Young people’s interest in a Defence career: Findings from Waves 1-3 of the GENERATION study

This report investigates the factors shaping young Australians’ plans to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF). There is a current need to increase the numbers of the ADF. Using nationally representative longitudinal data from the GENERATION Study, this report examines the characteristics of senior secondary students who plan to join the ADF after finishing school. Seven percent of Year 10 students reported plans to join the ADF. Having parents who want the young person to join the ADF was the strongest predictor of plans to join the ADF. Having parents employed in the ADF, having parents born in Australia, being male, and having friends with ADF aspirations were also associated with plans to join the ADF. Young people with Realistic, Enterprising, Engineering, or Physical Science career interests were more likely to plan to join the ADF. The findings highlight the influential role of families, peers, and career preferences, suggesting recruitment approaches should engage broader social and educational contexts to effectively attract and retain future ADF personnel.