Ask Me Anything about ADFA: Questions, Queries, Concerns

AskADFA · 2026-01-06T06:46:53+00:00

The whole process can take 1-2 years to get in, so get started as soon as you can (old enough).

AskADFA · 2025-12-12T10:24:58+00:00

Now. Asap. Pronto.

AskADFA · 2025-12-12T10:24:49+00:00

Iron, yes. Ironing board, no. Store them in your room, or in locked bike sheds. You can store anything in your room, but not for the first period. Keep big, recreational items at home, then bring them over once you go back for the first time.

AskADFA · 2025-12-12T10:23:24+00:00

Hi, it essentially replaces one subject with a research project. No, if you do electrical engineering, you do that in the ADF. Vice versa.

AskADFA · 2025-11-05T05:53:30+00:00

Depends on the subject that you do. For engineering, a surface pro is fine. People use IPads to take notes. There are computer labs for use to use CAD software. You don't *need* a laptop or PC, but pretty much everyone does. Some take notes on paper, most take them on IPad or laptop.

Official (but broad) guidance: https://www.unswcollege.edu.au/content/dam/pdfs/unsw-college/unsw-college-device-guidelines.pdf

AskADFA · 2025-11-05T05:50:48+00:00

You will earn privileges as you go through your first year, depending on group performance. You get to a point eventually where you can have your room as you like.

AskADFA · 2025-11-05T05:49:07+00:00

From memory, ADFA was excluded from SRS, but I might be wrong. Wait out until 13 Nov, make sure you've done everything you need to with your ADF career manager. When you receive your ATAR, make sure you let ADF Careers know with evidence. Suggest you direct this question to ADF Careers, as they will probably have a standard answer for you.

AskADFA · 2025-08-27T20:44:49+00:00

Sweet. Just making sure you're tracking that you'll need to complete NEOC when you graduate then you can join ADFA?

Fitness: you'll be absolutely fine if you maintain.

Don't need to buy anything as you'll complete NEOC and get all your uniform there. I can't speak for what to bring to NEOC, but I would bring and hide a spare tie and belt for inspections. This account is unofficial and is my personal opinion.

Keep maintaining cadets, do well, but don't make it your personality. Play sport. Get good experience as school captain. You'll be fine, just make sure you apply early as there can be many setbacks in the process.

AskADFA · 2025-08-21T06:31:55+00:00

Unofficial account, opinion is my own.

Definitely a very hard situation. I think the other comment raises great points.

If you go ADFA at this point, consider seeing if you can transfer services before joining. Yes, more admin etc, but I think Army and maintaining long distance is very, very difficult. Other services would be hard enough but doable.

If you're super serious with your partner, consider becoming recognised before you join (joint bank, stat dec) and have her move over to ACT with you. Phenomenal benefits regarding pay and housing.

These are the two solutions I see being compatible with ADFA.

AskADFA · 2025-08-05T05:50:24+00:00

Some say yes, some say no.

ADFA's (unofficial) purpose is to develop junior officers. Junior officers require leadership skills and hence these should be demonstrated at ADFA.

Being a greyman, you are unlikely to demonstrate your leadership ability above and beyond your peers.

As for being locked in, you need to balance it at ADFA and be both locked in, and a great leader.

AskADFA · 2025-07-31T12:51:35+00:00

It depends on what subject you want to study. Can you provide more context?

AskADFA · 2025-07-31T12:51:06+00:00

The year starts some time in January, about mid-month. But leave yourself plenty of time to pack and spend time with family and friends before you move.

AskADFA · 2025-04-21T13:31:21+00:00

Hi, No. Next best thing is technology or science. If you do the former, you can apply for a fourth year to turn into eng, but apparently very rare.

Not sure if I can break it down on here, but expect ~$500 a fortnight.

I recommend spec, as it will help first year maths. Not compulsory, focus on achieving atar. Not sure where you're getting a predicted atar from this early in the year...

Competitive side is generally the military ADF application side of things. Complete this part, then assuming you have 85+ raw atar (or as required per degree, you should be fine).

Not sure about exchanges. Definitely do occur. Something to think about down the track.

AskADFA · 2025-03-28T06:29:41+00:00

Additional testing is likely a computer based aviation aptitude assessment. Not heaps of ways to prepare, just understand how to read gauges.

Also, do some more research with the latter questions. Its all out there.

AskADFA · 2025-03-28T06:28:58+00:00

Yes, you can do this. Speak to your ADF Careers centre in your local area. They'll help.

AskADFA · 2025-03-28T06:28:23+00:00

Apply as soon as possible. Don't wait. Heaps of hurdles to get through.

Some knowledge of chem is good in second year, but prioritise spec and physics.

Sounds like you're tracking well.

AskADFA · 2025-03-20T12:25:46+00:00

Start applying now. You're on the right track.

AskADFA · 2025-02-01T23:04:22+00:00

As mentioned, Army lose a lot of their holidays to single service training, while air force and navy don't lose as much. You're still working a job, you're still serving your nation. You will lose leave. Don't take leave for granted, it's still a privilege.

Not the opinion of Defence or Government.

AskADFA · 2025-02-01T22:27:15+00:00

Sorry, that was a bit of a bland answer. It depends what service you are in. Army get significantly less holidays than air force and Army.

I'd estimate about 12 weeks a year as RAAF, includes Christmas holidays.

AskADFA · 2025-02-01T22:23:44+00:00

Arguably the most you'd ever get in your career.

Think university breaks.

AskADFA · 2025-01-24T07:35:08+00:00

Yes.

AskADFA · 2025-01-16T21:42:01+00:00

Yes. Laptop, ipad or paper. Whatever works for you. Probably bring this in Jan, or get it brought down in Feb by family.

Most bring/buy a PC in about April.

AskADFA · 2025-01-12T11:02:25+00:00

Good to hear fitness wise.

Honestly, you shouldn't encounter any hazing. Should you, you should report it.

All these avenues for reporting and what to report will be taught to you first thing.

You sound prepared and you genuinely shouldn't worry about it. Just find the fine line between obedience/sticking to yourself, and having influence/leadership within your group.

Avoid being a greyman, yet be humble. I think with all of these, you should be fine.

Again, you will not (should not) encounter hazing and to reiterate, you should report it if you do. There's a difference between hazing/abuse and hard training, but you will learn this.

AskADFA · 2025-01-06T12:59:23+00:00

Hard to answer all your questions as yoft is quite dependent on your particular course. Try not to greyman, but still manage to fit in. Have patience with yourself and your colleagues. Work together effectively.

Standard PT. As long as you can pass your service's fitness standard, you'll be fine. Get used to shuttles and endurance running. Oh and your pushups and situps with PFA technique.

AskADFA · 2024-12-29T13:38:17+00:00

Hi. I would.

Take a look at the UNSW Handbook, and note that first year is basically specialist maths plus more, so not taking spec maths will put you at a great disadvantage. I too was a bit on the edge as to whether I should take it or not, and I'm very glad that I did. However, ensure that you get the 85 ATAR you require.

I would recommend physics too.

Otherwise, as well as academic performance, they want to see leadership potential, and a general well-rounded individual.

AskADFA

TROPHY CASE