OVERSEAS APPLICANTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY
Job Opportunities Scholarships

OVERSEAS APPLICANTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY

OVERSEAS APPLICANTS

COVERED HERE:

  • Vacancies
  • Officer selection criteria
  • Soldier selection criteria
  • General entry requirements
  • Education
  • Start your application now

OVERSEAS APPLICANTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY

Officer Applications

All Expression of Interest (EOI) from Officers for consideration for October 2017 appointment /enlistment through the Overseas Lateral Transfer Scheme (OLTS) will close on the 04 April 2016.

If invited to proceed further all applicants will receive an Application to complete and return with certified copies of requested documentation. All applications must be complete and returned by 02 May 2016.

New Expression of Interest processing will commence from 03 May 2016 for appointment October 2018, applications submitted prior to this date will not receive a response within 28 days of the application being submitted.

Note: Processing time for appointment through the Overseas Lateral Transfer Scheme will take 18 to 24 months to process.

Soldier Applications

All Expression of Interest (EOI) from Soldiers for consideration for October 2017 appointment /enlistment through the Overseas Lateral Transfer Scheme (OLTS) will close on the 04 April 2016.

If invited to proceed further all applicants will receive an Application to complete and return with certified copies of requested documentation. All applications must be complete and returned by 02 May 2016.

New Expression of Interest processing will commence from 03 May 2016 for appointment October 2018, applications submitted prior to this date will not receive a response within 28 days of the application being submitted.

Note: Processing time for appointment through the Overseas Lateral Transfer Scheme will take 18 to 24 months to process.

Overseas Lateral Transfer Scheme

The purpose of the Australian Army’s Overseas Lateral Transfer Scheme is to address capability shortfalls within the Army that cannot be solved using Australian personnel.

The Lateral Transfer Scheme is underpinned by a Labour Agreement that has been agreed upon between the Australian Defence Force and various stakeholders within the Australian Federal Government. Applicants that do not meet the criterion within the agreement cannot be sponsored for a Lateral Transfer.

Who is eligible?

The Australian Army can sponsor serving or ex-serving foreign military personnel for service in the Army.

Foreign nationals who do not have any military experience are not eligible for sponsorship via this program. Additionally, personnel who hold Australian Citizenship are not eligible for sponsorship via this program. Australians holding dual citizenship are not eligible for sponsorship via this program..

If from a non-English speaking background, the individual has a minimum vocational proficiency in English (as defined by Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP)). This will be a minimum of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.0 based on the 4 test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening. The IELTS test must be undertaken in the three years immediately prior to lodging a visa application.

However, you may apply for enlistment through Defence Force Recruiting if you satisfy normal Australian citizenship requirements.

VACANCIES

What jobs are on offer?

The Army has nominated a series of appointments and trades as occupations that are considered suitable for sponsorship. Occupations have been broadly grouped into Officer and Soldier categories. Personnel sponsored from overseas under the auspices of the Labour Agreement must be sponsored to an occupation as defined in the Agreement.

Officer Priority Categories

The Australian Army is currently seeking applications from officers experienced in the Corps / fields listed below. Expressions of interest must meet the criteria and personnel who are not qualified /experienced in the fields listed below will not be considered.

  • Aviation Corps. Rotary wing pilot, with a priority for Qualified Flying Instructors. Pilots should have a minimum of 1500 hours rotary wing experience and flying logs must be supplied with any Expression of Interest. Non-commissioned officer pilots with suitable experience may be considered for specialist service officer entry.
  • Nursing Corps. Qualified nurses with registration that can be transferred to Australia.
  • Medical Corps. Qualified doctors with registration that can transfer to Australia.
Officer Other Categories

General Service Officers (GSO) at the rank of senior LT and CAPT for all corps are welcome to apply. Applicants at the rank of MAJ and above may apply however, may only be considered for positions at the rank of CAPT (with some exceptions noted below). Specific areas of interest are:

  • Avionics,Ground Electrical RAEME,Software and Flight Test Engineers. Qualified commissioned Engineers at the rank of CAPT with four year qualifications capable of being verified and certified by Engineers Australia. Prospective candidate must have engineering qualifications recognised by Institute of Engineers Australia (IEAust) and not through the Washington Accord process prior to be selected, at own cost.
  • Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Qualified with Engineer degree / Aerospace Engineer at the rank of CAPT.
  • Ordnance / Supply. Priority for GSO LT and CAPT, GSO Ammunition Tech Officers at rank of LT to CAPT.
  • Infantry Corps. The Australian Army has a priority for officers with an electronic warfare or Cyber Warfare experience or background. Other interest in GSO CAPT and MAJ.
  • Artillery Corps. Qualified Offensive Support with amphibious or mechanised experience at the rank of LT to CAPT
  • Engineer Corps. Qualified Combat /Construction Engineers at the rank of CAPT.
  • Public Relations / Public Affairs Corps. Qualified at the rank of LT to CAPT..
  • Transport Corps. Qualified at the rank of LT to CAPT.
Soldier Categories

The Australian Army is currently seeking applications from soldiers qualified in the trades and at the ranks listed below.

