A recruitment and retention crisis in the ADF

While limited measures have been introduced to improve educational and training opportunities, we still fall a long way behind benefits that have been introduced by the militaries of other countries.

For a start there is no justification for the fact that, in many cases, ADF training does not provide nationally accredited TAFE equivalent qualifications that are recognised in the civilian labour market.

The ADF has enormous training resources and there is an opportunity for the military to perform a significant youth training role. Developing relationships with Vocational Education secondary schools and TAFE colleges, as an employer partner for young people learning a trade, would both improve Australia’s skill base and foster closer relations between our youth and our military.

Overseas experience shows that the opportunity for constant personal advancement provides a powerful incentive to remain in the military. The provision of paid study rest in exchange for a return of service obligation would provide a break from military life and an opportunity to restore family bonds. Again, overseas experience shows that such measures can significantly improve retention because it provides confidence that military life actually enhances a person’s ability to eventually embark on a satisfying civilian career.

These are just some of the measures that have been sensibly proposed. The bottom line is that the government will have Buckley’s chance of achieving recruitment and retention targets unless it urgently implements measures to assist defence families and improve military opportunities.