Cash incentives to keep personnel in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has seen it grow to its largest size in a quarter of a century, with the total headcount of full-time and permanent members now more than 64,000.
The Continuation Bonus offers eligible permanent ADF members a $40,000 payment in exchange for an additional three years of service. The pilot program included a $50,000 bonus.
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The bonus can be taken twice, at two separate career points, after four years service and after seven years service.
Over 5,148 eligible ADF personnel accepted, with 1,768 retained who were undecided or intending to leave. That’s an 82 per cent uptake rate from eligible personnel.
It’s part of a $1billion investment by the Albanese Government to boost numbers and retention, which also includes faster recruitment by identifying skill gaps, improvements to benefits and conditions of service, and a widening of eligibility criteria so that more people can join the ADF.
“The men and women who wear our nation’s uniform go to work every day to keep Australians safe,” said Defence and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
“That is why the Albanese Government is focused on recruiting, retaining and skilling the workforce we need.
“We’ve already made significant progress, but we will continue to reform recruitment processes and retention initiatives over the long-term.”
Australia’s full-time military workforce is at its highest highest level in 25 years. Credit: AAP Breaking down the numbers
Last financial year (2025-26) the ADF enlisted more than 8,100 personnel, the highest intake in 16 years.
2,235 people joined the Air Force – its highest intake in 24 years.
2,009 people joined the Navy – its highest intake in 16 years.
3,942 people joined the Army – its highest intake in 12 years.
The number of people choosing to leave the ADF was 7.4 per cent, down from last year’s 7.9 per cent, and the lowest it has been in 15 years.
Navy: 6.7% (down from 9.7% in 2021-22)
Army: 9.2% (down from 13.2% in 2021-22)
Air Force: 5.1% (down from 8.8% in 2021-22)
As at 1 July 2026, the ADF permanent headcount reached 61,768 – an increase of more than 2,800 on the previous year.
Additionally in 2025-26 there were 932 Gap Year personnel and 1,492 full-time serving reservists. Taking the total headcount to 64,192.
The Navy now has 16,489 personnel, 29,870 in the Army and 17,833 in the Air Force.
Federal Government wants to grow ADF The Federal Government’s goal is to hit an ADF headcount of 69,000 by the early 2030s.
Ministers admit more work needs to be done.
“Our most important Defence capability is our people, who serve our nation, striving to achieve the Defence mission, every day,” said Defence Personnel Minister Matt Keogh.
“Thanks to the Albanese Government’s interventions, the Defence workforce is growing, with more people putting their hand up to serve, and more personnel choosing to stick around for longer.
“In 2026 a career in the ADF can mean almost anything, with more than 300 roles to choose from. It’s fantastic to see more Australians coming forward to serve in such dynamic and rewarding careers.”