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About the role
As a Military Police Officer, you’ll provide an essential element of command and control through the application of the 4 main military police functions of Law Enforcement - Mobility and Manoeuvre Support, Security, Internment and Detention Operations.
You’ll maintain the law and provide specialist security across a variety of ADF activities including high-threat situations. Once trained, you will oversee and manage law enforcement tasks within field, barracks and operational environments.
This meaningful role is part of the Army Officer - Command career pathway, where you’ll learn the fundamentals of being a leader to a team of soldiers, including mentorship, influence, problem solving, decision making and much more. No leadership experience is required, and you’ll be allocated to your specific role before you graduate from training.
What you'll do
As a critical component of the Military Justice System, your role is to maintain military effectiveness and the reputation of Army in Australia and overseas. In addition, Military Police provide Army with a critical law enforcement capability assisting in the enforcement, enhancement, establishment or re-establishment of civilian laws and/or judicial systems and administering applicable international civilian law.
Key information
DutiesTraining and skillsProgressionAdditional informationLocations
Duties
Your duties may include:
* management and leadership
* assisting in the embarkation and disembarkation of the force
* reconnaissance, traffic control and security of the military road network
* policing patrols in support of crime prevention and deterrence activities
* emergency and incident response
* maintenance of general law and order
* lawful collection and processing of captured personnel (POWs)
* asset protection including buildings and critical infrastructure.
Training and skills
With paid training, you'll gain all the skills you need to tackle anything this rewarding role throws at you. Plus, you’ll be supported by professional and enthusiastic Army personnel who’ll provide the necessary guidance to ensure you’re prepared.
Aspects of your training may result in the award of civil qualifications – something you can check with your Instructional Staff when you conduct your Initial Employment Training.
You may undertake specialist courses prior to undertaking selected tactical appointments as a Lieutenant or technical appointments as a Captain. These appointments are as follows:
Tactical Support Element
Selected (Regular) Military Police Officers may be appointed to command specialist Tactical Support Elements within a Military Police Company of the 1st Military Police Battalion. Personnel within the Tactical Support Elements, in addition to their generalist police skills and specialisation, are trained in advanced weapons systems, close quarter fighting, surveillance, reconnaissance and individual and team drills.
The Tactical Support Elements provide a more advanced tactical capability and consists of two elements:
* Close Protection Team: All personnel in the Close protection team are qualified Close Protection Operatives. Close Protection is provided to high profile personnel or VIPs who are likely to be terrorist, criminal or military targets due to their grade, assignment, symbolic value, vulnerabilities and/or location. In addition to the skills outlined above, Close Protection Operatives are employed in Protection duties, guarding military and non-military VIP, in all theatres of operations.
* Military Police Dog Element: All personnel in the Military Police Dog Element are qualified Military Police Dog Handlers. Military Police Dogs undertake tasks such as trailing and tracking, building clearances, search and rescue and crowd control. In addition to the Tactical Support Team skills outlined above, Military Police Dog Handlers are responsible for the training, husbandry and handling of Military Police Dogs that are used to detect human intrusion, track people, act as a deterrent in crowd control and apprehend personnel suspected of committing criminal offences.
Joint Military Police Unit
Military Police Officers may be appointed to technical and/or command positions as within the Joint Military Police Unit and may undertake the ADF Investigators Course prior to undertaking the appointment.
The Joint Military Police Unit provides Defence with a full spectrum of police capability from General Duties Policing to serious, complex and sensitive investigative capability domestically and overseas. This includes tasks such as Law enforcement, crime scene examinations, investigation of incidents and the collection, recording and subsequent presentation of evidence at judicial proceedings. ADF Investigators also work with state, territory and Australian Federal Police.
As an officer, you'll learn additional skills and duties to become highly trained and efficient in supporting the security and safety of your place of work and those around you. This involves providing leadership, management, administration and career advice to junior members and officers within your team. This training and support continues as your career progresses, equipping you with a range of skills that will benefit you, wherever your career takes you.
