We invest a lot of time and money into training you up to be the best Air Force members possible. You will gain job and life skills that you can apply to the outside world if you decide to leave. So because of that we do have an Initial Minimum Period of Service, IMPS, which we expect you to complete.
After this however, it's just like other jobs where you can leave at any time, given the appropriate amount of notice.
As an officer, you will initially join the Air Force for a period that is predetermined by your job and avenue of entry. The minimum period of service is three years.
You'll be enlisted for between three and six years depending on your job and this time includes your training. You may choose to leave after this.
If you're studying for a university degree anywhere in Australia, we can support you while you finish. This is an amazing opportunity to study at either a civilian university, gaining qualifications which are recognised Australia wide or at ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy), where in addition to a University of New South Wales degree you can undertake military studies, fitness training and leadership programs.
If you enter the Air Force through either of these two sponsored options, you will need to complete an Initial Minimum Period of Service. This entails remaining in the Air Force for the length of your specified period of sponsorship.
After completing 30 days Initial Training you may apply to leave. You may apply for discharge within 90 days from your date of enlistment, unless you are re-enlisting following previous service with the Australian Defence Force.
The majority of people do decide to stay in the Air Force once they've completed training. They find that they're working alongside friends, having new experiences everyday and maintaining a great work / life balance. But the fantastic thing for you is that even if you do decide to leave, you'll be re-entering the civilian world with highly sought after credentials. So your time in the Air Force will benefit you well into the future.