Source : Perth Now news
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is the largest it has been since about the beginning of the war on terror, after enlistments surged to their highest point in 16 years.
The ADF grew to more than 64,000 personnel over the 2025-26 financial year, with more than 8100 Australians joining in that year alone.
That figure represents an increase of more 1100 over the previous year – the largest cohort in 16 years.
The number of personnel leaving the force also fell their lowest point in 15 years, down to just 7.4 per cent.
Defence Minister Richard Marles said the government would continue to reform recruitment processes over the long-term, as well as retention initiatives.
“Over the last year more sailors, soldiers, aviators, and cyber and space operators joined the Australian Defence Force than in the last 16 years,” he said.
“The men and women who wear our nation’s uniform go to work every day to keep Australians safe.
“That is why the Albanese Government is focused on recruiting, retaining and skilling the workforce we need.”
Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh said more people were not only putting their hand up to serve, but “choosing to stick around for longer”.
“Our most important Defence capability is our people, who serve our nation, striving to achieve the Defence mission, every day,” Mr Keogh said.
“In 2026 a career in the ADF can mean almost anything, with more than 300 roles to choose from.
“It’s fantastic to see more Australians coming forward to serve in such dynamic and rewarding careers.”
The Albanese government has faced scrutiny over defence resourcing, including manpower, amid increased geopolitical instability in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as competition with China.
Last week, world leaders marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
The al-Qaeda attacks sparked the so-called War on Terror, and led to Australian troops joining US personnel in the invasion of Afghanistan.
Record new recruits
According to the government, 61,768 people were in the ADF in 2025-26, as well as 932 Gap Year personnel and 1492 full-time serving reservists.
That is up from a total headcount of 59,619 in 2020-21.
In total, 8186 people joined the ADF in 2025-26, including through Defence recruiting, through eligibility for Five Eyes partner nations, and Gap Year employment.
The largest cohort went to the Army, with 3942 joining.
The Air Force was second with 2235 recruits – the highest, however, in 24 years – and the Navy last with 2009.
In total, almost 74,000 people applied to join the ADF that financial year.
The number of people leaving the forces also fell, with three to four point decreases in leavers across the Army, Navy, and Air Forces.
The government has also sought to reform medical entry requirements, removing automatic rejections for conditions such as endometriosis and certain skin and eye conditions, as well as the assisted study scheme and Defence housing.
In 2024, the government also introduced the ADF Continuation Bonus program to incentivise retention.