Progression
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Army will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Army.
Upon qualifying as Military Police Officers, individuals are posted to Command appointments within the 1st Military Police Battalion. Follow on postings are based upon the service need, career development needs and individual preferences.
Military Police Officers may be appointed to technical and / or command positions within the Joint Military Police Unit and may undertake the ADF Investigators Course prior to undertaking the appointment.
The Joint Military Police Unit provides Defence with a full spectrum of police capability from General Duties Policing to serious, complex and sensitive investigative capability domestically and overseas. This includes tasks such as crime scene examinations, investigation of incidents and the collection, recording and subsequent presentation of evidence at judicial proceedings. ADF Investigators also work with state, territory and the Australian Federal Police.
As an officer, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Additional information
Military Police Professional Ethos
Military Police are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards and integrity associated with a position of trust and are expected to embody the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police qualities, exercising prudent judgement and discretion in your private and social life. Regardless of the environment in which you work, Military Police have continual contact with all ranks and Services and civilians. Military Police are required to understand and empathise with indigenous cultures, communicate across cultural barriers and interact in detail with the local populace that may involve accessing sensitive personal information as part of your police duties, including investigations, therefore the highest levels of personal integrity, discretion and tact are mandatory.
In-Service Information
In the Army, this role is known as: Military Police Officer
Corps: Royal Australian Corps of Military Police.
Locations
Following training, you could be posted to any one of the following locations:
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Regular), Townsville, Qld – various tactical command, specialist and staff appointments
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Regular), Darwin, NT – various tactical command, specialist and staff appointments
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Reserve), Headquarters and elements, Macleod, Vic – regular training and staff appointments
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Regular), Enoggera, Qld – various tactical command, specialist and staff appointments
* Defence Force School of Policing, Holsworthy NSW – various command, training and staff appointments.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map. Duties
Duties
Your duties may include:
* management and leadership
* assisting in the embarkation and disembarkation of the force
* reconnaissance, traffic control and security of the military road network
* policing patrols in support of crime prevention and deterrence activities
* emergency and incident response
* maintenance of general law and order
* lawful collection and processing of captured personnel (POWs)
* asset protection including buildings and critical infrastructure.
Training and skills
With paid training, you'll gain all the skills you need to tackle anything this rewarding role throws at you. Plus, you’ll be supported by professional and enthusiastic Army personnel who’ll provide the necessary guidance to ensure you’re prepared.
Aspects of your training may result in the award of civil qualifications – something you can check with your Instructional Staff when you conduct your Initial Employment Training.
You may undertake specialist courses prior to undertaking selected tactical appointments as a Lieutenant or technical appointments as a Captain. These appointments are as follows:
Tactical Support Element
Selected (Regular) Military Police Officers may be appointed to command specialist Tactical Support Elements within a Military Police Company of the 1st Military Police Battalion. Personnel within the Tactical Support Elements, in addition to their generalist police skills and specialisation, are trained in advanced weapons systems, close quarter fighting, surveillance, reconnaissance and individual and team drills.
The Tactical Support Elements provide a more advanced tactical capability and consists of two elements:
* Close Protection Team: All personnel in the Close protection team are qualified Close Protection Operatives. Close Protection is provided to high profile personnel or VIPs who are likely to be terrorist, criminal or military targets due to their grade, assignment, symbolic value, vulnerabilities and/or location. In addition to the skills outlined above, Close Protection Operatives are employed in Protection duties, guarding military and non-military VIP, in all theatres of operations.
* Military Police Dog Element: All personnel in the Military Police Dog Element are qualified Military Police Dog Handlers. Military Police Dogs undertake tasks such as trailing and tracking, building clearances, search and rescue and crowd control. In addition to the Tactical Support Team skills outlined above, Military Police Dog Handlers are responsible for the training, husbandry and handling of Military Police Dogs that are used to detect human intrusion, track people, act as a deterrent in crowd control and apprehend personnel suspected of committing criminal offences.