Expressions of interest must meet the criteria and personnel who are not qualified in the trades listed below will not be considered.

  • Aircraft Life Support Fitter – PTE and CPL. Qualified to undertake inspection, testing, repair, manufacturing, assembly, refurbishment and modification of Rotary Wing aircraft safety and survival equipment.
  • Ammunition Technician – SGT and above. Qualified as an ammunition and explosives specialist, providing ammunition safety, performance assurance, technical advice, support pertaining to Explosive Ordnance (EO) safety, assurance, regulatory compliance, supply chain management, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operations. Personnel with Logistic Corps backgrounds, particularly in Ammunition Supply.
  • Analyst Intelligence Operations – CPL and above.Must be fully qualified in Army Intelligence. In addition to Army Intelligence qualifications, Human Intelligence (HUMINT), exploitation, advanced language qualifications and/or experience within Special Operations are preferred.
  • Artillery Command Systems Operator (ACSO) – Bombardier and above. Is a technical operator in a small team who is qualified to establish and maintain command and control of the artillery digitised battlespace management, target predication and communication systems. An ACSO is responsible to design and build a battlespace management database; to design, implement and manage a small unit digital data network plan and to design, implement and manage a sub unit communication plan. An ACSO engages targets with artillery and mortar fire, plans and conducts survey task and supervises target and calibration records. Qualification in AFATDS or Bowman (or equivalent) Systems is desirable.
  • Artillery Observer – SGT and above. Is a member of a Joint Fires Team who is qualified to observe, locate and prosecute targets using surface to surface, fixed or rotary wing aerial and naval to surface fires. The modern observer is trained using a digitised battlespace management and target prediction system. An artillery observer operates an array of target acquisition and combat communications equipment to conduct offensive support operations. A qualification in AFATDS or Bowman (or equivalent) systems is desirable.
  • Artillery Operator Unmanned Aerial System Operator – Gunner and Bombardier. Qualified to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems, meteorology, survey and communication equipment.
  • Cargo Specialist – CPL and SGT. Qualified to receive, process, stage, manifest and on forward stores and equipment of multi–modal transhipment points. Responsible to pack, load, secure, unload and account for various cargo on all modes of transport. Operate vehicles and riffing equipment with a payload up to and including 100 tonnes.
  • Cavalryman – All ranks. Qualified to drive, gun, command and maintain the cavalry Armoured Fighting Vehicle. Undertake mounted or dismounted reconnaissance, surveillance, offensive and defensive operations.
  • Communication Systems – CPL and above. Qualified to configure, operate, maintain, diagnose faults and redeploy Communications and Information Systems (CIS) and manage networks.
  • Driver Specialist – CPL and above. Qualified to operate and manage heavy articulated Army vehicles. Required to load and unload a vehicle and its associated equipment with a payload up to and including 55 tonnes. Employed to drive heavy articulated vehicles including Bulk Liquid Fuel Tankers (BLFT), Semi-trailers, Road Trains and Tank/Plant Transporters.
  • Fitter Armament – CPL and above. Qualified to inspect, classify, repair, modify and recondition of a wide range of military weapons, general engineering equipment and watercraft.
  • Geospatial Technician – CPL and above. Qualified to collect, manipulate, analyse, manage, portray, reproduce and distribute geospatial information which includes maps, graphics, digital geographic information in vector, raster and matrix form and geographical coordinates.
  • Ground Crewman Mission Support – All ranks. Qualified to establish, maintain and technical control of command, control and communications equipment and facilities in support of Army Aviation aircraft operations.
  • Information Systems Technician – SGT and above. Operates, plans and manages a wide range of Information Systems (IS) equipment, peripherals, ancillaries, software, personnel management, tactical IS preparation, planning and Trade Management, install, configure, maintain and repair IS equipment in support of Communication and IS (CIS) operations.
  • Medical Operator – All ranks. Applicants are required to liaise directly with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to gain registration prior to any subsequent application to transfer to the ADF. This is a pre-requisite and once completed, you may submit an enquiry with the required documentation. Civil registration does not guarantee enlistment.
  • Operator Electronic Warfare – CPL and SGT Qualified to operate and conduct operator maintenance on a wide range of electronic warfare equipment and systems.
  • Operator Unit Supply – CPL and above. Qualified to provide supply support, operate supply systems, undertake inventory control and distribution at unit level. Must have Logistic Corps background, rather than a regimental appointment.
  • Operator Petroleum – CPL. Qualified to undertake the deployment, construction, operation and maintenance of a range of petroleum, oils and lubricants (POL) storage and handling facilities. This includes the operation of POL equipment, the laboratory testing and analysis of POL produces and the storage, packaging and disposal of dangerous goods, Flammable Gas and Liquids.
  • Recovery Mechanic – CPL. Qualified to recover and undertake operator maintenance of Vehicle, Plant and Armoured vehicles. Undertake a wide range of recovery tasks in support of military equipment and operations.
  • Rifleman (Sniper) – All ranks Applicants must be a qualified Sniper.
  • Special Forces. Eligibility for SAS/Commando will be based on merit determined by the Special Forces Career Advisor and subjected to Australian Army requirements.
  • Supervisor Building Services – SGT and above. Qualified Carpenter or Draughtsman and have experience in supervising and managing works. Plan and provide governance for construction, maintenance and repair projects that are primarily related to the provision of engineering services (e.g. water, electricity, sewerage, mechanical services, heating and air conditioning).
  • Supervisor Engineering Services – SGT and above. Qualified Electrician or Plumber and have experience in supervising and managing works. Plan and provide governance for construction, maintenance and repair projects that are primarily related to the provision of engineering services (e.g. water, electricity, sewerage, mechanical services, heating and air 5. conditioning).
  • Supervisor Platoon Operations – SGT and above. Qualified to an infantry supervisory level and possess qualifications and experience in accounting and acquitting of ammunition, fuel, rations and stores issued to the platoon for training or operational tasks.
  • Supervisor Section Operations – CPL. Qualified to an infantry supervisory level and possess qualifications and experience in accounting and acquitting of ammunition, fuel, rations and stores issued to the section for training or operational tasks.
  • Technician Avionics – CPL and SGT. Qualified to undertake inspection, testing, repair, refurbishment, modification and recovery of Rotary Wing aircraft communication, navigation, radar, electrical and electronic instrument systems.
  • Technician Electrical – CPL and SGT. Qualified to inspect, classify, maintain and repair generators, refrigeration and air-conditioning, automotive electrics and field power distribution fleets.
  • Technician Electronic – PTE to SGT.Qualified to inspect, classify, maintain and repair generators, refrigeration and air-conditioning, automotive electrics and field power distribution fleets.
  • Vehicle Mechanic – SGT. Qualified to inspect, classify, maintain, repair, modify, rebuild and recondition of a wide range of military vehicles.

