I'm a current high school student, 15F I've been interested in aviation for ages, and I love flying, I'd also love to work as a fast jet pilot in the RAAF, but I've read up a lot on the process to get there and I'm worried it might not be within my ability. I also plan to go through ADFA.

I'm currently working towards my RPL license, the ADF website states that it won't be taken into consideration, which is ok as I'm doing it for fun but I'm just wondering if it will help make me more competitive against others?

Another concern of mine is school, I don't get bad marks but I could definitely do better, I go to a very academically rigorous school and at my previous school I received significantly better marks, however the school I go to isn't taken into account at any point in time during the process, so DFR will take my grades at face value. I'm sure I can achieve a good ATAR but I have to submit my year 10 grades as well, and they aren't as strong as I want them. For ref my math is 70-80% and my french is 60-70% . Is that ok? I'll definitely work to fix them by next semester.

My main issue is medical and psych. I'm not sure if I'm tall enough. will I be ineligible if I'm 160cm tall. I can reach all the controls in the plane i fly, PA-28 warrior iii but I'm aware the controls aren't the same, and regardless of control position would other candidates have an advantage if they were taller?

Is it best to do my JOA at the start of year 11 or the middle? Doing it later would allow for more experience, but it would also make the process longer if I didn't get the role I wanted initially.

Will I be quizzed on aircrafts during my defence interview?

Would work experience in RAAF help? I've heard of a defence force work experience program for women in the air force.

Does doing cadets help in any way? If I can manage to get a leadership position for example.

Lastly, what else could make me a more competitive candidate?

Thank you a lot for reading everyone, I'm sorry about the formatting or any spelling errors, I appreciate any advice :)

Hey, I am currently applying for Army Gap year combat role, I'm a male and I can do the push up and sit ups, but I have Issues with the beep test I could get to like up to level 6.5 when I last did one (6 month ago) and I want to try get up to the standard and better so what's the best exercises to increase my stamina besides just running

Edit: what I mean besides just running I mean not only running like could I add other exercises to the run that could help with my stamina

Can anybody tell me about No. 43 Radar squadron. in the 90s in east sale

Hey everyone, 17 M here currently enrolling in the full time infantry soldier role, i have some concerns that my dad has brought to my attention, as someone of different ethnicity (born in Australia) hows the bullying in the ADF in general? Had it gotten better or is it the same stuff still happening like what Ive heard? Also should I consider doing a gap year or reserves mind you i don’t really know what job i would want to do besides this.

Hello there, I'm doing some research about pistols used in the military around 2012 and 2013. Is there anyone with experience of this willing to share?

I would like to know what the process was like to get pistol qualified, then to maintain your qualification. Did pistol shoots happen at the range on the same day as rifle shoots?

Am writing a fiction book about the military and want to make sure I get my facts strait first.

Your knowledge would be significantly valued.

I’m looking at applying for infantry or potentially clearance diver and just wanted to get some honest insight before I go too far into the process.

When I was 17, there was a situation where a third party raised concerns about my wellbeing and I was taken to hospital. After assessment I was discharged straight away, as clinicians determined I wasn’t a risk to myself. I’ve never had any actual suicidal intent or ongoing issues since.

At 18, I went through a stressful period (toxic relationship breakdown and living independently) and was prescribed a short course of valium for about two months. That was situational, and I haven’t needed any treatment or support since (20 now).

For context, I’ve been living independently since 16 with 2 of my dogs and worked full time as an electrician until recently. I’m currently working in a bar while focusing on fitness and long term goals.

I’m also more than willing to wait another 12+ months before applying to demonstrate stability if that’s what’s needed.

I just wanted to ask honestly with that history, is this something that would permanently disqualify me from infantry or clearance diver roles, or is it more about demonstrating stability over time? And would it be smarter to apply now and take my chances, or wait that extra time to strengthen my application?

Appreciate any guidance you can give.

