Australian Defence Force Reaches Largest Size in 25 Years

The Australian Defence Force has reached its largest personnel size in 25 years, with more than 64,000 full-time members. This growth follows targeted social media campaigns, improved pay, and expanded eligibility criteria. As part of a $65 million pilot program, the military will begin recruiting university students from Papua New Guinea.

The expansion supports a broader military build-up of nuclear-powered submarines and long-range missiles under the Aukus pact. The Parliament of Australia has invested billions in maritime firepower, describing the current strategic environment in the Indo-Pacific as the most threatening since World War II. The military aims to reach 69,000 personnel by the early 2030s.

Despite the growth, the force remains below annual government targets and struggles with a slow enlistment process that averages 259 days. Rear Admiral Letitia Van Stralen announced reforms to reduce this waiting period to 100 days. Additionally, the force is implementing a women veterans' strategy to increase female workforce participation to 25% by 2030.