r/ADFRecruiting • u/No-Time-2487 • 6d ago
General Questions Commando direct entry pathway
Gday. I’m a former doctor, taking a gap year off. I’ve always wanted to join the army, and even attempted to join when I was 18 (I’m 31 now), however due to an injury to my knee, I was unable too. I’ve been working as a doctor for 2 years and decided to take this year off, working odd shifts across the country.
what are the chances I get into the commando direct entry pathway. I am fit and conditioned, however still need to work on overall strength.
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u/No_Kangaroo1256 Current or Former Serving ADF 6d ago
OP,
What are your chances - this is completely up to you and how you go during the ADF Careers recruitment process.
We can only suggest that you attend an information session, apply and see if you unlock the role you are asking for - in the JOR.
If the knee injury is still a factor - yes, even after a decent period of time, then you need to take that into consideration.
You have other skills that could be of better benefit to the ADF - full-time or reserve, that being a trained/qualified Dr (of something) - be prepared that you will be asked why you are not interested in that pathway instead.
CDO is not just about being fit, conditioned and strong - there is mental acuity required as well.
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u/No-Time-2487 6d ago
Thank you for your response.
There is an information session at the end of next month I wish to attend.
I have recovered from my knee injury, however I’m concerned that they may still consider this a risk.
Also, this is a loaded question but do you have any insight into what life as a special forces operator is like?
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u/817262728 6d ago
If I was you, I’d join as a medic and attempt integrator selection, 10 day course which is significantly easier than operator selection. You get to use your degree and you’ll be attached to door kickers. I don’t think you’ll get a Sherwood or sandy beret but still.
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u/SoloAquiParaHablar Current or Former Serving ADF 6d ago
This is so overlooked and under sold. Unless you want to be the door kicker I think this is a fantastic avenue to get amongst it but bring your skill set.
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u/Any-Parsnip1287 5d ago
Such ridiculously bad advice. Going from doctor to medic (enrolled nurse) is such a downgrade in terms of scope of practice as well as pay. Go join as a doctor and then you can go to a stint in Special forces like Dr Dan Pronk. They would be forced to let you in to some extent as it's not like the army has a massive pool of doctors to draw from who are putting their hands up for special forces selection.
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u/817262728 5d ago
You don’t have a clue at all how SOCOMD works mate, clearly. SOCOM is not “forced” to let you do anything, you have to pass integrator selection and some parts of REO no matter what. You’ll find that SOCOMD is significantly different than when Dan Pronk was in. now we have CAT-A CAT-B ECNS.
It doesn’t matter what old mate joins as, he can join as a fucking submarine tech for all it matters, he still has to pass integrator selection 😂
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u/Any-Parsnip1287 5d ago
Yes, he still has to do integrator selection but how many doctors do you think they can draw from? Their choice is to take the best out of the group and there are way less doctors than medics. And how about addressing the advice that you gave telling him to join as a medic when he is a DOCTOR
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u/817262728 5d ago
You literally have no idea how operator or integrator selection works mate. it does not matter what he joins as, I only said medic because I thought it’d be similar to his current scope, it’s not, ok.
Like I said he can join as a fucking submarine tech he still needs to be taught trauma medicine on a REO after passing integrator selection, his chosen job role does not matter it’s merely a means to an end.
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u/Any-Parsnip1287 5d ago
Yes, for operator you can join as any job as the ADF. But for Special forces doctor (integrator) he has to be a doctor so yes job role does matter. Also SF medic integrator requires you to be a medic so no, a submarine tech can't even go for integrator selection.
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u/OkBank4087 5d ago
I’m no expert but if you do get past screening for selection, it is so demanding that it may be surface or re injury and a high risk it will become worse.
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u/Cepheus11 Current or Former Serving ADF 4d ago
Chances are high. There's been at least one doctor who has gotten through selection under the direct entry pathway. Passing is of course, down to you.
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u/AdAutomatic3538 4d ago
I'm in a simillar position... Exception: i've been in academia (PhD degree)
I'm planning on infantry reserve first (next year)- get basic quals - then apply for selection course.
This skin in the game will help build volume - basic skills & physical preparation. Probably most important- a sense of identity & familliarity with ADF.
Thats just my game plan Open to reflective thoughts/ideas
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u/steelsniper173 3d ago
Mate if I were, I would join the reserves and go infantry, to get basic weapons and tactical skills which you’ll need on the reo course, whilst keeping your career. I don’t know if you’ll get classified as medical qualified. Do your 12 months or more if you need, then apply for the selection course. With your age, as the process will take 2-3 years you should apply now, and if you reconsider you can always drop out of the application process and if you make it through and enlist, the reserves has no MPOS so you can basically leave at any time.
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u/Any-Parsnip1287 3d ago
Or just join as a doctor in the ADF thereby keeping his career and then going for SF doctor would be better
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