Recruitment policies changed to allow some foreign nationals to join Australia’s fighting ranks

The Anzac spirit is alive and well for many New Zealanders who have applied to join the Australian ­Defence Force as part of a landmark change to boost numbers.

More than 160 New Zealanders have applied to become members of the Australian ­Defence Force in less than two weeks as recruitment policies changed to allow some foreign nationals to join Australia’s fighting ranks.

In a landmark change to ADF recruitment, aimed at helping increase the size of Australia’s defence after years of flagging growth, New Zealanders have been able to apply for roles in the army, navy and air force branches since July 1, marking a new chapter in the Anzac tradition.

As at July 10, 166 eligible New Zealanders living in Australia had applied to join, ­according to the ADF.

From January, citizens of the US, Britain and Canada will also be allowed to apply for the ADF and there is potential scope for Pacific island recruits.

The ADF says 166 eligible New Zealanders living in Australia have applied to join. Picture: AFP

While a significant number of Kiwis have embraced the ­opportunity, the ADF stresses that security clearances and other prerequisites need to be met and assessment and enlistment processes will take months.

“Joining the ADF offers a pathway to meaningful service, job security, a competitive salary and other financial benefits, as well as opportunities for further education and a supportive community that values your contributions and commitment to defending our ­nation,” director general of defence force recruiting Commodore Jan Wiltshire told the Herald Sun.

As well as meeting ADF entry and security requirements, eligible foreign nationals wishing to join must have lived in Australia for at least one year immediately prior to applying, not have served in a foreign military in the preceding two years, and be able to ­attain Australian citizenship.

“Welcoming eligible permanent residents into the ADF creates a stronger and more representative integrated force, adding to the great people already serving,” chief of personnel Lieutenant General Natasha Fox said.

The ADF says security clearances and other prerequisites need to be met and assessment and enlistment processes will take months. Picture: TPR Dana Millington

The ADF seeks to lift the number of permanent members to 80,000 by 2040, up from about 58,000 members, and reverse the trend of personnel leaving, with annual “separations” reaching about 6000 a year.

As part of retention efforts, a continuation bonus of $50,000 has been rolled out to encourage junior ranks approaching their four-year initial service obligation to stay in the ADF for a further three years.

About 85 per cent of eligible personnel have accepted the continuation offer.

In a separate intake category, the ADF is also streamlining the existing Overseas Lateral Recruitment Scheme, which allows the department to fill capability shortfalls by recruiting skilled military ­applicants from overseas.

Royal Australian Air Force Wing Commander Jeroen ‘Rudy’ Ruardij joined the ADF through lateral transfer from New Zealand in 2009 and said it was a terrific decision for his family and career, taking him from Canberra and Newcastle to Washington.

“At times my New Zealand accent does come through, the banter is always positive” Wing Commander Ruardij joked, adding the NZ and Aussie bonds forged by ANZAC history made the transition to the ADF a natural fit.

“Service and giving back to the Australian community and being a part of it,” together with “climate and lifestyle” was a major motivation, he said.

If successful in joining the ADF, foreign nationals will be required to apply for and attain Australian citizenship to remain in service and are eligible to apply for citizenship on completion of 90 days of defence service.