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Job Availability
The Australian Army is recruiting Commando Employment Category Number (ECN079) positions for service in Special Forces, through the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme. This scheme will recruit and train people, with no previous military experience, direct to Special Forces without the requirement to serve in the general Army. Further details regarding the enlistment standards and process for direct entry to Commando (ECN079) employment are described below.
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Job Description
Commandos are highly skilled Special Forces soldiers capable of advanced infantry tactics. They are trained and qualified in a range of advanced specialist weapons and equipment and can deploy to their area of operations over long distances using a wide range of insertion methods. They can operate in a variety of demanding operational situations conducted in complex terrain. The Commando is mentally tough, quick thinking, innovative and can keep a cool head in difficult situations.
As a Commando you will become part of Australia's highly respected Special Forces. As part of this organisation you will contribute to the safety and security of Australia and its National interests through the conduct of special operations. Special operations are measures and activities conducted by specially trained, organised and equipped forces to achieve military, political, economic or psychological objectives.
Regular Army Commandos are employed in the 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (4 RAR (Cdo)). 4 RAR (Cdo) is Australia's only fulltime Commando unit. It provides the ADF with a unique capability as it spans the gap between conventional infantry operations and unconventional operations. 4 RAR (Cdo) has the capacity to conduct offensive operations beyond the range and capability of other ADF Force elements.
As a Commando serving in 4 RAR (Cdo), your training will be principally focussed on developing your ability to participate in large-scale operations, often conducted outside of Australia using stealth, surprise and shock action. To be part of this Special Forces unit you will need to have a high level of Commando skills.
Commandos may operate in any area or region of the world where Australia's national interests may be served. Operations within Australia are possible, although offshore operations are more likely. You may be required to participate in the 'War on Terrorism' and may be called upon to deploy on both combat and peace enforcement operations around the world. In recent times, Commandos have deployed on operations to a wide range of places around the world including East Timor, Iraq and the Solomon Islands.
One of the principal methods of rapidly deploying as a Commando into an area of operations is parachuting. Therefore, all Commandos must become parachute qualified. This requires you to jump from an aircraft using a static line parachute from between 1000 and 3000 feet, by day and night and onto land or into water. Therefore, it is essential that you volunteer to undertake military parachute training if you are considering Commando (ECN079) as a career.
As a Commando you will also have the opportunity to participate in a range of amphibious operations which include activities such as operating high speed Commando operational watercraft, parachuting into water and operating with Australian Navy ships. In order to safely participate in this range of amphibious activities, it is essential that you are a proficient swimmer.
Commandos are expected to operate in different size groups or teams from small fighting patrols to a large raiding force. Therefore, Commandos are required to have good interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively in a team environment. In particular, when tired and when operating under adverse conditions. These adverse conditions include operating in an outdoors environment in all terrain and in extremes of climatic and weather conditions for prolonged periods of time and in isolation from hygiene facilities, comforts or regular social contact.
Commandos also require the ability to undertake new tasks quickly, respond effectively to challenges and to adapt to different environments including the ability to operate effectively and without signs of undue stress, panic or excessive fear when:
· exposed to heights;
· in dark confined spaces;
· in the ocean, in deep water or in a surf zone; and
· alone or at night, or both, in all of the situations listed above.
Commandos must be willing to work long and irregular hours when required and have a demonstrated ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities, in particular their family life. A range of support services are available through the Defence Community Organisation to assist the families of personnel serving in a Special Forces unit.
Commandos also contribute to Australia's counter-terrorism capability. Selected Commandos are trained in Counter-Terrorist tactics and specialist weapons and equipment. These personnel are employed in the 4th Battalion's Tactical Assault Group. Employment in this unit provides you with the opportunity to contribute to the safety and National security of Australia and its interests.
Being a Commando is no ordinary career. It will take you beyond the limits of conventional soldiering, challenging you to perform at a level beyond anything you will have encountered in your civilian life. You are likely to learn more about yourself and what you are capable of, both physically and mentally, than you would have thought possible. However, being a Commando is a rewarding career.
Main Job Functions
As a Commando your main function will be to participate in large-scale offensive operations. Using your advanced infantry tactics and specialist weapons and equipment, you will use stealth, surprise and the precise application of hard-hitting shock action in a range of operations.
