The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is opening its doors to recruits from foreign countries, including the UK, to address its enlistment shortfalls and strengthen its military in response to increasing regional threats. Starting in July, New Zealand nationals who are permanent residents of Australia can apply to join the ADF, with this opportunity extending to individuals from the UK, the US, Canada, and other countries next year.
Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that these changes in eligibility are crucial to address the nation’s security challenges for the next decade and beyond. He highlighted the longstanding “Anzac bond” between Australia and New Zealand, citing their joint efforts at Gallipoli during World War One. Recently, Australia has been enhancing ties with the UK and the US, notably through the Aukus pact, a defense and security alliance aimed at countering China’s military expansion in the Indo-Pacific.
Australia, along with the UK, US, Canada, and New Zealand, collaborates closely in intelligence sharing through the Five Eyes alliance. While the recruitment focus is on individuals from these nations, Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh noted that from January 1, any eligible permanent resident can apply to join the ADF.
Canberra has expressed growing concerns about China’s assertiveness, and a strategic review of the ADF highlighted the importance of expanding and retaining a skilled defense workforce to address these concerns. The previous government announced a A$38 billion investment in 2020 to increase uniformed personnel by 30% within two decades. However, Keogh pointed out that low unemployment rates in Australia have made recruitment challenging, with the ADF currently short by about 4,400 personnel.
Although Australia has previously accepted small numbers of military transfers from allied nations, the new eligibility rules aim to significantly expand the pool of potential recruits. Applicants must meet ADF entry standards and security requirements, have been permanent residents of Australia for over a year, and must not have served in a foreign military in the past two years. They must also be eligible for Australian citizenship, which they will be offered and expected to accept after 90 days of service.
Opposition spokesman for foreign affairs, Simon Birmingham, stated they are not opposed to the plan but criticized the government’s defense strategy for undermining confidence and morale within the ADF, expressing a preference for Australians wearing the Australian uniform.
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