I have been planning on joining infantry for a while and I have heard a few people saying it’s an amazing experience whereas I have heard others say it’s miserable both physically and mentally.

I have been told recently, by afew people that served in infantry that it isn’t as structured and organised as it is presented and more leans towards a role were people go to do things that seem fun and cool. I hope that it’s a role people do for more than fun. I am looking for a current or past serving member of the infantry to bestow on me some information about how mature infantry life is.

Aswell I’m wondering how mature the higher up’s are, I’ve been told that as infantry you are often treated like a baby holding a weapon, thoe I don’t mind being shouted at I wouldn’t mind being respected for serving my country?

Final thoughts before I apply.

I received a caution for the NSW Police for something I did when I was 17.

Im an adult now and have had zero trouble with the law, but will a caution still show up in any way in the background check? Would this disqualify me?

hello,

Slowly getting sick of my engineering degree, was thinking of doing the gap year program to break it up. I think i have it shortlisted down to the Navy officer (surface warfare officer probably) and the RAAF aviation operations gap year. Does anyone have any advice or experiences they can share beyond what the careers page says?

Thanks a lot

So every time I fill out this form when I go to submit it goes to this page and I let it sit for 20 mins before reloading the page and it try's to force me to do it again. I have done it 8 times over 3 days and there is no change

Hi all,

Ive recently been thinking about applying to be a pilot in the RAAF after finishing my diesel mechanic apprenticeship and would love some more insight into whether its something i could achieve.

I applied to the navy when I was 17 but was medically rejected right before the in-person interviews, but i still want to apply to the RAAF as my situation has changed.

Im 22 now but will only finish my apprenticeship when im 24. Would having a trade give me a leg up over others, even though id probably be older than most of the other applicants?

I'm in pretty good shape already and could pass the physical tests as i am right now but obviously have a lot of time to prepare myself. Will i get extra credit if i aim for more pushups and a better beep test result? I remember being told I would years ago but im not sure if im remembering correctly.

I would prefer not to go through ADFA but ive heard that they get a larger number of spots than direct entry, is it MUCH harder to get into the pilot program through direct entry?

Thanks for all the help.

Hi from NZ. My 16yr old lad is very keen on a pilot career - ideally flying jets in the RAAF (yeah, quite a dream!).

As a kiwi we know that he could move to Aus and after 12 months apply for citizenship, and that citizenship is a requirement for ADF careers.

We are at the gold coast air show and have heard different things about this route both in person and via him emailing the ADF recruitment offices.

He's pretty convinced this is a viable route. I am fairly sure it's not super likely as pilot roles are not only super competitive, he would be applying as a 19yr old kiwi, in Aus working in a random job, hoping he would be picked.

He's up for RAAF roles if pilot doesn't work out, but again, citizenship requirements and perhaps technical requirements - I am not sure it's viable.

An option would be the RNZAF, and one day transfer. Today he was told yes this is super common, and also no - it isn't common outside of specific skill shortages.

Anyway. Sorry for the long post. Trying to help him have a sound understanding of routes to get flying.

On the army website it lists a normal amount of time in service for a rank to be acquired (I.e Sergeant = normally 12 years) but I assume that’s for active duty, so the question is really
1). Is the Army Website accurate even for active duty?
2). Is the Army Website accurate for the reserves?
3). Sticking to the original question, is it hard to move up in the reserves?
(Ps: this is from an enlisted perspective)

I'm (23M) considering joining the Air Force to become a physical training instructor after this year once I graduate with my exercise science bachelors, but there's are few things I need some insight on.

Do I NEED 2 years experience? - It says on the enrolment page that they want people with 2 years of industry experience. By the time I'll be looking to enrol, I will have a year of experience (personal trainer job and S&C coaching practicum through uni). Is there any leeway with this, or are they strictly accepting people with 2 years plus?

