The Gap Year challenge

Gap Year is an Australian Defence Force (ADF) program for students or recent school leavers. Individual programs run across Navy, Army and Air Force and are designed to give you detailed insight into how the ADF operates. Think of it as a once in a lifetime work experience placement in the ADF.

You will also gain invaluable life skills and job training that is just as valuable in the civilian world as in the ADF.

You'll earn more than $40,000 per year and there's no requirement to stay beyond this point.

Am I guaranteed a GAP Year placement?

No. There is a selection process for Gap Year and a limited number of placements are available each year.

Due to the popularity of Gap Year, applicants will be directed to complete a full application online. During this application we will ask you a range of questions to determine your eligibility, suitability and to determine what sort of Gap Year roles may suit you.

Selected candidates will be contacted and proceed into a more detailed and face-to-face recruitment process. If you are not selected you may apply for another ADF role, or you may wait to see if a second round offer is made.

Candidates selected to proceed will go through the normal Defence recruitment process, details of this are at recruitment centre.

Applicants are then allocated placement based upon successful assessment and readiness to join. Air Force candidates will be considered for officer roles, while Navy and Army will be considered for both general entry and officer roles. Air Force candidates may also face further merit ranking prior to selection.

What do I learn?

During basic training you'll be introduced to a variety of military equipment, learn general service skills, eat the same food and use similar recreational facilities as our regular ADF members. You’ll have access to new and emerging technologies and learn how to become self-reliant.

Make new friends

This program is such a good way to meet new people from all over the country. Some you'll have lots in common with and others will have completely different life experiences to you. So you'll be training and socialising with people who can teach you new things that might help you make decisions about your future.

What happens at the end of my ADF Gap Year?

Before the end of your Gap Year you'll need to decide whether or not you wish to continue your service in the Australian Defence Force, beyond those first 12 months. To help you with that decision, you'll receive advice from your instructors, who will take into account your Gap Year service performance and information gathered during the recruitment process, including aptitude tests.

If you decide you wish to continue in the Navy, Army or Air Force, there are many options including tertiary level study at the Australian Defence Force Academy or as a Sponsored Undergraduate or employment in one of the many exciting and challenging careers available in the ADF.

What if it's not for me?

If you are completing your Gap Year with the Navy and Air Force, you can resign at any time if you decide it's not for you. In the Army, you can resign during basic training in the initial recruit training phase, which is within the first 80 days.

When would I start?

The Gap Year program commencement starts at different times depending on the Service. Navy has 12 monthly enlistments from January to December and accepts a moderate amount of candidates in each intake. Army has a small intake in December; however, the majority of participants will be placed in January to March. Air Force will enlist all participants in mid to late January.