Some of the tasks you will be required to perform as a Commando are:
Accurately employ a range of advanced weapon systems (including night aiming devices);
Fight at close quarters with weapons;
Participate in a Commando fighting patrol in both urban and rural operations;
Destroy targets using explosives;
Parachute onto land or into water;
Participate in Tactical Air Land Operations from both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft;
Embark and disembark from Commando amphibious insertion craft in surf (beach and rocky landings) and from parent craft;
Ascend and descend vertical obstacles using military roping and caving ladder climbing techniques;
Operate intra-platoon communications equipment;
Conduct manual entry to urban structures;
Comply with the Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC), Rules of Engagement (ROE) and adhere to Orders for Opening Fire (OFOF);
Conduct airborne rappelling and fast roping (including suspended extraction); and
Operate Commando amphibious boats as coxswain / bowman as part of a flotilla.
As a Commando you must also be capable of transitioning from special operations to conventional infantry operations where required.
Once you become a fully qualified Commando, you may be suitable to participate in further training in Counter-Terrorism. This involves completing training in advanced weapon skills and close-quarter fighting techniques and tactics. On successful completion of this training you could be employed in the 4th Battalion's Tactical Assault Group.
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Entry Type
Employment as a Commando (ECN079) requires you to apply for entry to the Australian Army through the Special Forces Direct Recruitment Scheme. This scheme requires you to enter the Army as a General Entry (Non-Technical Trainee). You will be enlisted in the Infantry Corps.
As a General Entry (Non-Technical Trainee) Commando (ECN079) you will graduate from your Military training, Employment Training and Special Forces Training with the rank of private. As with other jobs within the Army, you will be eligible to be promoted to higher ranks. Based on your performance, time in your rank, the successful completion of both Army and Commando promotion courses and vacancies, you can expect to be considered for promotion to Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant and Warrant Officer as your career progresses.
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Age Requirement
Commandos must be aged between 19 and 30 years inclusive on the day of enlistment.
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Educational Requirement
Completion of Australian Year 9 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and Mathematics. A 'pass' (or Sound Achievement) is defined as a result that places a candidate in the top 70 percentile band of students that complete the subject. This means that an applicant must have achieved better than the bottom 30% of students who completed the subject.
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Citizenship Requirement
Citizenship requirements will be met, for Full-time and Part-time applicants, if any of the following apply:
You are an Australian citizen;
You are a permanent resident who can provide a DIMIA (Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs) receipt to prove you have applied for Australian citizenship. (A permanent resident is generally eligible to apply for citizenship after two years. A permanent resident married to an Australian can apply immediately); or
You are a permanent resident who is not eligible to apply for Australian citizenship but are prepared to sign an undertaking to apply after completing 90 days service in the ADF or 130 days part-time aggregated service in the ADF Reserve. (Permanent residents become eligible to apply for citizenship on completion of 90 days service in the ADF or 130 days part-time aggregated service in the ADF Reserve).
A permanent resident who enters the ADF will have their service terminated if they subsequently:
fail to apply for citizenship when eligible to do so;
are not offered citizenship; or
fail to accept citizenship when it is offered.
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Security Requirement
The Department of Defence requires ADF entrants to attain a security clearance appropriate to their avenue of entry.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews enables the Regional Security Office to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
Current policy requires applicants for this particular avenue of entry to have lived in Australia for the preceding 10 years, or have a checkable background for this period.
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Medical and Physical Fitness Requirement
Service as a Commando in Australia's Special Forces is physically and mentally demanding and requires a high level of individual robustness, strength and endurance. Therefore, you must be medically and physically fit and psychologically suitable to undertake Special Forces selection and reinforcement training.
Medical. Your medical fitness will be assessed by a doctor, prior to enlistment. This assessment will require you to complete an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history and it will be followed by a comprehensive physical examination.
Physical. You will also be required to successfully pass a Special Forces Pre-Fitness Assessment (PFA) before enlistment. This PFA requires you to achieve a higher standard than the general entry fitness level for the Army. You must be able to complete:
· Beep test (shuttle run) to level 10;
· 30 push ups; and
· 60 sit-ups.
The above PFA describes the minimum standard for enlistment as a Commando, however, a higher level of physical fitness will increase your chances of success. The most suitable candidates for Commando training are those who regularly participate in arduous work, team or individual sports, individual or group fitness activities or outdoors-adventurous pursuits.
