How to become a Senior Non-commissioned Defence Force Member

Implements and enforces directives of commissioned officers of the Australian Defence Force.

Main tasks

• Supervises a small group of subordinates
• Maintains discipline of subordinates
• Monitors the morale, welfare and behaviour of subordinates, and advises commanding officers accordingly
• Instructs subordinates in dress, deportment, demeanour, behaviour, drill and devotion to duty to maintain military standards
• Conducts military drills and inspections
• Teaches military traditions and customs

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Diploma of Leadership (DEF51115)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• About 300 people work in this job group now, and about 300 are projected by 2035. (+16.7%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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• Sports Administrator
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• Commissioned Defence Force Officer
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• Commissioned Police Officer

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Senior Non-commissioned Defence Force Member?

Ways in include: Diploma of Leadership.

Is a Senior Non-commissioned Defence Force Member a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 17% by 2035, from about 300 to about 300 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Senior Non-commissioned Defence Force Member?

Usually not. Only 11% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Diploma of Leadership.

Will AI change the work of a Senior Non-commissioned Defence Force Member?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04