15 Nov 2014

Sometimes it can be difficult trying to figure out what you want to do after high school. Not all of us can be astronauts or micro-physicists, and I certainly know I don’t have the patience to work in certain high stress industries. It can be frustrating trying to find that ‘right fit’, which is why we’re here to help and take the ‘stress’ out of your job hunt for you. Year 13 have some inside knowledge on one of Australia’s largest employers; the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

I bet your mind is ticking over and you’re thinking ‘why would I want to join the ADF?’ There are probably a number of common misconceptions running through your brain, which is why we’re here to break it all down for you and dispel some of those common myths.

First things first: what is the Australian Defence Force? In simple terms, the ADF is the military organisation responsible for Australia’s defence. The ADF is made up of the Navy, Army and Air Force and provides some of the best training in Australia. And unlike some big corporation that you apply for a summer job with, the Defence Force has more of a community feel about it and like any functioning community it needs people from all works of life, with different skills and a wide range of talents to make it work. Do you see where we’re going with this?

Sometimes people think that by joining the ADF they’re automatically going to be running around the bush but it’s not always about being John Rambo. The Australian Defence Force employs tradespeople, doctors, engineers and a whole host of other people; with more than 300 different jobs you’re bound to find something that’s right for you.

Now you’re probably asking why any of this is relevant to you, and I’ll tell you; the Defence Force is always looking for talent. It’s that simple. If you want to get your hands dirty and learn a trade, then the ADF will train you up at their own financial cost. But if learning a trade isn’t for you, then there are a host of other options out there. You can study at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and gain tertiary qualifications, or you can even apply for a graduate position after completing your university degree. The opportunities are endless.

Here at Year 13 we were lucky enough to get the perspectives of a few Defence Force members and let me tell you, some of the stuff they do taught us a few things as well.

Take Leah Swain who works as a Telecommunications Technician in the Australian Army as an example. Part of Leah’s job involves working with high-tech military grade communication equipment, where she ‘provides an interface so we can have phones and internet out on the field.” Sounds a bit more interesting than setting up your average telephone line, doesn’t it?

This is just one example of the unique and varied job roles the ADF has to offer and the great thing about the ADF is all the other opportunities out there.

Ryan Melville is a great example of this. Ryan always knew that he wanted to be a Pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) after he caught the ‘flying bug’ and is currently studying for a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Aviation and Operations Research at ADFA. Not only is Ryan living his dream but the young Pilot in-training is also studying a tertiary degree while receiving a competitive salary from the ADF. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

One of the best things about a career in the ADF is the security it brings. When we leave school we all want to explore the world and feed our sense of adventure, but often that means you can’t commit to a steady job or your studies; something almost always has to give. Working for the ADF means that while you learn and work, you can also travel the country and the world.

Unlike Ryan, Nicole Sheddon didn’t always know what she wanted to do for a career. The Communication and Information Systems Sailor found her career in the civilian world long and repetitive, so she decided pursue something a little more adventurous. “It’s an exciting job. I don’t do the same thing every day. I love it to bits.”

The ADF has a host of roles available for those of you ready to take on the challenge. You’d be surprised what’s out there. These were just a few short examples that exist out there within the Australian Defence Force., and while the industry may not be for everyone, which is fine, from me to you; there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, or if anything the Defence Force seems interesting to you, then you’re crazy if you don’t ask for more information.

With the competitive pay, strong sense of job security and a career that matches your interests and skills, it seems like a good deal to me. But don’t ask me. Ask the guys and girls that know their stuff. Visit defencejobs.gov.au or call Defence Force Recruiting on 13 19 01.

One enquiry could change your entire life.