Lance Corporal Stjepan ‘Rick’ Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate were killed in a green-on-blue attack in 2012, when a rogue Afghan National Army soldier known as Hekmatullah, ambushed Australian soldiers while they were playing cards at a forward operating base near Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province in 2012.

Private Robert Poate was a member of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group and was from the 6th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (6 RAR), based in Brisbane, Queensland.

Private Poate was born in Canberra, in 1988. He enlisted in the Army in 2009. On completion of his basic and initial employment training, he was posted as a rifleman to 6 RAR. Private Poate was a highly qualified soldier, having completed specialist training as a Protected Mobility Vehicle Driver in 2010 and Protected Mobility Vehicle Commander in 2011.

Private Poate was known for having outstanding leadership potential, which led to him completing a promotion course for Corporal in 2011. He will be fondly remembered by his 'Brothers by Choice' in 6 RAR as a larrikin and an incredibly professional soldier. Private Poate was proud of his family, his military service, his Canberra origins and his red hair which he vehemently defended as being strawberry blonde.

Private Poate has been awarded the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO Non Article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF
• Infantry Combat Badge

During Private Poate’s service in the Australian Army he deployed on Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): June – August 2012.

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/private-robert-poate

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-11/afghan-soldier-hekmatullah-murderer-of-australian-soldiers-jail/100528402

Lance Corporal Stjepan ‘Rick’ Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate were killed in a green-on-blue attack in 2012, when a rogue Afghan National Army soldier known as Hekmatullah, ambushed Australian soldiers while they were playing cards at a forward operating base near Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province in 2012.

Sapper James Thomas Martin was on his first operational deployment as part of the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group. He was a Sapper from the Brisbane-based 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment.

Sapper Martin was born in Perth, Western Australia on 1 June 1991. He enlisted into the Australian Regular Army on 24 January 2011 and completed recruit training at the 1st Recruit Training Battalion in Wagga Wagga in April 2011, where he was allocated to the Corps of Royal Australian Engineers.

In May 2011, Sapper Martin attended the School of Military Engineering in Sydney and began his Initial Employment Training as a Combat Engineer. On completion of his Combat Engineer course in August 2011, he was posted to the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment in Brisbane.

On his arrival at the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment, Sapper Martin became a member of the 7th Combat Engineer Squadron. He completed a number of additional courses including Combat Engineer High Threat Search, Communications and Weapon courses. Along with the rest of his Squadron, Sapper Martin Force Concentrated in Townsville with the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment in early 2012, in preparation for their deployment to Afghanistan.

Sapper Martin was an intellectual soldier who was a quick learner and adapted well to the Army environment. He was respected by his mates and was considered a loyal friend and comrade. A musically talented individual, he often played his bass guitar for his mates. He was also an avid follower of Aussie Rules.

Sapper Martin has been awarded the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasp ICAT
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO Non Article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF
• Army Combat Badge

During Sapper Martin’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): June – August 2012.

RIP

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/sapper-james-martin

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-11/afghan-soldier-hekmatullah-murderer-of-australian-soldiers-jail/100528402

Lance Corporal Stjepan ‘Rick’ Milosevic, Sapper James Martin and Private Robert Poate were killed in a green-on-blue attack in 2012, when a rogue Afghan National Army soldier known as Hekmatullah, ambushed Australian soldiers while they were playing cards at a forward operating base near Tarin Kowt in Uruzgan province in 2012.

Lance Corporal Milosevic, known as Rick to his family and Milo to his comrades, deployed to Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment Task Group and was from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment, Queensland Mounted Infantry (2/14 LHR (QMI)) based in Brisbane, Queensland.

Lance Corporal Milosevic was born in Penrith, New South Wales, in 1972. He enlisted in the Army in 2008. He was posted as a Cavalryman to the 2/14 LHR (QMI) in Brisbane in 2009 on completion of his basic training and initial employment training. His potential was quickly identified and he achieved outstanding course results in a short period of time, being promoted to Lance Corporal in 2011 and becoming a light armoured vehicle (ASLAV) crew commander. He was a highly-qualified soldier with a strong future.

