Service
Members of the armed forces swear allegiance to the Constitution rather than to an individual or political party. Discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation is prohibited.
Voluntary service
Volunteers are entitled under military service legislation to priority for education grants and public-sector employment after service.
Conscription
Military service legislation provides for emergency conscription of citizens aged 18 to 25, subject to medical, religious and conscientious-objection exemptions. Wartime legislation separately provides for citizens aged 18 to 45 to be subject to draft during a State of National Defence or State of Total Mobilisation, with exemptions for critical workers.
Routes into Defence
Opportunities include uniformed service, reserve service, apprenticeships and civilian appointments. Recruitment is based on aptitude, conduct and the requirements of each role.
Safeguarding and welfare
Personnel have access to welfare support and formal routes for reporting misconduct. Complaints involving criminal conduct are referred to the appropriate civilian authority.