A taste of life in the ADF

FEBRUARY 26, 2015:  APPLICATIONS for the highly successful ADF Gap Year program open on March 2 for the 2016 intake, and I would encourage young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who want to experience life in the Army, Navy or Air Force to act on this opportunity.There will be more places available in 2016 in the Army and Air Force and, for the first time, places will also be available in the Navy.The expansion of the programme means more young Australians will be able to experience life in the ADF and gain important professional and life skills, all while being paid a salary and serving our great country.It's a 12-month commitment, and at the end of that time participants can choose to stay or go.There will be up to 445 places available in 2016, up from 260 in 2015. Approximately 250 will be available in the Army, 120 in the Air Force, and up to 75 in the Navy.This is a very popular programme and last year there were 4,000 applicants for the 2015 program intake.Applications for 2016 will open for two weeks from 2-15 March 2015.Those interested in applying can do so by visiting www.defencejobs.gov.au by phoning 13 19 01 or by visiting their local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.CAPTION: I got my own taste of life in the defence force last year during an ADF Parliamentary Program trip. From left, Senator Anne McEwen, myself and Senator Chris Back, got a chance to inspect the weaponry on the deck of the Armidale class patrol vessel, the HMAS Maryborough.