The Australian Army and Air Force today launched a new iniative, aimed at year twelve students wanting to take a gap year.

They’ll now be able to join the military for twelve months and earn up to $50,000, with no strings attached.

Celeste Skinner reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The program offers an exciting and profitable alternative to students’ gap year plans.

Stuart Robert, Asst Minister of Defence: “I think it’s a great opportunity for young Australians. It will go from strength to strength. There’s four different job opportunities in the army and airfield defence guards in the air force. An opportunity to mix with some of the finest in the world. To learn some great skills, and have a cracker of a year.”

It offers a real-life military experience without the normal four year commitment.

The scheme was first introduced in 2007, but was scrapped by the Labor government in 2012 for budget reasons.

It’ll cost around $113,000.000 over four years and will be part of the current defence budget.

Harry Daly, Mitchelton State High Student: “I’m hoping that it brings a lot of experience to young people like myself, it’s just a great opportunity to see what the defence force is like, before someone makes that full commitment.”

Students will have three months at Kapooka in New South Wales, one-to-two months of individual training and then seven months in unit training.

The Australian Army and Air Force will be accepting applications from the first of June this year.

The Australian army and air force urge anyone interested in the gap year program to apply quickly as applications for 2015 close June this year. Be aware that the program is highly competitive, with only an estimated 260 positions available.

But it’s hoped that number will increase to 1000 over the coming years.

Students will not be involved in actual combat.

Celeste Skinner, QUT News.