Strength, identity, opportunity: Delivering real outcomes for Army recruits

The Army Indigenous Development Program is a 17-week pre-recruit course co-delivered by the Australian Army and Indigenous-owned Education Services International Supply Group.

It is designed to equip Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants who do not yet meet general entry standards with the education, fitness, confidence and cultural grounding required to move forward into full Army recruit training.

Dean Cunningham is the owner and director of Education Services International Supply Group.

“With a mix of excitement, determination, pensivity and adventure, a 17-week journey begins for this group of young Indigenous people,” he said.

“Based on past experiences, we expect 92 per cent of them to complete the program and 86 per cent to be offered permanent positions with the Army.”

Since 2019, more than 600 people have graduated from the program at training bases in Kapooka, New South Wales, and Berrimah, Northern Territory.

According to Education Services International Supply Group, nearly 90 per cent of those graduates have progressed to Army recruit training.

Others have moved into roles with the regional Force Surveillance Group, joined the Australian Public Service or taken on leadership responsibilities within their communities.

The program offers a Year 10-equivalent Certificate II in Vocational Skills and Work Preparation, which includes literacy, numeracy and first aid.

Participants also gain basic military skills, leadership training and exposure to a variety of outdoor challenges such as hiking, abseiling, kayaking and navigation exercises.

Cultural engagement is a central feature, with Elders and mentors leading storytelling, oral history sessions and symbolic ceremonies that reinforce identity and pride.

Murrawarri man Cephas Conway, who joined the program after missing out on Year 10 passes, told Defence: “I love it. I definitely recommend Indigenous people to jump in and give it a go,” adding that navigation training and teamwork were standout lessons.

Auntie Jocelyn Williams, an Indigenous Elder working with participants at Kapooka, has described the sense of identity the program builds: “Once you’ve got that identity, it makes you feel proud in yourself.”

In July 2023, graduates in Kapooka faced rough weather on their march-out day. The event tested their resilience and ability to adapt to the “shock of capture” that comes with transitioning into military life.

According to local media, their determination and teamwork made a lasting impression on both staff and family members in attendance.

The program is designed to prepare participants for Army life, but its benefits extend beyond the military. By lifting participants to the educational and fitness levels required for enlistment, it opens access to career opportunities in Defence and beyond.

For those who choose not to proceed into Army training, the qualifications and skills gained are transferable to other careers, especially in public service, security and leadership roles.

Cultural connection is integrated into the curriculum, making the program distinct from other pre-employment or skills development courses.

Education Services International Supply Group notes that participants are encouraged to see their heritage as a strength, with cultural mentors providing guidance that enhances personal resilience alongside professional readiness.

Figures provided by Education Services International Supply Group show that program completion rates consistently exceed 85 per cent, with most intakes achieving over 90 per cent completion.

The proportion of graduates offered permanent Army positions regularly exceeds 80 per cent.

These outcomes are rare in pre-employment training and indicate a model that successfully balances cultural respect with high-performance expectations.

The Australian Defence Force emphasises that all program costs, including accommodation, meals and uniforms, are covered for participants. This removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent eligible candidates from applying and ensures the focus remains on personal development and skill building.

For Defence, the program provides a way to diversify its ranks and strengthen ties with Indigenous communities across Australia. For participants, it represents a structured, supported entry into a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to serve the nation.

Graduates leave with more than a certificate. They take with them enhanced literacy and numeracy, stronger fitness, increased confidence and a clear understanding of military expectations.

The leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills developed are equally valuable in civilian life, meaning participants have a foundation for success in whichever path they choose.

The Army Indigenous Development Program has evolved into one of Australia’s most successful targeted training pathways.

By combining formal education, military preparation, adventure training and cultural enrichment, it delivers tangible outcomes for both the Australian Defence Force and Indigenous communities.

The model’s strength lies in its ability to hold high expectations while providing the mentoring, cultural respect and practical support needed to meet them.

For further information on the Army Indigenous Strategy, go to army.indigenous@defence.gov.au.