Joint Military Police Unit
Military Police Officers may be appointed to technical and/or command positions as within the Joint Military Police Unit and may undertake the ADF Investigators Course prior to undertaking the appointment.
The Joint Military Police Unit provides Defence with a full spectrum of police capability from General Duties Policing to serious, complex and sensitive investigative capability domestically and overseas. This includes tasks such as Law enforcement, crime scene examinations, investigation of incidents and the collection, recording and subsequent presentation of evidence at judicial proceedings. ADF Investigators also work with state, territory and Australian Federal Police.
As an officer, you'll learn additional skills and duties to become highly trained and efficient in supporting the security and safety of your place of work and those around you. This involves providing leadership, management, administration and career advice to junior members and officers within your team. This training and support continues as your career progresses, equipping you with a range of skills that will benefit you, wherever your career takes you.
Progression
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career as an officer. As you progress, the Army will provide you with leadership, management, and specialist skills training to develop your ability to effectively manage your teams. You’ll also be provided with training opportunities to further develop your role-related expertise. This world-class training will strengthen your skillset and enable you to become an influential leader in the Army.
Upon qualifying as Military Police Officers, individuals are posted to Command appointments within the 1st Military Police Battalion. Follow on postings are based upon the service need, career development needs and individual preferences.
Military Police Officers may be appointed to technical and / or command positions within the Joint Military Police Unit and may undertake the ADF Investigators Course prior to undertaking the appointment.
The Joint Military Police Unit provides Defence with a full spectrum of police capability from General Duties Policing to serious, complex and sensitive investigative capability domestically and overseas. This includes tasks such as crime scene examinations, investigation of incidents and the collection, recording and subsequent presentation of evidence at judicial proceedings. ADF Investigators also work with state, territory and the Australian Federal Police.
As an officer, you may also undertake a posting to an Any Officer role during your career, such as instructor/training roles and staff officer roles. This experience helps you broaden your skill set and prepare for more senior roles.
Additional information
Military Police Professional Ethos
Military Police are expected to maintain the highest ethical standards and integrity associated with a position of trust and are expected to embody the Royal Australian Corps of Military Police qualities, exercising prudent judgement and discretion in your private and social life. Regardless of the environment in which you work, Military Police have continual contact with all ranks and Services and civilians. Military Police are required to understand and empathise with indigenous cultures, communicate across cultural barriers and interact in detail with the local populace that may involve accessing sensitive personal information as part of your police duties, including investigations, therefore the highest levels of personal integrity, discretion and tact are mandatory.
In-Service Information
In the Army, this role is known as: Military Police Officer
Corps: Royal Australian Corps of Military Police.
Locations
Following training, you could be posted to any one of the following locations:
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Regular), Townsville, Qld – various tactical command, specialist and staff appointments
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Regular), Darwin, NT – various tactical command, specialist and staff appointments
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Reserve), Headquarters and elements, Macleod, Vic – regular training and staff appointments
* 1st Military Police Battalion (Regular), Enoggera, Qld – various tactical command, specialist and staff appointments
* Defence Force School of Policing, Holsworthy NSW – various command, training and staff appointments.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map. Take a look at the role requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic role requirements. You'll find detailed information on the Entry requirements tab.
I am an Australian citizen, or an eligible Australian permanent resident
I am at least 17 years old
You can start your years or 16 years for ADFA.
My background can be checked
To obtain the minimum-security clearance, you must have lived in Australia or have a checkable background for the past 10 years.
I have completed Year 12
You’ll need to have passed English and 3 other approved Year 12 subjects or be in Year 12 and on track to pass them all. Or for ADFA, with an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) high enough to qualify for entry to the relevant degree program.
I am reasonably fit and healthy
Keeping fit is a big part of joining the ADF. You’ll need to pass a physical fitness test before you join, but don’t worry, we'll give you tips to help you prepare.
My driver’s licence is not suspended or cancelled
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.