For the first time in years the RAN's principal junior recruit training centre, HMAS CERBERUS, is filled to capacity.

The Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Mr Bruce Scott told of the 'full house' when revealing there had been a rapid rise in Defence recruiting.

The increase is a reflection of growing support for Defence and is despite a decline in the numbers of young Australians, he said.

Mr Scott said since the introduction of the Government's discussion paper on Defence, Defence Review 2000-Our Future Defence Force just on 12 months ago and the subsequent Defence White Paper Defence 2000-Our Future Defence Force in December 2000, there has been a rapid rise in recruits entering the ADF.

"In the financial year just ended Defence achieved an enlistment figure of 7,420, an increase of 30 per cent above the previous year," the Minister said.

"When you consider that Defence is competing against low unemployment and high job availability in a very competitive job market where there are fewer numbers of younger Australians, this achievement represents an excellent result for Defence Force Recruiting.

"As well, a new advertising campaign which features real people telling stories about their lives in the Navy, Army and Airforce, is having a positive impact.

"Today all ADF initial recruit training facilities, HMAS CERBERUS, Kapooka and RAAF Edinburgh, are filled to capacity.

"Defence has not experienced this level of recruiting, at this time of year, for many years," Mr Scott said.

He said many more young Australians are waiting in the wings.

"A further 1600 young Australians have completed entry level testing and are just awaiting positions at these facilities.

"These unprecedented recruiting numbers are a clear indication that not only is the Defence Force recruiting campaign working, there are growing levels of community support for Defence because of the government's deliberate policies on Defence.

"Today increasing numbers of young people are seeking job opportunities in the ADF, not only as a viable choice in a competitive job market but, as a worthwhile career."

Mr Scott said greater use of technology has also played a part in increasing achievement, with the establishment of the Defence Service Centre in Cooma and the Defence Jobs website that now offers more information in a more up-to-date format.

"In the past 12 months nearly 150,000 Australians enquired about a career in the ADF."

Mr Scott said Defence Force Recruiting has also begun work to improve the recruiting process, including rationalisation of pre-enlistment standards, more flexible testing arrangements and streamlining the existing psychological and medical testing.

By Graham Davis