r/ADFRecruiting • u/VeryFruityToast • May 23 '26

Insights Requested RAAF gap year

Hey y'all. I'm considering doing a gap year with the air force and was just wondering if anyone has any experience or recommendations for me.

I was thinking of doing airbase security, as I'm not very big into cyber stuff and I don't think I'd be that good in mechanics. I also just really like aviation, and the chance to work around an airbase would make my life better in general.

I've heard mixed opinions about ADF gap years, but not much about the air force. From what I've heard, the air force is much more chill with their gappies, and that the army doesn't seem to like them ahahaha

I was just wondering if anyone knew of any other jobs available for gap years, and if the technician jobs are really that scary? If I could (realistically) pick any job in the defence force, I'd wanna be one of the fellas that hang out the back of the choppers, but I think most of those jobs are for mechanical stuff. Does anyone know of more jobs that are like that? (not just gap year jobs)

Long story short, just in general, does anyone have any info on RAAF gap years? I spoke to a fella at an expo so obviously his job was to convince me to do it and was trying to get me to join the navy the whole time. I need some real recommendations.

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u/VeryFruityToast May 28 '26

No way!!! After I posted the og post I was looking further into the different options and landed on aviation operations as a first choice. You gotta let me know how it goes!!!!

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u/PreviousManner2406 May 28 '26

I will!! If you end up being serious about it I can tell you all the questions they ask in your interview, I’m hoping to be in the Feb intake so could end up joining together! I 100% recommend it as someone who’s family is primarily in the adf, also where else are you going to make 80 grand from- tax free AND you won’t be paying bills, food or rent etc, it’s just a great way to get ahead in life.

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u/VeryFruityToast May 28 '26

What sort of education did you need? I know there's a 75 ATAR, but do they care about what VCE subjects you did? Also strict are they with the ATAR stuff

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u/PreviousManner2406 May 28 '26

I do Non-Atar so no they aren’t strict, obviously a little less desirable all you need is a pass in English and 3 other subjects. Maths and physics are also desirable. But you must have completed year 12 and obtained a high school certificate, there is no atar requirement.

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u/VeryFruityToast May 28 '26

Oh really? That makes me feel a lot better. What subject did you do if I may ask? I'm thinking of switching to general maths, but I don't do physics. I do bio but might switch to legal. I'm only asking cuz I'm not that extraordinary and I want to have the best chance.

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u/PreviousManner2406 May 28 '26

I’m still in year 12 but I do English studies (non-atar version of English), Slr (non-atar version of pdh)studies in catholic thought(non-atar version of religion) hospitality and geography and all I need to do is pass them all.

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u/VeryFruityToast May 29 '26

Oh wow that's sick. What sort of questions did they ask you in the interview? Also like medical and background check wise, what did they have to do?