Transfer

The Transfer and Allocation Cell (TRAC) is responsible for processing transfers into and within the ARA. This encompasses Lateral Transfers, Corps Transfers, Overseas Transfers and also monitoring Return of Service Obligations.

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Lateral Transfers

Transitions Section is responsible for all admin action and processing of all applications for Transfer Between Forces to the Australian Regular Army. After all admin action has been completed, the application is then passed to the Hire Cell, Transitions Section for final processing.

The Hire Cell will register the application and then input the transfer data into PMKeyS.

Personnel who are currently serving in the Army Reserves, RAAF or RAN who apply to transfer to the ARA are known as lateral transfers. When an application to transfer (AC853) is received by the Laterals Transfer Cell it is registered.The following documentation is required with the application before is can begin processing:

  • A physical copy of BFA results within six months;
  • A transfer to ARA Health Examination (THE) Report PM064/532;
  • A Statutory Declaration declaring that the applicant has no civil or military offences/convictions;
  • A psychological Assessment (PS006) if changing trades or applying for ATTS trades;
  • A statement by the member supporting the application; and
  • Recommendation by either APA, DP-AF or DSCM

Once all necessary supporting documentation is collated, the application proceeds as follows:

  • Acknowledgement signal is sent;
  • Application is then forwarded to gaining Career Manager (CM) for recommendation;
  • If the applicant requires to attend an Army Recruit Course, Kapooka is contacted for panelling;
  • The application is sent to the Pay/Trade Cell (P5) to confirm the eligible pay group and ECN qualifications;
  • If the applicant is required to attend Initial Employment Training (IET) the application is sent to the National Integrated Panelling Authority (NIPA) for course allocation;
  • The application is then sent to the SO2 Transitions (the delegate) for approval;
  • A signal is then released stating whether the transfer is or is not approved. If approved an offer citing the terms and conditions for the member's transfer to the ARA is sent to the Admin unit via signal. If the applicant does not accept the offer the process will be cancelled and the transfer does not take place;
  • If the applicant accepts the offer and Authority for Transfer - Posting Order signal is released.
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Transfer to RAN/RAAF

Requests for transfer to another service within Defence (ie Navy or Air Force) are to be submitted on an AC853 for NCOs. Application by a serving member for appointment as an Officer in another service are to submit a PE063. The request section on this application is to be entered as 'request a transfer' due to 'other' reasons and the proposed gaining service is to be notated in the reasons section.

Supporting Documentation

Supporting evidence required by DSCM/DP-AF includes:

  1. A statement by the member which details the justification as to why the transfer should be approved, the type of employment requested, and (recommended) authorisation for the requested service to gain access to the member's personnel records.
  2. PMKeyS Record of Service (Long) print.
  3. Comments by the unit CO/OC at the appropriate section on the AC853.
  4. AIRN compliance report, applicants are advised they must be current in all components of Individual readiness and evidence is to be provided with transfer application.
  5. Medical documentation (PM532 and/or PM101) signed by a MO, no less than 12 months old stating MEC and restrictions.
  6. Psych testing/suitability for re-categorisation in job function (certified true copies of relevant documentation to be included and only applicable if member is not qualified in requested trade/mustering).
  7. Education Validation for re-categorisation in job function (certified true copies of relevant documentation to be included and only applicable if member is not qualified in requested trade/mustering).
  8. Copy of applicants last three PAR's (Subject 1 Corporal qualified and above).
  9. Copies of any relevant trade certificates, course reports and Record of Attainment/s that are not recorded on ROSL.
  10. Any other statements or supporting documents on skills, performance or personal situation.

Requests for transfer to another service are considered in two stages:

  1. SCMA determines whether member is approved to separate from Army and, if so, the earliest date that separation can occur; and
  2. the request is forwarded to the proposed gaining service for determination as to whether the application will be approved and the date that the transfer will occur.

The Gaining Service will process the application and advise the member's unit of the outcome. If successful, the member will receive an offer to transfer. This offer, if accepted, is to be returned to the Gaining Service, with a copy to be forwarded to SCMA. Once this has been received the Instrument of Transfer will be signed and the Authority to Separate Signal will be released.

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Corps and Trade Transfers

Further information about Corp, Trades/Categories and Transfers can be accessed via these links

Stay ARMY - Home Open in new window
Transfers - Stay ARMY Open in new window

Trade Transfers are current serving ARA members who want to change their trade and or corps. Recruit re-allocations are similar however the member would not have completed any IET as yet. All applications are to be completed on an Application for Re-posting, Retention, Corps Transfer or Re-allocation (PE166). The supporting documentation to be attached to each application and trade specific requirements are listed below.