Psychological. Prior to enlistment, your psychological suitability will be assessed by a psychologist. This assessment will require you to complete a series of questionnaires and a comprehensive interview.
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Aptitude Requirement
It is essential that you have the ability to cope with the intellectual demands placed on you during your Commando training and service. This requires you to possess a high level of aptitude. To determine whether you do or do not have the necessary aptitude, you will be required to undertake a series of aptitude tests.
For further details click on 'Additional Information' on the toolbar at the top of this page and select 'ADF Selection Procedures'.
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Gender Restriction
To be eligible for service as a Commando (ECN079) you must be male. All Commando (ECN079) positions are direct combat positions and Government policy currently precludes women from being employed in these positions.
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Military Training
If you are successful in meeting the enlistment standards and accept your offer of service, you will be required to undertake Military training. This includes Army recruit training and Royal Australian Infantry (RAInf) initial employment training, as well as completing the Special Forces accelerated training continuum. Each of these are discussed in more detail below:
Army Recruit Training: 45 Days
You will be required to complete the standard 45 day basic recruit course at the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW. You will complete this training with a platoon of other candidates who are part of the Special Forces direct recruitment scheme. This is your basic military training and all personnel who enlist in the Australian Army are required to successfully complete it. This training will develop in you the necessary skills and qualities to become an Australian Army soldier. It will also provide you with the knowledge and skills you require in order to be able to undertake further Army training.
For further information on the content of Recruit Training click here (or on the "Joining Instructions Army General Entry Military (Recruit) Training" link under Additional Information on the toolbar at the top of this page).
During week four of your recruit training you will be interviewed and screened by a Special Forces Interview Board. This board will consist of representatives from Special Forces and a psychologist. They will confirm that you meet the required selection requirements and have the potential for service in Special Forces. The board will determine if you are:
suitable to continue with the scheme;
temporarily unsuitable to continue with the scheme, however you are eligible to re-apply within a designated time; or
unsuitable to continue with the scheme.
If you are assessed as unsuitable to continue, or are temporarily unsuitable, you will not be permitted to continue with the scheme. In this case you will be encouraged to undertake training for one of the critical support trades within the Special Forces or in the general Army. If you accept either of these options, you will be given another offer. Alternatively, you may elect to 'discharge at own request'.
If you do accept an offer to serve in a critical support trade in Special Forces or the general Army, you can apply again for Commando (ECN079) selection and training after you have completed 12 months of general Army service.
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Employment Training
Infantry Initial Employment Training: 12 Weeks
Those of you who successfully complete recruit training and are assessed as suitable to continue with the scheme by the Special Forces Interview Board will attend the standard RAInf (ECN343) Basic Rifleman Course at the School of Infantry, Singleton NSW. This is a 12 week course and you will complete this training as a single platoon of potential candidates for service in Special Forces. At the School of Infantry you will be trained and qualified in basic infantry tactics and a range of specialist infantry weapons and equipment.
Candidates who are unable to successfully complete their Infantry training will not be permitted to continue with the scheme. In this case you will be encouraged to undertake training for one of the critical support trades within the Special Forces or in the general Army. If you accept either of these options, you will be given another offer. Alternatively, you may elect to 'discharge at own request'.
If you do accept an offer to serve in a critical support trade in Special Forces or the general Army, you can apply again for Commando (ECN079) selection and training after you have completed 12 months of general Army service.
For more details on Army recruit training and Royal Australian Infantry (RAInf) initial employment training please refer to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section (click on 'Additional Information' on the toolbar at the top of the window).
Special Forces Accelerated Training Continuum: 8 Weeks
As a successful RAInf graduate, you will complete eight weeks of Special Forces preparation training, known as the Special Forces Accelerated Training Continuum, conducted at the Special Forces Training Centre, Singleton, NSW. The Special Forces Accelerated Training Continuum is designed to prepare you for the Special Forces Barrier Test and subsequent Commando reinforcement training. This accelerated training will enhance your physiological and psychological conditioning as well as provide you with some essential competencies. It also provides you with the opportunity to become highly skilled in infantry skills and tactics and to become qualified in a range of additional weapons and equipment that are usually taught in a regular Infantry unit.
How will you know if you have successfully achieved the requirements of this training? Put simply, you will be tested on the Special Forces Barrier Test.
