ADF to establish Cyber Reserve force

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will establish a Cyber Reserve Concept to support the Defence Strategic Review’s call for enhanced resilience, workforce agility and sovereign capability in the cyber domain.

This is one of 17 separate recommendations identified in the Strategic Review of the Australian Defence Force Reserves, published last year, supporting an integrated, focused force prepared to meet evolving strategic challenges, says Defence. The review recommendations aim to strengthen reserve contributions across the workforce, build capability and boost the specialist domains, including space and cyber.

Colonel John Molnar, Director Cyber Reserve Concept Support, said expressions of interest and a refinement of entry processes would be issued in the coming months to support activation of the Cyber Reserve capability by early 2026.

Many of the other recommendations will also be implemented over the next 12 months, says Defence.

A key recommendation of the Review is the Cyber Reserve Concept. Cyber reserves will contribute specialised skills to safeguarding Australia’s critical networks, be part of a pioneering force that strengthens national resilience, and make an operational impact on Defence cyber missions.

“The Cyber Reserve Concept is developing a powerful new way for Australians to serve by bringing their skills to the frontline of national cyber defence,” said Colonel Molnar.

The Cyber Reserve Concept incorporates organisational design, policy frameworks and pathways for on-boarding mid-career specialists, including reservist personnel, says Defence, adding that a flexible service model will underpin the cyber reserve workforce.

“The Cyber Reserve Concept is developing a powerful new way for Australians to serve by bringing their skills to the frontline of national cyber defence,” Colonel Molnar added.