Leave the ADF - Become a 10 Year Reservist

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From October 1, the commitment period for personnel who join the permanent Australian Defence Force (ADF) will be extended from five years to 10 years after they discharge.

Originally introduced as part of Defence Regulations 2016, the commitment period requires personnel to render a period of inactive Reserve service following separation from the permanent ADF.

Except for a call-out order issued by the Governor-General, inactive reservists have no service obligations.

Head of Military Personnel Rear Admiral Tish van Stralen said a contingent workforce, made up of experienced personnel, provided the ADF greater flexibility to respond to heightened operational or strategic demand.

“Should the need arise, integrating SERCAT (Service Category) 2 personnel back into the ADF is a quicker, more effective method to strengthen our forces,” she said.

The extension of the commitment period operationalises Recommendation 6 of the Strategic Review of the ADF Reserves 2024 and is consistent with approaches adopted by a number of Australia’s international partners.

“Being prepared for a world of increasing strategic risk and competition means having the people who can deliver effective on-the-ground results,” Rear Admiral van Stralen said.

“Extending the commitment period will ensure the ADF’s contingent Reserve continues to have the skills and experience to be a leading military capability.”

There are more than 8000 SERCAT 2 reservists not currently rendering service.

This number is forecast to approximately double over a five-year period following the extension of the commitment period.

This is in addition to the ADF’s current full-time and permanent force, which is on track to reach 69,000 personnel by the early 2030s.

“While the permanent workforce remains the ADF’s primary means to achieve operational outcomes, reservists are a force multiplier, enhancing the strategic reach and impact of our standing forces,” Rear Admiral van Stralen said.

Recommendation 6 will also extend the commitment period for Reserve personnel who never joined the permanent ADF.

Personnel who join the Reserves after October 1, 2026, will have a commitment period of 10 years after the last day of effective service. Personnel who joined the Reserves before October 1, 2026, will have a commitment period of five years after the last day of effective service but can elect to extend their commitment period beyond five years, enabled through Chief of the Defence Force determination.

Image Chat GPT, article with approval from Contact Magazine

Australian Defence Force Grows

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ADF grows to largest size in 25 years

The Australian Defence Force has reached its largest strength in 25 years, with more than 8100 new recruits joining in the 2025–26 financial year. Recruitment increased across Navy, Army, and Air Force, while the separation rate fell to its lowest level in 15 years.

Typical Graduation Parade

Since 2022, the government has invested over $1 billion to rebuild Defence recruitment and retention, improving processing times, widening eligibility, and strengthening conditions of service.

As at 1 July 2026, the ADF’s full‑time workforce exceeds 64,000 personnel, including permanent members, Gap Year participants and full‑time Reservists . Public interest remains strong, with almost 74,000 applications received this year.

The ADF is on track to meet the government’s target of 69,000 permanent personnel by the early 2030s, as outlined in the 2026 National Defence Strategy.

Compare this with the 300,000 troops the Israeli Defence Force was able to field shortly after 7 October 2023 and I wonder whether we should be talking about bringing in compulsory National Service of say one year for all youths leaving high school. It would be unpopular, but it would be an excellent way to find out how many residents would support Australia in time of war.

ADF is a Sound Employment Opportunity

Given the cost of attending university, rent, or the need to live with one's parents, a stint in the ADF is a sound opportunity for young people finding it difficult to survive in today's crazy Australia.

Apart from socialising with people one's own age, getting free accommodation, food, dental and medical care, uniforms, sports, and a salary, there is also the opportunity to travel at the ADF's expense.

Military service provides personal and technical skills that stand one in good stead forever. Also, it gives veterans a sense of having contributed to our Commonwealth, a very worthy endeavour.

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