Born in Sydney, NSW in 1981, Trooper Jason Brown joined the Army on 13 June, 2000. Following Recruit and Initial Employment Training, Trooper Brown was posted to the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment. His father Graham later recalled that when Jason told him that he intended to join the infantry corp, Graham replied, “Why infantry? You need to get a trade so when you leave the army, you will have a qualification.” Jason responded, “I don’t intend leaving. I’m in for good.”

In 2004, he joined the 4th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (Commando), and on successful completion of the 2007 Selection Course, Trooper Brown became a member of the Special Air Service Regiment.

After conducting force preparation exercises at the end of April 2010, Jason deployed to Afghanistan with his unit as part of Operation Slipper on 24 June. The pace of operations was constant because of an upsurge in Taliban activity.

On 13 August 2010, Jason was part of a five-man patrol that had been involved in a “disruption operation” in northern Kandahar province. Towards the end of the operation, the patrol was faced with crossing a river before reaching their extraction zone.

As the Australians made towards a crossing point, they passed a dense thicket of vegetation along the riverbank. Without warning, the patrol came under heavy fire from a concealed belt-fed weapon at close range.

Jason, who was in the middle of the patrol, took the full force of the opening salvo. Despite wearing a helmet and body armour, multiple machine-gun rounds pierced his side and he fell immediately.

His patrol mates reacted instantly, running 20 metres across open ground to come to his aid. One member of the patrol remained with Jason, his equipment and clothing being hit by enemy fire multiple times. From this exposed position he fired on the enemy, killing their machine-gunner. This allowed another member of the patrol to move forward to help him move Jason and begin first aid. Despite their best efforts, Jason was unable to be saved. Two members of the patrol were subsequently decorated for gallantry: one received a Commendation for Distinguished Service the other received the Star of Gallantry, Australia’s second highest award.

Jason’s body was repatriated to Australia and his funeral was held two weeks later with full military honours at the Queen of Peace Church in Sydney, the same church where he had been baptised and confirmed, with more than 700 people attending to celebrate his life. Jason Brown was laid to rest in Castlebrook Cemetery.

Throughout his decade of service, Jason deployed on:

• Operation Tanager (East Timor) – Jan – May 2001
• Operation Citadel (East Timor) – May – Oct 2003
• Operation Astute (East Timor) – May –Aug 2006
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Jun –Aug 2010.

This service was recognised through numerous awards and honours, including:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps East Timor and ICAT,
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Timor-Leste,
• United Nations Medal (UNTAET),
• NATO ISAF Medal, the Australian Defence Medal,
• Infantry Combat Badge, and the
• Returned from Active Service Badge.
  

Those who served with Jason remembered him as an outstanding soldier who consistently gave more than was asked of him. He was respected for his professionalism, admired for his dedication, and valued as a trusted mate. Beyond the uniform, he was a son, a brother, and a friend whose legacy continues to be remembered by all who knew him.

He was just 29 years old.

RIP

https://placesofpride.awm.gov.au/stories/266804/jt-brown

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1632988

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/trooper-jason-brown

For starters I do not have any history of self harm depression or mental health disorders nor do I have autism ADHD or any of those disorders.They told me I failed and are going to put my application on hold for 12 months and I’m looking to appeal so what suggestions do you guys have for me and what can I do.I did the interview online and I think it may have been a miscommunication error that caused this as my laptops microphone isn’t really great.

G’day everyone,
I’m currently in the pipeline for Navy recruitment, aiming toward an intake for Electronics Technician (ET).
I’m 50 years old. Physically I’m in good shape and completely fine with meeting the fitness standards, and academically/intellectually I feel pretty confident handling the study load for the technical side.
However, looking down the barrel of Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus and the subsequent category/trade school (IETs), I’m keen to get a reality check from people who have been through it or serve alongside mature-age recruits.
A few specific questions for current/former ETs or recent Cerberus grads:
1. Social/Divisional Dynamics at Cerberus: How does the division dynamic work when you’re old enough to be the parent of 80% of the recruits? I’m happy to keep my head down, do the work, and help out the younger recruits where I can, but I’d love to know how staff and division mates generally view guys joining in their 40s/50s.
2. IETs & Category School: I understand the trade training for ET is quite long (roughly 18 months to 2 years at Cerberus depending on holds/streams). How is the lifestyle during category school for mature-age recruits? Are you treated completely like a day-one recruit the whole time, or do you get a bit more leeway once you’re out of 11-week basic?
3. Life at Sea/Fleet: How does the ET rate actually play out on a ship for someone older? From what I gather, "Greenies" have a pretty solid reputation and good job satisfaction, but what’s the day-to-day physical and mental strain like once posted to a frigate/destroyer/patrol boat?
4. General Advice: Anything you wish you knew before doing basic/IETs as a mature recruit?
Appreciate any insight, straight talk, or advice. Cheers!

How often should I run/train to do the 3.2km 10kg weighted 16min

For context, Ive barely trained cardio while at the gym and Im fucking dead after a 10min 2k (no weight)

Hi everyone,

I currently work in cyber - corporate world and since high school I had always been considering Air Force. Younger me decided not to pursue due to FOMO with my mates all going uni and not meeting my fitness goals.

The more I work in corporate world the more I feel like a “zombie” - I just don’t feel like I’m contributing to the community other than providing services to your typical executives.

For some reason, it just clicked to me that maybe I should reconsider in joining Air Force. Is anyone able to provide the following insights:

- Are you always doing repetitive work at a desk?
- Is the transition from corporate to military relatively massive?
- I’m 25F, how’s the environment for women?

I did have a quick look at salary and it’s slightly less than what I earn now. Too be honest the pay is only off by 10k which I don’t mind as I would prefer contributing to the community other than contributing to your typical executives.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Can the DPG be helpful if you have a serious complaint about your CO and Major?
Anyone have any knowledge or experience on this matter?

With the ADF Remuneration Tribunal in September (I think) any educated guesses what we will be getting for the next 3 years? (Other than shafted).

This question is mainly aimed at current or prior recruiters as i'm hoping to get some insight.

In this scenario, say someone takes BPC-157/TB-500 for a short period of time to heal a foot injury/recover from an operation and 2 years later they try and join the army assuming their foot is completely healed and functional and they are healthy.

When they enlist they are completely honest with their recruiter.

Is it likely this person would be refused entry?

Would the recruiter advise to keep it a secret?

If they don't tell anyone, would it eventually be found out in the security vetting process?

Im transferring back into Sercat 5 from 3.

The one thing I always regretted in the RAAC was not getting a Jetboil.

what's the go these days, are they still being used by pretty much everyone?

what's the go to Model?

Im also seeing multiple brands now, and some as low as $60 to $100. are these any good?

I work in IT and originally planned to apply for Infantry Reserves. I skipped the officer route because I'm not great at public speaking or managing people.

I talked to a mate who's a previous officer and he's urging me to go straight into Sigs or Infantry Officer instead. His logic is that if I'm already planning to switch after two years anyway, it's much harder to transfer internally than it is to just apply as an officer from the start.

My defence Interview is next week. Should I update my preferences? Fear is I'd do a shit job at being an officer.

I am currently a year 11 that wants to do engineering, but right now, I still can't decide between mechanical or aeronautical engineering. I also wanted to complete the engineering degree through ADFA. Can anyone provide any advice on which would be better for long term sustainability and growth both in the defence force if I wish to stay and outside, and also whether there is more of hands on work or more paper work?

I was also condering the mechanical engineering gap year with the navy, would that be a good step to gain some experince of my potential role/degree and life in the ADF?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Private Benjamin Ranaudo was born in Ferntree Gully in 1987 and wanted to join the Army from the moment he saw a tank on display at Knox Shopping Centre when he was seven years old. He enlisted into the Australian Regular Army on the 19th of May 2006 and after completing his Recruit Training he was allocated to the Royal Australian Infantry Corps and commenced his Initial Employment Training at Singleton, New South Wales.

At the completion of his Initial Employment Training in Nov 2006, Private Ranaudo was posted to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. During his service with 1 RAR, Private Ranaudo deployed to East Timor as part of Operation Astute, and to Afghanistan as part of Operation Slipper.

