NationStates Jolt Archive

I know a fair percentage of you are either currently serving or have served in the past and I was thinking of joining the Australian Army Reserves, can anybody advise me on whether or not this is a smart idea. I was thinking of infantry or artillery.

I need the money, I've given a lot of thought to joining, I'm not scared of death and I don't believe I would have a problem with killing people (I know it's impossible to know until you're put in the situation).

I need to know how fit you have to be, what drug tests they subject you to (I only smoke weed, I can get that out of my system easily before I apply).

Also I want to know if you thought your army experience was good or bad over all.

Wait until the Iraq situation is over and done with. If you join now, I bet they'd ship you straight over there. Then i bet you'd most likely be RPG'ed.

I suggest joining somthing like the navy perhaps. in the navy you rarely take part in ground combat, and you just man a ship, without having to kill anybody. The trainings the same anyway, no matter what group you join.

personally, I think war is stupid, pointless and costly. If we have a dispute, don't make the people die for it. Simply put the involved leaders in a ring and they can duke it out there. :p

Wait until the Iraq situation is over and done with. If you join now, I bet they'd ship you straight over there. Then i bet you'd most likely be RPG'ed.

I suggest joining somthing like the navy perhaps. in the navy you rarely take part in ground combat, and you just man a ship, without having to kill anybody. The trainings the same anyway, no matter what group you join.

personally, I think war is stupid, pointless and costly. If we have a dispute, don't make the people die for it. Simply put the involved leaders in a ring and they can duke it out there. :p

They first have to train me, and Australia has sent such a small amount of ground troops as a percentage of overall troops IIRC, so I don't think I would be sent, and if I am, I'm just doing my duty to the country which has paid for my education for 13 years, even if I do disagree with the war.

They first have to train me, and Australia has sent such a small amount of ground troops as a percentage of overall troops IIRC, so I don't think I would be sent, and if I am, I'm just doing my duty to the country which has paid for my education for 13 years, even if I do disagree with the war.
or you could just shoot yourself in the foot ;)

or you could just shoot yourself in the foot ;)

How is that helping anything? LoL.

How is that helping anything? LoL.
I don't know... seemed funny to me

They first have to train me, and Australia has sent such a small amount of ground troops as a percentage of overall troops IIRC, so I don't think I would be sent, and if I am, I'm just doing my duty to the country which has paid for my education for 13 years, even if I do disagree with the war.

If that truly is your primary motivation, I think your service will be an excellent way for you to not only repay what you see as a debt to your Country, but an excellent way for you to gain some experience which will serve you well for the remainder of your life. Sounds like you've got your head screwed on straight. :)

go for it man. Im serving right now, great experence, you learn alot about the world, and about your self, and you'l meet some amasing people, (some pricks too LOL) Overall, I love the experence thus far. Nothing like the smell like of T-90 exhuast and cordite in the mornin! :sniper: :mp5:

personally, I think war is stupid, pointless and costly. If we have a dispute, don't make the people die for it. Simply put the involved leaders in a ring and they can duke it out there. :p

I agree, and although joining your local military can be a good way to have fun, learn some useful skills and get to play with weapons, it would be difficult for most countries to have wars if nobody wanted to be in the military. In a nutshell, what if they held a war and nobody came?

Join the air force instead....

Join the air force instead....


Nahhh! Army's better! :D

If you want to join the army, but don't want to enter into the fray, just pick an MOS that keeps you away from combat. Something in logistics or the like. Then you can sit in Kuwait.

If you can get in, trained, paid and out without being sent off to a warzone, then good on you. Its a good way to launch yourself, and if you can avoid the whole being shot at thing then you're set.

I know a fair percentage of you are either currently serving or have served in the past and I was thinking of joining the Australian Army Reserves, can anybody advise me on whether or not this is a smart idea. I was thinking of infantry or artillery.

I need the money, I've given a lot of thought to joining, I'm not scared of death and I don't believe I would have a problem with killing people (I know it's impossible to know until you're put in the situation).

I need to know how fit you have to be, what drug tests they subject you to (I only smoke weed, I can get that out of my system easily before I apply).

Also I want to know if you thought your army experience was good or bad over all.
I cant speak much about Aussie, but I do work almost everyday on a military base.
I talk to reservists all the time(the guys who search my truck are reservists/guardsmen).The guys on the docks are reservists/guardsmen.
The general feel I get is that it is a stepping stone for the young/ or an early pension for the old.
Most of these people never mention killing/dieing(I wouldnt either.).
Examine what the Aussie reserves have to offer you, see if it is things you would trouble aquiring without them, or that would help further your civili career ideals.
I doubt you would be shipped to Iraq in the Aussie reserves(it isnt like they have there entire standing army commited.)
Think harder about your MOS aswell.
Remember to you are servinig your country, reguardless of what some idiots tell you, that is still an honorable thing.

If you want to join the army, but don't want to enter into the fray, just pick an MOS that keeps you away from combat. Something in logistics or the like. Then you can sit in Kuwait.

Until someone decides to take out the baggage train.

Nahhh! Army's better! :D

Only if you like getting shot at...we only sent our officers (pilots) off to die.

If that truly is your primary motivation, I think your service will be an excellent way for you to not only repay what you see as a debt to your Country, but an excellent way for you to gain some experience which will serve you well for the remainder of your life. Sounds like you've got your head screwed on straight.

I would only be joining the reserves because I do want to get through university as well, but after university I would see whether the army suits me. Also it is hard not to see it as a debt to the country, They paid a lot of money to get me educated, and I figure joining the army and paying my taxes (Without dodging them illegally) is the only way to pay them back. I am in a Selective School at the moment (state funded, with an entry test) and am thankful for the opportunity.

I've heard about your experiences, were you actually on the frontline? If so has it scarred you at all, changed your political outlook, or had any other negative outcomes on your life? (all the outcomes you stated were positive)

go for it man. Im serving right now, great experence, you learn alot about the world, and about your self, and you'l meet some amasing people, (some pricks too LOL) Overall, I love the experence thus far. Nothing like the smell like of T-90 exhuast and cordite in the mornin!

LoL, I don't know much about weaponry, but I can learn that pretty easily, I've just never had the motivation to learn anything about them. What were the fitness requirements like to enter the army? Is the application process exactly like a job interview? Is "boot-camp" as terrible as it is made out to be?

Be in the Cavalry, Australias getting brand spankin' new M1A1Ds.

My friend's brother just came back from Iraq, his entire platoon was either killed or wounded. He says it sucks.

I think I've made my intention unclear here, I am thinking of joining the reserves at the start simply because I also want to start and complete university, and joining the full time army is not something I can do while in uni (I think, if I can, I'm up for it). However If (in the unlikely occurance) I was sent to a warzone I would not mind it, and would be honoured to serve my term.

Another possible avenue is to apply to ADFA (Australian Defense Force Academy). They will pay for my university fees, pay me 17k AUD and give me subsidised accomodation, the down side? I have to live, breathe and think army. I would also then have to serve 4 years in the army as an officer.

Both sound good, but I'm thinking of joining the reserves, it requires less commitment and you are not locked down into serving four years AFTER training. Also if I do choose ADFA I do not choose the university which I go to, meaning the spectrum of courses I can choose it limited (slightly, but still limited).

Only if you like getting shot at...we only sent our officers (pilots) off to die.

No one I know likes getting shot at. The great thing is the unit cohesiveness ( for want of a better term ). Also ... you get to shoot back! :sniper:

No one I know likes getting shot at. The great thing is the unit cohesiveness ( for want of a better term ). Also ... you get to shoot back! :sniper:

We called it "esprit de corps." ;)

I do know what you mean, that is the one thing I do miss.

I've heard about your experiences, were you actually on the frontline? If so has it scarred you at all, changed your political outlook, or had any other negative outcomes on your life? (all the outcomes you stated were positive)

In Vietnam, there was seldom anything remotely resembling a "front line." War, from the soldier's standpoint, consists of long periods of boredom ( filling sandbags, reinforcing your position, vehicle and weapon and equipment maintenance, working with the local population, etc. ), interspersed with periods of frenetic activity and adrenalin ( being in a firefight springs to mind ). I encountered both.

Did it change me? Most definitely! It changed me in ways I'm still discovering, at 61. It changed me politically, emotionally, spiritually and in most other ways as well. Even at my age, I still get the occasional nightmare, usually when there's lots of stress in my life. On balance, I think most of the changes I went through were for the best. I learned what is truly important in my life. I met some truly great people. I learned to adapt and cope. And lots more.

We called it "esprit de corps." ;)

I do know what you mean, that is the one thing I do miss.

That's the term I was trying to think of! Thanks, bro! :D

Join the Navy. You can sail the seven seas, in the Navy.

In Vietnam, there was seldom anything remotely resembling a "front line." War, from the soldier's standpoint, consists of long periods of boredom ( filling sandbags, reinforcing your position, vehicle and weapon and equipment maintenance, working with the local population, etc. ), interspersed with periods of frenetic activity and adrenalin ( being in a firefight springs to mind ). I encountered both.

Did it change me? Most definitely! It changed me in ways I'm still discovering, at 61. It changed me politically, emotionally, spiritually and in most other ways as well. Even at my age, I still get the occasional nightmare, usually when there's lots of stress in my life. On balance, I think most of the changes I went through were for the best. I learned what is truly important in my life. I met some truly great people. I learned to adapt and cope. And lots more.

Just out of curiosity, did you sign up or were you drafted?

Join the Navy. You can sail the seven seas, in the Navy.

Hmm. Seems to me I've heard that line before somewhere? In a song, maybe? By The Village People, maybe? :D

You might want to spend some time looking through all the positions the armed services offer. For example, you dont have to be an infantryman. There are positions for interpreters, pilots, and a large variety of ther positions, where in addition to the standard training, you get training in a skill that can be used after your time is up. (As I note, I speak of the US military, as that is what I'm most familiar with)

Specifically, I attempted to join the Naval Nuclear Engineering program. The Navy nuke program is just about the best in the country, if not the world. You train for a year, and you actually get credit for the bulk of a nuclear engineering degree. All you need is a few classes, mostly liberal arts type stuff, and you can get a degree, in fact. After your time is up, you are so highly trained, you will have offers from very big companies ofering you $$$ to come work for them. Meanwhile, the Navy offers you a $100k re-enlistment bonus for another 2 or 3 years. (Unfortunately I was disqualified - I have mild asthma, and as they put it "There are no inhailers at boot camp".)

In summation though, you might want to take a look at some other positions than infantry or artillery, because you can get training AND experience in a real world occupation, and that can help advance your career a lot farther than just having a college degree.

Good luck

Just out of curiosity, did you sign up or were you drafted?

I made the tragic mistake of thinking that the law would be a good career for me. After I completed my undergraduate studies, I went to the U. of Illinois Law School. Hated it, so I dropped out. At the time, the draft was going full steam and I knew they would snag my drop-out ass, so I enlisted as a "College Option for Officer Candidate School." So I suppose you could say I volunteered. All in all, a good move.

Hmm. Seems to me I've heard that line before somewhere? In a song, maybe? By The Village People, maybe? :D

Rock on. Navy's cool though. Just stay away from British made submarines. They have a tendancy to spontaneously combust.

You might want to spend some time looking through all the positions the armed services offer. For example, you dont have to be an infantryman. There are positions for interpreters, pilots, and a large variety of ther positions, where in addition to the standard training, you get training in a skill that can be used after your time is up. (As I note, I speak of the US military, as that is what I'm most familiar with)

Specifically, I attempted to join the Naval Nuclear Engineering program. The Navy nuke program is just about the best in the country, if not the world. You train for a year, and you actually get credit for the bulk of a nuclear engineering degree. All you need is a few classes, mostly liberal arts type stuff, and you can get a degree, in fact. After your time is up, you are so highly trained, you will have offers from very big companies ofering you $$$ to come work for them. Meanwhile, the Navy offers you a $100k re-enlistment bonus for another 2 or 3 years. (Unfortunately I was disqualified - I have mild asthma, and as they put it "There are no inhailers at boot camp".)

In summation though, you might want to take a look at some other positions than infantry or artillery, because you can get training AND experience in a real world occupation, and that can help advance your career a lot farther than just having a college degree.

Good luck

Good advice! :)

You might want to spend some time looking through all the positions the armed services offer. For example, you dont have to be an infantryman. There are positions for interpreters, pilots, and a large variety of ther positions, where in addition to the standard training, you get training in a skill that can be used after your time is up. (As I note, I speak of the US military, as that is what I'm most familiar with)

Specifically, I attempted to join the Naval Nuclear Engineering program. The Navy nuke program is just about the best in the country, if not the world. You train for a year, and you actually get credit for the bulk of a nuclear engineering degree. All you need is a few classes, mostly liberal arts type stuff, and you can get a degree, in fact. After your time is up, you are so highly trained, you will have offers from very big companies ofering you $$$ to come work for them. Meanwhile, the Navy offers you a $100k re-enlistment bonus for another 2 or 3 years. (Unfortunately I was disqualified - I have mild asthma, and as they put it "There are no inhailers at boot camp".)

In summation though, you might want to take a look at some other positions than infantry or artillery, because you can get training AND experience in a real world occupation, and that can help advance your career a lot farther than just having a college degree.

Good luck

At the moment my stronger subjects seem to be economics and maths... Any ideas on a way to combine the two in the reserves?

Australia has a military? Why? Who does the Australian government need to war with or defend themselves from? The only reason I can see a need for an Army there would be in case of civil war.

At the moment my stronger subjects seem to be economics and maths... Any ideas on a way to combine the two in the reserves?

Hmm. Well, I can't speak for the Australian Reserves, but in the US Army you could go to officer training then try for Civil Affairs or something in planning. Those are the only two areas of which I am aware where you might be able to combine the two. One other post mentioned going into the nuclear systems field, which would utilize your math skills at least. You really should go talk to a knowledgeable recruiter. Just be warned, recruiters tend to tell you what you want to hear just to get you to sign on. :)

Medic!

I come from a military family.

I have five uncle who were in Vietnam. Two of my Brother's sons are in Iraq right now as are a cousin and a cousin's husband. I was in the USN for 8 years. I served in the rather mundane role of a chef on the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy.

I would encourage you to not join the reserves. Not because there is anything wrong with that service but because it is more trouble than it is worth for a young man. It will not net you the experience you are looking for but the part time service really puts a wrench in the machinery of your life. Also employers don't look at reserve service in the same way. They won't admit to discriminating against a reservist but think about it. Who are they goning to hire? The guy who is gone one weekend a month or the guy who isn't?

I would advise and my oppion is as worthless as everybody eles, that if you join the army then join the army not the reserves. But if you join also keep an open mind about it. It is a great carreer. Think about trying to become an officer. Even an NCO is a great line of a resume. Assuming that Australia pays at a similar range to the US you may find that you a well paid, respected and have a rather deent life.

It isn't alway a plesant life. There were things about the Navy I hated and still do. But there were also so many good things as far as learning who I am what I want to be and do.

I guess in short, what I'm trying to say is do it or don't but don't do it 1/2 way. If you join up be sure to get a big gwady tatoo with your unit logo and symbol.

Grayson Beard
Commander and Chief
The Grand Dutchy of Jackbootz
USN-Retired

Australia has a military? Why? Who does the Australian government need to war with or defend themselves from? The only reason I can see a need for an Army there would be in case of civil war.

They're a resonably large player in the Iraq war in an attempt to get a free trade deal (which worked to some extent, I'm not sure if its actually free trade but its what they were after). Things like the Bali bombing probably are a good enough reason to want an army, as well as the fact that darwin had the shit bombed out of it in WW2 which shows that they can actually be attacked.

Australia has a military? Why? Who does the Australian government need to war with or defend themselves from? The only reason I can see a need for an Army there would be in case of civil war.

Well, just sixty some odd years ago the Japanese made a push and had their sites set for Australia. Today, there is Indonisia, the Phillipines and other Asian pacific countries with large Muslim groups tied to Al Quada. And, that area is Australia's sphere of influence. And why am I explaining this? Maybe some of you Aussies can enlighten my American bretheren on your country's need for a strong military.

Well, just sixty some odd years ago the Japanese made a push and had their sites set for Australia. Today, there is Indonisia, the Phillipines and other Asian pacific countries with large Muslim groups tied to Al Quada. And, that area is Australia's sphere of influence. And why am I explaining this? Maybe some of you Aussies can enlighten my American bretheren on your country's need for a strong military.

Some people have expressed fear over Indonesia invading, and it is always good to have a decently sized well equipped army just in case. Also we have long term plans to take over New Zealand... damn sheep fuckers.

Some people have expressed fear over Indonesia invading, and it is always good to have a decently sized well equipped army just in case. Also we have long term plans to take over New Zealand... damn sheep fuckers.

Can never be too careful. We Americans are ever vigilant on our northern border. Never turn your back on a Canadian. Never.

Can never be too careful. We Americans are ever vigilant on our northern border. Never turn your back on a Canadian. Never.

ROFLMAO!!! Yup! Dem day-um Canucks! Tsk! :D