If a term is not defined anywhere in this manual or other legislation, it has the same meaning as in the Macquarie Dictionary.

For definitions relating to dependants, see Chapter 1 Part 3 Division 2.

Warning – Different Definitions for Overseas Conditions of Service

The following terms are defined differently for overseas conditions of service:

• long-term posting
• posting location
• posting period
• short-term duty

Those definitions are in Chapter 12 Part 3.

A complete list of the approved forms can be found in Defence Determination 2016/19 (Approved forms) Instrument 2023 (No. 1).

In the total workforce system, a member on continuous full-time service may be described as a member in Service category 6 or 7. A member who is in Service category 3, 4 or 5 and also on Service option C is also on continuous full-time service.

Example: A member joined the Navy in 2000 and served 10 years in the Permanent Forces. The member then joined the Reserves and performed intermittent Navy reserve days during 2010 to 2014. The member is then called out for continuous full-time service for all of 2015.

The list of deployments approved by the Minister is available in Annex 17.1.A .

In the total workforce system, a member of the Permanent Forces may be described as a member in Service category 6 or 7. A member of the Reserves on continuous full-time service may be described as a member in Service category 3, 4 or 5 who is also on Service option C.

In the total workforce system, a member of the Reserves may be described as a member in Service category 2, 3, 4 or 5.

Members on continuous full-time service are paid on a 24 hour, 7-day week basis with no overtime hours.

Example 1: The member has been overpaid a benefit.

Example 2: The member is liable to contribute money towards the cost of a particular conditions of service benefit that the Commonwealth provides to them.

The definition in that Act reads as follows.

"period of prospective service, in relation to a member to whom retention benefit is payable or has been paid, means the period:

1. commencing:

   1. if the member is or was, at the time when the benefit becomes or became payable, subject to a return of service obligation — immediately after the end of the period of service that the member is required to complete because of that obligation; or

   2. if subparagraph (i) does not apply — on benefit computation day in relation to the member; and

2. ending at the end of:

   1. the day on which the member will, if he or she does not cease beforehand to serve in the Permanent Forces:

      1. complete 20 years of continuous eligible service; or

      2. if, at the time when, or at any time after, the benefit becomes or became payable, the member is, or was, subject to a return of service obligation — complete a period of continuous eligible service that, excluding the period of service that the member is required to serve because of that obligation, is equal to 20 years; or

   2. the day on which the member will reach his or her retiring age;

   whichever occurs first."

Example: A member's dependants need to live near a children's hospital while the member's child undergoes chemotherapy. The member meets the compassionate test for every benefit that can apply and lives in a personal location where benefits are provided.

Examples: Maritime disability allowance, ADF district allowance and housing assistance.

Examples: Cars, trucks, motor cycles (and sidecar), motor scooters.

Non-examples: Recreational or hobby vehicles that cannot be registered.

The locations listed by DFAT as 'Do not travel' locations can be found on the Smarttraveller destinations page. On this page, filter the search to 'Do not travel'.

Salary may also be known as Military salary.

1. A Service category is part of the total workforce system. It groups members into categories that share the same, mutual Service obligations and conditions of service. It may also be known as a SERCAT.

2. A member is placed into one of six Service categories.

3. The following descriptions only apply for conditions of service purposes.

   Service category

   Item	Service category	Description
   1.	Service category 1 SERCAT 1	This category is reserved for some APS employees.
   2.	Service category 2 SERCAT 2	Reserve members who do not render service and have no service obligation. They are liable for call out.
   3.	Service category 3 SERCAT 3	Reserve members who are available for voluntary service, or are rendering service. This category has a level of service obligation applied at a Service's discretion. They are liable for call out.
   4.	Service category 4 SERCAT 4	Reserve members who are available for voluntary service to provide capability at short notice. The level and pattern of their service obligation is applied at a Service's discretion. They are liable for call out.
   5.	Service category 5 SERCAT 5	Reserve members voluntarily rendering a specified pattern of service. The level of service obligation is applied at a Service's discretion. This category carries a liability for call out.
   6.	Service category 6 SERCAT 6	Permanent Force members rendering part-time service under a flexible service determination. The members have continuous full-time service obligations in the same way as a member in Service category 7, including the inherent liability to serve on a full-time basis if required to do so.
   7.	Service category 7 SERCAT 7	Permanent Force members rendering full-time service.

4. A member may also be placed in a Service option.

1. Service option C describes a member who is in the Reserves and is also on continuous full-time service. It is part of the total workforce system.

   Example: A member in Service category 3 who is also on Service option C.

2. Service option C may also be known as SERVOP C.

1. The Travel card may also be known as the Defence travel card.
2. The Travel card is the Defence Diners Card or the MasterCard Companion Card.

If a member is on a period of unpaid leave and receives the payment under the Government Paid Parental Leave scheme during that period, the payment does not change the status of the member's unpaid leave to paid leave.