Develop as a leader with the Navy, building your ability to think on your feet, prioritise, take in information, and make decisions to direct the play on the bridge of a ship.
As an ADF Gap Year Surface Warfare Officer, you'll learn what it’s like to be the Commanding Officer's representative - the point person for executing the safe navigation and general operations of the ship. In this role you’ll get to try your hand at a number of key duties of a Surface Warfare Officer, such as watch keeping, navigation, and looking after the safety of the vessel and its crew.
Surface Warfare Officers are leaders who command the activity on board their ship. They need to understand all aspects of the running of a Navy ship so during your Gap Year you will also get a taste of other areas including engineering, logistics and aviation. This will give you a great overview of the Navy organisation, as well as the chance to travel.
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 18-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 through this experience are transferable to other management and leadership positions and will provide you a unique edge.
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’ve gained to move into an alternative career path. There’s no obligation to serve beyond the one-year program period.
Note: The program is designed to offer workplace experience as a Surface Warfare Officer, not to provide training that qualifies you for the role. Find out more about the full-time role here.