Operational Service

As the primary role of the ADF is the defence of Australia and its interests, all personnel face the possibility of deploying to, or near, war zones and dangerous operational environments. While the degree of exposure to combat situations would depend on a number of factors, in some situations and trades, a member of the ADF will be called upon to engage in direct action against an enemy force. Additionally, in peacetime, elements of the ADF may be required to deploy to unstable areas where the risk of violence is high. In these cases, personnel may be required to engage in offensive or defensive action for the protection of themselves and others. ADF personnel may also be required to participate in other forms of operational activities where a degree of personal risk still exists. Such duties could include major exercises, search and rescue missions, and natural disaster relief.

Defence Force Discipline Act

In addition to normal civilian law, ADF personnel are subject to military law, with its own discipline system (Courts) and punishments. Defence personnel are legally bound to follow all lawful commands. Such orders could require personnel to live, work and fight anywhere in Australia or overseas at short notice. What is military discipline law? The Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 (DFDA) establishes a legal system for the maintenance and enforcement of service discipline. Military discipline law concerns offences that are uniquely military, as well as other civil offences that occur in a military environment (both in Australia and overseas). Offences are usually prosecuted within the military discipline system. Criminal offences or other illegal conduct may be referred to civilian prosecuting authorities or civilian police. There is an important distinction between the military discipline and the civil justice system.

How does the military discipline system apply to you? Discipline is critical to maintaining command and operational effectiveness. The ADF military discipline system provides a legal system that is tailored to the requirements of service in the ADF and the requirements of a disciplined force while protecting the rights of individuals to ensure an ordered, fair, and just workplace. As a member of the ADF you are entitled to legal advice through the ADF Legal Service.

Military Discipline System As part of the DFDA, the Military Discipline System consists of the three levels: • Discipline Officer Scheme: Lowest level of disciplinary action available. Enables commanders to deal with minor disciplinary offences in a simple, quick and fair manner. • Summary Authorities: Mid-level disciplinary action. Enables commanding officers and officers appointed as superior summary authorities to deal with more serious disciplinary offences. • Defence Force Magistrate and Courts Martial proceedings: Highest level of disciplinary action under the DFDA.

Unrestricted Service

All members of the ADF are required to provide unrestricted service. This means they must be available (at all times) to be moved or deployed across Australia and overseas. Defence members may be required to work long hours, shift work, irregular hours or a combination of these. Defence members do not have penalty rates or overtime as a condition of service. The requirement to provide unrestricted service also means that a candidate cannot have any civil or criminal restrictions placed on them that would limit their ability conduct the duties of a service member, including but not limited to, the operation of vehicles, the handling of firearms, weapons, and/or transit both domestically and internationally. Any candidate subject to an order/sentence that impedes unrestricted service in the ADF cannot be processed until such restrictive circumstances cease. Circumstances such as: Community Service, Good Behaviour Bonds, Bankruptcy, Weapons Protection Orders, Apprehended Violence Orders, Restraining Orders (or any other Protection Orders) etc automatically brings restrictions to ADF Service for the duration the order is in place.

Military and trade skills

Throughout their career, members of the ADF are required to acquire and maintain military skills as well as the trade skills and professional qualifications applicable to their employment. Military skills include competency with weapons, combat proficiencies and drill and ceremonial procedures.

Initial Minimum Period of Service

The Initial Minimum Period of Service, or IMPS, is a condition of service for appointment/enlistment in the ADF that requires the officer/enlisted member to undertake a minimum period of service (as determined by the individual Service). The IMPS may vary depending on the job and avenue of entry. You should review the IMPS relating to your chosen career path on the ADF Careers website prior to attending an Assessment Session.

Posting and Deployments