Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Fulltime), Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)

Individuals wishing to join Special Forces (SF) have the following avenues of entry:

Officer Enlistment

Officers applying for Service in SF whether SAS or Commando are required to complete Officer Training then once they have completed a minimum period of service of two years in a unit and attained the rank of LT 3, they are eligible to submit an application for Service in SF. Individuals are required to be recommended by the Special Forces Panelling Board (SFPB) prior to attempting any form of SF Entry Testing, Selection or Training. All Officers are advised to seek advice from Selection Wing Special Forces Training Centre and Career Managers prior to applying for service in SF.

General Enlistment

Applicants wishing to serve as an SAS Trooper may join any component of the ADF. Following the minimum service requirements of approximately two years, individuals may apply for Service in SAS. Individuals will be required to be recommended by the Special Forces Panelling Board (SFPB) and complete Special Forces Entry Tests prior to commencing the Special Air Service Selection Course (SAS-SC). Individuals are not required to conduct any transfers prior to commencing training.

Applicants wishing to serve as a Commando may join any component of the ADF however it is suggested that applicants join the Royal Australian Infantry (RAInf) Corps. Following the minimum period of service of approximately two years, individuals may apply for Service in Commando. Individuals will be required to be recommended by the Special Forces Panelling Board (SFPB) and, if they have not already join RAInf Corps, they will be required to transfer to RAInf Corps Army; complete RAInf Initial Employment Training and Special Forces Entry Tests prior to commencing the Commando Selection and Training Course (CSTC).

General Enlistment RAInf Corps Army Reserve

There is no General Enlistment for the reserve element of SAS. The Reserve element of SAS is only open to those members that have completed full time service in SASR. The avenue of entry applicable here is IAW General Enlistment ADF.

Applicants wishing to serve as a Full Time or Part Time Commando may join any component of the ARes. Following the minimum period of service of approximately two years effective service, individuals may apply for Service in Commando. Individuals will be required to be recommended by the Special Forces Panelling Board (SFPB) and complete Special Forces Entry Tests prior to commencing the Commando Selection and Training Course (CSTC). On recommendation during the CSTC.

ARes individuals may elect to transfer to the ARA during training. ARes individuals electing to serve as Part Time Commando will be employed in 1 Commando Regiment which is restricted to the surrounding areas of their unit and sub-unit locations.

Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme ARA

There is no SFDRS for service in SAS.

Applicants wishing to serve as a Full Time Commando may apply to join via the SFDRS. SFDRS applicants are required to be recommended at a SFPB prior to enlistment. Following enlistment, SFDRS applicants are required to complete Army recruit training, complete RAInf Corps Initial Employment Training (IET), complete Accelerated Infantry Training (AIT) Program and complete Special Forces Entry Tests prior to commencing the Commando Selection and Training Course. Following a successful recommendation from the CSTC, SFDRS ARA applicants will commence the courses involved in the Commando Reinforcement Training Cycle.

The SFDRS is not available to current, in-active or ex-serving members.

Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme ARes

Applicants wishing to serve as a Part Time Commando may apply to join via the SFDRS. SFDRS applicants are required to be recommended at a SFPB prior to enlistment. Following enlistment, SFDRS applicants are required to complete Army recruit training, complete RAInf Corps Initial Employment Training (IET), complete Accelerated Infantry Training (AIT) Program and complete Special Forces Entry Tests prior to commencing the Commando Selection and Training Course. Following a successful recommendation from the CSTC, SFDRS ARes applicants will commence the courses involved in the Commando Reinforcement Training Cycle as required IAW work commitments.

The SFDRS is not available to current, in-active or ex-serving members.

Employment as a Special Forces soldier or officer requires you to join the Australian Defence Force and complete the minimum initial employment period prior to submitting an Application for Service in Special Forces. The only method of Direct Enlist to become a Special Forces soldier is as a Commando which requires you to apply for entry to the Australian Army through the Special Forces Direct Recruitment Scheme. This scheme requires you to enter the Army either full time as a General Entry (Non-Technical Trainee) or Part Time as a General Entry (Non-Technical Trainee) (Reserve). You will be enlisted in the Infantry Corps.

As a Special Forces Direct Recruitment Scheme General Entry Commando you will graduate from your Basic Military training, Infantry Initial Employment Training and Commando Training with the rank of private. As with other jobs within the Army, you will be eligible to be promoted to higher ranks. Based on your performance, time in your rank, the successful completion of both Army and Commando promotion courses and vacancies, you can expect to be considered for promotion to Lance Corporal, Corporal, Sergeant and Warrant Officer as your career progresses.

Re-enlistees and overseas lateral transfers

Re-enlistees are individuals that are previous ADF members wishing to re-enlist for service in Special Forces should contact the Recruitment and Selection Wing staff at Special Forces Training Centre and discuss the options available as requirements will differ for individuals.The requirements will vary depending on service therefore, individuals are encouraged to contact Recruitment and Selecting Wing at Special Forces Training Centre and discuss their options available.

The SFDRS is not available to current, in-active or ex-serving members.

Overseas lateral transfers are individuals who are currently serving in a foreign force wishing to apply for service in Special Forces are required to be interviewed by the Overseas Lateral Transfer Cell and be recommended for service in SF by Commandant Special Forces Training Centre. The requirements will vary depending on nation and type of service therefore, individuals are encouraged to contact Recruitment and Selecting Wing at Special Forces Training Centre and discuss their options available.

All applicants, whether a re-enlistee or overseas lateral transfer, are required to submit an application for service in Special Forces and need to be recommended by the Special Forces Panelling Board (SFPB) prior to any transfer action being completed. The SFPB will detail any requirements which may include any of the conduct of components of selection and / or training courses, any trade testing requirements or the submission of applications for Recognition of Prior Learning / Recognition of Current Competencies. The SFPB will also detail any constraints or limitations that are to be imposed including but not limited to training timelines and rank restrictions.

All applicants should receive a Letter of Offer which will detail all of the above and any additional details. This should be kept as a reference and needs to be accepted prior to the tranfer being completed.