Australia will allow “eligible non-citizens” to be recruited by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of the country’s plan to increase personnel numbers. The government released its National Defence Strategy, which initially unveiled the plan in April 2024.
Beginning in July, New Zealanders who meet the eligibility requirements can apply to join the ADF. American, British, and Canadian citizens can also apply to enlist in the ADF beginning in January 2025.
The new requirements say individuals must live in Australia for at least one year before starting the enlistment process, must not have served in a foreign military in the previous two years, and must meet the requirements to receive Australian citizenship.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the expansion plan is “necessary as the defence landscape shifts.”
