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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 and Employment Training, you’ll earn at least:

Training

Your starting salary

Trained

Your salary once trained

In the Army 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.

Interested? Complete an Expression of Interest and we'll be in touch.

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

Explore what training in the Army will look like.

Discover upcoming events and experiences. 

As a Chef you’ll spend 12 months having a direct influence on the morale and wellbeing of not only Army members but Navy and Airforce as well. You’ll prepare, cook and serve meals both in field kitchens, Navy vessels and Army establishments to meet the dietary needs of Defence members. Your responsibilities and duties extend far beyond just preparing meals.

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No experience is required, you'll receive paid on-the-job training, career progression opportunities and unrivalled benefits working both at sea and ashore.View all other priority to fill roles

Good food is a significant morale booster in the Army. A delicious and nutritious meal can greatly enhance the well-being and spirits of soldiers, especially when they are in challenging environments. 

In this 12-month experience, you’ll get a taste for the role of a full-time Army Chef and learn all the skills you’ll need to prepare a range of meals including entrees, main courses, sweets and more. It's a demanding yet rewarding role that directly contributes to the effectiveness and well-being of military members. 

On occasions, you’ll also cook for functions. High standards are essential with great pride taken in the preparation of foods according to nutritional, dietary and cultural needs.

Learn valuable new culinary skills and keep Army soldiers fit and firing in this 12-month opportunity. 

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Chef (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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