Marine Specialist - ADF Gap Year
As a Marine Specialist Gap Year soldier, you’ll be immersed in Army life from the outset, contributing to your unit, learning new skills and making mates you’ll keep for life. You’ll be part of a crew that operates a wide range of vessels and specialist watercraft, including amphibious vehicles, boats and landing craft.
What you'll do
You’ll perform a range of duties that are unique to your role, such as operating the LCM-8 and LARV V watercraft, the Noosa Cat and other marine vessels up to 6m. You’ll also transport cargo across the sea and inland water ways and contribute to ship to shore operations.
Your duties may include:
- operating Army watercraft and amphibious craft
- operating communication and electronic navigation equipment
- operating weapons fitted to amphibian and landing craft
- performing deck hand duties on board Army Watercraft.
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.On completion of training, your initial posting will likely be to an Army Maritime Unit located in Townsville. Subsequent postings can be to various locations and units throughout Australia including Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
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.
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
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
In addition to being able to pass the Army swim test, you must be capable of passing the Maritime swim test, which involves swimming 100 metres (using any stroke) while wearing your uniform and boots and (without leaving the water) remaining afloat out of depth for 5 minutes.
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: Driver Training Course
Duration: 33 days
Location: Road Transport Wing, Army Logistic Training Centre, Puckapunyal, Vic
Training in the operation of the Medium Rigid and C Class Army vehicles, including the Medium Rigid Truck (40M) and Light rigid truck (G-wagon).
Note: If your licence is suspended or has been cancelled, you won’t be eligible to enlist in this employment category until that suspension or cancellation has expired.
Course: Marine Specialist Basic Course
Duration: 39 days
Location: Maritime Wing, Army Logistic Training Centre, Townsville, Qld
Learn to operate the Army fleet of landing craft and amphibious vehicles and work with road transport, distribution centres and specialist units.
Note: Course duration may vary depending on public holidays and other Army requirements.