Air Force News :: Top Stories

Fresh look at recruiting

Volume 48, No. 3, March 9, 2006

DEFENCE is taking a fresh look at recruiting and retention, to ensure that all practical steps have been taken to achieve the ADF’s strength targets in the face of market competition, skills shortages, an aging population and the work preferences of the Y-generation.

Over the next six months, ADF recruiting and retention strategies will be closely examined by a review team appointed by the Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence. The team will report to the Minister by the end of May.

The review is being conducted by a team of four civilian HR specialists, supported by two uniformed personnel.

The Director General Personnel – Air Force AIRCDRE Lee Roberts welcomed the review, saying that it complemented a range of initiatives that both Defence and Air Force had implemented to recruit and retain people.

AIRCDRE Roberts added the review was an excellent opportunity to identify from industry best practice with creative and innovative ways to improve recruitment and retention.

The review will focus on:

1. Initiatives to improve the volume of enquiries and the conversion rate of enquiries to contracted enlistment;
2. Initiatives to improve the retention of ADF recruits and cadet officers undergoing initial training and the retention of ADF personnel beyond the completion of their initial period of Service obligation or return of Service obligation;
3. Any aspect of the ADF’s recruitment and retention approach that could be improved; and
4. Strategic approaches to recruitment and retention that will assist the ADF better meet its strength targets in the future.

The review team is consulting widely and will visit several training institutions and other organisations.

Submissions are invited from Defence personnel and are to be no longer than three pages.

Submissions are to be sent to FLGOFF Jade Hartland at jade.hartland@defence.gov.au or by mail to: