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Challenge yourself with a one-year commitment
Develop your skills and take time to think about your future career direction by spending a memorable year in the ADF.
Who it&rsquo;s for: 17-24 year olds wanting a 12-month taste of life in the ADF.

This entry method is currently not recruiting.

You'll be paid while you train, and on completion of your Initial Military Training and Employment Training, you’ll earn at least:

Training

Your starting salary

Trained

Your salary once trained

In the Army you'll be paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications.

ADF Gap Year

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Hear first-hand about what working in the ADF is really like. 

Explore what training in the Army will look like.

Discover upcoming events and experiences. 

Experience what it's like to be part of the team that keeps their eyes (and their surface-to-air missiles systems) on the skies.
As a Gap Year Air Defence Operator, you'll get out in the field, practicing the assembly and operation of highly advanced surface-to-air missiles and radar systems. You'll also take on hostile aircraft in air defence simulations where you'll practice your decision making and target prosecution.
This Gap Year role also involves servicing and maintaining state-of-the-art equipment that you will use as part of the job. You will also be tasked with general soldiering duties, like patrolling, manning defensive positions, traffic control, camouflaging vehicles, and navigation.
You will receive an attractive salary during your Gap Year and benefit from standard ADF employment entitlements such as free medical and dental care, subsidised accommodation and meals and employment allowances. During your 12 month role and on completion of training, you will receive a salary package starting from $66,544 plus generous superannuation.
You will be supported throughout your training by our professional and enthusiastic Army personnel who will provide the guidance necessary for you to get the most out of this experience. Your training will begin at Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW, where you'll complete 13 weeks of recruit training. This will involve physical training, weapon handling, first aid, drill and field craft. It's challenging, but it will prepare you for anything.
At the end of the Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your career in the Army or use the immense skills and experiences you'll gain as a unique edge on your next career path. There's no obligation to serve beyond the one-year program period.

Operate some of the world's most advanced surface-to-air missile and surveillance radar systems, while enjoying a varied and rewarding 12-month taste of Army life. 

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Air Defence Operator (ADF Gap Year)

Benefits you won't see anywhere else

You’ll enjoy the following:

Great salary from day one, which increases with experience

Generous superannuation of 16.4% – a huge 4.4% over the Australian standard

Help to buy a home, a subsidised home loan or rent allowance

Free medical and dental for you, and subsidised healthcare for you and your family

Fully paid training

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