THE GAP YOU NEED

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ADF Gap Year is a new Australian Defence Force (ADF) program for students or recent school leavers. Set within one of the three ADF services, Navy, Army or Air Force, each 12 month program is designed to ensure you derive maximum personal benefit from this unique opportunity. While you work out what you want to do next, you’ll be gaining invaluable experiences and skills, as well as an insight into the ADF lifestyle not previously possible.

Plus you’ll earn at least $30,000p.a. doing it and there’s no requirement to serve after your gap year.

You’ve probably got a few questions. Here we’ll do our best to answer them.

ADF GAP YEAR. TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

Many say they can’t believe the training and experience you’ll receive during an ADF Gap Year. Here’s a summary.

• Learn new skills, from bush survival and navigation to communication and teamwork.

• Work with the latest cool technology and hardware.

• Be paid a minimum of $30,000p.a., depending on the service – ideal for that new set of wheels, the overseas trip or just some extra money to get you through your course.

• Plus receive full ADF benefits, including superannuation, annual leave, medical and dental.

• A unique addition to your CV for future employment.

• It’s more than just work experience. You’ll be contributing to the ADF and our country in a meaningful way.

• Experience all this and more in just 12 months – with no further obligation for service.

• However, those who join the ADF full-time, after completing relevant vocational or tertiary education, could be eligible for a $10,000 cash bonus within 5 years of completing their ADF Gap Year.

• If you need to leave your ADF Gap Year early to commence your further studies, you can through ADF Gap Year – Navy or Air Force.

• And MUCH MORE...

WIDEN YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS IN GAP YEAR.

Most people don’t understand that a job in the services is just like a normal job. After you knock off, you can do whatever you like – catch up with mates, go for a run, play a game of touch footy, pretty much anything. Depending what service you choose and where you’re based, there is always a very active social life on-base, and even at sea for Navy personnel. Most bases feature social clubs with bar areas, television, darts, billiards and more. All perfect for catching up with your new mates.

ADF Gap Year is a great place to make new friends. All types of people join the services so you’ll be training and working with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. But like all service personnel, you’ll be united by a common goal. To take up a challenge and work hard towards it – and have some fun along the way.

Mateship has always been an integral part of the services. Let’s face it, you’re eating, working, living, training and socialising with your colleagues. You’ll be surprised at the friendships you’ll forge in just 12 months.

A YEAR FILLED WITH SPORTING AND OTHER PHYSICAL CHALLENGES.

Why does sport play such a large role in the services? It promotes teamwork and fitness – two powerful and invaluable qualities. If you’re into your sport, you’ll love life in the service. Just about every sport you can think of runs a social or competitive club you can join. Most of the bases have excellent sporting facilities, such as football and cricket fields, a gym and basketball courts.

Each service requires you to take part in organised physical training. But it’s not all running and push-ups. You can choose aerobics, sports training, circuits or endurance training to help keep you up to the mark.

There’s also the opportunity to join special interest clubs like rock climbing, golf, water skiing, scuba diving or sailing.

How are your energy levels?

ADF GAP YEAR. A LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCES IN 12 MONTHS.

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“WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE?”From the Navy’s point of view, a happy crew is a well-fed crew. All meals are prepared fresh in modern kitchens. On-board, this is called “the galley”. You may even get to hone your cooking skills! One thing you can be guaranteed is high quality food and plenty of it.

“WHAT DOES BASIC TRAINING INVOLVE?”Basic training starts at HMAS CERBERUS, a Navy base located at Westernport, Victoria. Over 11 weeks, you’ll learn about life on a ship, teamwork, how to look after your equipment and discover how the Navy works. An instructor will guide you through elements such as the obstacle course, exercises and parades. Basic training will be followed by a four-week mariner’s skills course, followed by a week touring the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and Officer Training School, HMAS CRESWELL. After a total 16 weeks, you will graduate as a Seaman General Experience.