Special Forces Training
Before commencing your Commando reinforcement training, you will be required to show that you are committed, motivated and capable of withstanding the severe physical and environmental stresses associated with the reinforcement training and service in a Commando unit. These will be assessed during the Special Forces Barrier Test.
The Special Forces Barrier Test
The Special Forces Barrier Test is a 54 hour activity that includes a range of assessments. To be successful you are required to complete the following activities:
Complete a fitness assessment requiring a minimum of:
60 push-ups;
100 sit-ups;
10 chin-ups (heaves).
Complete a 3.2 km run in patrol order (boots, personal webbing and your rifle) in less than 16.30 minutes.
Swim 400 metres fully clothed (in your disruptive pattern camouflage uniform) in 18 minutes or less and to tread water for two minutes.
With your pack, personal webbing and your rifle (marching order), complete a minimum of 22 km during an endurance march, in four hours.
Complete an environmental assessment including demonstrating your ability to operate competently at height and in confined spaces.
Demonstrate you have mechanical aptitude and
Complete a theoretical and practical navigation activity.
At the conclusion of a Special Forces Barrier Test, a Selection Advisory Committee will be convened to determine whether you have the potential for service in Special Forces and whether you are suitable to attend Commando reinforcement training. Their determination will be made on your performance at recruit training, infantry training, the Special Forces Accelerated Training Continuum and on your Special Forces Barrier Test results. The Selection Advisory Committee will identify if you are:
suitable to commence Commando reinforcement training;
unsuitable to commence Commando reinforcement training but may re-apply after a designated period of time in a non-Special Forces position such as a critical support trade within Special Forces or the general Army; or
unsuitable to commence Commando reinforcement training.
Following your successful completion of the Special Forces Barrier Test and a recommendation by the Selection Advisory Committee, you will be committed to fulfilling your four year initial minimum period of service (this is discussed further below). Once you have elected to complete your initial minimum period of service, you will undertake Commando reinforcement training and if you successfully complete it, be posted to the 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment.
You may at the completion of your Special Forces Barrier Test if it is determined appropriate by the Selection Advisory Committee, be given the opportunity to attempt a Special Air Service - Selection Course and subsequent Special Air Service reinforcement training. However, this will be by exception.
If you successfully complete your Commando reinforcement training, you will be eligible to apply to attend a Special Air Service - Selection Course after you have served for a period of two years as a Commando.
Candidates who do not pass the Special Forces Barrier Test and are not recommended by the Selection Advisory Committee will be encouraged to undertake training for critical support trades within Special Forces (or within the general Army) through the provision of another offer, or be given the opportunity to 'discharge at own request'.
Commando Reinforcement Training
Once you have successfully completed your Special Forces Barrier Test and have been recommended, you will undertake the Commando selection and training regime required of any Defence person who wishes to serve in a Commando unit. You will be required to meet the current stringent performance and training standards described in the relevant assessment management package or training management packages for Commando training.
Your Commando Reinforcement Training will consist of:
Special Forces Weapons and Equipment Course (Commando);
Commando Training Course;
Special Forces Roping Course;
Commando Urban Operations Course;
Special Forces Basic Parachute Course (including water insertion training);
Commando Amphibious Operator Course;
Airborne Rappelling and Fast Roping course; and
One of the following basic specialty courses:
Combat First Aider;
Commando Signaller; and
Special Forces Demolitions.
On the successful completion of your reinforcement training and after serving as a Commando for 12 months, you will be able to undertake one or more of the following Commando specialist courses:
DFSW Operator;
Mortar Operator;
Basic Sniper;
SF Climber;
Mountain and Cold Weather Operations;
Combat Survival;
Reconnaissance;
Language; and
Commando Operational Watercraft (COW) Coxswain.
Once you become a fully qualified Commando, you may also be suitable to participate in further training in counter-terrorism. This involves completing training in advanced weapon skills and close-quarter fighting techniques and tactics.
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Employment Location
The Australian Army only has one full-time Commando unit. On successful completion of your Special Forces Barrier Test you will be moved to 4th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment which is located at Holsworthy, NSW. It is here that you will commence your Commando reinforcement training and if successful, it is here that you will be posted.
Holsworthy is located approximately 50 km west of the Sydney central business district. Holsworthy provides easy access to Canberra, the Blue Mountains and the South Coast of NSW, with convenient freeway and rail links to central Sydney and Sydney Airport.
