More than 850 Illawarra recruits have been enlisted or appointed as officers during the past three years, the majority of which have opted for a career in the Navy.

The Illawarra has higher than average youth unemployment which sits at 15.7 per cent, well above the NSW rate of 11.2 per cent. Defence Force recruiters are urging young people to consider a career in the military, while warning that not everyone makes the cut.

Captain Ben Gallacher joined the Defence Force 19 years ago. He now works as a recruiter and said young people are increasingly looking at the military as a career path, undeterred by the dangers of conflicts abroad.

‘‘This time of the year we are getting a lot more people coming through our doors,’’ he said.

‘‘The Illawarra has always proved to be a good recruiting ground and we currently have people serving overseas in numerous theatres including Afghanistan, Solomon Islands, East Timor and Bougainville as well.’’

Capt Gallacher said recruits tend to favour the Navy because of the region’s association with HMAS Albatross in Nowra, home of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet Air Arm.

Today, eight recruits from the area will farewell family and friends to make their way to the Kapooka training base near Wagga Wagga.

On Friday, recruits were put through a last physical assessment to see if they were fit enough to make the grade.

Among them was 18-year-old Josh Stone-Ingold from Bomaderry, who said the Army suited his physical lifestyle.

He said he hopes to start as a tank crewman in the Army, but said he eventually wants to learn a trade for use in civilian life.

‘‘I thought that my physical lifestyle suited the lifestyle of the Army,’’ he said.

‘‘And being able to serve my country is a great honour, I believe.’’