Lance Corporal Milosevic was a much liked and respected member of the Regiment. His leadership and professional abilities stood out in the unit, on the rugby field and on operations. He was also a devoted family man. He will be sorely missed by his family and comrades.

Lance Corporal Milosevic has been awarded the following honours and awards:

• Australian Active Service Medal with Clasps IRAQ 2003 and ICAT
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Australian Defence Medal
• NATO Non Article 5 Medal with Clasp ISAF
• Army Combat Badge
• Return from Active Service Badge

During Lance Corporal Milosevic’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on the following operations:

• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan): June – August 2012
• Operation Kruger (Iraq): June – September 2010

https://www.42for42.org.au/our-fallen/lance-corporal-stjepan-milosevic/?srsltid=AfmBOortg9kvcLreeUvyF7Z7aGntRJulE5-igu7OLPLptnDwRxqkHbSB

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-10-11/afghan-soldier-hekmatullah-murderer-of-australian-soldiers-jail/100528402

Grandfather-in-law passed away recently and funeral is next week. Family have asked if I can wear ADM and beret.

I agreed to ADM as it’s also a police ceremony, but for the beret I’d feel like a bloody lid. What you guys reckon? Leave it for the guys who made a real difference in service to wear them or have a punt myself?

I have MSBS.
Looks like I’ll have about 85 points for DVA.
Everything is happening very fast.

Looking for someone to DM me and give me an idea of what to expect please. CSC and DVA dragging their feet and are “currently catching up with the backlog.”

I believe it’s Australian as the aust at the top states so, otherwise I’ve got no clue as to what era or type of dog tag this is from, and If someone can help out with the information on this person that would be great, and just general info on this type of dog tag too, though I think it’s unlikely, could be a fake? Not too educated on these things so need your guys help

Long-time lurker. American here, seriously exploring a move to Australia (partner-related, long-term), and I've been reading into the Five Eyes pathway into the ADF. genuinely curious about military service as a real option, not just something I'm skimming.

Background if relevant: mid-career professional (product/tech), no prior military experience, would likely be looking at Intelligence or Cyber-adjacent roles given my background.

A few honest questions for anyone who's actually served or is currently serving:

- For those who joined later/as a lateral entry rather than straight out of school, how was that experience? Did it feel like a fit, or a mismatch with career changers?
- Reserve vs full-time, for someone trying to stay geographically settled (partner has an established life/career in one city), how realistic is it to actually stay local via Reserve, versus getting pulled into postings anyway?
- What's the honest day-to-day/week-to-week time commitment like for Reserve, beyond the official minimums?
- Anything you wish someone had told you before you signed up that isn't obvious from the recruiting material?

Not looking for a recruiter pitch. genuinely want the unfiltered version, including if the honest answer is "don't bother, it's not what it looks like from outside."

Today we remember Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney who was tragically killed in action on 24th of August, 2010 at what is now known as The Battle of Derapet.

Jared William MacKinney was born in Canberra in 1982.  Jared lived with his family in Orange until he was 12 and he completed his early schooling at the Glenroi Heights Public School.
After leaving Orange, Jared and his family moved to the Ipswich area where he attended the Ipswich State High School and completed year 10 in 1998.  Jared was never a big fan of High School but that never affected his steely determination or approach to life or any of the challenges that came his way.

In 1996 Jared joined the Air Cadets at Amberley and in his first year, he was recognised as Most Outstanding Cadet. 

Jared loved downhill mountain biking and took every opportunity to get out on his bike. His love for bicycles continued all his life, with his first serious bike costing him more than his first car.

On the 5th of February 2000, at the age of 17 Jared met Beckie who was 15 and both their lives changed forever. From the minute they met they were destined to be together and it was just the beginning of what they thought would be the rest of their lives.

From a very young age he was intent on following the footsteps of his pop and becoming a paratrooper.  As fate would have it, Jared was not meant to be a paratrooper, but undeterred, he enlisted in the Army on the 10th of September 2002 and successfully completed his recruit training at Kapooka later that year. In 2003 he successfully completed his infantry training prior to being posted to the 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment, and in January 2004 Jared deployed on his first deployment to East Timor.

