Join Special Operations: Step up to the challenge, reap the rewards
Special Operations Command (SOCOMD) is seeking the next generation of Special Forces Soldiers and Officers to protect and defend our nation, through unconventional means. The ADF School of Special Operations (ADFSSO) is sourcing high calibre ADF and non-ADF members who are ready to take their career to the next level.
Recruitment is underway to join SOCOMD in 2025. Positions are available for Special Forces Operators in 1st Commando Regiment in Sydney or Melbourne, Special Air Service Regiment in Perth and 2nd Commando Regiment in Sydney. Positions are available for the Special Forces Engineers in Special Operations Engineer Regiment in Sydney.
RAR members are highly competitive for positions in SOCOMD and are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before 01 Feb 2025 to commence the process to undertake the next Special Forces Selection Course in May 2025.
Joining SOCOMD unlocks a range of opportunities. You will play a part in cutting-edge warfare now, and into the future. Your unique career path will be challenging, yet rewarding.
What you put in
It is no secret that joining SOCOMD involves hard work and dedication – it can’t be achieved overnight. The journey requires ongoing motivation and consistent focus on your fitness, cognitive function and core soldier skills such as navigation. This commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence will continue throughout your career in SOCOMD.
High levels of emotional intelligence and high technical and trade proficiency are non-negotiable. You need to be physically optimised and mentally prepared to conduct missions in highly complex environments, respond to non-traditional adversaries, and to keep pace with rapidly evolving threats.
In return for the skills, capabilities and experience you bring to SOCOMD, you’ll receive a range of perks that are unmatched elsewhere.
What you gain
A range of factors drive someone to join and stay serving within SOCOMD. The combined package of benefits and experiences make the offer unique and highly desirable.
SOCOMD invests in its people and presents opportunities for them to continuously develop – from training, access to modern and cutting-edge equipment through to professional development and education.
While purpose is at the core of ADF members broadly, you’ll unlock a deeper level of purpose and sense of achievement, personally and professionally. You’ll lead or be part of small, trusted teams that make a strategic level impact on the ADF’s response to rapidly changing threats.
Members of SOCOMD fulfil their sense of adventure and stretch outside of their comfort zone. You’ll gain exposure to high-risk, high-reward environments which the wider ADF are not exposed to.
The specialised training within SOCOMD is world-class. We become masters in our field because we are constantly learning. You’ll gain access to professional development to enhance your skills, and in turn, progress your career.
Although selected for your individual attributes, being part of SOCOMD is much more than an individual achievement. Surrounded yourself with other highly motivated, like-minded individuals united by the pursuit of excellence, and professional mastery.
You’ll be part of a high-performing team and your shared experiences will bond you together for life. There’s also the wider Special Forces community which provides an enduring sense of belonging and connection for you and your family.
Financial perks shouldn’t be a key motivation for joining, but are worth mentioning. While serving in SOCOMD, you’ll receive a higher salary and additional allowances to compensate you for your specialised skill set and extra qualifications.
There’s also a sense of stability that comes with being in a unit longer-term. Depending on your role and where you serve, you can gain more certainty around your future posting locations due to your specialised career path.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of SOCOMD. Take action now to prepare and apply to join in 2025 or start working towards your 2026 entry.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with your BFA results to notify SOCOMD of your interest to serve.
- Attend Special Forces Assessment Program (SFAP) held at Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney Feb or Mar 2025 (includes passing Special Forces Entry Test).
- Submit Application for service in SOCOMD.
- Complete Special Forces Selection Course (SFSC).
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
