Australia’s strategic environment is increasingly complex, comprising sophisticated and rapidly evolving threats. Our Special Forces (SF) personnel must operate in what will be a fast-paced and highly technical battlespace.
To address this challenging battlespace, Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) is seeking the next generation of Special Forces Soldiers and Officers. ADF members who are ready to take their career to the next level can join SOCOMD to play a part in cutting-edge warfare now, and into the future.
The Australian Defence Force School of Special Operations (ADFSSO) is responsible for the attraction, selection, training, and development of SOCOMD’s workforce. We are always looking for high calibre individuals who are seeking a challenge and are willing to protect and defend our nation, through unconventional means.
Roles available
SOCOMD’s workforce is drawn from current-serving ADF members across Air Force, Army and Navy, as well as externally via the Special Forces Direct Recruiting Scheme.
Air Force personnel are eligible to apply for SOCOMD’s SF Operator and SF Engineer roles. Upon joining, you’ll gain exposure to high-risk, high-reward operational environments and access opportunities not offered anywhere else in the ADF.
SF Operators are trained to employ SF tactics, techniques and procedures specific to one of three SOCOMD Core Functions: Strike & Recovery, Special Warfare and Special Reconnaissance. Operating in highly complex environments, you’ll deliver unconventional solutions to complex problems.
SF Operator candidates access a range of employment opportunities and locations:
- 1st Commando Regiment in Sydney or Melbourne
- Special Air Service Regiment in Perth
- 2nd Commando Regiment in Sydney
The SF Engineer role suits technically minded individuals with strong problem-solving skills – no prior engineering experience is required. Operating in agile and highly skilled teams, you’ll provide a rapidly deployable and specialised capability to neutralise chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives (CBRNE) threats across the spectrum of Special Operations. Successful SF Engineer candidates will serve at the Special Operations Engineer Regiment in Sydney.
Although not part of SOCOMD, RAAF Combat Control Team (CCT) within 4 Squadron work in direct support of SF operations. RAAF 4 Squadron recruits from all musterings/corps across each of the services, therefore Air Force members can also consider this role.
Combat Controllers and Combat Control Officers complete the SF Operator pathway for selection and numerous other courses focussing of survivability, insertion, tactics and air power integration.
Process to join
SOCOMD’s recruitment approach has recently evolved to make sure we get the right people, with the right skills, at the right time to continue delivering high value capability.
If you’re interested in SF Operator, SF Engineer or RAAF CCT (or all three roles), you’ll follow the steps below to join.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with your BFA results to notify SOCOMD of your interest to serve.
- Attend the Special Forces Assessment Program (SFAP) held at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney in February 2025 (includes passing Special Forces Entry Test).
- Submit Application Form.
- Complete Special Forces Selection Course (SFSC).
If you’re pursuing the RAAF CCT role, your pathway to selection will be managed by RAAF 4 Squadron through the Combat Control Indoctrination Course (INDOC) conducted in March 2025.
SOCOMD’s high-performing teams come from diverse backgrounds and go beyond those who ‘fit the mould’. We’re seeking individuals who are physically fit, possess high levels of emotional intelligence and high technical and trade proficiency. If this is you, take action now to prepare and apply to join SOCOMD in 2025 or start working towards your 2026 entry.
Now is the time to join a team united by the pursuit of excellence, professional mastery and a desire to achieve a greater level of purpose in everything they do.
Get accurate information straight from the source – search “Join Special Operations” on the DPN or email your questions to ADFSSO (JoinSpecialOperations@defence.gov.au).
We look forward to receiving your EOI.
Lieutenant Colonel Adam Fardy, DSM
Commanding Officer/Chief Instructor
Australian Defence Force School of Special Operations