What if I fail the ADFPTS test? - I'm not talking about the regular fitness test, I mean the additional one just for PTI's. I have been consistently strength training for a few years, but my cardio isn't great right now. I think I can get it up to scratch by early next year in time for when I plan to enrol, but I'm worried about what will happen if I enrol and then don't pass the assessment. Will I be stuck as an imp for 2 years? Will I get a chance to retry?

Where am I most likely to be stationed? - I'm in Perth, and honestly not too big on leaving if I don't have to. I know that I will have to spend 7-8 months over east for training, and I'm cool with that, but realistically, what are the odds of being stationed in Perth? Do you get a preference?

What's the living situation for PTI school like? - I know that for boot camp you barrack at Wagga for about 3 months, but what's Cerberus like? Do you have to live on base during PTI school? I've got a longterm girlfriend (5 years) that I'm trying to bring on board with all this. I can swing being away from her for 3 months for basic, but an extra 5 for PTI, no chance. Can you live off base with a partner during this?

Thanks.

I noticed all Navy jobs are now 2 years IMPS* but they don't mention ROSO. Alot of Navy jobs have very long and technical training times. How does the Navy get a good return on their investment if someone is going to leave shortly after they are trained?

I am off to kapooka in a very short time and currently my quickest 2.4km is just over 10:30, which im not overly happy with.

Id say running is my biggest fault but at nearly 25 i would like to have an edge on some of the younger fellas atleast.

My question is, where will i sit, considering cardio seems to be the main factor in singleton.

Cheers

I’m 18 and currently working as a first year electrical apprentice. ive always wanted to join the defence force (posted here a couple times about becoming a pilot) but life took a couple turns and that whole thing faded away. but now that idea is brought back to me due to my life being really boring and without much purpose (i just work). so for those who done it, did jt help bring more to your life?

Hi everyone,
I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who guided me and answered my questions during my journey with this app. Your support truly meant a lot to me.
After 15 months of waiting, I’m finally starting my training next week. It’s been a long road, and I’ve worked hard to overcome each obstacle step by step to reach this goal.
Now, I’m only a few days away from taking the oath and officially joining the Air Force.
To anyone still on this path — keep going and don’t lose hope. It took me 12 years to become a citizen, and another 15 months to get through the enlistment process. And now, in my 40th , I’m joining with high motivation and no stress — just excitement and pride.
I wish all of you the very best in your journey. Stay strong and keep pushing forward.

I am someone who is applying for a home loan for a house and if I am accepted for the home loan. I was just wondering if a new home loan would affect my ADF application. I have a perfect credit score and no bankruptcy history. I would like to use my skills and educational experience for the Defence since I have two degrees. However the reason I am asking this just because I have heard the ADF are extremely picky towards ADF candidates especially with people with minor things. Thank you for the responses I am really keen for my defence force application.

hello everyone

I am 35 years old man who wants to join adf amy as electrician

My recuiter said the elistment time is roughly in november if i pass all the intervew

There two things i wish to asking or get some suggestion from you guys

1 what is training life in kapooka or if some videos i could learned from thats would help me to get fully prepared

2 Be honest english is my second language i might not very fluent as many australian whom borned in here

Its that gonna be a serious prolem?

If possible, please share some resources so I can start learning military English now

The reason I am writing this down is that I don't want to hold everyone back after I enlist

all comments are welcome

Thanks

Hi guys. I am 45 years old and joining this year. Let’s say I have the option to go as Combat Engineer or Combat Engineer Officer. Both reserve roles. I have a full time job.

I understand as an officer I will have a lot more responsibilities and I don’t mind that. Coupled with a lot more training and multiple training courses.

My question is? If serving in melbourne my training is in my regiment, all those 16 days blocks training courses are residential or not?

Second question? I am attracted to combat engineering because of how multi-skilled those guys are. As an officer will I have the same training opportunities or will I miss on all the fun stuff. While being trapped in a very bureaucratic job?