“WHAT SORT OF JOBS WILL I DO?”After completing your initial training, you’ll be posted to one of the Navy’s bases. Here you will start your work experience with one of the surface ship, submarine, or shore units. Areas you will gain experience in include:– Logistics – Engineering – Aviation – Navy Operations

Of course, each day you’ll continue to gain skills from on-the-job training.

“WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES THE NAVY USE?”No doubt about it, if you like your machines big, then the Navy is for you. For starters, the first ship you could sail on will probably be a 3,600 tonne frigate measuring 118 metres with two twelve-cylinder diesel engines almost as big as your garage.

Then there’s the Collins Class Submarine, one of the most advanced, conventionally powered diesel/electric boats in the world. There are also high-tech mine hunting vessels, hydrographic vessels (used for mapping our oceans), plus a whole fleet of patrol boats which comb the Australian coast, keeping our waters safe. Then, of course, the Navy’s aviation arm boasts aircraft including Seahawk helicopters.

“DO WE GET PAID?”Yes. As a young person leaving school, there aren’t many jobs that pay as well as the Navy. Some actually say they’d do it free for the experience but here’s what you can look forward to.

• During your ADF Gap Year, you’ll be paid between $33,000p.a. and $46,817p.a., depending on your seagoing allowance (how much time you spend at sea).

• Plus you enjoy food and accommodation free while at sea. These are both substantially subsidised while ashore.

• Any medical and dental treatment is provided free of charge. This includes any essential specialist treatment deemed necessary. All Navy doctors, nurses and dentists work in state-of-the-art facilities and surgeries both at sea and ashore.

“WHAT’S LIFE IN THE NAVY LIKE?”Well, it can be divided into two distinct periods: life at sea and life ashore. During your ADF Gap Year – Navy, you’ll experience both.

AT SEA

• Experience the action first-hand aboard one of the Navy’s ships as a member of the crew.

• When the ship steams out of port, you’ll discover the real meaning and satisfaction of teamwork.

• As well as maintaining the ship, you’ll participate in additional training and exercises.

• You may spend some time visiting other Australian ports – a chance to catch the sights at new and exciting locations.

• At sea you still have regular access to email to keep you in touch with friends and family.

ASHORE

• Once ashore, you’ll basically continue doing the above, except you’ll have access to the modern port facilities on terra firma.

“WHERE WILL I STAY?”New recruits are often pleasantly surprised when they see their accommodation for the first time. Ashore, rooms vary from base to base, but you’ll always find your accommodation comfortable and practical. While at sea, you stay aboard the ship in common areas called “Messdecks”.

Of course, on-base and on-board the ships, the amenities and sleeping facilities are arranged to provide maximum privacy.

After your basic training, you could be required to live on-base. You will need to contribute to your accommodation and food, the majority of which is substantially subsidised by the Navy.

“DO WE GET ANY SPARE TIME?”After all the adventures during your day job, we hope you’ll have some energy left for your personal time. Ashore, you have access to all the bases’ facilities mentioned earlier. Even at sea, you’ll enjoy facilities like the gym, recreation spaces and the latest movies.

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“WHAT SORT OF JOBS WILL I DO?”The Army is made up of a number of different functional groups, called “Corps” (pronounced “core”). For example, the Transport Corps is responsible for the movement of personnel and equipment.

After basic training, you’ll move onto your corps school of Initial Employment Training (IET) and receive training in your selected job area. You can choose which job area you’d like to experience during your gap year. Depending on your choice, the IET for that role will take up to 3-months. Once completed, you will be sent to an Army Unit where you’ll put your training into practice, for approximately 5 months.

The jobs you can choose from are :

“WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES THE ARMY USE?”During Gap Year, you will work alongside or on some of the world’s most technologically advanced hardware. Everything from the massive new MA1 Abram Tanks, to the Tiger Attack and Blackhawk Helicopters. You might even get to use a Howitzer or just go off-road in a 4WD.