Administration of Applications


Prior to submitting an application for trade transfer/re-allocation a soldier must provide additional documentation to support their application. The documentation required is dependent upon which trade/corps a soldier is applying for transfer to. A basic application requires the following documentation:

  • A statement from the soldier to support the application;
  • Results of a Comprehensive Preventative Health Examination (CPHE) on a Medical Employment Classification (MEC) Advice (PM064/532) (completed within 12 months) or PM101 confirming soldiers MEC, PULHEEMS and any restrictions including CP;
  • Statutory Declaration stating all civilian and military convictions (only required if stated in respective Corps MAE);
  • Psychological Report (PS006) (only required if stated in respective Corps MAE).


Some specialist corps require specific documentation as follows:

RACMP ECN 315, Military Policeman General Duty:

  • MEC 1 or 2;
  • Colour Perception (CP) not less than CP2;
  • Psychologist report considering verbal and written communication;
  • Must not have any civil or military offences including assault; theft; drug offences; insubordination; dishonesty or violence;
  • Must not have any outstanding administrative issues such as Admin Warnings or Censures; and
  • Unit must arrange a Corps Suitability interview with the SM of the local MP unit.

RACMP ECN 190, Investigator Military Police:

Required to complete a PE166 for trade transfer to ECN 190.

  • Qualified as ECN 315-2;
  • Successful completion of Investigator Qualifying Cse;
  • Successful Scenes of Crimes Officer Cse (SOCO);
  • Completed a Civil Police detachment;
  • Required to be promoted to a minimum of SGT; and
  • MEC 1 or 2 with minimum CP of 2.

AAAVN ECN 004, Aircrew Loadmaster:

Required to complete a PE166 for trade transfer to ECN 004.

  • MEC 1 or 2
  • Aviation medical and dental standards IAW Health Manual Vol 1
  • Minimum PTE (P) with a current Army ECN, RAN Mustering or RAAF Occ Spec and 24mths ADF service;
  • Lateral transfer applicants individually reviewed upon application;
  • AIRN or service equivalent 'Ready' (No waivers) at time of application;
  • Psychologist report (PS006) detailing the requirements of PSYMAN for Aircrewman;
  • No civil or military offences related to drugs, theft, fraud or insubordination;
  • Be capable of obtaining a security clearance of SECRET (Not required prior to application);
  • No outstanding administrative or disciplinary issues such as Admin/Formal Warnings and/or Censures;
  • To attend Aircrewman Selection Board after initial transfer clearance by CM AAAvn;

AUST INT ECN 003, Analyst Intelligence Operations:

  • At least 24 months full-time service;
  • MEC 2 for ECN;
  • Colour Perception (CP) not less than CP2;
  • Psychologist report considering verbal and written communication;
  • If a linguist provide evidence via statement or Record of Attainment;
  • Be prepared to attend a Corps suitability board (arranged by SCMA); and
  • Be capable of obtaining a security clearance of TOP SECRET.

AAPRS ECN 312, Photographer Public Relations:

Applicants must make initial application with AAPRS prior to submitting a PE166

  • At least three years full time service;
  • MEC 1 or 2;
  • Fully AIRN Compliant;
  • Qualified Subj 1 CPL;
  • Civilian drivers licence / Military C2 licence;
  • Certificate of Photography Cse (military or civilian); and
  • Be capable of obtaining a security clearance of SECRET.

AAPRS ECN 342, Reporter:

Applicants must make initial application with AAPRS prior to submitting a PE166

  • MEC 1 or 2;
  • Fully AIRN Compliant;
  • Qualified Subj 1 CPL;
  • Civilian drivers licence / Military C2 licence;
  • Be capable of obtaining a security clearance of SECRET; and
  • Able to touch type with speed and accuracy.

RAE ECN 141, Fire-fighter IRR:

  • Attend a Corps suitability interview with the SM of an IRR Unit;
  • Be capable of obtaining a security clearance of SECRET; and
  • Provide evidence of a minimum education standard of year 10.

RAE ECN 270, Plant Operator:

Successful completion of school year 10 in English and Mathematics.


RACT ECN 109, Driver

  • PH032 Drivers log sheet;
  • Supporting statement from current Transport Supervisor.

