In the lead-up to Exercise Pitch Black 2024, Aircraftman Samuel Ashton from 33 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley, Queensland, was excited at the prospect of taking part in his first military exercise while part of the ADF Gap Year Program.
The 22-year-old showed an interest in joining the Air Force at a young age after watching RAAF Amberley-based aircraft flying near his home at Ipswich, Queensland. He later joining the Australian Air Force Cadets.
This interest led Aircraftman Ashton into the ADF Gap Year program, now putting aviation operations in the Air Force into practice with 33 Squadron on Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
“This is my first military exercise and I’ll be based out of RAAF Base Tindal, assisting in crewing and planning KC-30 missions,” Aircraftman Ashton said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the RAAF works in this kind of environment and working with aviators from our allied countries and seeing how they do things.”
33 Squadron operates the KC-30 Multi Role Tanker Transport aircraft, with a number of Gap Year recruits joining the squadron in roles from crew attendant to aircraft operations.
“My experience in the Gap Year Program has been amazing. I’ve had the opportunity to travel around Australia, to places I’ve never been before, and experience things that only people who join the Air Force get to experience,” Aircraftman Ashton added.
“It was a real thrill being in the cockpit of a KC-30, watching a C-17 being refuelled. You don’t get to see that sort of thing unless you join up and take these opportunities.”
The ADF Gap Year program encourages 17 to 24-year-olds to join the ADF for 12 months and get a feel for a career in the military. Aircraftman Ashton is now seriously thinking about a future in the Air Force.
“I am 100 per cent considering continuing in the Air Force once my 12 months is finished. The ADF Gap Year really gives those that are unsure about what career they’d like a good insight into what the Air Force really has to offer.”
For more details about the ADF Gap Year go to
