1. I need to have Uni Interviews during Jan and Feb 2010 will I be able to attend them?
Yes, flexibility will be afforded to meet academic requirements.
2. I've been offered an apprenticeship to be a chef next year, can I use my army training as a cook as part of the chef training?
Yes, Army training meets requirements for civil accreditation in many trades, for example successful completion of the Cook IET course grants a Certificate II in Hospitality (Commercial Cookery).
3. I have dental work that is on-going, will I be able to see a dentist?
Yes, members are assessed for the requirements to bring teeth up to a dental health of level two, and appointments are made with an army dentist if required.
4. My sister is getting married in May, can I go to the wedding?
Depending on course requirements, and the unit training tempo, leave will likely be approved for a short period. However training commitments may prevent leave being taken at a particular time or for an extended period, similar to school terms or university semesters.
5. I have a family member who is very sick, can I leave to be with them if their condition worsens?
Yes, the ADF has provisions for compassionate leave if required.
6. My girlfriend is pregnant; can she come with me to the unit? And where will she live?
The ADF has policies where recognised de facto partners and married couples are accommodated in houses 'married quarters' with the member near the member's unit. To become a recognised de facto couple, evidence of a history of shared housing, bills and bank accounts need to be provided to the administration clerks at Kapooka. The policy does not encourage ADFGY-A members to relocate their partners away from established support systems during the 12 month period as there are at least two moves and a good deal of time may be spent away from the unit area in training. Please speak to your unit Orderly Room regarding this issue.
7. I don't know where I'll be living once I finish my university course, how can I know more about the $10k bonus?
If your family is amenable to the idea, their address could be used to forward information to you on bonuses and other opportunities, if you move often.
8. What can I expect each day to be like:
A. At ARTC - Kapooka?
Click the link: what is Kapooka like?
B. At the Initial Employment Training course?
Depending on the school, the day usually starts after breakfast with classes 8am - 4pm, and homework. All meals are taken in the mess. There will be a training exercise where skills learned are developed outdoors in a field environment for a continuous period usually of about 10 days and nights.
C. In the unit?
Depending on the unit, the day often starts with Physical Training then OJE relating to trade and soldier skills. During the year exercises are held in the field to consolidate the training and bring the elements of the unit together to work collectively.
9. Do I have to wear uniform all the time?
No. In the ADF, uniform is worn at work and on nominated occasions such as ANZAC day.
10. I play football and have been accepted into the State squad, can I play during my Gap Year?
You can play football in the unit and likely for a local community side. Unit commitments prevail and the State squad may have to be deferred for a year.
11. Will Army pay for my car to get shipped to my unit or do I have to drive?
Travel to Kapooka is via an ADF coach. Depending on the start date and location of your IET course you may have leave to return home. On posting to the unit your car will be shipped there and home at defence expense if you have one.
12. Where will I serve my OJE time?
Most likely you will be posted to a unit in Northern Australia.
13. Can I serve the gap year in my home state?
Army is Australia-wide. All recruits start together at Kapooka near Wagga Wagga NSW, then go to separate IET courses usually in the Eastern states, before travelling to the OJE unit often in another state. Travel throughout Australia is likely in the 12 months.
14. What job or jobs will I do?
The primary job is your trade, but the ADF has a focus on multi-skilling so your daily jobs may include PT, administration work, stocktaking, storeman responsibilities, and soldier tasks.
15. If I get hurt or fail training, what happens?
If you are injured the ADF will provide extensive medical care and rehabilitation. If you fail training you will likely be 'back-squadded' and possibly retrained for another trade.
16. What accommodation will I live in during the gap year?
The accommodation is commonly referred to as 'lines' where bathrooms are shared and bedrooms are for 2-4 people. You will have a desk, bedside locker and cupboard for your clothes and field gear. You clean the room yourself.
17. What skills will I learn? Can I go abseiling, jump out of helicopters, go parachuting?
You will learn your trade skills, soldier skills and life skills, and adventurous training may be available to your unit during the 12 months.
18. Will I have to live in the bush and sleep on the ground?
Yes, during field exercises, however, you are paid an allowance for the arduous conditions.
19. Is the food and accommodation free?
No, accommodation, food and utilities are all subsidised by the ADF.
20. Do I have to do my own laundry? Do I need to iron my clothes?
Yes to both.
21. Will I get holidays or leave anytime I want, or will I be told when I can have a break?
Yes, you will have 20 workdays leave in 12 months. The time you can take leave depends on the unit tempo and planned activities. All leave is assessed individually and maximum flexibility is afforded where possible for important occasions and family reasons.
22. I want to earn as much as possible, can I get my leave paid out in cash?
Yes, but adequate rest and recuperation are recognised as an important part of work/life balance in the ADF, so you will be encouraged to take leave.
23. Will ADFGY-A members be entitled to Rehabilitation training?
Yes, they are entitled to the same benefits as ARA soldiers. Consult with your local medical facility for more information.