benjimoomoo,
I was in a similar situation, joined the ADF a couple of years out of school. I was obtaining my PPL whilst in the ADF and was waiting to complete it to submit my application for ATC.
I think I basically received my PPL in the mail and submitted the application that same evening. I guess they didn't see it as a bad thing as I am now a couple of weeks away from becoming a rated controller.
If you have any questions feel free to send me a PM.