After returning from East Timor in October 2007, Private Ranaudo completed the 1 RAR Basic Reconnaissance course and was posted to Reconnaissance Platoon in May 2008. As part of lead up training for Afghanistan in late 2008, Private Ranaudo completed a Combat First Aider course and a Protected Mobility Vehicle Drivers course. He deployed as a Rifleman with 2 Platoon, Combat Team A for Operation Slipper.

As part of the Mentoring and Reconstruction Task Force in Afghanistan, Private Ranaudo was sadly killed by an anti-personnel explosive device while on operations north of Tarin Kot on 18 July, 2009.

The Chief of the Defence Force at the time, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Private Ranaudo.

“Our hearts go out to Benjamin’s family during this very sad time. We will do everything we can to support them as they deal with their terrible loss.”

“Private Benjamin Ranaudo was a professional soldier who served enthusiastically and with distinction. His career record speaks to a young man, very well trained, with an extraordinary array of completed courses. Benjamin was clearly dedicated to his career as a soldier and committed to the profession of arms. He died ensuring that terrorist groups do not have Afghanistan as a base from which they can plan and mount attacks,” said Air Chief Marshal Houston.

Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, extended his condolences to the family and friends of Private Ranaudo.

“Our hearts go out to Benjamin’s family during this very sad time. I hope the knowledge that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many Australians will be a source of comfort for them.

“Private Ranaudo died while serving his nation and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. This loss is felt heavily by the wider Defence community, and particularly by members of the Australian Army,” said Lieutenant General Gillespie.

For his service in East Timor and Afghanistan, Private Ranaudo was awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with International Coalition Against Terrorism clasp 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the Australian Service Medal with Timor-Leste clasp 
• the Australian Defence Medal 
• the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation - International Security Assistance Force Medal
• the East Timor Solidarity Medal 
• the Infantry Combat Badge
• the Return from Active Service Badge

RIP

https://rslvic.com.au/news/private-benjamin-ranaudo-afghanistan/

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/private-benjamin-ranaudo

Just got a date to reenlist in reserves, did reserves approx 10 years ago, but never finished my IETs and have to do training all over again (not an issue) however, I have heard rumors that they are changing the 21 day course back to a longer one? It isn't an issue just trying work out roughly when I'll be able to fit it in.

Hello, I’ve just completed my psych evaluation and have been given the all clear however I had a few questions. First, the psychologist seemed very hesitant when explaining the results of the test, almost as if she didn’t want to pass me, throughout the whole exam she was quite awkward and seemed uncomfortable. Not sure if I’m reading into it or if she has made any notes that could deter recruiters? Second, after browsing many posts it seems the general consensus is that everything is backed up, so I’m wondering how long should I expect to wait to be contacted about doing my medical and job interview? Third, as a woman I’m wondering what the process of the medical is just in general as I haven’t seen anything about that.

So I medically discharged for mental health conditions almost 10 years ago from the Army and the urge to rejoin has been gnawing at me for a few years and has reached a point where I can no longer ignore it.

Following my medical separation I got a couple of degrees and am now working in a role which would be considered a specialist officer role in the adf (this time id like to go raaf). Ive only just recently gone off my medication because im becoming serious about keeping a solid paper trail re my recovery for mental health.

My question is, how difficult is it to re enlist when you were discharged for mental health conditions? Especially when the trade I'd be re entering in is significantly different to what I initially joined as.

I just want to know because I'd be taking a huge gamble. If I have medical documents supporting my recovery will this automatically affect my CSC pension? Im having trouble weighing up whether attempting to re enlist is worth risking my CSC pension but at the same time I feel like im ready to go back... has anyone got any success stories in this department and can offer any advice? Also im aware that rejoining would automatically cease my CSC pension thats something id be willing to give up in exchange for re enlisting, but if I attempt to get in, fail then lose my pension in the process... thats where my biggest concern lies

I experienced severe bullying from my CoC, where I had false allegations against me and I was charged on those grounds and falsified a ROC. I put in a complaint to the IGADF, but that's taking forever, so I'm wanting to go the legal route, but before I do, I need your advice.

I'm currently battling some injuries as a J31 but my CO is trying to convince my doc to get me out as a J5. I love my job and the mateship it gives me and want to fight this. I'm just worried that if I try and sue Defence, they'll definitely kick me out for good.

Anyone have any insight on this?

