Period of Service

Other Ranks (Non Technical)

You will be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of four years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.

Your Careers Counsellor can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.

ADF Gap Year

ADF Gap Year participants enlist in the ADF for up to 12 months (with parental consent for those under 18). You have no obligation to serve beyond that initial period of enlistment.

Gap Year participants may also apply to transfer to another full-time ADF career stream during their program year, subject to suitable vacancies and meeting the eligibility requirements of your chosen employment category.

If you are successful with your application to transfer, you will be required to meet the normal initial minimum periods of service, which vary according to the employment category and training undertaken.

Alternatively, Gap Year participants may also apply to transfer to the part-time ADF Reserve at the end of their Gap Year.

Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)

All candidates who are appointed or enlisted into the Army Reserve may undertake volunteer service until age 65 (Compulsory Retiring Age) subject to the requirements of the Army and suitability for further service. Members may transfer out of the active Army Reserve at any time.