Australian Defence Force Gap Year Full Time

During this life-changing twelve months, you’ll be immersed in the Navy’s aviation environment.

The Helicopter Mission Commander (know in the Navy as a Maritime Aviation Warfare Officer) acts as the Mission Commander on board a range of advanced Navy aircraft—such as the MH-60R Seahawk. During this year-long experience, you’ll immerse yourself in the Navy’s unique maritime aviation environment, learning about helicopters’ navigation and weapons systems as part of the control team. Experience what life is like for those in the jump seat who play a critical role in maritime operations at sea supporting our ships and submarines.

You’ll shadow Helicopter Mission Commander who act as Mission Commanders onboard a range of advanced Navy aircraft—such as the MH-60R Seahawk. These world class helicopters are essential to Navy operations, their tasks including delivering supplies, personnel, resources, and defensive capability.

This is an action-packed role where you’ll learn plenty about the Navy, life, and yourself. Gain skills that you won’t get anywhere else, make friends for life, and get paid to do it. 

You will be supported throughout your training by professional and enthusiastic Navy personnel who will provide the guidance necessary for you to get the most out of this experience. Your Gap Year will be broken up into different stages. This will give you the opportunity to receive basic training and to tour Navy's shore establishments. You will experience life at sea, as well as what it is like to be employed ashore. As a Navy Gap Year officer, you will be provided with the opportunity to contribute to the operation of the ship or unit.

Your training will begin at the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC), HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay, NSW, where you'll complete a 20-week course alongside other new Navy officers prior to continuing with the program. RANC is an energetic environment where you will be challenged to meet Navy standards of fitness, demeanour and behaviour.

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.

Note: The program is designed to offer workplace experience as a Helicopter Mission Commander, not to provide training that qualifies you for the role. Find out more about the full-time role here.

Consider these exciting roles

In the Navy you'll get paid a good salary from day one regardless of your age, experience or qualifications; and your pay increases as you progress through training.

In addition to your salary you'll receive a variety of allowances, extra pay for relevant qualifications – plus 16.4% superannuation, a far higher rate than you're likely to find in the civilian world.

On completion of your initial military training you could earn a package worth $58,877 per annum.

• Salaries continue to increase based on your rank and years of service
• Salary correct as of Nov 2021
• Please note that salary information is routinely reviewed for all roles on the Defence Jobs website. Please speak directly with a Defence Force Recruiter for more information.

For more details download our Salary Scales.

The Initial Entry Officer Course is conducted at HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay on the South Coast of NSW.

The Shore Establishment tour may include visits to:

• Fleet Base East, HMAS Penguin, HMAS Watson and HMAS Waterhen in Sydney
• HMAS Albatross and HMAS Creswell at Nowra
• Fleet Base West in Western Australia at HMAS Stirling

Assignment to Sea Deployment and Shore Employment at Establishments could be in a range of locations around Australia.

• A good work/life balance
• Excellent leisure facilities
• Medical and dental cover
• Job security
• Advanced technology
• World-class education and training