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Pay Level
Employment as a Commando requires sacrifice, hard work and dedication in a challenging, demanding, high-risk and operationally focussed work environment. However, you are well paid for your service.
As a fully qualified Commando (Private) serving in the 4 RAR (Cdo) Tactical Assault Group, you can expect to earn up to $2877 per fortnight ($74,820 per year). This includes your pay at pay group four, special operations allowance and service allowance. However, it can take up to three years and a considerable amount of training to earn this level of pay. The amount of salary and allowances at each stage is described below.
While undertaking your basic military (Recruit) training, your salary will be $885.60 per fortnight ($23,089per year)*.
After your successful completion of basic training, your salary will increase to $1001.09 per fortnight ($26,100 per year)* while undertaking initial employment training at the School of Infantry, Singleton.
If you have dependants you may be entitled to Trainee's Dependant Allowance during your basic and initial employment training. This allowance is paid to enable those trainees with dependants to receive a salary of not less than $30,165 per annum ($1157 per fortnight) while training. However, conditions apply. If you have dependants you should speak to an ADF Careers Adviser.
As a qualified infantryman (ECN343), you will move to pay group two and your salary will again increase to $1220.25 per fortnight ($31,814 per annum)*. You will continue to receive this level of pay through your Accelerated Training Continuum and your Commando training.
You will also receive an allowance for each day that you are required to spend in the field during your basic, initial employment, Accelerated Training Continuum and Commando training. Field allowance is either $22.79 or $38.85 per day (depending on the type of field training being undertaken).
Commando (ECN079) employment is classified as a pay group three occupation. On the successful completion of your initial Commando training, as a qualified Commando (Private) serving in 4 RAR (Cdo), you can expect to earn a salary of $2073 per fortnight ($53,923 per year)*. This consists of your salary at pay group three $33,462 per year and your special operations and service allowance.
Specialist operations allowance of $448.84 per fortnight ($11,670)* is paid in recognition of special demands that are expected of a qualified Commando. The allowance comprises two distinct elements: qualification and skill ($3,183 per year), and disability ($8,487 per year). The Qualification and skill element acknowledges the significant levels of additional skill that must be acquired and maintained. The Disability element acknowledges the hazards and stress associated with service within the specialist operations environment.
Service Allowance at the rate of $8,781 per annum ($336.80 per fortnight)* is paid to all members (except while undertaking Recruit and Employment training) below the rank of Lieutenant Colonel or equivalent. The allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
As a private soldier serving in 4 RAR (Cdo), earning a salary of $2073 per fortnight ($53,923 per year)* is only the start. Your pay and allowances will increase as you obtain additional Special Forces skills and qualifications, as you become more experienced in Commando tactics and operations, and as you receive promotion.
Further, your salary will continue to increase based on your rank and the number of years of service completed in that rank. If you perform well you will be considered for promotion. If promoted, you will also receive an increase in salary. Refer to the Salary Scales shown under 'Additional Information' (click on button on the toolbar at top of page).
* Please note that these figures do not include compulsory taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as applicable); and superannuation deductions. For more details, please refer to the 'Frequently Asked Questions' section (click on 'Additional Information' on the toolbar at the top of the window), and 'Conditions of Service'.
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Fixed Period Of Service
All personnel enlisting for service as a Commando (ECN079) are required to serve for an initial minimum period of service of four years. This is designed to ensure the ADF recovers reasonable value from its investment in your training and development. Applications to resign or transfer to the Reserves from personnel who have not completed their initial minimum period of service will not normally be approved unless compassionate or otherwise compelling personal reasons exist.
If you are unsuccessful in completing your recruit, initial employment, Accelerated Training or Special Forces Barrier Test, you can seek 'discharge at own request' and are not required to complete the initial minimum period of service.
If you successfully complete the Special Forces Barrier Test and are recommended for service in Special Forces, once you commence Commando training, even if you fail, you will be required to complete your initial minimum period of service within the general Army.
If you are unsuccessful at Commando training, you will still be able to enjoy employment in the Army. Should you be unsuccessful, you will also be given the opportunity to be employed in another trade within Special Operations Command or another trade within the general Army. This will be negotiated on a case by case basis.
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Civil Accreditation
Depending on the courses you undertake, Commando training will provide you with many valuable skills and qualifications which may be recognised by civilian accreditation.
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