“DO WE GET PAID?”Yes. As a young person leaving school, there aren’t many jobs that pay as well as the Army. Some actually say they’d do it free for the experience but here’s what you will receive.

• During your ADF Gap Year – Army, you’ll be paid over $36,500p.a.

• Any medical and dental treatment is provided free of charge. This extends to any essential specialist treatment deemed necessary.

– Dental Assistant– Operator Movement– Clerk Administration– Cook– Gunner Grade One+

– Marine Specialist– Operator Ground Based

Air Defence+

– Operator Artillery Meteorology and Survey+

– Operator Supply– Riflemen+

– ADF Steward– Clerk Administration*– Operator Radar*+

* Available from February 2008 onwards. + Available to males only.

“WHAT’S LIFE IN THE ARMY LIKE?”Spend your ADF Gap Year in the Australian Army and you’ll become part of a long and proud heritage. The Army has always been about teamwork, tradition, pride, courage and commitment to excellence. The modern Army is also a dynamic and sophisticated organisation that offers opportunities for people just like you.

“WHERE WILL I STAY?”We aim to make our new recruits feel comfortable. New soldiers are often pleasantly surprised when they first set eyes on their accommodation. Rooms differ from base to base, but you’ll always find your accommodation comfortable, practical and private – for males and females.

During your ADF Gap Year, you’ll being living on-base. You will need to contribute to your accommodation and food, the majority of which is subsidised by the Army.

“WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE?”They say, “An army marches on its stomach”. We couldn’t agree more. If soldiers are fed well, they perform well. The food you’ll enjoy as a soldier is varied, nutritious and tasty. And there’ll be plenty of it.

Whether you’re working on an Army base or in the field, you’ll eat in what’s called “the mess”. Don’t be fooled by the name. It’s basically like a cafeteria. Every Army Mess boasts a modern kitchen overseen by a Catering Officer and is staffed by a dedicated team of cooks and catering staff. They prepare a constant supply of hot and cold meals, including meat dishes, vegies, salads, desserts and drinks. You won’t go hungry.

“WHAT DOES BASIC TRAINING INVOLVE?”Basic training is conducted over 12 weeks at the Army Recruitment Training Centre, Kapooka (near Wagga Wagga in NSW).

Your training at Kapooka will challenge you both mentally and physically, including:

Most people find basic training as satisfying as it is challenging. As long as you work hard, you should get through it, no problem.

– Physical training – Drill– First aid

– Personal organisation– Military tactics– Weapons training

– Teamwork– Self-organisation– Self-discipline

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“WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE?”Prepare to be surprised. Despite what you might think, Air Force food is very good. The meals are always high quality and you won’t go hungry. If you do want a snack between meals, you can always drop into the base shop and pick up anything from a choccie bar or a packet of chips to fruit juices, health bars and salads. Of course, special dietary needs are also catered for.

“WHAT DOES TRAINING INVOLVE?”You will participate in an ADF Gap Year – Air Force Course at RAAF Williams, Point Cook, in Victoria. After finishing your course, you’ll have completed the equivalent of the Initial Officer Course and Airman Recruit Course. The training will take place over 12 months. During your ADF Gap Year, you’ll hold the rank of Officer Cadet.

“WHAT SORT OF JOBS WILL I DO?”You can select from four areas to do your work experience. Choose the one that matches your interests:

– Logistics – Engineering – Operations Support – Combat Support

“WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES THE AIR FORCE USE?”If you’re into your planes, you may have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most advanced aircraft in the world, including the F/A-18 Hornet fighter, F-111C Strike Fighter and AP-3C Orion Marine Patrol. And possibly gain the opportunity to travel on the C-130 Hercules or the giant C-17 Globemaster transporters.

“DO WE GET PAID?”Yes. As a young person leaving school, compared to most jobs, the Air Force pays pretty well. Some actually say they’d do it for free for the experience but here’s what you can look forward to.

• As an Officer Cadet during your ADF Gap Year, you’ll be paid $30,015p.a.

