Period of Service

Officer, Graduate

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of six years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation and provide a minimum of three months notice.

Australian Defence Force Academy

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of nine years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may tender your resignation at any time provided you do not have an outstanding Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation and provide a minimum of three months notice.

Defence Academy Entry Officers become liable to an IMPS from the graduation day of their second year of studies. This means that they may leave the Academy at any time up to the end of second year, without any obligation.

Officer (Reserve)

All candidates who are appointed or enlisted into the Air Force Reserve serve an initial period of volunteer service for five years, or until age 65 (Compulsory Retiring Age), whichever occurs earlier. Members may transfer out of an active element of the Air Force Reserve at any time.