ADF Grows Stronger with Record Recruitment | Perth News

0:00It's September 14. I'm Corey with the story, and this is Perth News today, your AI-powered local news. The Australian Defense Force saw a major boost in personnel over the last financial year, hitting over 64,000 members. That's more than 8,000 new recruits in just that year, the biggest influx in 16 years. On top of that, fewer people are leaving the force, reaching a 15-year low in departures. This surge comes as the government continues to focus on overhauling how they bring people in and keep them around. Defense Minister Richard Marles highlighted that this past year saw more sailors, soldiers, aviators, and cyber and space operators join up than at. Any point in the last 16 years, the emphasis is on ensuring the people serving the nation have the support they need. It's not just about getting new faces in the door. Defense personnel Minister Matt Kio pointed out that people are also choosing to stay longer. The stress that the most crucial asset the Defense Force has is its people, who are dedicated

1:00to the mission every single day. With over 300 different roles available, a career in the ADF offers a wide range of dynamic and rewarding paths. Meanwhile, the government has been working to make it easier to join, even adjusting medical entry requirements to be more inclusive. They've also introduced programs like the ADF Continuation Bonus to encourage people to stay on. These efforts are happening against the backdrop of global instability, making a strong defense force more critical than ever. So, the numbers are looking up for the ADF, with more Australian stepping up to serve and choosing to build a career in uniform. It's a positive sign for the nation's defense capabilities and the people who dedicate themselves to protecting it.