OFFICER SELECTION CRITERIA

The Australian Army may sponsor an Officer deemed suitable for service, providing that the following key criteria are met:

  • The individual possesses experience and/or training assessed as being equivalent to an Australian tertiary qualification requiring a minimum of three years full-time study.
  • The individual possesses experience and/or training that can be readily assessed by DIBP to be equivalent to an Australian tertiary qualification requiring at least three years full-time study. In military terms, the individual must have completed the following minimum equivalent full-time study.
  • Successful completion of a level of education equivalent to an Australian Higher School Certificate.
  • Successful completion of a level of military commissioning training equivalent to the Royal Military College Duntroon.

In military terms, the individual must have completed the following minimum equivalent full-time study:

  • Successful completion of specialised training and experience so that the Officer is fully qualified for employment in the appointment that the Officer is to be allocated to.
Applicants applying for specialist professions

You will be required under Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation to satisfy unconditional registration and licensing requirements before the Australian Army will process your application to a Selection board and send you any Offer of Employment. Any costs associated with registration or recognition of qualifications are at the cost of the applicant and not funded by the Army.

SOLDIER SELECTION CRITERIA

The Australian Army may sponsor a soldier deemed suitable for service, providing that the following key criteria are met:

  • As a minimum, have successfully completed a level of education equivalent to an Australian Secondary School certificate (Year 10) and have completed relevant specialist Defence Force training courses and experience equivalent to at least 3 years full-time study, so that the nominee is fully qualified for employment in the occupation in which they have been nominated within Army (see below under the heading ‘Education’).
  • Possess a minimum of three years relevant post-qualification experience.
  • If from a non-English speaking background, the individual has a minimum vocational proficiency in English (as defined byDepartment of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Medical

Initial Medical Entry along with serving medical standards in the Australian Defence Force differs significantly from foreign militaries. Applicants are required to complete a range of medical forms in the presence of their General Practitioner (GP) and undertake a personal interview with an Australian Senior Medical Officer (SMO). Personnel who do not satisfy initial medical entry standards will not be appointed or enlisted into the Australian Army.

