eWise blog – Contributor
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) is facing a significant recruitment crisis. Currently, only 80 per cent of the 69,000 personnel needed to meet future challenges have enlisted. In response, the government has proposed allowing some foreign citizens to join to fill the shortfall.
There are two primary reasons for the current recruitment difficulties. One is economic—low unemployment and the perception of better opportunities, work conditions, and long-term prospects in the private sector. The other is cultural: a declining sense of national identity and willingness among Generation Z to serve their country, particularly within certain demographic groups.
The Need for a New Approach
Recruitment efforts must address the motivations of today’s young Australians, the primary pool of potential enlistees. Research into Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2008, has highlighted significant differences from previous generations. Raised in a digital world dominated by social media, many in this cohort exhibit higher levels of anxiety and depression, which can be barriers to military service.
Furthermore, military careers are often perceived as detrimental to mental well-being, particularly in light of findings from the Royal Commission into Veteran Suicide. Stricter mental health entry standards may have reinforced this perception, deterring potential recruits.
Additionally, financial considerations play a crucial role in recruitment. Many younger Australians are highly aware of pay and conditions, comparing ADF salaries and benefits against those offered by private sector employers.
Waning National Pride and Its Impact
A more troubling factor in the recruitment crisis is the declining level of national pride among young Australians. Studies show a steady drop in those who identify as “very proud” of their nationality. In 1981, 70.3 per cent of Australians expressed strong national pride. By 2018, this had declined to 60.8 per cent, with only 41.6 per cent of twentysomethings feeling the same way.
Similarly, willingness to fight for Australia has dropped. In 1981, 69 per cent of Australians in their twenties said they would defend the nation, compared to 65 per cent of those over 70. By 2018, these numbers had reversed, with only 44 per cent of young Australians willing to fight, while 59 per cent of older Australians remained committed.
This shift is partially due to changing cultural narratives. Traditional patriotism and a sense of duty have been weakened, replaced by a more globalist perspective in schools and universities. The once-common belief in “my country, right or wrong” has been diluted, with historical scrutiny of military actions further eroding confidence in service.
The Moral Imperative and Gen Z Recruitment
While traditional nationalism may be on the decline, many young people are drawn to causes they perceive as morally important. The ADF’s evolving role in humanitarian efforts, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions could serve as a strong recruitment motivator. Generation Z is deeply invested in social values such as environmental protection, diversity, and equity.
Rather than solely appealing to duty and patriotism, recruitment campaigns must also highlight opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and career advancement. Gen Z values work that aligns with their ideals and provides intrinsic rewards beyond financial incentives.
The Path Forward: Returning to Dedicated Recruiting Centres
To reverse the recruitment crisis, Defence must overhaul its approach. The recent National Defence Strategy acknowledged the need for “a fundamental transformation of Defence’s recruitment and retention system.”
Proposed reforms have included raising pay and bonuses, easing recruitment processes, reducing medical requirements, increasing the maximum recruitment age, and modernising military culture to be more appealing to younger Australians. However, one of the most crucial steps is returning to a system of dedicated Defence Recruiting Centres.
For decades, recruiting centres played a crucial role in engaging potential enlistees, offering a direct, personalised pathway to enlistment. Their closure and the outsourcing of recruitment have led to inefficiencies and reduced engagement. Reinstating these centres would allow for better targeted outreach, hands-on mentorship, and stronger connections with local communities. Face-to-face engagement is particularly important for overcoming misconceptions about military life and reinforcing the value of service.
A reinvigorated recruitment strategy must focus on a combination of patriotism, personal development, and career opportunity, reinforced by a dedicated recruitment infrastructure. By doing so, the ADF can once again become an attractive and viable career choice for young Australians, ensuring the nation remains well-defended into the future.
