Employees appreciate the flexible working hours and arrangements at the Australian Department of Defence, including the ability to work from home and generous leave entitlements such as annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave. The pay and benefits are competitive, with good superannuation and capability payments in some areas. Many employees value the supportive colleagues and team environment, describing their coworkers as friendly and helpful. There are diverse career opportunities with the ability to move laterally across different areas, and access to high-quality training. Employees also find the work challenging and rewarding, with unique opportunities to be involved in military equipment and projects.
However, there are some potential challenges, such as slow recruitment processes due to security clearance requirements, which can contribute to staff shortages. Decision-making can take considerable time due to the organisation's complexity, and management can be inconsistent with frequent leadership changes. As a large and complex organisation, Defence requires extensive documentation and has many moving parts. Some employees find internal mobility challenging, with difficulty moving to roles that suit them. The pace of work is methodical and rule-based, which may not suit those who prefer fast-paced environments. Additionally, securing permanent positions can be difficult, particularly for non-ongoing employees and new recruits in certain branches.