What can the ADF do to appeal to young people?
ED: From my inbox … thanks Max
To appeal to young people, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can adopt several strategies that align with the interests, values, and preferences of the younger generation. Here are some potential approaches:
- Enhanced Digital Presence:
- Social Media Engagement: Utilize platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter to share engaging content, behind-the-scenes looks, and stories of ADF personnel.
- Interactive Content: Develop apps, games, and virtual reality experiences that simulate military roles and missions.
- Modernizing Recruitment Campaigns:
- Targeted Advertising: Use data-driven advertising to reach young people where they spend most of their time online.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with popular influencers and content creators who resonate with young audiences to promote ADF careers.
- Educational Outreach:
- School and University Programs: Conduct workshops, seminars, and presentations in schools and universities to inform students about career opportunities.
- Scholarship Programs: Offer scholarships and financial aid for education in exchange for service commitments.
- Emphasize Technological Advancements:
- Highlighting Tech Roles: Showcase careers in cybersecurity, IT, engineering, and other tech-related fields within the ADF.
- Innovation and Research: Promote the ADF’s involvement in cutting-edge research and technological development.
- Flexible Career Paths:
- Part-Time and Reservist Options: Emphasize flexible service options that allow young people to balance military service with other career or educational pursuits.
- Clear Career Progression: Outline clear pathways for career advancement and skill development.
- Focus on Personal Development:
- Leadership and Skills Training: Promote the leadership, teamwork, and specialized skills training that comes with ADF service.
- Physical and Mental Wellness: Highlight programs that support the physical and mental well-being of ADF members.
- Community and Global Impact:
- Humanitarian Missions: Emphasize the ADF’s role in humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and peacekeeping missions.
- Environmental Initiatives: Promote the ADF’s efforts in sustainability and environmental protection.
- Diversity and Inclusion:
- Inclusive Culture: Showcase the ADF’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, making it clear that people from all backgrounds are welcome.
- Support Networks: Highlight support networks and resources available for minority groups within the ADF.
- Real-Life Testimonials:
- Stories from Young Personnel: Share testimonials and success stories from young ADF members to provide relatable role models.
- Day-in-the-Life Content: Create content that gives a realistic view of daily life in the ADF.
By focusing on these areas, the ADF can create a more appealing and relatable image for young people, encouraging them to consider a career in the defence forces.
Was this meant to tell us the problem or the solution? Looks to me like the problem.
The way to get them into the military is to get them NOT to read the interim book written via the Royal Commission into Suicide and Suicidality. If they read even the first 20 pages of the book, there is no way they are going to join. From retired RAAFie.
I realize that TikTok is an acceptable platform for communication. From what I understand there is grave security concerns that should disqualify it from use by the ADF for any purpose.
Policymakers and training protocols are designed and written by senior officers, and these are accepted and signed off by generals and politicians. However, when implemented in combat, as witnessed by SF in Afghanistan, who is the fall guy? The other ranks and NCOs who trained and obeyed orders directed at them. Is that OK in the 21st-century warrior? Not for me; they are not!
After 20 years in the Infantry Corps and retiring as an RSM (WO1), I experienced two occasions, the first as a WO2 and the second as a retired WO1, where an NCO was targeted to protect the Officers involved.
The Afghanistan SF actions were leaked to ABC by the whistleblowing Legal Officer. The whistleblower was charged and recently imprisoned for his actions. The combat warriors have not been charged. Why?
Is it because they were obeying the training protocols and orders?
In the past decade, there have been many media and public comments about SF in Afghanistan and incidents condemning our SF warriors.
Is this why there is no interest in becoming an ADF member?
Is it because they are being shafted or sold down the river and neglected the protection they should have from senior commanders?
Looking back and watching the outcomes of specific media reports on Afghanistan-related matters, which never occurred during my twenty years, has influenced my opinion.
I retired in the 1980s because Australia created new protocols and procedures for the Army’s Military Laws, which were accepted and implemented before the creation of the ADF, which I was not willing to serve under.
What about selling the adventure part and ensuring that recruits/IETs/trained soldiers get it. People don’t usually join the army to sit in office jobs all their service.
How about throwing wounded soldiers out because they can’t meet the requirements, or throwing them out because they have PTSD induced by their service, they then become the problem of Welfare Officers or Police ,who didn’t give them the problem. lack of conscience in Senior Officers who allow this to happen. ( 30 yr Veteran and 35 Year Volunteer Welfare Officer)