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Job Title


Infantry Soldier - ADF Gap Year


Company : Army


Location : Darwin, Northern territory


Created : 2026-05-05


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Contribute to protecting our country in a challenging role that demands physical strength and resilience. Express InterestShortlist About the role As an Infantry Soldier (ADF Gap Year) participant, youll spend an amazing year working as part of a cohesive team training to locate the enemy and gather intelligence through patrolling and surveillance. Once the enemy is located, infantry soldiers are the first to deploy. Youre tasked with capturing the enemy, holding ground or repelling attack using a variety of equipment and tactics while working with the support from soldiers from the Artillery, Armoured and other corps. Infantry Soldiers train to both operate independently, and as part of Combined Arms teams with soldiers of other trades and specialties. As Infantry teams are responsible for their own security and the maintenance of fighting capability at all times, you''ll be responsible for a range of tasks. This is an opportunity to challenge yourself and do something out of the ordinary. Youll experience a new level of physical strength and mental fortitude, while travelling Australia and overseas, with a team of lifelong friends. What you''ll do Youll become a highly skilled soldier, trained to fight enemies at close quarters in all phases of warfare, using high-tech equipment and weaponry. This role relies heavily on skilled tactics, effective teamwork and the ability to adapt to unfamiliar situations and environments. Whether youre positioned on the front line of the battlefield, providing security for other units or conducting a humanitarian mission, youll be relied upon to perform your role in challenging conditions, night and day. No matter the situation, you and your team will be expected to use the skills youve learnt to complete your mission. This is a demanding role, so it''s important you''re prepared both mentally and physically. Youll be working in unique environments where no 2 days are the same, but every day will be rewarding as you play a key role in protecting Australia. Key InformationDutiesTraining and skillsProgressionAdditional informationLocations Duties Your duties may include: close combat and application of lethal and non-lethal force offensive and defensive operations locating enemies by gathering intelligence through patrol and surveillance seizing and holding ground from enemy forces providing security for Army units and vital assets humanitarian assistance missions international training, advise and assist missions. Training and skills You''ll be supported throughout your training by professional and dedicated Army members who will provide the guidance necessary for you to get the most out of this experience. Your training will begin at Kapooka in Wagga Wagga, NSW, where you''ll complete 13 weeks of recruit training. Training will involve physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. Once you complete your Initial Military Training, you''ll grow your skills and expertise at the School of Infantry, Singleton, NSW. You''ll learn infantry tactics, weapons and equipment to engage in close quarters battle in the field and urban environment. You''ll also learn how to shoot, move and communicate all at once in a highly skilled team within a combat environment. Once you''ve finished your Initial Employment Training, you''ll be assigned to an Army unit and your career as a soldier will begin. Here, you''ll join an experienced team and have opportunities to put your new skills to the test. All while making friends and gaining experience that will last you a lifetime. Most soldiers in this role are part of the Royal Australian Regiment and posted to one of the 6 Battalions. Each Battalion has a dedicated unit role being Mechanised Infantry, Amphibious, Littoral or Motorised Infantry. Progression After finishing your Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your full-time career in the Army or change to a part-time role in the Army Reserve. There is no obligation to serve in the ADF beyond the 12-month Gap Year program period. You can take your new skills and experiences to gain an edge in future careers outside the ADF. Whilst serving your 12-month Gap Year program within an infantry battalion, you may have the opportunity to gain additional skills and progress to a: driver vehicle crew commander machine gunner vehicle gunner combat communicator. Additional information In-Service Information In the Army, this role is known as: Rifleman Employment Category Number (ECN): 343 Employment Category: Combat Corps: Royal Australian Infantry. Locations Upon completion of your Initial Employment Training (IET), your first posting as an Infantry Soldier will likely be to one of the Infantry Battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment. Each of these Battalions has a dedicated role such as Mechanised, Amphibious, Littoral or Motorised Infantry. Primary posting locations include: Brisbane, Qld Darwin, NT Townsville, Qld Infantry Soldiers can be employed in the ADF and Special Operations units around Australia and overseas, and there may be opportunities to post to other locations based on service needs, career development, and individual preferences. Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map. Duties Duties Your duties may include: close combat and application of lethal and non-lethal force offensive and defensive operations locating enemies by gathering intelligence through patrol and surveillance seizing and holding ground from enemy forces providing security for Army units and vital assets humanitarian assistance missions international training, advise and assist missions. Training and skills You''ll be supported throughout your training by professional and dedicated Army members who will provide the guidance necessary for you to get the most out of this experience. Your training will begin at Kapooka in Wagga Wagga, NSW, where you''ll complete 13 weeks of recruit training. Training will involve physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. Once you complete your Initial Military Training, you''ll grow your skills and expertise at the School of Infantry, Singleton, NSW. You''ll learn infantry tactics, weapons and equipment to engage in close quarters battle in the field and urban environment. You''ll also learn how to shoot, move and communicate all at once in a highly skilled team within a combat environment. Once you''ve finished your Initial Employment Training, you''ll be assigned to an Army unit and your career as a soldier will begin. Here, you''ll join an experienced team and have opportunities to put your new skills to the test. All while making friends and gaining experience that will last you a lifetime. Most soldiers in this role are part of the Royal Australian Regiment and posted to one of the 6 Battalions. Each Battalion has a dedicated unit role being Mechanised Infantry, Amphibious, Littoral or Motorised Infantry. Progression After finishing your Gap Year program, you can choose to continue your full-time career in the Army or change to a part-time role in the Army Reserve. There is no obligation to serve in the ADF beyond the 12-month Gap Year program period. You can take your new skills and experiences to gain an edge in future careers outside the ADF. Whilst serving your 12-month Gap Year program within an infantry battalion, you may have the opportunity to gain additional skills and progress to a: driver vehicle crew commander machine gunner vehicle gunner combat communicator. Additional information In-Service Information In the Army, this role is known as: Rifleman Employment Category Number (ECN): 343 Employment Category: Combat Corps: Royal Australian Infantry. Locations Upon completion of your Initial Employment Training (IET), your first posting as an Infantry Soldier will likely be to one of the Infantry Battalions in the Royal Australian Regiment. Each of these Battalions has a dedicated role such as Mechanised, Amphibious, Littoral or Motorised Infantry. Primary posting locations include: Brisbane, Qld Darwin, NT Townsville, Qld Infantry Soldiers can be employed in the ADF and Special Operations units around Australia and overseas, and there may be opportunities to post to other locations based on service needs, career development, and individual preferences. Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map. Take a look at the role requirementsBefore you apply, make sure you meet the basic role requirements. You''ll find detailed information on the Entry requirements tab. I am an Australian citizenYou need to be an Australian citizen to be eligible for the ADF Gap Year program. I am at least 16.5 years oldYou can start your application at16.5years, however, youll need to be18by the time you finish employment training for your role. My background can be checkedTo obtain the minimum-security clearance, you must have lived in Australia or have a checkable background for the past 10 years. I have completed Year 10Youll need to have passed Year 10 English and Maths. I am reasonably fit and healthyKeeping fit is a big part of joining the ADF. Youll need to pass a physical fitness test before you join, but dont worry, we''ll give you tips to help you prepare. My drivers licence is not suspended or cancelledYou dont need a drivers licence for this role but if you have one, it cant be suspended or cancelled.