Why The Defence Force Is Out To Recruit Young Sydneysiders

Australia’s national security environment has experienced a significant shake-up to make the country more self-reliant, prepared, and secure.

The Albanese government will invest $3.4 billion over the next decade to establish the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator (ASCA). This is an additional $591 million above planned spending on defence innovation.

However, experts express concern that the Australian Defence Force (ADF) may not achieve their new personnel increase target of 30 per cent over the next two decades, as the number of recruits has remained the same in recent years.

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On today’s This Arvo In Sydney, host Sacha Barbour Gatt and LiSTNR journalist Madeline Palmer will discover what this means for Sydneysiders. What does the ADF offer?

Barbour Gatt says this major overhaul of the defence force costs the federal government an extra $19 billion over four years.

One of the key components of the ADF strategy is the recruitment. Palmer says the number of people joining the ADF in New South Wales (NSW) has plateaued in the last few years, with 16,167 total members in 2021 and 2022.

Trevor Watson, the deputy director of recruiting, says they are opening up more training opportunities in more location zones across the state.

There are so many locations in Sydney specifically, but more broadly across New South Wales, including our training centres for the Air Force and Army.”

Palmer says there are also other announcements to attract more young people to join the ADF, with the idea of planning to restore its Ready Reserve scheme and Gap Year program.

That’s basically saying up to 5,000 young people are recruited for a year of full-time service, and after that year, they would move into the reserves for a minimum of four years part-time,”

Palmer said.

The federal government also announced a $50,000 retention bonus for those who commit to stay for three years beyond their initial term of service. 

Hosted by Sacha Barbour, This Arvo in Sydney is a 10 to 12 minute daily news podcast made just for Sydney! Listen now on the Listnr app.