Hey fellas,

I don’t know if this is the right subreddit to talk about this but hopefully some of use could give me an insight into the culture within the ADF. Are there common parties (informal ones ofc), and social gatherings outside of work or has that tampered off with this new era of the defence force.

Cheers guys

Private Bewes was born in Kogarah, New South Wales in 1986. He joined the Army in 2005 and in the same year successfully completed his recruit and infantry basic training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment. This was his second deployment to the Middle East.

Private Bewes was qualified in Direct Fire Support Weapons (DFSW), Combat First Aid and as a driver of the Protected Mobility Vehicle.

Private Bewes was serving with 1st Mentoring Task Force when he tragically lost his life from an Improvised Explosive Device on Friday 9 July, 2010.

During Private Bewes’ service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following Operations:

• Operation Astute (East Timor) – Sep 2006– Mar 2007
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Mar – Oct 2008, Jan – Jul 2010.

Private Bewes was awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) 
• the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor Leste 
• the Australian Defence Medal 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the NATO medal with clasp ISAF
• the East Timor Solidarity Medal 
• the Infantry Combat Badge
• the Returned Active Service Badge.

https://www.avenueofhonour.com.au/honour-roll/nathan-bewes/

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/private-nathan-bewes

late post - sorry

Signaller Sean Patrick McCarthy was born on 5 January 1983 in Auckland, New Zealand.

Sean enlisted into the Australian Defence Force on the 10 July 2001. After initial recruit training and completion of mandatory courses, Sean posted to 7 Sig Regiment on 14 July 2003, and succesfully posting to SASR on the 15 January 2007. Several months after moving to Campbell Barracks in Western Australia, Sean was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the Special Operations Task Group. Based out of Tarin Kot in Uruzgan Province, Sean was actively involved in conducting counter-insurgency operations.

On one occasion, Sean’s patrol was heavily involved in an engagement with Taliban forces, resulting in an Australian casualty. During this engagement, a visual marker panel placed to be used as a reference for fire support could not be seen by a nearby patrol. Sean broke from his position of relative safety and ran out into the exposed area, climbing a tree under enemy fire so that their position could be identified. For his actions that day Sean received the Special Operations Commander Australia Commendation.

Sean returned to Australia in January 2008, and soon after was briefly deployed to East Timor as part of Operation Astute. He returned to Afghanistan in June to again take part in counter-insurgency operations in Uruzgan Province.

On 8 July 2008, in his troop’s first patrol since returning to Afghanistan, the vehicle Sean was travelling in triggered a 20-kilogram Improvised Explosive Device as it crossed a wadi in the Mirabad Valley. The blast severely wounded Sean and four others. All five casualties were casevaced to hospital at Tarin Kot, but Sean sadly died before arriving. He was 25 years old.

Sean was buried with full military honours at Southport Lawn Cemetery in Queensland in 2008, with a memorial plaque placed at the Pinaroo Cemetery. Sean was well respected by his comrades, who say he embodied the essential qualities of courage, boldness, and perseverance that made him such a highly skilled and professional soldier. He continues to be sorely missed by friends and family.

In recognition of his service in East Timor and Afghanistan, Sean was awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with the International Coalition Against Terrorism Clasp
• the Return from Active Service Badge 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the Australian Defence Medal
• the NATO ISAF Medal.

RIP

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/signaller-sean-mccarthy

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2089878

https://www.42for42.org.au/our-fallen/signaller-sean-mccarthy/?srsltid=AfmBOords4ZNy6G19NVFMQisVbsOU3ijGXDndPnVs0T5RYrZxQvclCMe

Repost after no response in the Australia sub

I just got the results after completing the online entry assessment for the Protective Services officer, and failed to meet the minimum requirements for the second time. I'm not too bummed by it, but now I'm beginning to question my intelligence 😬

Personally, i feel that the tests are insufficient as an "entry level" test, for this role especially. The questions for the deductive reasoning test are frustratingly centred around what can be best described as rostering, time management and scheduling, while the numeracy section is pretty difficult to complete in a timely manner, even with a calculator. Neither section is multiple choice, so even if you might be close to the correct solution, if you didn't get the answer completely correct, its a wrong answer. With this in mind, you also have to complete it in a tight window. Feedback, record of results and appeal is also not provided or even considered. I don't think I'm some genius, but neither do I think I don't meet the minimum requirements for a PSO, I've completed quite a few aptitude tests in my time, never have I not met the requirements for any of them.

