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MilitarySuper vs Professional Super

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

MilitarySuper

Closed public sector scheme

MilitarySuper combines a member investment account with an employer benefit calculated under Defence scheme rules.

Membership

Relevant to existing and preserved MSBS members. Returning ADF personnel may have specific re-entry rights.

Professional Super

Retail fund brand

Professional Super is aimed at students and young professionals, with a short investment menu and a conditional fee-rebate structure.

Membership

Current eligibility is set by the PDS and target market determination.

Compare fees and investment returns

Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.

Choose an investment option to see the figures

The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.

Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.

Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.

How the products differ

MilitarySuper and Professional Super: product features and conditions
What to compareMilitarySuperProfessional Super
Membership and access

Relevant to existing and preserved MSBS members. Returning ADF personnel may have specific re-entry rights.

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Current eligibility is set by the PDS and target market determination.

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Accounts and products

Military Superannuation and Benefits Scheme (MSBS).

Member benefit

Employer benefit

Ancillary benefit

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Professional Super accumulation.

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Investment choices

Balanced for the member investment component

Members can select Cash, Income Focused, Aggressive or Balanced for member and ancillary benefits.

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Balanced, Growth and High Growth.

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Insurance

Serving members have built-in death and invalidity benefits under scheme rules.

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Insurance terms are in the product guides. Check whether the chosen cover is suitable for hours worked, occupation and income.

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Comparing investment performance

ADF Super and MilitarySuper provide different benefit structures.

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Compare the selected risk option rather than assuming a product designed for younger people always means the highest-growth portfolio.

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Retirement income

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

The reviewed sources do not establish a dedicated pension product. It is mainly an accumulation comparison.

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Advice and support

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Member services provide support; a personal recommendation requires the appropriate advice service.

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Fee details to check

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

The fee rebate depends on receiving a contribution into the account at least every 12 months. Compare both the discounted cost and the cost if eligibility ends.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on MilitarySuper

Editorial assessment

MilitarySuper needs a service-history comparison. A table of investment fees cannot capture the employer benefit or the effect of discharge and pension choices.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing MSBS members planning contributions, civilian transition or retirement.

What deserves a closer look

  • An MSBS investment return does not measure growth in the whole defined benefit.
  • Check preserved-benefit and re-entry rules before any election to leave the scheme.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on Professional Super

Editorial assessment

Worth reviewing for a student or early-career worker if the rebate and product terms fit their actual contribution pattern.

What deserves a closer look

  • A fee rebate can lapse if contribution conditions are not met.
  • Three choices may not meet a preference for specific index or direct investments.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between MilitarySuper and Professional Super

Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.

Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.

Read the full MilitarySuper profile · Read the full Professional Super profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for MilitarySuper

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. CSC MilitarySuper overview
  2. ADF Consumer Centre superannuation guide

Sources for Professional Super

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. Product
  2. Fees and rebate
  3. Investment menu explanation
  4. Disclosure