFR enlistment co-ordinator or call 13 19 02. We understand this is a difficult time and there will be no detriment for not attending your face to face YOU session.

How will Defence Force Recruiting conduct PFAs?

Pre-Enlistment Fitness Assessments are being temporarily postponed to align with the latest Government advice. Further information will be provided by your enlistment co-ordinator. Remember regular exercise is an important part of service life. Make sure you stay healthy and fit with home based or isolation exercises.

Are OSBs and ASPs still being conducted?

The Aviation Screening Program (ASP) is currently suspended due to health and safety precautions. Defence Force Recruiting will contact candidates to re-schedule ASPs when screening re-commences.
Officer Selection Boards (OSB) are still being conducted adhering with the latest Government advice. A virtual board using technological platforms will be implemented to replace face to face boards.
Further information will be provided by your enlistment co-ordinator.

Are enlistment and appointment ceremonies still happening?

Enlistment and appointment ceremonies are still occurring in-line with Government and State/Territory health requirements.
Unfortunately we’re no longer inviting friends and family to attend ceremonies. DFR will help you capture your proud moment so you can share it with friends and family.
Defence Force Recruiting is assessing travel arrangements for each course, and will ensure movement plans meet health and travel guidelines at the time.
Further information about your enlistment will be provided by your enlistment coordinator.

I’m trying to contact 13 19 01 or 13 19 02 and can’t get through. Is there someone else I can contact?

The Candidate Relationship Management Centre is our primary point of contact for candidate enquiries. There is a higher than normal call volume at this time that is being managed through the establishment of additional teams.
If you already have phone or e-mail contact details for your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre you may wish to contact them directly.
We are unfortunately experiencing longer than usual call wait times, in particular during peak periods. Defence Force Recruiting thanks you for your patience while we work through this together.

Where can I find more information?

Further information on jobs available and the application process is available at: www.defencejobs.gov.au