The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has seen the largest spike in its recruitment in 15 years, but the picture is not entirely clear.
While the 2022-23 and 2023-24 intake has shown an obvious decline, the 2024-25 statistics have appeared to stabilise, as well as showing an increase of 17 per cent from the previous figures, being the highest spike since the 2009-10 intake.
The 2025-26 report, which is yet to be released, will reveal if the trend continues upwards or returns to the declining rates.
Naval Historical Society of Australia presdient, David Michael said that recruitment is heavily tied to economy and perceived prospects.
“During periods of depression, recession, recruiting is good…if unemployment is high then recruiting improves,” Mr Michael said.
However, conflict or uncertainty is also not always a reason for smaller recruitment numbers.
“Certainly people volunteer during times of conflict,” Mr Michael said.
“In the period we’re going through at the moment… this decade and the next decade, probably not unlike the 1920s and 1930s.”
Note: Statistics for 2020-23 are only approximations as per the ADF Annual Report
It’s not just conflict that is important to consider for those who join up.
“Money is not always the answer. It’s recognition for the time away from home,” Mr Micheal said.
“False promises from recruiting officers doesn’t help either.”
He said difficulties in the recruitment process can sometimes leave defence members feeling disillusioned.
The Royal Australian Navy makes up 21.6 per cent of all members of the Australian armed forces, according to the most recent Australian Defence Force Annual Report.
Whatever the trend, the ADF has been attempting to boost recruitment through advertising, according to the Minister for Defence Personnel Matt Keogh.
The ADF spent more than $63 million alone on advertising during the 2024-25 period.
“As we’ve been trying to streamline that recruitment process, there were some teething problems with our new recruitment partner,” Mr Keogh told the Guardian
Mr Michael has also raised concerns about outsourcing.
“A lot of the recruitment process has been outsourced to contractors, where as previously it was done by uniformed people,” he said.
“It’s all been contracted out and it seems to have bogged down.
“A lot of potential recruits walk away because the process is just too long.”
Mr Michael maintained that the ADF has to maintain a level of fairness and connection with its members
“For that retention figure to improve, Defence has got to be doing the right thing, looking after its people,” he said.
Additional reporting: Koda Way
