r/ADFRecruiting

Hi all,

Ive recently been thinking about applying to be a pilot in the RAAF after finishing my diesel mechanic apprenticeship and would love some more insight into whether its something i could achieve.

I applied to the navy when I was 17 but was medically rejected right before the in-person interviews, but i still want to apply to the RAAF as my situation has changed.

Im 22 now but will only finish my apprenticeship when im 24. Would having a trade give me a leg up over others, even though id probably be older than most of the other applicants?

I'm in pretty good shape already and could pass the physical tests as i am right now but obviously have a lot of time to prepare myself. Will i get extra credit if i aim for more pushups and a better beep test result? I remember being told I would years ago but im not sure if im remembering correctly.

I would prefer not to go through ADFA but ive heard that they get a larger number of spots than direct entry, is it MUCH harder to get into the pilot program through direct entry?

Thanks for all the help.

Hi from NZ. My 16yr old lad is very keen on a pilot career - ideally flying jets in the RAAF (yeah, quite a dream!).

As a kiwi we know that he could move to Aus and after 12 months apply for citizenship, and that citizenship is a requirement for ADF careers.

We are at the gold coast air show and have heard different things about this route both in person and via him emailing the ADF recruitment offices.

He's pretty convinced this is a viable route. I am fairly sure it's not super likely as pilot roles are not only super competitive, he would be applying as a 19yr old kiwi, in Aus working in a random job, hoping he would be picked.

He's up for RAAF roles if pilot doesn't work out, but again, citizenship requirements and perhaps technical requirements - I am not sure it's viable.

An option would be the RNZAF, and one day transfer. Today he was told yes this is super common, and also no - it isn't common outside of specific skill shortages.

Anyway. Sorry for the long post. Trying to help him have a sound understanding of routes to get flying.

Hey, I’m looking into joining ADFA and studying engineering at UNSW Canberra while training with the goal of eventually becoming a RAAF fast-jet pilot.
I’ve seen that the fast-jet pilot pathway apparently doesn’t allow the 4-year engineering degrees at ADFA, but I’m a bit confused about how it actually works.
Is there any way to study an engineering degree at ADFA while still applying/training with the intention of becoming a fast-jet pilot? Or would I have to do a different degree at ADFA?
Also, if anyone has gone through the ADFA → pilot pathway, I’d be interested to hear what it’s actually like.

On the army website it lists a normal amount of time in service for a rank to be acquired (I.e Sergeant = normally 12 years) but I assume that’s for active duty, so the question is really
1). Is the Army Website accurate even for active duty?
2). Is the Army Website accurate for the reserves?
3). Sticking to the original question, is it hard to move up in the reserves?
(Ps: this is from an enlisted perspective)

I noticed all Navy jobs are now 2 years IMPS* but they don't mention ROSO. Alot of Navy jobs have very long and technical training times. How does the Navy get a good return on their investment if someone is going to leave shortly after they are trained?

I am off to kapooka in a very short time and currently my quickest 2.4km is just over 10:30, which im not overly happy with.

Id say running is my biggest fault but at nearly 25 i would like to have an edge on some of the younger fellas atleast.

My question is, where will i sit, considering cardio seems to be the main factor in singleton.

Cheers

I'm (23M) considering joining the Air Force to become a physical training instructor after this year once I graduate with my exercise science bachelors, but there's are few things I need some insight on.

Do I NEED 2 years experience? - It says on the enrolment page that they want people with 2 years of industry experience. By the time I'll be looking to enrol, I will have a year of experience (personal trainer job and S&C coaching practicum through uni). Is there any leeway with this, or are they strictly accepting people with 2 years plus?

What if I fail the ADFPTS test? - I'm not talking about the regular fitness test, I mean the additional one just for PTI's. I have been consistently strength training for a few years, but my cardio isn't great right now. I think I can get it up to scratch by early next year in time for when I plan to enrol, but I'm worried about what will happen if I enrol and then don't pass the assessment. Will I be stuck as an imp for 2 years? Will I get a chance to retry?

Where am I most likely to be stationed? - I'm in Perth, and honestly not too big on leaving if I don't have to. I know that I will have to spend 7-8 months over east for training, and I'm cool with that, but realistically, what are the odds of being stationed in Perth? Do you get a preference?

What's the living situation for PTI school like? - I know that for boot camp you barrack at Wagga for about 3 months, but what's Cerberus like? Do you have to live on base during PTI school? I've got a longterm girlfriend (5 years) that I'm trying to bring on board with all this. I can swing being away from her for 3 months for basic, but an extra 5 for PTI, no chance. Can you live off base with a partner during this?

Thanks.

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who guided me and answered my questions during my journey with this app. Your support truly meant a lot to me.
After 15 months of waiting, I’m finally starting my training next week. It’s been a long road, and I’ve worked hard to overcome each obstacle step by step to reach this goal.
Now, I’m only a few days away from taking the oath and officially joining the Air Force.
To anyone still on this path — keep going and don’t lose hope. It took me 12 years to become a citizen, and another 15 months to get through the enlistment process. And now, in my 40th , I’m joining with high motivation and no stress — just excitement and pride.
I wish all of you the very best in your journey. Stay strong and keep pushing forward.

I’m 18 and currently working as a first year electrical apprentice. ive always wanted to join the defence force (posted here a couple times about becoming a pilot) but life took a couple turns and that whole thing faded away. but now that idea is brought back to me due to my life being really boring and without much purpose (i just work). so for those who done it, did jt help bring more to your life?

hello everyone

I am 35 years old man who wants to join adf amy as electrician

My recuiter said the elistment time is roughly in november if i pass all the intervew

There two things i wish to asking or get some suggestion from you guys

1 what is training life in kapooka or if some videos i could learned from thats would help me to get fully prepared

2 Be honest english is my second language i might not very fluent as many australian whom borned in here

Its that gonna be a serious prolem?

If possible, please share some resources so I can start learning military English now

The reason I am writing this down is that I don't want to hold everyone back after I enlist

all comments are welcome

Thanks

Hi guys. I am 45 years old and joining this year. Let’s say I have the option to go as Combat Engineer or Combat Engineer Officer. Both reserve roles. I have a full time job.

I understand as an officer I will have a lot more responsibilities and I don’t mind that. Coupled with a lot more training and multiple training courses.

My question is? If serving in melbourne my training is in my regiment, all those 16 days blocks training courses are residential or not?

Second question? I am attracted to combat engineering because of how multi-skilled those guys are. As an officer will I have the same training opportunities or will I miss on all the fun stuff. While being trapped in a very bureaucratic job?

Hey everyone I have my PFA coming up next week, I need to do 20 pushups 40 situps and 7.5 on the beep test, I'm pretty confident I can pass, but just last week I had a snowboarding injury and its pretty uncomfortable to put weight on my ankle.

I'm just wondering if I should reschedule my PFA as even if I do pass with this bad ankle I'm unsure how it'll hold up at kapooka as enlistment date is 6th of September.