Joining the air force

Marky89 · 19-01-2013, 09:51 AM

Has anyone been or is the in the air force? Just wanting to know what life is like? Mainly the daily routine, and like how much time there is to do our own thing and what time we would wake up etc..

JG65TE · 19-01-2013, 10:04 AM

Did 11 years as an electroplater. Your first 3 months will be pretty average. After that its just a well paid jobwith a uniform and heaps of benefits. I take it u are going in and doing a trade ?. we did shift work sometimes but most times was 7 - 4. It's a safe secure job , but like everywhere, there are the gung ho ones. We rarely used rank titles in our section. Best base imo is amberley. They will hound u to death at rookies just to see if u can handle it and after that its all good. Just hold it together thru that. I would say the Bryson boys are long since retired so u don't need to worry about gettin one of them as a gsi /adg instructor. Best of luck, u will love it.

Lawwa · 19-01-2013, 10:17 AM

There is no such thing as a daily routine really - it all depends on what trade you go, whether you are a shift work or a day worker, where you are stationed. During basic training, I'd say that time to do your own thing is minimal (I was in the Royal Air Force and our first afternoon off wasn't until the 17th day of training). On basic, the starts are early too - we were up by 5.30am to get showered, dressed, over to the Mess for food, back to the accommodation block and prep for inspection at 0730. Once you are actually fully qualified then your get up time will depend on you - just don't be late for work as I believe that is still a chargeable offence.
Things to consider carefully are: Are you prepared to live miles away from home with no family nearby? Are you prepared to move overseas for periods of up to 3 years? Are you prepared to work birthdays, Christmas, miss family occasions due to work commitments? If the answer is no to any of those then you need to think very hard about whether it's the career for you.

Motorbreath310 · 19-01-2013, 12:11 PM

They're supposedly getting a fleet of F-35's if that's the way you were wanting to go...

Marky89 · 19-01-2013, 04:48 PM

I wast really looking for a trade, I'm already a qualied cabinet maker and can always go back to it for 28bux an hour. I just want something different now and I'm really bored of cabinet making also. I love sports and fitness so I'd want a job that is really active. To give you an example, when I was reading the jobs to do, the commando one in the Army would be awesome. I'm not scared of real hard work. But after reading, the air force just seems better then the army. I wouldn't mind being in the jets or planes also. Initially I was just thinking of going for one of those ground defense officers or something because I wasn't sure yet and that one seems the most physically demanding in the airforce?

usernametaken · 19-01-2013, 05:36 PM

fire fighter?

You sound like a good candidate.

FrogInASock · 19-01-2013, 11:53 PM

I am a currently serving member, a fitter and machinist (or GMEFITT in Air Force speak). We work directly with the heavy vehicle mechanics (GSEFITT's and GSETECH's).

For a "physically demanding job" you'd be looking at Air Defence Guard or Ground Defence Officer. that's about as demanding as it gets, and that's not really demanding. ADG's are trained by the army to army standards, which decline rapidly as they leave their training base and go to their first air force posting.

For trades, you can try a GSEFITT/TECH position, train for 12 - 18 months at Bonegilla, then work on Pay Group 5. Or you can try an aircraft related trade, train for six months at Wagga and get Pay Group 6. Hmm, let's do the maths on that one. This inequality really annoys us groundies, who ARE every bit as important as the aircraft whackers.

As noted above, recruits can be hard. Be prepared to be belittled, yelled at, and made to follow petty, insignificant rules with no groundings. Once you leave rookies, it becomes a lot easier, but you still have to follow the rules at your training base (to the letter - yes, you DO have to wear your hat in uniform at the front gate, as people have found to their dismay). Once you go to your first posting then it's mostly monday - friday, 7:00 - 4:00, sometimes afternoon shift, VERY few working weekends.

And don't expect multitudes of overseas jollies. the Middle East is winding down (this is no secret) and not everyone gets to play at Red Flag in Nevada. Trips, when they are on, tend to be to the Northern bases (Darwin, Townsville, and Tindal near Katherine) for pilot training or for supporting the patrol planes.

The pay is good, the conditions are mostly good, the work-home ratio is good, and the work isn't that hard. Go for it.

Marky89 · 20-01-2013, 02:10 PM

What kind of jobs are there that revolve around air craft? I wouldn't mind bein a pilot, especially in One of the jets.. But how hard would it be to get in to that field?

