Transport - ADF Gap Year
During your Transport Gap Year, you’ll be part of the team that manages vital equipment and supplies by road, rail, sea and air in a range of military vehicles. You’ll also learn to operate and manage a range of vehicles including 4WDs, off-road forklifts, trucks and road trains.
What you'll do
You’ll grow your skills and expertise in one of the following roles:
- Driver – get behind the wheel of an exciting variety of high performing military vehicles, from a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon to a 110-tonne heavy equipment transporter designed to carry cargo such as tanks.
- Cargo Operator – ensure crucial cargo gets to its destination on time – by road, rail, sea or air. You’ll learn to operate heavy machinery from forklifts to cranes to small landing craft.
You’ll be assisted throughout your training by professional and enthusiastic Army personnel who will provide the guidance necessary for you to get the most out of this experience.
Your duties may include:
- managing the movement of cargo and supplies
- supporting people in training and operations
- operating and managing 4WDs, off-road forklifts, trucks and road trains
- operating hand managing heavy machinery forklifts, cranes and small landing craft.
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.
Following training, you could be employed within most Army units across Australia. Primary locations include Adelaide, SA, Brisbane or Townsville, Qld and Darwin, NT.
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.
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.
While at Recruit Training, you’ll be allocated one of 2 roles based on your preference.
Course: Cargo Operator Initial Employment Training
Duration: 7-10 weeks
Location: School of Transport, Puckapunyal, Vic and Army Logistics Training Centre, Townsville, Qld
You’ll learn the skills to drive, operate and maintain Army vehicles.
Course: Driver Initial Employment Training
Duration: 7-10 weeks
Location: School of Transport, Puckapunyal, Vic
You’ll be taught how to load, drive and maintain a Medium Rigid Truck and a Mercedes Benz G-Wagon and all associated equipment issued to that vehicle.