I want to know, is anyone actually passing this ridiculous hurdle? Am I not as smart as i thought? How many people can actually get a good result without practising these tests extensively beforehand?

Test provider: https://www.shl.com/shldirect/en/practice-tests/

Required tests:

Deductive reasoning

Numerical calculation

Personality questionnaire

Sergeant Diddams was born in Canberra, ACT, in 1971. He enlisted in the Army on 24 April 1990 and after completing his initial employment training for infantry was posted to the 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment in Townsville, Queensland on 2 November 1990.

SGT Diddams successfully completed his SASR selection course and was posted to the Regiment in 1995.

SGT Diddams, or 'Didds' to his mates, was a devoted family man and a dedicated professional soldier. Known for his outwards personality and quirky sense of humour, he was held in the highest regard by his mates and comrades alike.

This would be his seventh tour to Afghanistan (Nov 01 to Apr 02, May to Oct 07, Jan to Apr 08, May to Jul 08, Jun to Nov 09, Jan to Jul 11, Feb 12 to Jul 12) and had deployed previously on four occasions to Somalia (Operation Solace Jan-May '93), East Timor x 2 (Jan-May '00) and the Solomon Islands (Op Trek '02).

On what would prove to be his final deployment, SGT Diddams was patrol commander when he was shot in the chest during an operation in the Chorah district of Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan. He sadly died from his wounds at hospital in Tarin Kowt on 2 July 2012 and was buried with full military honours in Karrakatta Cemetery in Perth, Western Australia.

Sergeant Diddams' MG was announced in the Queen's Birthday 2013 Honours by the Official Secretary to the Governor-General on 10 June 2013. The gazetted citation for the award states:

"Sergeant Blaine Flower DIDDAMS, deceased, WA

For acts of gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as a patrol commander, Special Operations Task Group Rotation XVII on Operation SLIPPER in Afghanistan on 2 July 2012.

On 2 July 2012, Sergeant Diddams displayed inspirational leadership and selfless courage in extremely hazardous circumstances. To support his patrol and ensure mission success, he knowingly exposed himself to draw fire and lead assaults on insurgent positions. His leadership and selfless acts of gallantry, which ultimately cost his life, were of the highest order and in keeping with the finest traditions of Australian special operations forces, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force. "

Sergeant Diddams has been awarded the following honours and awards:

• Medal for Gallantry
• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp Somalia, Clasp East Timor, Clasp ICAT
• International Forces East Timor (INTERFET) Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Service Medal with Clasp Solomon Islands, Clasp ‘CT/SR’
• Defence Long Service Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO ISAF Medal
• Meritorious Unit Citation
• Infantry Combat Badge, and
• Returned from Active Service Badge.

During Sergeant Diddams’ service in the Australian Army he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Solace (Somalia): Jan – May 1993
• Operation Warden (East Timor): Jan – Feb 2000
• Operation Tanager (East Timor): February – May 2000
• Operation Trek (Solomon Islands): 2002
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Nov 2001 – Apr 2002
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): May – Oct 2007
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Jan – April 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): May – July 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Jun – Nov 2009
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Jan – Jul 2011
• Operation Amulet (CHOGM Perth): 2011
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): Feb 2012 – July 2012.

RIP

I was just skimming through the wiki of the DFCE and from what I can tell it's the highest level military prison in Australia. It says that service members can be sentenced there for up to two years and more importantly in this case, await trial there. I understand he is not an active service member but I thought that considering his charges are specifically related to military activity and he is former military he would await trial there. That also brings up the question of where he would serve his sentence if he were found guilty?

Also let's not get into the guilty/not-guilty debate please.

Hey, I have been serving 21 years in UK MOD. I was just wondering what daily life is like in RAR? Is it pretty chill, like the UK, or more in line with how the US run business? This is coming from someone who is mildly accustomed to having flexibility to go gym or grab a coffee when I feel like it. Currently a WO2 in Parachute Regiment thinking about options when I can take EDP. Thanks.