**fordomatic** · 20-01-2013, 08:14 PM

Edited and deleted

FrogInASock · 24-01-2013, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marky89

What kind of jobs are there that revolve around air craft? I wouldn't mind bein a pilot, especially in One of the jets.. But how hard would it be to get in to that field?

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Defence+Jobs

zilo · 25-01-2013, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lawwa

There is no such thing as a daily routine really - it all depends on what trade you go, whether you are a shift work or a day worker, where you are stationed. During basic training, I'd say that time to do your own thing is minimal (I was in the Royal Air Force and our first afternoon off wasn't until the 17th day of training). On basic, the starts are early too - we were up by 5.30am to get showered, dressed, over to the Mess for food, back to the accommodation block and prep for inspection at 0730. Once you are actually fully qualified then your get up time will depend on you - just don't be late for work as I believe that is still a chargeable offence.
Things to consider carefully are: Are you prepared to live miles away from home with no family nearby? Are you prepared to move overseas for periods of up to 3 years? Are you prepared to work birthdays, Christmas, miss family occasions due to work commitments? If the answer is no to any of those then you need to think very hard about whether it's the career for you.

Don't forget the bit that the armed forces conveniently forget to mention..

You might die , cause people might shoot at you.

**Bundy** · 27-01-2013, 11:19 AM

as ex navy, this pretty much sums it.....mostly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19XwT...PDCQJ9pmag0F_D

Powdered Toast Man · 28-01-2013, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marky89

What kind of jobs are there that revolve around air craft? I wouldn't mind bein a pilot, especially in One of the jets.. But how hard would it be to get in to that field?

As in the fighter jets? Its pretty hard I think. Had a mate at high school who was interested in being a fighter pilot in the Air Force. You pretty much need to study to be an engineer as well as do the actual practical flight training. He ended up in the Navy.

Not sure how hard it would be to be a pilot in support, transport or surveillance aircraft.

b2tf · 28-01-2013, 06:57 PM

FWIW my exposure to the forces has been limited to being a contractor on both army and navy bases, including Forest Hill (where 1RTU RAAF is) and Bonegilla (where you'd end up if you go in as a mechanic etc).

Would I do it? If my life was different yes - if i was a single guy without commitments and wanting a trade, yes I'd do it. From my small observations of how they treat the new guys at Forest Hill, yes you'll cop crap but once you get thru it you would be fine I would think.

ADG appealed to me and if i was doing it I'd probably go for that or be a dog handler in the Military Policing section, but theres numerous paths you could take.

BAWITHLOT · 28-01-2013, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marky89

What kind of jobs are there that revolve around air craft? I wouldn't mind bein a pilot, especially in One of the jets.. But how hard would it be to get in to that field?

Unless you have applied yourself and are able to qualify for university, you would be wasting everyones time going for Pilot!

I would recomend that you talk to the careers advisers that are available both mobile and all capital cities.

If you like planes then there are a few trades that deal with them every day. the main ones are Aircraft & Avionics Technicians ( there are other trades like Life Support and Strucural Fitters ).

Life for the first year and a bit is a bit harsh as you will get no respect till you are trained (then maybe none for a few more years).

I have just left after 24 years with Avionics which I enjoyed so if you really want to do it then go for it!

Marky89 · 02-02-2013, 08:20 PM

Ive had a think about what I wanted to do, and I have decided to go for a special forces type job as a commando in the army. What do you guys think of the commando role?

WAR40T · 02-02-2013, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marky89

Ive had a think about what I wanted to do, and I have decided to go for a special forces type job as a commando in the army. What do you guys think of the commando role?

Don't worry about what everyone else thinks....

Sign up, go to a YOU session, where you will be given a decent test containing math/ strategy /mechanical question, then you will be given all your job preferences that will suit you from the results gained from your testing.

Carefully read about the ones that interest you, job training, timeframe, training locations, etc. You will then pick 3, and study hard on all details of the job position, you will then be required to attend an interview with defence staff. No difference to a regular job. Plus on top of that there's lots of medical, fitness test, paperwork....

All this may take up to 2 years as they recruit a fair amount of time before the job position actually becomes available.

I enrolled and initially was going to join for a RAAF tech job, but soon after changed over to RAN position. It has taken close to 18 months from my enrolment to actually starting recruits in 6 weeks (11weeks) then job training of 6 months then a further 12 months log book based competency.

