If, as a serving or ex-serving member of an overseas service, you can directly transfer your skills and experience to the ADF, you may be able to fill a gap that can't currently be satisfied by local recruiting. Applications are administered by the individual services, not Defence Force Recruiting, and you can read more about how to apply here:

Visit the Defence Community Organisation website for detailed information about the range of support services available to ADF members and their families and answers to frequently asked questions.

Overseas recruits

Overseas or ‘Lateral’ recruits are military personnel who have gained entry to the Australian Defence Force based on prior experience in foreign defence forces.

The ADF lateral recruitment program addresses capability shortfalls that cannot otherwise be filled using Australian personnel. Visit the Defence Recruitment website for eligibility criteria.

While the ADF will become a strong support base for your family, you should carefully research and plan your move across the world well before you leave.

For specific military entitlement information visit the ADF Pay and Conditions website, and become familiar with the myGov website, a single-access portal to access all Australian government services.

The Department of Home Affairs is the official source of information regarding moving to and setting in Australia, living and working in Australia.