This variable provides a detailed breakdown of current and previous service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Including both regular and reserve members. The ADF is made up of the:
Australian Army (including regional forces such as NORFORCE)
Royal Australian Navy
Royal Australian Air Force
This data also includes people who previously served in the National Service or the Second Australian Imperial Force.
Regular service is a person’s main ongoing job and is usually full time.
Reserve service is usually part time and can be up to 200 days a year, depending on the role.
This variable does not include people who served in non-Australian defence forces.
Scope
Persons aged 15 years and over
Categories
Code
Category
1
Currently serving in the Regular service only
2
Currently serving in the Reserves service only
3
Currently serving in the Regular service and previously served in the Reserves service
4
Currently serving in the Reserves service and previously served in the Regular service
5
Previously served in the Regular service only
6
Previously served in the Reserves service only
7
Previously served in both the Regular and Reserves service
Has the person ever served in the Australian Defence Force?
Image
Description
This image shows a question from the 2026 Census online form. The question asks: Has Person 1 ever served in the Australian Defence Force?
Underneath the question text, the instructional text states: Include Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force, Second Australian Imperial Force, National Service and NORFORCE. Exclude service for non-Australian defence forces. Select all that apply.
Underneath the instructional text, is a clickable More Information header. Once clicked, the More Information is shown, and states: Information collected on current and previous service with the Australian Defence Force enables better delivery of services and support for this population group. Exclude service that is solely in one of the Cadet arms. NORFORCE refers to the North-West Mobile Force.
The response options are split into categories. The first response option is: No. Under the category of ‘Regular service’ the response options are: Yes - current service; Yes - previous service. Under the category of ‘Reserves service’, the response options are: Yes - current service; Yes - previous service.
How this variable is created
This variable is based on responses to the service in the Australian Defence Force question on the Census form. Respondents can select multiple options, and processing rules resolve invalid or conflicting combinations. For example:
If all options are selected, the response is coded as ‘Not stated’
If ‘No’ and another option are selected, ‘No’ is disregarded
When both current and previous service are marked for the same service type, current service takes priority
If both Regular and Reserve current service are marked, Regular service takes priority
For individuals aged 65 years or older, any current service marked is reclassified as previous service, reflecting standard retirement ages (60 years old for Regular and 65 years old for Reserves).
History and changes
This variable was first included in the 2021 Census.
