FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a student make the application for admission through a dedicated portal or through the standard direct application portal?

The application is made as a direct application to the university.

How can service records be obtained if a member has separated from the military?

An ADO Service Records (long version) can be obtained through the Student Veteran's unit or at your yourcustomer.service@defence.gov.au, using their PMKeyS/Service number, or by calling 1800DEFENCE (1800 333362).

What evidence should be required for an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) application?

For the credit application process, members need to attach their Service Record (long version), which the credit assessment team will use to determine eligibility for credit.

Can a student receive up to one year off their degree from RPL if the program permits?

It depends on the course chosen, as the course rules determine RPL that can be received and used within that course.

If a student gains credit and then switches to another university, can they bring the credit across?

Transferring credit to another university depends on that university's assessment and policies.

When conducting a deep dive into RPL data, should more weight be placed on Learning Outcomes?

The assessment is not just based on Learning Outcomes; it should include a comprehensive analysis of the LMPs, including assessment methods, study time, and keywords, to ensure alignment with expected student study units.

Is there any support for military spouses in this area?

It is recognised that a major part of successful transition out of the ADF is for the spouse to also be supported in some fashion, and the ADF Member and Family Transition Guide should be reviewed.

What are the restrictions around the release of Learning Management Packages (LMPs) for the Veteran RPL Projects?

The LMP documents are sensitive, and when received will be redacted. DELTA will require confirmation that they will not be shared outside of the Veteran RPL Project Team.

How is ADF officer training at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) recognised in terms of academic credit?

Officer training at ADFA is recognised as a bachelor’s degree within the University of NSW. Postgraduate credit is also considered for officers' leadership experience, as parts of an MBA can be attributed to leadership components.

How do we go about requesting the LMPs for a Veteran RPL Project?

DELTA owns the storage system for LMPs, and each request for their release needs clearance from the training authority responsible for that particular course. A central mailbox has been created to house requests from grant-holders: Defence.curriculum@defence.gov.au. The LMP information requested needs to be described as accurately as possible to align with the courses the university is reviewing, including the details of the higher education establishment requesting the LMPs, the purpose of the request, the specific courses they are trying to map, and the key contacts within that organisation who will have access to the documents.

How are LMPs designed and developed?

LMPs are based on the ADDIE model (Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement, and Evaluate), which drives vocational training. Training needs within the ADF are driven by skills required to meet capability demands.

What is the ADF's approach to learning and development?

The ADF learning is capability-driven and requires an agile and flexible system. All training in Defence has an LMP, including promotion courses, and this provides a standard approach to developing and maintaining curriculum.

What is the Systems Approach to Defence Learning (SADL)?

SADL is a mandated framework for the analysis, design, and development of a skilling solution, used across all three services to standardise skilling outcomes. Defence has moved to a fully integrated workforce which includes various elements such as APS, contractors, industry, and academia. SADL also includes the implement and evaluate phases of training.

Is it a requirement for non-commissioned officers to have a degree to be promoted to higher ranks?

It is one of many criteria that support promotion. Sometimes higher VET qualifications are required, especially in technical skills areas.

What is the role of the Defence Education and Training Committee?

The Defence Education and Training Committee has governance over training for the three Services and non-military Groups. This committee is made up of very senior members, and the Director of DETA manages the secretariat for this group.

How is training continuously improved in the ADF to ensure it meets capability standards?

The LMPs have a review cycle, and courses are analysed by the design authority in a number of ways. Students provide an evaluation at the end of their course, and post-course the supervisors will evaluate whether the skills provided to staff have met theirrequirements. Level 3 and 4 evaluations are also conducted to ensure the courses meet capability needs and strategic direction.

What are the compulsory and optional training courses for ADF staff?

All new recruits undertake 10-12 weeks of joint initial military training. In addition, ADF staff undertake annual mandatory training in areas such as WHS, drugs and alcohol, inclusive work practices, heat hazards, radiation, weapons, and fitness.

What is Professional Military Education and Training (PMET)?

For promotion – for example to corporal – there are a number of pre-promotion courses, often several weeks in duration each. This is called Professional Military Education and Training (PMET).

What is the training process for trade apprenticeships in the ADF?

Trade apprenticeships require a 12-month initial trade skills residential training course, followed by on-the-job training to complete the apprenticeship. This has a very high trade completion rate (90-95%) as compared to civilian apprenticeships. Most apprenticeships are four years, but where relevant early competency completion can be negotiated with Training Systems NSW, where all Defence apprentices are registered.

What is the ADF Transition Training and Skills Guide?

The Training and Skills Guide is a useful document for using plain language to detail the ‘marketplace skills’ that relate to the training received at different rank levels during ADF service. They articulate generic tasks at rank across the three ADF services.

What are the areas of interest for veterans seeking work outside of the ADF?

Areas of interest may commonly include project management, leadership, nursing and paramedic, engineering, logistics, material logistics, logistics supply chain streams, training, and education. This is an individual choice.

What is the process for ADF nurses to meet AHPRA registration requirements?

ADF nurses complete 14 weeks of work experience in a general hospital to meet AHPRA registration requirements and gain a Diploma of Nursing. To enrol externally in this qualification, students are required to have a Cert III as an entry requirement. Defence can RPL towards a Cert III in Government to meet this enrolment requirement where requested. Many ADF nurses go on to compete a Bachelor of nursing.

What is the TAFE QLD course for ADF members?

TAFE QLD offers ADF members a six-month online blended course, with three hours per week online plus offline work, leading to a Diploma in Project Management. This training is free to veterans and fully funded by the QLD government.

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