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Eligibility Checklist

Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic role requirements. You'll find detailed information on the <a href="?tab=ways-to-join">Ways to join</a> tab.

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.

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

Trained

Your salary once trained

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

ADF Gap Year

Key Information

Still have questions? Check out our FAQs.

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

Explore what training in the Navy will look like.

Discover upcoming events and experiences. 

As a Surface Warfare Officer (ADF Gap Year), you'll gain a unique insight into what&rsquo;s involved in commanding a naval ship. Surface Warfare Officers are the people who call the shots on Navy ships. Highly trained leaders, Surface Warfare Officers need to understand every aspect of running a Navy ship, and how to win in the maritime domain.

You&rsquo;ll get to try your hand at everything from navigation to watch keeping and learn the ins and outs of safeguarding the ship and its crew. During your Gap Year, you&rsquo;ll shadow Navy officers as they go about their day-to-day duties and get a taste of a range of different areas, from aviation to engineering and logistics. You&rsquo;ll even be given the opportunity to contribute to the operation of the ship or unit. At the end of the Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your career in the Navy or use the skills and experiences you&rsquo;ve gained to move into an alternative career path. There&rsquo;s no obligation to serve beyond the 12-month program period.

Get a taste of life as a Navy officer for one year, shadowing the people who command, control and navigate Australian Navy vessels.

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Surface Warfare Officer (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 4.9% 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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Maritime Warfare Officer Submariner (ADF Gap Year)