The Australian Defense Force has seen the biggest increase in recruitment in 15 years following a sustained pattern of decline. In 2024-25, the ADF enlisted more than 7000 new personnel – the highest annual intake since 2009-10 increasing by 17% from the previous year.
Declining recruitment over the years has indicated generational change within the population where values like nationalism, duty and service are not as important compared to previous generations.
The ADF has driven this latest recruitment push by targeting young Australians through advertising on social media and online gaming platforms. There is also a highlighted focus on non-combat military roles such as technological and humanitarian support that appeals increasingly more to young people considering service.
Image: Image – Shutterstock: e-crow
Produced By: Maeve Groom
Featured In Story: Professor Robert Hoffmann – Tasmanian Behavioural Lab at the University of Tasmania
First aired on The Wire, Wednesday 6 August 2025