Australian Defence Force
About
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is Australia's military organisations. They fulfil key defensive roles as well as providing a range of peacetime services.
In addition to defending Australia, the ADF supports
a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas, including:
- Supporting international security and counter-terrorism initiatives
- Protecting Australia's borders from illegal activity and incursions
- Supporting humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, and
- Helping communities affected by natural disasters.
- Ensuring the safety of shipping, which accounts for 90% of Australia's imports and exports.
What kind of work?
Legal Officers in the Australian Army Legal Corps work in the broad fields of disciplinary, administrative, operations, civil and commercial law as well as dealing with legal aid requirements.
Legal Officers also have military training in leadership, command and control, unit and personnel administration, basic military skills and the ideals of officer behaviour.
Location
Adelaide, Albury/Wodonga, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Kapooka, Melbourne, Perth, Puckapunyal, Sydney and Townsville
Student Opportunities
The Army offers sponsorship for students studying certain
degrees, including law. Students can join the ADF and have their fees paid for, earn a salary and be guaranteed a graduate job after completing their studies.
In return, students are expected to complete one to four
weeks of training each year during university holidays, and commit to full-time service for the number of years
of university sponsorship plus one year (with a minimum of three years' service).
You can serve in the Navy, Army or Air Force. You can find more information here:
https://www.defence jobs.gov.au/students-andeducation/defence-university-sponsorship
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates with degrees in areas including law can apply
for an Officer role through Graduate Entry. You will receive further training and postgraduate study opportunities in the ADF.
Law graduates will study administrative law, discipline law, operations law and military practice law, and will be
awarded a Graduate Certificate in Military Law and Master of Military Law.
Graduates can choose whether to pursue a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force.
You can find more information here:
https://www.defence jobs.gov.au/students-andeducation/graduate-entry/
Fun Fact / Recent Project
Operation COVID-19 Assist
The ADF have helped mitigate the current COVID crisis through Operation COVID-19 Assist. Defence support includes:
- Contact tracing and planning support teams to all state and territory governments.
- Supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements.
- The ADF will not be authorised as law enforcement officers as this remains the responsibility of the states and territories
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