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The ADF is set to create a “purpose-built space workforce” for the first time in a major shake-up to its recruitment strategy.
Currently, defence space recruits work for the Navy, Army or RAAF. However, from 2026, a new ‘Air Force direct entry pathway’ will open for roles such as space operations specialists and officers.
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It comes after Space Command in 2023 formally shifted from operating within the Air Force to being within the ADF’s Joint Capabilities Group – a move designed to increase the sector’s importance to the wider military.
“To meet the demands of the evolving space domain, Defence will soon begin targeted recruitment and training for highly specialised roles to grow its existing space workforce across areas including satellite communications and operations, position, navigation and timing, intelligence and surveillance,” Defence said.
“Beyond the technical edge, an Australian Defence Force career in space operations will offer some truly extraordinary opportunities.
“From working with cutting-edge satellite systems and commercial partners, to contributing to joint and coalition operations, members will be part of a frontier mission at the intersection of science, strategy and service.”
Matt Keogh, Minister for Defence Personnel, said Australia’s region is rapidly evolving and that space has become a critical operational domain.
“By establishing a permanent space workforce, we are preparing Defence to lead, integrate and innovate in this contested and congested environment,” he said.
“People are at the centre of our advantage. Defence is building a sustainable space workforce through targeted recruitment, career pathways and joint training.
“The evolving space domain demands highly specialised roles and will provide our people with opportunities to shape how Australia operates in space.”
The news follows Major General Gregory Novak last year declaring that Space Command was now an equal partner to the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Talking at the SIAA’s annual conference, the service’s chief said he “personally doesn’t like the term of space as an enabler” because it doesn’t “cover the full root of what we do”.
“We do much more than enable. We are a peer operationally of the other domains of maritime, air and land, and we make equally significant contributions.”
