The government says more soldiers, sailors and aviators are needed to operate new military capability, including promised nuclear-powered submarines, Hunter-class frigates and advanced long-range and defensive missile systems, but defence insiders doubt the ADF will be able to attract the massive numbers of new personnel needed.
"To do that we need a bigger ADF with more soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to operate the cutting-edge capabilities we're getting to protect Australia," Mr Morrison said.
Mr Dutton said the massive workforce boost was needed to build a credible military force that could protect Australia's strategic interests. Inside military ranks, there are doubts the ADF will be able to attract the massive numbers of new personnel needed, given even current recruitment and retention targets are struggling to be met.
In the shorter term, 800 more uniformed ADF personnel, 250 public servants and an unspecified number of Australian Signals Directorate personnel will be added by 2024.
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