Important: This page is an independent reference summary. Verify classification decisions against the official ABS source before using them for tax, licensing, immigration or compliance purposes.

Role overview

Defence Force Members - Other Ranks are enlisted personnel who provide specialised military services within the Australian Defence Force (ADF). This occupation encompasses a broad range of non-commissioned roles across the Australian Army, Royal Australian Navy, and Royal Australian Air Force. These personnel perform essential operational functions including combat operations, technical support, surveillance, and base security. Their work supports both domestic security operations and international deployments, including peacekeeping missions and disaster recovery efforts. The classification represents the skilled technical and operational backbone of Australia's military forces, distinct from commissioned officers who hold command positions.

Key tasks in practice

Defence Force Members - Other Ranks perform diverse operational duties depending on their service branch and specialisation:

  • Providing security for defence facilities including airfields and naval bases
  • Operating advanced military equipment such as artillery systems, shipboard weapons, and armoured vehicles
  • Conducting engineering tasks including bridge construction, field defences, and explosive demolitions
  • Performing surveillance, reconnaissance, and boarding operations
  • Maintaining weapons systems, communications equipment, and personal arms
  • Supporting combat operations, peacekeeping missions, and disaster recovery efforts

Specific task allocation varies significantly between the three services and within different trade specialisations.

Skill level explanation

This occupation is classified at Skill Level 3 in the Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) framework. This indicates that most roles typically require:

  • AQF Certificate III or IV qualification, or
  • At least two years of relevant experience

In military context, this skill level is demonstrated through completion of initial military training followed by service-specific trade training. Personnel develop specialised technical competencies through both formal instruction and on-the-job experience. The skill level reflects the combination of military discipline, technical proficiency, and operational readiness required for effective performance in defence roles.

Industry context

This occupation falls within Major Group 4 (Community and Personal Service Workers) and specifically the Protective Service Workers sub-category. The primary employment context is:

  • Australian Defence Force (ANZSIC code 7712 - Defence)

Additional related ANZSIC industries include security services and other government administration, though the vast majority of employment occurs within direct defence operations. The OSCA classification aligns exactly with ANZSCO code 441111, ensuring consistency across Australian statistical frameworks. This occupation represents a critical component of Australia's national security infrastructure, with personnel deployed across domestic and international operations.