Period of Service

Graduate

You will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of three 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.

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

Undergraduate

Undergraduates will be appointed for an Initial Minimum Period of Service equalling the length of sponsorship plus an additional 365 days.

It is simply calculated by the following principle: for the time spent in the Regular Army Supplement on the Undergraduate Scheme you must serve an equivalent time plus one year. 'Pay-back' of sponsorship begins once you have completed your studies and commence effective employment with the Army.

After completion of the Undergraduate degree, Nursing Officers will spend two years consolidating their clinical skills in a civilian hospital. This period is referred to as Postgraduate Clinical Placement.

During this placement Army continues to pay your salary at the Lieutenant rate and you are entitled to Service Allowance. You are not permitted to receive salary or payment from the hospital. Army expects you to enhance your clinical skills in accident and emergency (trauma), peri-operative or intensive / critical care.

You do not accrue an additional Initial Minimum Period of Service obligation during your Postgraduate Clinical Placement, however you do not remit the 'Pay-back' from your undergraduate degree sponsorship until your Placement is completed.

Graduate (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.