• Any medical and dental treatment is provided free of charge. This extends to any specialist treatment deemed necessary.

“WHAT’S LIFE IN THE AIR FORCE LIKE?” Most people think the Air Force is all about flying planes. To get an aircraft off the ground actually requires a huge number of dedicated and skilled personnel from clerks, logistics officers and aerospace engineers, to pharmacists, intelligence officers and more.

Australia’s Air Force is respected internationally and is often called on by our allies to share processes and expertise.

The Air Force plays an integral role in maintaining Australia’s security. In times of need, it also performs vital humanitarian work, including:

– Sydney to Hobart rescues

– Banda Aceh after the Boxing Day tsunami

– Flood relief in the Northern Territory

– Ongoing commitments to East Timor

– Plus aeromedical evacuations from Bali

“WHICH BASE WILL I BE AT?”After you complete your ADF Gap Year – Air Force Training, you’ll be attached to one of the RAAF’s major bases at:

– Williamtown – Richmond – Amberley – Edinburgh – Williams

During your ADF Gap Year – Air Force, you will be rotated to a number of bases, to broaden your experience. You’ll find the bases are full of energy, with a range of social and sporting facilities to help you relax and enjoy life outside work hours. The hours are similar to most jobs, so there’ll be plenty of time to catch up with friends after work.

The Officers’ Mess is the social heart of the on-the-base lifestyle, with everything from:

– Pool compititions – Live bands

– Raffles – Or just hanging out with your mates

“WHERE WILL I STAY?”New Officer Cadets are often pleasantly surprised when they see their accommodation for the first time. Rooms vary from base to base, but you’ll always find your accommodation comfortable, practical and private – for male and female personnel.

After your ADF Gap Year – Air Force, you’ll be required to live on-base. You will need to contribute to your accommodation and food, the majority of which is subsidised by the Air Force.

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“WHAT ABOUT THE FINE PRINT?”

Like what you’ve read so far? We’ve been told it’s too good to be true. Better check the fine print.

“Do I have to be a certain age?”

You have to be between 17 and 24 years of age at time of appointment or enlistment.

“What are the education requirements?”

You must have completed Year-12 within 2 years of appointment or enlistment.

“Do I have to be an Aussie citizen?”

To be eligible for the ADF Gap Year, you need to be an Australian citizen or hold Permanent Residency Status.

“What happens at the end of 12 months?”

One of the unique benefits of the ADF Gap Year is you can experience everything the Navy, Army or Air Force has to offer within just twelve months. After that enlistment period is completed, you’ll be discharged where your Initial Recruit Training was done, with no further commitment to serve.

“What if I don’t like the ADF?”

You are free to resign from the ADF Gap Year – Navy and Air Force at any stage. No pressure. Simple as that. If you decide the ADF Gap Year – Army isn’t for you during your initial recruit training (within

80-days), you can apply for a discharge. However, you must first complete your basic training, before your application will be approved. If you complete your initial recruit training, applications for discharge will not be approved until completion of your ADF Gap Year.

“How fit do I have to be?”

Before you can join the ADF Gap Year, you have to complete a pre-entry fitness assessment. It isn’t incredibly demanding but to pass, you’ll need a reasonable level of general fitness.

The fitness assessment is conducted on enlistment day. You must pass to be enlisted. For more information on the assessment, call us on 13 19 01 or visit www.defencejobs.gov.au

“Is there an interview involved?”

Like most employers, the ADF interviews prospective recruits. The difference here is you’ll be interviewed by members of the Navy, Army and Air Force. You will also be assessed by a qualified psychologist, doctor and a recruitment officer. These interviews are primarily to ensure you have enough information to make an informed decision. And that you meet all the minimum medical and psychological requirements. There will be questions about your education, employment experience (if applicable), family life, current lifestyle, motivations for joining, and your hobbies, sports and interests.

Air Force applicants will need to pass the ADF General Classification test, to the standard of Officer Cadet.

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