RACT ECN 099, Air Dispatcher and RAAOC ECN 345 Parachute Rigger:

Required to complete an AD148 and to have volunteered for Employment involving Parachuting.


RACT ECN 274, Operator Specialist Vehicle:

  • Required to be ECN 109/116 (RAE) Driver Grade 1 qualified;
  • Copy of PH032, Drivers Log, showing at least 600 h or 6,000 km driving time to be provided.

RAINF ECN 353, Special Air Service and ECN 079, Commando

  • Required to be ECN 343 Infantry Rifleman qualified for ECN 079 only. (Soldiers transferring from another trade will be nominated to attend the Rifleman Basic Cse prior to attending qualifying courses for ECN 079).
  • Required to complete an Application for Special Forces Selection Form (AD343)
  • A PE166 is not required.
  • Required to be MEC 1 and must include a Notification of Medical Assessment (PM064/532) for Special Forces and Parachuting (Valid for six months).
  • PS006 for psych assessment for Special Forces (valid for twelve months).
  • A copy of the applicants Conduct Record and ADO Record of Service.
  • The Application is to be forwarded, with all attachments, directly to the Special Forces Training Centre (SFTC) for initial assessment and nomination for required cse.
  • Application, if suitable, will then be forwarded to SCMA for trade transfer action.

All requirements in regard to psychological testing and reviews are detailed in the document below. This information supersedes the current MAE psych requirements. Psych Requirements are found here on the DefWeb.
All other supporting documentation requirements for Corps/Trade Transfer application are detailed in the respective Corps Manual of Army Employments (MAE) which can be accessed below:


Manual of Army Employments

DefWeb access only

For more information of category requirements see DGPERS-A website and visit the the Manual of Army employment (MAE) are found at the Directorate of Workforce Management - Army

PE 166-1 - Application for Corps or Trade Transfer or Re-allocation - Army
PE 166-2 - Application for Reposting, Retention or COPAS - Army


When a PE166 is received at SCMA it is processed as follows:

  • Registered on the data base.
  • Sent to the losing CM for recommendation.
  • Sent to the gaining CM for recommendation.
  • Sent to P5 to verify pay/trade details.
  • Sent to NIPA for course allocation if required.
  • Sent to SO2 Transitions Section for Approval.
  • If not approved a signal will be sent out, indicating the reasons.
  • If approved an offer signal will be released outlining the terms and conditions of the transfer.
  • The offer includes Rank, Pay Gp, Corps, ECN, Trg Waived, Qualifications to be retained, Fixed period of service, ROSO, Transfer date, Date offer to be signed, returned by date and what documentation is required to be sent back to SCMA.
  • Once all documentation has been received at SCMA and the soldier has accepted the offer, an Authority signal will be released. Units are to comply with this authority.

NOTE: An Authority signal is not a posting order in regards to trade transfers. The soldier's CM on successful completion of his/her course will release a posting order.


EmailSCMA Transitions
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Overseas Lateral Transfers

Overseas transfer is the process of transferring serving or ex-serving foreign soldiers who have skills that are valuable to the Australian Army. There are two ways to transfer, Labour Agreement (LA) and Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS).

Labour Agreement (LA)

LA allows the Australian Army to recruit foreign soldiers in identified skill shortages of the rank of Sergeant and above.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)

ENS allows the Australian Army to recruit foreign soldiers that are highly skilled that do not come under the LA. Each application is considered on its individual merits and can take in excess of 18 months to complete. Circumstances under which Army might attempt to recruit under ENS are as follows:

  • An individual who is of the rank appropriate to the LA, but who has not completed the minimum level of formal study required by the LA. This individual will have operational experience or other skills which SCMA deems sufficient to warrant recruitment action under ENS; and
  • An individual who is below the rank specified in the LA but who has operational experience, skills or formal training sufficient to warrant recruitment action under ENS.

If you have any questions please contact Sue Laurence on (03) 5258 0637 or Mr Shane Howard on (03) 5258 0632 email EmailOverseas Lateral Enlistments

Please Note: The cancellation of an Offer/Authority for all transfers will be considered by SO2 Transitions upon the receipt of the following documentation:

  • Minute by member stating reasons why cancellation is sought;
  • Members minute is to be actioned by the unit Commanding Officer/Officer in Command with comments confirming as such;
  • Minute is to be signed both by member and unit Commanding Officer/Officer in Command; and
  • Trade Transfer cancellation is to be forwarded to SCMA TRAC.