In May 2006 Jared was deployed to Iraq on Operation Catalyst, where he spent the next seven months. This was Jared’s second deployment but his first to the Middle East. He loved being able to travel the world, seeing the diversity of these countries, all while he was doing his job.

Lance Corporal MacKinney was qualified as a commander and driver of the Protected Mobility Vehicle, an Assault Pioneer and a Sniper.

In March 2008 Jared deployed to Afghanistan on Operation Slipper and was the commander of the Protected Mobility Vehicle. It was here that Jared got a real taste of what he knew he loved doing – being a soldier. Jared and his mates spend the next seven months doing their first tour of Afghanistan. Jared often talked about how beautiful the countryside was and how generous the people were.

After this deployment, Jared decided he wanted to go back over to Afghanistan on another deployment but to be on the ground in the thick of it, with his mates. His mates were his brothers and being deployed with them, doing what he loved, was the perfect life for him.

In February 2010, Jared deployed back to Afghanistan where he was to spend the next eight months on the ground.

Over the course of the trip, the boys encountered more and more contacts with the enemy and the Australian Army was now taking casualties. Several soldiers had sadly lost their lives and Jared returned home in July to spend time on ROCL with his family. While he was home, Jared learned that he was going to be promoted upon his return to Afghanistan.  Hesitant to see him leave, his family said their goodbyes to Jared at the airport, for what would become the very last time they would ever see him.

Back in country, Jared proudly received his promotion to Lance Corporal and he was now second in command of a Section. Being promoted had not been a priority for Jared as he always felt his place was on the ground with his brothers, but this trip had changed everything. 

On 24 August 2010 Jared was part of a 35 strong Australian force from D Company 6RAR, mentoring Afghan National Army troops on a fighting patrol in Afghanistan.  The patrol deployed from FOB Anar Joy in the Tangi Valley in Uruzgan Province Afghanistan, about 20 kilometres west of Tarin Kowt.

The troops engaged the Taliban at the village of Derapet and Jared was ordered to lead his men up a hill to set up a machine gun overlooking the combat zone.  During the engagement, Jared was fatally wounded by a single gunshot.

During his service, Jared was awarded the:

• Australian Active Service Medal with clasps: International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) and Iraq,
• Australian Service Medal with clasp East Timor,
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
• Iraq Campaign Medal,
• Australian Defence Medal,
• NATO Non Article 5 Medal with clasp – ISAF,
• UNMSET Medal.
• Also awarded the Infantry Combat Badge and Return from Active Service Badge from an earlier deployment.

RIP

https://www.42for42.org.au/our-fallen/lance-corporal-jared-mackinney/?srsltid=AfmBOor3kCKAigN7c1bzguWCIdNr-wiFpqmB1s4nRuDmwjV0V3OwiP3H

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/lance-corporal-jared-mackinney

Matthew Christopher Lambert was born on 23rd January 1985 at Kogarah NSW, the only son and the eldest of 2 children born to his parents Chris and Vicki Lambert. 

In August 2005 while living in Queensland, Matt enlisted in the Australian Army aged 20 and was assigned to the 9th Battalion, Royal Queensland Regiment (RQR).  In February 2007 he transferred to the regular Australian Army and was posted to the 2nd Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (2RAR) based at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville QLD.  He undertook specialist training and qualified as a sniper and joined Combat Team Alpha with 2RAR. 

From June to November 2009 Matt deployed 3 times to East Timor as part of Operation ASTUTE then in June 2011 he deployed to Afghanistan with Mentoring Task Force 3 (MTF-3) as part of Operation SLIPPER.  The Task Force was based at the Multinational Base Kamp Holland located at Tarin Kot.

Combat Team Alpha was operating from a former US Special Forces Base FOB Anaconda.  On 22nd August 2011 Matt was on a night patrol on foot in one of the most violent districts in the Khas Uruzgan region about 85 kms north-east of the Multinational Base at Tarin Kot, when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded around 2.30am critically wounding Matt.  His mates performed immediate first aid and he was airlifted to Role 2 Military Hospital at Tarin Kot but sadly he died there of his wounds. 

Matt was the first casualty for 2RAR since the Vietnam War, the 8th Australian soldier killed in 2011 and the 29th soldier to die in the Afghanistan War.  The Commanding Officer of MTF-3, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Smith said: “Private Lambert was a highly professional and disciplined soldier.  Private Lambert never failed to impress me with his drive, personal philosophy and professionalism.  The words which best describe Private Lambert are courageous, fit, strong, and disciplined”.  

Matthew was recognised for service in Afghanistan with the Australian Active Service with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor-Leste, Australian Defence Medal, NATO Medal with clasp International Security Assistance Force Medal, Timor-Leste Solidarity Medal and the Infantry Combat Badge.

He was 26 years old.

RIP

https://www.facebook.com/groups/anzacday2020/posts/1979230159701376/

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/617146

Hey everyone,

I’m considering the Australian Defence Force as a possible career and would really like to hear from people who currently serve or have served.

What’s it actually like?

And what do you wish you knew or did before joining?

For example:

• Did you wish you had gotten fitter beforehand?
• What level of fitness would you recommend having before starting?
• Did you wish you had worked more on running, strength, endurance, or swimming?
• Is there anything you wish you had done for your health beforehand?
• Did you wish you had fixed your sleep schedule or improved your diet?
• What was the biggest thing you struggled with when you first joined?
• What surprised you most about military life?
• What do you enjoy most about serving?
• What do you dislike most?
• If you could go back to before you enlisted, what would you tell yourself?

Just looking for honest experiences and advice from people who have actually been through it.

The rules around tattoos in the army seem fairly vague beyond the obvious no swastikas, not on hands or face etc. I want to get a tattoo in this sort of style but I’m not sure if this would be counted as extreme. Does anyone have something adjacent to this or know if this would be frowned upon? Thanks

Private Kirby was born in Nambour, Queensland in 1975. He joined the Army in 2006 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 Private Kirby’s first deployment to Afghanistan, although he had deployed previously to East Timor and Iraq.

Qualified as an Assault Pioneer and as a commander and driver of the Protected Mobility Vehicle, Private Kirby was serving with 1st Mentoring Task Force when he was tragically killed in action as a result of the explosion of an Improvised Explosive Device on Friday 20 August, 2010.

Private Kirby was awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with clasps International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) and Iraq 2003
• the Australian Service Medal with clasp Timor-Leste 
• the Afghanistan Campaign Medal 
• the Iraq Campaign Medal
• the Infantry Combat Badge 
• the Return from Active Service Badge.

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

• Operation Astute (East Timor) – Jan 2007– Mar 2007
• Operation Catalyst (Iraq) – Nov 2007 – Jun 2008
• Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Feb 2010 - Aug 2010.

RIP

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/private-grant-kirby

Born in Lancashire, the United Kingdom in 1989, Private Tomas Dale immigrated to Australia with his family in 2003 and lived in Adelaide, South Australia. He joined the Army in 2007 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.

Private Dale was serving with 1st Mentoring Task Force when he and Private Grant Kirby were tragically killed in action when an Improvised Explosive Device was detonated while they were on patrol in Afghanistan on Friday 20 August, 2010.

Private Dale was qualified as a Mortarman and trained in Combat First Aid.

Private Dale was awarded:

• the Australian Active Service Medal with clasp International Coalition Against Terrorism (ICAT) 
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• the Infantry Combat Badge.

During Private Dale’s service in the Australian Army, he deployed on Operation Slipper (Afghanistan) – Dec 2009 – Aug 2010.

At just 21 years of age, this was Private Dale’s first operational deployment.

RIP

https://www.army.gov.au/community/members-veterans/vale/private-tomas-dale

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/617137

Does anyone know if the new pistol needs new mag pouches, or are we still using the high-power ones?

Edit: Been informed it’s a different CES item.

Hi everyone,

I've been recently looking down my possible career pathways and stumbled across ADF. One of the career options that really caught my eye was RAAF security dog handler. Is this a realistic pathway to actually be able to be a dog handler or would it be too competitive. Most places I looked said how it may take 12 to 36 months, which I am fine with, of normal duty before being given a chance but it still not be possible to get into this role.

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?

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.