RAAF GAP YEAR CADETS REACH MILESTONE

The 2009 Air Force Gap Year cadets completed their 10 week Air Force induction training course today, marked by a ceremonial parade at RAAF Base Williams. 

Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, congratulated the 103 cadets as they prepare for Officer Training and the next stage of the Gap Year curriculum.

“The Gap Year cadets and their parents should be proud of what has been achieved so far,” Mr Snowdon said.

“The cadets have completed a challenging phase of their year, including adventure training, Air Force values, personal development and fitness.

“These young men and women do their families, RAAF and the nation proud,” Mr Snowdon said.

“They also live up to the very high standards set by the 2008 Gap Year cadets, and build on the success of that inaugural program which saw 18 participants join the permanent Air Force immediately and a further 3 enter the RAAF undergraduate scheme.”  

The Air Force Gap Year program is part of a wider initiative across the Australian Defence Force, designed to offer an experience of Service life and Australian Defence Force (ADF) career opportunities during the traditional gap year between school and higher education, whilst also providing tangible training in a military environment.

With a large portion of the program based out of the RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook, Local Member for Lalor, the Hon. Julia Gillard MP also gave her support for the program.

“Providing this experience to aspiring ADF personnel is a great initiative, and I am proud that Point Cook RAAF base has been so intimately involved in the program,” Ms Gillard said. 

The Gap Year cadets undertake modularised training, covering both the Air Force’s Recruit Course and Initial Officer Course. The training is conducted in three phases across a number of Air Force bases, providing the cadets with real-time exposure to the many facets of operational life in the Air Force.  The annual program culminates in a three-month individual work experience placement in an Air Force unit.

Media contacts:

Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):                 02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689

John Dunn (Julia Gillard):                                                           0411 833 559

Defence Media Liaison:                               02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664