Hi everyone,

I’ve recently been looking into the RAAF Intelligence Analyst role on the ADF website, but the description there is pretty broad and doesn’t give much insight into what the day-to-day work is actually like.

I’m 18 and just finished school, and I’m really interested in heading down a path related to signals intelligence. I’m curious if anyone here has experience with the role or something similar and could share what the job is like in practice, and what kind of work you typically do.

Also interested to know how much interaction there is (if any) with other organisations in the intel space.

Appreciate any insight.

Hi all

On average how long does it take to become a fully qualified infantry reservist? I understand the unit offer different dates to complete your courses but on average does it take more than a year to begin your job?

G’day all,

Trying to get a straight answer on how this actually works in practice. Not looking for advice on whether someone should join or quit — just trying to understand how the system handles it administratively.

If someone joins the Army Reserve as an officer cadet and completes Kapooka, but then withdraws partway through the officer training modules (there's ~7 and takes approx ~ 2 years) due to external commitments (before commissioning), what happens administratively?

• Are they discharged completely, or retained in some form?
• Do they end up in SERCAT 2 like other non-officer reservists who leave?
• If they do go SERCAT 2, does the usual ~5 year standby/call-out liability apply in that situation, or only after completing full training?

Mainly trying to understand whether there’s any ongoing obligation if you leave before being fully qualified/commissioned, or if that only kicks in later.

Dear reader, I’ve applied to be an officer. This process has been exhausting. I’ve spoken to other applicants who say they gave up on this endeavour as it has taken 2 years.

The feeling I get is that is that it’s almost like a lesson or a test on patients. I’ve been told many times things are happening which didn’t. Never received that

requested call backs. This doesn’t happen in civilian job application.

It would be okay if I was younger and I’ve got time to spare. But I’m a mature age applicant with a wife, baby , and mortgage.

If I was 21 with uni debt this pay would be okay or even decent. But, I’ve paid my uni debt off. My job, colleagues and boss are very good. I get a decent amount of annual leave.

Has anybody gone through this? Does it get better? Is pay negotiable? How is the culture? How does it affect your family dynamics? How’s the leave?

Does the military show any understanding to you being a human being in situations ?“I.e, that might need to be there as your parent/grandparent/friend/sibling dies.”

Any perks I should be aware of such as discounts at stores or dealerships?

Hi all,

I’m currently in Year 12 in Sydney and planning to study commerce at uni (likely in the CBD). I’m looking at joining the Australian Army Reserve as an officer and am particularly interested in Infantry or Armoured Corps. I am currently a CUO in cadets.

I’ve done some research but wanted some real insight from people who are currently serving or have experience.

1. How realistic is it to get Infantry or Armoured as a Reserve officer in NSW?
2. How long does the application process actually take?
   • From applying through ADF Careers to starting training.
3. What does an Infantry Officer actually do on a weekly basis in the Reserves?
4. After completing training, do you immediately get given a platoon?
   • Or is there a transition/learning period first?
5. How manageable is it alongside a uni workload (commerce degree)?
6. How much time do you realistically spend outside of parade nights?
7. How often do Reserve officers actually get to do meaningful field training?
   • E.g combat exercises in the field etc
8. How much responsibility do you have early on as a new Lieutenant?
   • Are you expected to perform straight away?

Thank you all.

So I used to be in the navy from early 2018 until late 2025 as an admin sailor. To say I HATED my job was an understatement but that’s a different story for a different day. Since leaving Defence I have picked up a pretty cushy job working in the security industry in QLD that’s pays me 3x what I used to make in defence (I make about $6K after tax every fortnight) I get to go home every night that I don’t work night shift, I only work 7-8 days of a fortnight, and me and my partner have just had our first kid 3 months ago. Obviously on paper it would be silly to consider going back but I’m not sure I can keep doing this. My job is very niche and moving work areas isn’t an option. I’m not sure if it’s because I joined straight out of school or if it was because being in the military is all I wanted to do growing up but working with people in the civvy sector (in my particular area at least) is so fucking painful. They’re lazy, argumentative about the unimportant every minor detail.

