Air Force Security - ADF Gap Year
As Air Force Security, you’ll support airbase security and Ground Defence operations. Ensuring the security of airbases and the safety of people is a crucial part of the Air Force and it will be your responsibility to support the provision of a secure and safe operating environment, free of potential threats.
What you'll do
You’ll enable the Air Force to meet its primary objective of keeping Australia's air and space capabilities operational. Your responsibilities could include vehicle control point, observation post, reaction force, and vehicle and foot patrolling duties.
Your duties may include:
- protective security including the protection of personnel, physical assets, and classified information
- emergency response for incidents and accidents, including aircraft and motor vehicle accidents
- traffic and crowd control
- protective security surveys, compliance activities and reviews
- security risk management and threat assessments
- operational security planning
- security governance, compliance and security inquiries investigation
- acting as the after-hours initial response contact for an airbase.
After finishing your Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your full-time career in the Air Force or change to a part-time role in the Air Force Reserve.
There is no obligation to serve in the ADF beyond the 12-month Gap Year program period. You can take your new skills and experiences to gain an edge in future careers outside the ADF.
Following training, you could be posted to any Air Force Base or Defence Establishment. This includes the major Air Force operational air bases including RAAF Base Amberley or Townsville in Qld, RAAF Base Darwin or Tindal in NT, RAAF Base Williamtown or Richmond in NSW, RAAF Base Edinburgh in SA, or RAAF Base Pearce in WA.
Discover where the Air Force operates across Australia on our base locations map.
I took a break from studying and the Gap Year has been more interesting.
Requirements and training
You need to be an Australian citizen to be eligible for the ADF Gap Year program.
You must be aged between 17 and 24 years of age at the time of your enlistment. You must also be 18 years of age by the graduation date of your Initial Military Training.
For this role, you’ll need an Australian state or territory full, provisional or probationary C Class licence. If your licence is suspended or cancelled, you won’t be eligible until that suspension or cancellation has been lifted or has expired.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 5.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
Your Gap Year experience will commence at the start of the year and will conclude 12 months later. Subsequent periods of service in the Regular or Reserve ADF may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge at any time by providing 21 days’ notice.
If you are currently or have previously served in the ADF or foreign service, you’re not eligible for Gap Year. You must be an Australian Citizen to be eligible for the Gap Year Program.
Course: Air Force Recruit Course
Duration: 11 weeks
Location: RAAF Base Wagga, NSW
During this training, you'll transition from civilian to Service life, acquiring the basic knowledge, skills and physical fitness required for your role and learning to become an effective and productive member of the Air Force.
The major elements of the course include:
- personal development and teamwork
- parade drill
- weapon handling and firing
- airfield defence
- fire fighting
- physical fitness
- Air Force history, customs and traditions
- military law.
After graduation, you'll undertake Initial Employment Training (IET) in your trade or category.
Course: Security Forces Basic
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: RAAF Security and Fire School (RAAFSFS), RAAF Base Amberley, Qld
You’ll be trained to ensure you’re capable of performing the Air Force specific duties of an Air Force Security (AFSEC) member during routine activities through to increased security and ground operations. Lessons and training take place in the classroom, in the field and in domestic and operational areas.
Training includes:
- weapons lesson instruction
- field training
- range practices
- operational safety skills training
- physical security procedures
- emergency response
- initial action and management of incidents
- security policy and legislation
- security compliance
- security authorised member of the ADF
- control of entry to ADF establishments and restricted areas
- conduct of routine patrols
- challenge and apprehension of intruders
- first aid.
Upon successful completion of IET, you’ll undertake Air Force security duties for approximately 6 months at any of the major operational air bases to consolidate your training.