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 or appointment. For Air Force, you must 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.

Because the Aviation Operations ADF Gap Year may offer a pathway to Officer Aviation roles, the minimum education standard is the same as Pilot and Mission, specifically:

• completion of Year 12
• passes in English and 3 other academic subjects.

The completion of Year 12 university entry level Maths (unmodified) and Physics or multi-strand Science is highly desirable.

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: Enlisted Aviation Initial Course
Duration: 4 weeks
Location: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic

You’ll complete the Enlisted Aviation Initial Course in order to give you the basic knowledge and skills to operate in a Squadron operations room.

Topics include:

• flight planning
• air power
• aviation safety
• basic radio procedures
• meteorology
• introduction to Air Traffic Control.

Depending on when you start your Gap Year, you may be posted to your flying squadron for a short work-placement period prior to attending the Enlisted Aviation Initial Course.