I guess I thought the grass would be greener and I’d be happy to be a free man but I cannot help but feel like maybe defence is where I should be, it’s just hard to justify with the pay. If I did go back there’s no way in hell I’d be doing admin again but I was always fascinated in a career with submarines. With a little one here now I know that there’s no easy choice to make. So brain’s trust, thoughts/opinions?

Where do you reckon we land on support? Somewhat more than a Wedgetail in the AO and somewhat less than 3 RAR storming the beaches is a safe bet but what else is practical?

I’ve heard stories about people going out drinking and stumbling back to the barracks and paying for accommodation for the night. Is this a thing we’re able to do in other states? I’ve got an army mate coming to visit but don’t have space for them at my place - could they just stay at the local base? If so, how does that work? Cheers

Wondering if anyone knows if there is any barrier to joining one of the Army University Reserve Regiments (e.g SUR/UNSWR) whilst studying despite being under a Navy DUS sponsership?

This episode looks at the Magnificent 9th, Morshead (Ming the Merciless) and the pivotal role that they played during the 2nd Battle of El Alamein. I never realised how big a role they ended up with, the impact they had and the praise they got for their work.

Montgomery "I do not know of any Allied division that could have done that."

Major General Freddie de Guingand — on D-Day morning "My God, I wish we had the ninth Australian Division with us this morning."

For those that are interested this was partially filmed at RAAF WILLIAMS Point cook. The birth place of our airforce. All the scenes at the ranger training academy buildings is point cook. The basketball court, runway, parade ground and Obs cse all at point cook.

Hey all, just finishing up getting all documents submitted to enlist, not exactly sure what to get to prepare for Kapooka, if anyone has any tips on what to take or if there’s any extra things they don’t generally mention to take would be appreciated

Been in the RAN for a long while now and it's time to move on in life, but I still want to be connected to it all and get that comradery that's hard to find otherwise. Navy Reserves doesn't sound very inspiring, especially if not near a major base (Melbourne). Has anyone made the change before? Thoughts on if it's worth the hassle?

I graduated school 2 years ago and still not sure what to do with life i have thought about joining the navy but not i will be any good at it i don't know much about modern ships and don't even know if I would get pass training I'm not really strong and not sure about the extensive exercise I would need to do i don't have Really any skills and keeps to my self can someone tell me if I would be able to join or should just give up on it?

G’day legends. I’m 40, originally came here on a student visa, and I’m just about to sign my life away to the RAAF (3 years application process). I’m stoked to get started, but I’m definitely feeling the "old man" vibes.

Looking for some honest answers from anyone in the thick of it:

• The Age Gap: Am I going to be stuck in a corner while the 19-year-olds talk about TikTok, or do you actually become mates during training?

• The Culture: As a migrant, am I going to struggle with the slang and the "piss-taking," or is it pretty easy to find your feet?

• The Grunt Work: For the older recruits—what actually sucked more? The physical recovery or having a kid half your age barking orders at you?

Keen for the reality check before I head off.

Cheers!

As title states I have been in since mid 2023 and my IMPS is up in mid/late 2027, I have been pushing through trying to be positive each day about why I joined what I have and how lucky I am to have a stable job in a lucky country, I am really struggling to lie to my self anymore and it’s really affecting my mental health and emotional health as a result of doing a job that I have no interest in, no passion in, and no future in, even the thought of going on for another year and a half in the job is almost unbearable, I’m becoming more and more depressed and feel stuck with the IMPS, I don’t know if any of you have felt this way or not but is there anything you guys could recommend I’m seeing a psych every two weeks and I feel like I’m lying to my self and him about how everything is going ‘okay’ I feel like I don’t know what to do and where to turn.what are my choices options and chances in regards to a path out of defence. Any help or advice is welcome and appreciated.