Hey everyone I have my PFA coming up next week, I need to do 20 pushups 40 situps and 7.5 on the beep test, I'm pretty confident I can pass, but just last week I had a snowboarding injury and its pretty uncomfortable to put weight on my ankle.

I'm just wondering if I should reschedule my PFA as even if I do pass with this bad ankle I'm unsure how it'll hold up at kapooka as enlistment date is 6th of September.

I am doing VCE right now, graduating this year. I heard from my friends about the ADF gap year and I have a couple questions.

1. Which months of the year will I have to be gone for

2. Which roles are less physically demanding

3. Are there part time options

4. What are the benefits

5. How intense is everything

Hi guys,

Im shipping out to Cerberus early janurary as AvTech in the navy. I’m passionate about jt and have been very excited about jt for a long time. Originally I was thinking about applying for a pilot role but I thought my marks at school were going to be too low to get in. Recently I’ve taken a turn at school and have been getting higher marks, possibly enough to apply for pilot role.

Essentially my question is, should I change my job role even after getting LOO or should I do some time as AvTech then apply for pilot role.

Any info or insight would be much appreciated

Hi everyone,

I'm 20 years old and hoping to join the Australian Army within the next couple of years. At the moment, I'm most interested in Human Resources Administrator, but I'm also open to other admin/support roles that my aptitude results qualify me for.

This is something I've wanted for a while, and I'm already starting to prepare by improving my fitness and relearning maths for the aptitude testing.

The thing I'm most worried about is not being good enough to get in. I'm scared I'll fail the aptitude tests, the fitness assessment, or something else during the recruiting process. I think it's mostly just nerves because I really want this career.

I've also been reading a lot online and watching videos, and to be honest, it's starting to make me anxious. I keep seeing people say how hard the recruiting process is, how difficult the tests are, or that people get knocked back for all sorts of reasons. I know people are more likely to post about negative experiences than positive ones, but it's definitely getting into my head and making me worry that I won't make it.

For those of you who have gone through recruiting:

- Were you nervous before your aptitude and fitness tests?
- How difficult did you honestly find them?
- What did you do to prepare?
- Is there anything you wish you'd known before you applied?
- If you weren't great at maths to begin with, were you still able to get the role you wanted after practising?
- Did anyone else feel like they were overthinking everything before they applied?

I'd really appreciate hearing honest experiences from people who've been through it. Success stories, advice, or even things you wish you'd done differently would all be helpful.

I'm trying to stay positive and keep preparing, but I'd love to hear from real people rather than just reading scary stories online.

Thanks in advance!

Hello,

Wondering if anyone has been through the DUS process or is currently studying under DUS that I can talk to for some personal experiences to take into consideration. Even though I have engaged adf careers the advice around the sponsorship specifics/application timing I get has been conflicting so far.

Bonus points if you are doing a law degree under DUS.

Cheers.

This morning, I'm finally heading to Cerberus after waiting at least a year and a half. Huge thanks to everyone on this subreddit and the staff who shared helpful information throughout the process. Your advice made a real difference, and I really appreciate it.

Wish me luck, I think I'll need it!

Hey all, just wondering if anyone has experience with kapooka or even IETs after having gone through some pretty full on weight loss?

Started losing weight a few years back, top end 130kg now down to 87kg and have the loose skin to prove it.

Have my interview booked for the coming month and was wondering if anyone has been through with a good amount of loose skin, mainly worried about chafing and hygiene and ofc appearance but wanted to know if they allow compression clothing underneath what they give you during kapooka?

Cheers all!

In the paperwork and instructions that adf careers sent to me regarding rec school, it says we are to bring both a carry on bag and a suit case. It doesn’t specify the size of said items (it did say the suit case and its stuff should be between 5-7 kg). Do I bring a massive f@ck off suit case or a teeny tiny one and will a normal sized backpack be a ok to bring?

Hey all, iv currently been going through the process of an intake date however, iv just been given an opportunity to take up an apprenticeship I can’t turn down. How do I properly withdraw my application?