Defence Force members

Carrying on your service

Continue to keep Australia safe with a purpose-driven career that supports you.  

We value your experience and will support you in your move to the AFP through:  

• Defence Reservist leave – four weeks of paid Reservist leave per financial year, for those who maintain reserve service or volunteer with cadet units.
• Structure and camaraderie – join a team that’s united in the mission to serve and protect, where we value loyalty, teamwork, collaboration, and discipline.
• Career development – training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities so you can grow in your new role.
• Health and wellbeing support – access to mental health services, fitness programs, and support networks that are tailored to your needs.
• Roles that suit you – from active roles as a uniformed member, to an office lifestyle in a support or specialist team, the AFP has more than 200 diverse roles to choose from.
• Familiarity and recognition – enjoy a familiar operational command structure and recognition through honours and awards where members display their rank and medals on the AFP Uniform.  

Join our Recruitment Group on Facebook for upcoming job opportunities and career expos.

Support for you and your family

Family plays a crucial role in the career decisions for many ADF members. That’s why we provide:  

• Residential stability – relocation assistance for sworn roles helping you and your loved ones settle into your new community. You’ll have the choice to stay where you want.
• Family-friendly policies – flexible working arrangements, dedicated shift patterns, and a supportive workplace to help you plan for your future. 
• Networks and peer support – programs and networks to help your family thrive in their new environment.
• Clear financial progression – a structured salary with clearly defined rates and transparent entitlements all set out in our Enterprise Agreement (EA).  

We continue to provide wellbeing services to former employees and their families too.

Find out more about our benefits and culture.

Eligibility

ADF members and veterans can bring unique skills and experience to the AFP. 

If you hold a current Negative Vetting 1 Security Clearance, this may be recognised by our security vetting team after you provide further information.

You'll also need to pass our character and police checks.

Our eligibility section outlines what you'll need to apply.

Each of our unique roles has specific eligibility requirements, such as prior specialist experience or meeting physical standards.

One pathway, multiple careers

We have over 200 diverse roles across the agency. You could:

• Stay physically active and use your skills in risk management as a Protective Service Officer . 
• Apply your critical thinking and problem-solving skills as a police officer in national investigations, aviation or ACT Policing. 
• Demonstrate your adaptability and specialist experience in areas like protection, surveillance, tactical response and rescue operations. 
• Grow your mentoring and communication skills in our leadership roles. 

How to apply

To apply for a sworn role such as a national police officer, ACT policer office or a protective service officer the application process is the same as a new recruit. 

View our current vacancies to see our open roles and a range of positions you can register interest in.

Speak to our recruitment team if you're unsure where to start.