Infantry Soldier - ADF Gap Year
As an Infantry Soldier (ADF Gap Year) participant, you’ll spend an amazing year working as part of a cohesive team training to locate the enemy and gather intelligence through patrolling and surveillance. Once the enemy is located, infantry soldiers are the first to deploy. You’re tasked with capturing the enemy, holding ground or repelling attack using a variety of equipment and tactics while working with the support from soldiers from the Artillery, Armoured and other corps.
Infantry Soldiers train to both operate independently, and as part of Combined Arms teams with soldiers of other trades and specialties. As Infantry teams are responsible for their own security and the maintenance of fighting capability at all times, you'll be responsible for a range of tasks.
This is an opportunity to challenge yourself and do something out of the ordinary. You’ll experience a new level of physical strength and mental fortitude, while travelling Australia and overseas, with a team of lifelong friends.
What you'll do
You’ll become a highly skilled soldier, trained to fight enemies at close quarters in all phases of warfare, using high-tech equipment and weaponry.
This role relies heavily on skilled tactics, effective teamwork and the ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations and environments. Whether you’re positioned on the front line of the battlefield, providing security for other units or conducting a humanitarian mission, you’ll be relied upon to perform your role in challenging conditions, night and day. No matter the situation, you and your team will be expected to use the skills you’ve learnt to complete your mission.
This is a demanding role, so it's important you're prepared both mentally and physically. You’ll be working in unique environments where no 2 days are the same, but every day will be rewarding as you play a key role in protecting Australia.
Your duties may include:
- close combat and application of lethal and non-lethal force
- offensive and defensive operations
- locating enemies by gathering intelligence through patrol and surveillance
- seizing and holding ground from enemy forces
- providing security for Army units and vital assets
- humanitarian assistance missions
- international training, advise and assist missions.
After finishing your Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your full-time career in the Army or change to a part-time role in the Army 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.
Whilst serving your 12-month Gap Year program within an infantry battalion, you may have the opportunity to gain additional skills and progress to a:
- driver
- vehicle crew commander
- machine gunner
- vehicle gunner
- combat communicator.
Upon completion of your Initial Employment Training (IET), your first posting as an Infantry Soldier will likely be to one of the Infantry Battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment. Each of these Battalions has a dedicated role such as Mechanised, Amphibious, Littoral or Motorised Infantry.
Primary posting locations include:
- Brisbane, Qld
- Darwin, NT
- Townsville, Qld
Infantry Soldiers can be employed in the ADF and Special Operations units around Australia and overseas, and there may be opportunities to post to other locations based on service needs, career development, and individual preferences.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
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 or appointment. For Army, you must be 18 years of age by the completion of your Initial Employment Training.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
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): 45
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 45
- Push-ups: 15
- Shuttle Run Score: 7.5.
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: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Course: Infantry Course
Duration: 16 weeks
Location: School of Infantry, Singleton, NSW
Under the guidance of world-class Army instructors, you’ll learn infantry tactics, weapons and equipment to engage in close quarters battle in the field and urban environment. You’ll also learn how to shoot, move and communicate all at once in a highly skilled team within a combat environment.
Once you’ve finished your Initial Employment Training (IET), you’ll be assigned to an Army unit.
Throughout your career, you’ll also have the opportunity to develop your skills with specialist training as a section leader, signaller, mortarman, patrolman, sniper or heavy weapons specialist.