Selection Interview

Applicants may be invited to be interviewed by a Selection Board. The interview is usually conducted in the United Kingdom or Australia. Applicants are responsible for their own costs to attend (the Australian Defence Force offers no reimbursement for attending). Applicants are required to attend the day prior to the Selection Board to undertake psychological testing and an initial medical review. On the day of the Selection Board the applicant’s spouse / partner are welcome to attend the briefings; however they will not be included in the formal Selection Board process.

The day starts out with a briefing on the OLTS and what you can expect for the day. Once lunch is completed you will be interviewed by the Selection Board individually.

Resignation

Applicants must have resigned from their parent Service (including release from all Reserve Service obligations) before appointment / enlistment with the Australian Army. Applicants cannot join the Australian Army whilst on terminal leave. Proof of discharge will be required prior to an appointment / enlistment signal being released.

Immigration

The Australian Army adheres to the Labour Agreement which permits sponsorship of visas for those individuals who are recommended for processing for appointment or enlistment. Those applicants approved for sponsorship are responsible for obtaining a permanent resident visa. The applicant and each dependent family member must hold a permanent resident visa before appointment.

Additionally, applicants must make a written undertaking that they will apply for Australian Citizenship as soon as they are eligible (normally after three months service in the Army). For information on accelerated citizenship for families of Defence Overseas Lateral Recruits, please refer to this document.

Security

Applicants must hold an appropriate Australian Defence Force (ADF) security clearance before appointment or enlistment. Australian security arrangements require that applicants have a background of at least 10 years, which can be directly verified by the Defence Security Agency. Current international agreements permit security clearances to be transferred for active military personal, subject to verification procedures, for applicants who have been living in Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States.

Applicants from other countries require more specific and lengthy vetting procedures, which currently impact on their eligibility.

Military Service training

To be deemed eligible, applicants will have completed full-time initial employment officer /soldier training equivalent to Royal Military College – Duntroon and Army Recruit Training Centre – Kapooka.

EDUCATION

All overseas qualifications submitted must be accompanied by an assessment of Australian equivalencies. This is to be undertaken at the applicant’s cost.

As a minimum for soldier entry, have successfully completed a level of education equivalent to an Australian Secondary School certificate (Year 10) and have completed relevant specialist Defence Force training courses and experience equivalent to at least 3 years, so that the nominee is fully qualified for employment in the occupation in which they have been nominated within the Australian Army.

An example of equivalent Australian Year 10 minimum education entry standards for soldier selection for a UK-educated applicant is GCE Ordinary levels.

As a minimum for officer entry, have successfully completed a level of education equivalent to an Australian Secondary School certificate (Year 12) and have completed relevant specialist Defence Force training courses and experience equivalent to at least 2 years, so that the nominee is fully qualified for employment in the occupation in which they have been nominated within the Australian Army.

* An example of equivalent Australian Year 12 minimum education entry standards for officer selection for a UK-educated applicant is GCE Advanced levels.

Qualifications recognition

Australian Education International (AEI), through the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR), provides official information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with Australian qualifications. This aims to help overseas qualified people work and study in Australia.

AEI is part of the Department of Education. AEI uniquely integrates the development of international government relations with support for the commercial activities of Australia’s education community. To do this, AEI liaises with all sectors of the education and training industry and all levels of government.

AEI-NOOSR does not assess secondary school qualifications (these are normally assessed by State/Territory education authorities) or trade qualifications (which can be assessed by Trades Recognition Australia).

For further information about AEI services, as well as links to other assessing agencies, please refer to the AEI website.

START YOUR APPLICATION NOW

Candidates who consider that they meet the entry requirements and are in the occupations covered by the Labour Agreement are welcome to enquire about opportunities in the ADF.

All Expressions of Interest must have a CV or resume attached. There is no preferred design or template; however, they should be submitted as a Microsoft word document or as a PDF file.

Expressions of Interest must also contain all relevant information in the electronic template.

Which contact do I use?

Please refer to the Badges of Rank to understand the rank structure of the Australian Army and help you direct your Expression of Interest to the correct contact within the Australian Army’s Career Management Agency.

Contact details

Please note that Australian Defence Staff in London or Washington have no active role in the lateral transfer process and all correspondence and outcomes as to your interest to join the Australian Army is to be addressed to the relevant Career Management – Army contacts detailed below. All expressions of interest are to be forwarded to the relevant Career Management – Army email address for Officer / Soldier.

Officer contacts

Directorate of Officer Career Management – Army
BP29-4
Brindabella Business Park
MAJURA ACT 2610

Soldier contacts

Transition Group
Directorate of Soldier Career Management – Army
Level 3 Bld 29-3
Brindabella Business Park
MAJURA ACT 2610

GET IN TOUCH

Call us on 13 19 01
Complete an enquiry form
Find a Recruiting Centre
Connect with us on Social Media

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *