Anyone here in the Army Reserves?

[Mirkz]

Hi all,

Something I've been considering from time to time since I was a kid was joining the Army.
When I was 16 I was dead set on becoming a sniper in the Army, but then I got a girlfrield and things changed... (fail!)

Anyway, I've just been checking out the website etc and I'm looking for a bit more personal experience input from members who're in the reserves or are very close to someone who is and may be able to comment on lifestyle/experience etc.

Is it something worth doing ?
Are their restrictions in doing it, obviously there's benefits.

What are people's thoughts?

Thanks in advance. (I've done a search, found some older posts, but looking for some more current input, cheers).

[Frogger]

i was in basic training for 6 months because of an injury , had to go awol to get out as i was going crazy . having said that i was the same , always wanted to join and when you go over there u kinda feel at home.

you dont select to be a sniper in the australian army , they select you and ive heard thats only after a bunch of years in the army and only if your preformance is what they find appealing. when i joined they were screaming for riflemen, so i got in pretty easy " i didnt even pass the beep test which is what lead to my injury as it was from a previous injury but i was realy keen to join and the recruitment process is pretty long.

when i was looking to join i was invited to go play with one of there shooting simulators and got to talk to some older member who didnt sugar coat it. basicly from my experience the recruiters told me what ever shit they could to get me to join and from what i heard while i was in there is that for every recruit that marches out of kapooka the recruiter gets a bonus.

edit: ops i didnt read the whole title and thought you ment ft not reserves. kinda different from what ive heard. damn green tabbers getting to the mess first

[Mirkz]

I don't expect to be a rifelman straight out of the box or anything. I don't know if its even possible in the reserves.
I'm just after general information at this point
THanks for the input though frogger

[Smiffy]

I've known quite a few reserves over the years and they all love it!

There is a once a week meet with weekend training thrown in pretty regularly. I'm pretty sure there is a choice to do all of your training in one big bulk couple of weeks each year or to do it over the weekends throughout the year.

I've been told its a great way to experience the army and the benefits without the deep commitment of the fulltime guys. But obviously be prepared if there is a calling for more soldiers you will be taken where they need you.

I always wanted to join the forces but failed at the medical due to a previous knee injury which was causing me some grief at the time and mainly because I get shin splints really bad when I run (so to be able to run in boots is obviously pretty crucial)

I think go into the recruitment offices and talk to someone about all the different options available to you and go from there!

Good luck with the recruitment process if you decide to go through with it!

[SP1RITED]

There's an open day this Saturday at Karrakatta Barracks, I'm thinking about joining the ressies .I
may head down but I pulled my hamstring yesterday playing indoor football and off work today.

I had a few friends do it when we where younger, but the drug testing put me off when I was young.
They enjoyed it from what I remember, not sure if they would be interested in a 33yo old tho . . .

[XXX3]

Go and do the YOU (Your Opportunities Unlimited) aptitude testing. This is a preliminary test that assesses vision (colour blindness) and mental capability (one of those multi choice 50 question tests) as well as a basic physical (flexibility and range of movement) that is then used to generate a database of what roles you are suitable for or can apply for in the forces. The test is free and there is no further obligation to continue with enlistment. You are also able to speak with personnel on site about various job roles.

Reserve roles are generally only open as general combat roles (infantry / airfield defence / whatever) or a role that you are already qualified for (doctor, engineer, etc). For example while you can apply to be a reserve commando, these roles usually go to outgoing full time commandos transitioning out of the forces.

My knowledge is limited, did the YOU testing about 2 years ago when I was fed up with my degree - decided to finish it though so have been sitting on YOU testing results. They are valid for 3 years, so you can do the test and then if you decide to enlist you can just go for it without needing to do that preliminary stuff again.

[BigTim]

My younger brother's a reservist (joined ~18 months ago). I can put you in touch with him, if you've got particular questions, if you want?

[Desmo]

They'll make you cut your hair.

[Mistr Blue]

Ha ha ha bloody chockos ! (5yrs regular) (sniper trained 1RAR)

[Dets]

As some stated above, Karrakata is doing an open day this weekend so call up defence jobs and they'll book you in.
The open days are pretty cool because it's more of a fair and one of the reserves' main recruit drives. I think they may even let you shoot some guns (under supervision of course) or at least have a live fire demo. You'd be surprised at how loud some guns are.

[deeman111]

yep 9 yrs reserves and counting. as mentioned before there is an open day happening on this Saturday at Irwin Barracks, best time to see what they do and talk to some people who arent going to fill your head with BS.

Tax free pay is awesome
playing with some gear that most people wouldnt get to touch in there life is pretty good
Mates and parties are great
Motivation for maintaining/improving fitness is good too
getting dicked around sucks, but its all about playing the game

Any questions just shoot me a PM

[Kickass Koolridge]

All info is here dude ---> Rifleman, Army, ADF.

IMT (Blamey Barracks):

Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
All General Entry recruits into the Australian Army Reserve are required to complete the Recruit Course.

Duration: 28 days continuous

Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Recruit training is the same for male and female entrants. During the four-week Reserve Recruit Training Course you will be required to take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, drill and field craft. The training is deliberately challenging and has been designed to prepare you to be a soldier in today's Army. Recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have achieved. Additional training in first aid and navigation is also undertaken in your Unit.
For more information on the content of Recruit Training refer to the Joining Instructions.
Further information is also available at the Army Recruit Training Centre website.

Note: You should be aware that you must commence recruit training within 6 months of enlistment.

IET:

Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Infantry Course:

Recruit training at Kapooka is followed by two modules of 16 Days each conducted regionally.

Mod 1: 16 days continuous or non-continuous training (weapon qualifications, equipment, First Aid and fitness).
Mod 2: 16 days continuous training (fieldcraft and field exercises).

As for the current recruiting process, hit me up if you want more detail. Was accepted into the ADF two weeks ago, FT: Rifleman primary - Artilleryman secondary. Need to do their PFA and see the GP to be Med Class 1. Then it's a 12-18 month wait until Pooka.

Dunno what it's currently like for Chocko's but the Army can currently afford to pick and choose. Between 50-75% of applicants fail to get in, and a fuckton go through the actual process itself. Researching your preferences heavily (units, locations, weapons, training (IMT/IET), military life) will ensure they'll take at least a bit of notice. Know the absolute most you can about what you're going for. They'll give you information anyway, holding your hand throughout the whole process. Sorts out those that really want the job from those that are just looking at an easy job. Some may not like this site, but it was a really helpful informational tool regarding the whole process: AusMilForums

[RIPLEY]

Dont say sniper you will get a psych disqualification.
10 light horse are local and famous with a reasonable combat recon role.
Since 11/28 left 10lh has the best parties as well.
If you want to get laid join medics or sigs, good party units as well.

[McGoo]

How hard is it to get into the medics?

[Nod]

I done 8 yrs in 10LH from 1990-98 and it was awesome, some of the best memories of my life.
I totally agree with Ripley's last comments
I also reckon being a sniper would be the most boring job in the world, you would be spending many hrs, if not days, laying motionless waiting for a target that may or may not ever appear for a short amount of time. Being an Assualt Trooper in 10LH or an Assault pioneer in Engineers is heaps better, you get to use some awesome equipment. Artillery and the Uni regiment was good for chicks too

[Mirkz]

Thanks for the info everyone!
Looks like I'm working this weekend, definitely interested in the YOU stuff though.
Might flick em an email or something seeing I dont have time to walk in there for a chat at the moment.

Desmo, my hair was cut short the better part of a year ago.

[Spike139]

Dont say sniper you will get a psych disqualification.
10 light horse are local and famous with a reasonable combat recon role.
Since 11/28 left 10lh has the best parties as well.
If you want to get laid join medics or sigs, good party units as well.

^^^^whs XLH all the way dude, a second class ride is better than a first class walk any day.....

[StevieD]

^^^^whs XLH all the way dude, a second class ride is better than a first class walk any day.....

except they don't have buckets anymore, only rovers......lol

[Kickass Koolridge]

^massive amount of respect for XLH and the gents that wear the black beret.

[Deano]

Hmmmm... might consider joining the reserves medic unit after I finish the first half of my degree next year