Defence offers a wide range of development options to help members grow personally and professionally. Training supports Australian Defence Force (ADF) members advance their careers while building transferable skills for future roles, including those that might be outside of Defence.
The following information is for members of the Permanent Forces in Service categories (SERCATs) 6 and 7. Reservists performing continuous full-time service (SERVOP C) get the same benefits as members of the Permanent Forces.
Eligibility is determined by individual personal and professional circumstances. Please refer to the links provided in each section for further details.
Defence Assisted Study Scheme
The Defence Assisted Study Scheme (DASS) helps members gain professional qualifications during their military career by providing financial support for approved study.
Read the DASS applicant guide for more information on the scheme (available on the Defence intranet).
Professional military education platforms
Members have access to professional military education platforms.
The Forge
The Forge is an online platform dedicated to fostering the intellectual growth and proficiency of individuals involved in the Profession of Arms.
The Cove
The Cove is Army’s professional development platform. It provides access to professional resources and events and promotes discussion relating to the profession of arms. Members can download the app to access the platform easily through their mobile devices.
Horizon
Horizon is Navy’s professional development platform. It offers professional resources and promotes discussion within the maritime domain. Members can download the app to access the platform easily through their mobile devices.
Runway
The Runway is a platform of curated content designed to develop the intellectual edge of aviators in the Air Force. Members can download the app to access the platform easily through their mobile devices.
Career management
As a large organisation, Defence offers members a variety of diverse opportunities for training, development and reskilling across their career journeys.
Members can find more information about career management on the Defence intranet. They should discuss opportunities with their chain of command and career manager.
Mentoring program
Members can also join the Defence mentoring program (EMPower). The program connects mentors willing to provide support with mentees seeking support in:
- career development
- strengthening management and leadership capability
- overcoming work-based challenges
- navigating transition and change
- building professional networks.
More information on the EMPower program can be found on the Defence intranet.
Australian Defence Force Academy postgraduate scheme
Defence supports skill development through fully funded postgraduate programs at University of New South Wales Canberra, located at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
Programs are available in coursework and research, can be delivered through intensive sessions or distance learning.
More information on the ADFA postgraduate scheme can be found on the Defence intranet.
Australian War College courses
The Australian War College delivers world-class professional military education focused on leadership, joint warfighting, operations and strategy.
These courses have a strong practitioner focus that provides the knowledge, awareness and skills to operate at the highest levels of command and leadership.
Defence Strategic Studies Course
The Defence Strategic Studies Course is a 47-week residential course for senior military officers.
The course prepares high performing officers for senior appointments in the national security environment.
Further information is available on Defence Strategic Studies Course page.
Australian Command and Staff Course
The Australian Command and Staff Course is a 47-week residential course for mid-career military officers.
The course prepares officers for command and staff appointments in integrated, joint and single-Service environments at the O5 and O6 level.
Further information is available on Australian Command and Staff Course page.
Chief of Defence Force Fellowship
The Chief of Defence Force Fellowship supports innovative research that contributes to achieving Defence strategic initiatives.
The fellowship is open to all members who can demonstrate their capacity to undertake one year of postgraduate research on a subject of strategic relevance to Defence.
More information on the Chief of Defence Force Fellowship can be found on the Defence intranet.
Courses from the Australian Defence Force training centre
The ADF training centre offers a range of short courses collectively focused on delivering joint individual training.
Further information is available on ADF Training Centre short courses page.
Career transition support
Transition is the journey that a member undertakes when they transfer to another Service category or separate entirely from the ADF.
Defence provides programs and supports to help members and families transition successfully.
Members can apply to have their military skills recognised through a national qualification before transitioning to civilian employment.
The ADF transition guide app supports members, their families, friends and support persons to understand and navigate the transition journey from service to civilian life.
Additional information is available to members below.