Standby Reserve

Hobart Standby Reserve

Management of the Standby Reserve (SRes)

Transfer to the SRes. The purpose of the SRes is to retain personnel who for various reasons are unable to meet the training obligations of the Active ARes. Personnel transferred to the SRes should generally be AIRN compliant (in particular medically fit and IET qualified). This Agency will consider transferring other personnel, if there is a convincing reason.

DA50 Employment. Personnel on the SRes may be employed by units on DA50. The approving authority is DAPA-H. Applications should be submitted well in advance of the proposed dates of employment as approval may require the applicant to attend a medical assessment.

APA-H Pers Instr - Employment of Members of the ASR under Sub-Section 50(4) of the Defence Act
Forms - Undertaking and Request for DA50(4) Support


Mandatory Transfer to the SR. Personnel who were appointed or enlisted after 1 July 2003 are obliged to serve for five years in the SR when they seek to separate from the Active ARes (or ARA).
Further information on Management of Australian Defence Force Reserves is available at

Defence Personnel Executive Open in new window or Army National Standby Reserve Agency (ANSRA) Open in new window

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Melbourne Standby Reserve

The Standby Army Reserve is a pool of trained personnel of officers and soldiers who may be utilised to undertake specific tasks or projects.

There is no training obligation whilst in the Standby Army Reserve, although there is a continuing need to maintain trade skills which can be best achieved by periodically undertaking service on DA 50(4) contract.

Being a member of the Standby Reserve within Southern Region (Victoria) requires you to report annually to APA Melbourne confirming or updating your personal details.

Update Personal Information

To update your personal details via email, please click here .

To update personal details via fax or mail, click here (TXT) to print out an update form.

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Perth Standby Reserve

The Standby Army Reserve is a pool of trained personnel made up of officers and soldiers from the Permanent and Reserve forces who may be utilised to undertake specific tasks or projects.

Members may be transferred to the Standby Reserve when an appropriate position is not available; when a member on leaving the ARA and establishing themselves in civilian employment prior to transferring to the Active Reserve or if they are unable to fulfil their training commitment to the Active Reserve but wish to voluntarily undertake military service when required.

It is mandatory for those ARA personnel, officers and soldiers, enlisting after 1 July 2003 after completing a period of service in the ARA to transfer to a category of Reserves.

There is no training obligation whilst in the Standby Army Reserve although there is a continuing need to maintain trade skills and this is best achieved by periodically undertaking service on DA 50 (4) contract.

Unit Responsibilities

For an application to transfer to the Active or Standby Reserve, the member is to complete an AC853 and the unit is to ensure the following:

  • That the member nominates a transfer date;
  • Member signs and dates the bottom of section 1;
  • Member provides justification for reason for transfer;
  • The supervisor correctly fills out all of section 2, including BFA and Medical Results;
  • The CO/OC correctly fills out section 3, taking care to tick all relevant boxes (even if it is N/A); and
  • The member acknowledges the CO/OC comments.

The unit is also to provide the member is adequately counselled on his/her decision to transfer to the Standby Reserve prior to forwarding to APA-P.

Standby Reserve Management

The Standby Reserve Cell at APA-P is responsible for the managing of personnel on the Standby Reserve in order to enhance Army's personnel capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Army Personnel Agency Perth manage my service?

APA-P manages your service by maintaining your service records electronically. We mail you a form each year asking for confirmation of your contact details. On this form we also ask if you:

  • are available for short term employment opportunities with the Army,
  • want to transfer to the Active Reserve,
  • intend remain in the Standby Reserve, or
  • request discharge

How can I transfer from the Standby Reserve to the Active Reserve?

To transfer to the Active Reserve contact your local Reserve unit, or APA-P. There has to be a vacancy for your trade and rank. You must complete a Transfer Medical Board with a medical classification appropriate for trade and rank. You must complete a basic fitness assessment within 6 months of transferring.

Where can I get up to date information on service with the Reserve?

Phone APA-P on 08 9311 2222,
Write to: Army Personnel Agency Perth
Locked Bag No. 5001
FREMANTLE WA 6959

Emailapa.perth@defence.gov.au

How long can I serve in the Standby Reserve ?

You can serve for 5 years in the Standby Reserve without offering any other form of service. If at the end of this period you have not provided any service and do not want to transfer to the Active Reserve you will be discharged.

What do I have to do to remain in the Standby Reserve?

  • You are to advise APA-P of any change of address as it occurs.
  • Confirm your contact details annually.
  • Confirm your intention to remain on the Standby Reserve annually.

Do I have to remain AIRN compliant?

You do not have to be AIRN compliant to remain a member of the Standby Reserve.

If you transfer to the Active Reserve or provide full time service you will be required to become AIRN compliant again.