Navy Officer Aviation - ADF Gap Year
As a Navy Officer Aviation during your Gap Year, you’ll immerse yourself in the Navy’s unique maritime aviation environment, learning about helicopters and UAVs. Experience what life is like for those who fly the Navy’s Combat Helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk, who play a critical role in maritime operations at sea supporting ships and submarines.
What you'll do
You’ll shadow Aviation Officers in the roles of Navy Pilot, Aviation Warfare Officers (AvWO) and Remote Pilot Warfare Officers (RPWO) as they operate world class helicopters and Remote Piloted Aircraft, which are essential to Navy operations. Their tasks include delivering maritime combat, supplies, personnel, resources and defensive capability. As part of the Navy Officer Aviation Gap Year, you’ll be able to attend the Aviation Screening Program for a chance to do one of the roles fulltime.
Coupled with the highest standard of leadership training, the skills you'll gain across this role are transferable to other management and leadership positions and will provide you a unique edge.
Your duties may include:
- learning about the Fleet Air Arm and the roles that make Navy Aviation possible
- having the chance to attend the Aviation Screening Program at RAAF Base East
- shadowing Navy Pilots, Aviation Warfare Officers and Remote Pilot Warfare Officers
- receiving basic training and touring Navy's shore establishments.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
After finishing your Gap Year program, you can apply to start an exciting career as a full-time Navy Officer. You can apply for entry into the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) or to conduct further Navy job category training for your role.
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, the Shore Establishment tour may include visits to:
- Fleet Base East, HMAS Penguin, HMAS Watson and HMAS Waterhen in Sydney, NSW
- Fleet Base West, HMAS Stirling, WA
- HMAS Albatross at Nowra and HMAS Creswell at Jervis Bay, NSW
Assignment to Sea Deployment and Shore Employment at Establishments could be in a range of locations around Australia.
Discover where the Navy 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 Navy, you must be 18 years of age by the completion of your Initial Military 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.
You’ll need to have completed Year 12 with an ATAR that meets the minimum requirements as well as passes in English and 3 other board accredited academic subjects. ATAR requirements are available here on the UNSW Website, under Bachelor of Arts in the ADFA Trainee Officers tab.
Applications can be considered if you are yet to complete Year 12 and are tracking towards the required ATAR.
If you would like any more information on ADFA and opportunities, visit our ADFA page.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 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: New Entry Officers' Course (NEOC)
Duration: 18 weeks
Location: HMAS Creswell, Jervis Bay, NSW
You’ll begin your career by completing NEOC immediately upon entry into the Navy. NEOC is conducted in January and July each year at the Royal Australian Naval College. This is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be an effective junior naval officer.
NEOC course
- Physical fitness: General fitness, adventure training and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: Discipline, mannerisms, uniform procedures and Defence studies.
- Specialty skills: Small arms weapons training, first aid and survival at sea.
- Navy skills: Drill and ceremonial procedures, officer of the day duties, rank structure and Naval history.
- Leadership skills: High Functioning Teams Training and Military Resilience Training.
- Personal development: Leadership and management (including practical exercises), effective oral and written communication methods.