Looking forward to the experience

Wil

Marky89 · 02-02-2013, 10:00 PM

Yeah your right, I'm gona go in next week and get some info. But I know for a fact that I am only keen on the special force roles. What's the chances of getting accepted for one of those do you think? The physical requirements will be easy but not sure what else there would be.

WAR40T · 02-02-2013, 10:24 PM

Go in to your closest recruitment office, and talk to defence personnel about it all. Also, jump on the defence website as all the information that you require is on there. Job requirements, defence life, conditions, training.

If the defence force is something you really want to do, then sign up and give it a go.
Go to a YOU session and do the test, as this will give you an indication of the roles that would be suited to you. If there's something else you want to do, then specialist testing will be required.

Special forces takes a special person. It's not a movie or a tv program, this your life, and your decision will also affect family and friends.

Goodluck

calais · 03-02-2013, 07:21 AM

Uh, I dont mean to burst your bubble mate, but special forces aren't like the movies.

The selection process isnt easy. If you think your fit, times your current fitness level by 10 and then you will find a baseline of where you might even be able to start thinking about selection. If you can't hack months and years of the most physically and mentally gruelling training the world has to offer, you will really find yourself disappointed.

I recommend that potential applicants get realistic, very early in the process.

I have lost count of how many people I have counselled in regard to what options are actually available and why Defence will only offer so much to certain people. Its a very competitive world, but once you have a foot in the door, you are still one step ahead of any other bloke off the street.

As for SF, that's an entirely different kettle of fish. They recruit differently, and almost exclusively from inside. They do this for very specific reasons. for one and most basically, it weeds out the blokes who couldnt hack 8 weeks at Kapooka, let alone months of the hardest conditions an operator will ever encounter.

Australian SF are trained to the worlds highest standards along the lines of British doctrine, and they didnt find their reputation at the bottom of a weet bix box. it was hard earnt, by the hardest men in the hardest conditions. It is no coincidence that the US special forces look to Australia and Britain for doctrinal and procedural improvements to their own processes. There are numerous sources for this information and it is all freely available on free media.

Get educated, it will only serve you well when it comes time to front recruiting.

**fordomatic** · 03-02-2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calais

Uh, I dont mean to burst your bubble mate, but special forces aren't like the movies.

The selection process isnt easy. If you think your fit, times your current fitness level by 10 and then you will find a baseline of where you might even be able to start thinking about selection. If you can't hack months and years of the most physically and mentally gruelling training the world has to offer, you will really find yourself disappointed.

I recommend that potential applicants get realistic, very early in the process.

I have lost count of how many people I have counselled in regard to what options are actually available and why Defence will only offer so much to certain people. Its a very competitive world, but once you have a foot in the door, you are still one step ahead of any other bloke off the street.

As for SF, that's an entirely different kettle of fish. They recruit differently, and almost exclusively from inside. They do this for very specific reasons. for one and most basically, it weeds out the blokes who couldnt hack 8 weeks at Kapooka, let alone months of the hardest conditions an operator will ever encounter.

Australian SF are trained to the worlds highest standards along the lines of British doctrine, and they didnt find their reputation at the bottom of a weet bix box. it was hard earnt, by the hardest men in the hardest conditions. It is no coincidence that the US special forces look to Australia and Britain for doctrinal and procedural improvements to their own processes. There are numerous sources for this information and it is all freely available on free media.

Get educated, it will only serve you well when it comes time to front recruiting.

This is the best reply i have seen in this thread.

The only SF role you can go for is Direct Entry Commandos, the rate of failure for direct entry is massive, only one in 20 pass. You think you are fit? So you could chuck on a 50kg pack after not eating or sleeping for 3 days and being totally mentally and physically drained, and go for a 100km walk? It's not your normal type of fitness mate, 90% is mental not physical, it's all about heart.

Im not having a go at you, but from what i have read you have no idea what you want to do. Just suddenly "deciding" to try for SF is not something they will accept at recruiting. You need to get realistic mate, SF is not for the average bloke and neither is becoming a pilot in the ADF.

Bossxr8 · 03-02-2013, 11:06 PM

Watch the SBS doco about the aussie SAS, its called "a search for warriors".

It follows a bunch of recruits through the selection process. Absolutely the most torturous stuff i've ever seen. Only a handlful out of the 100 or so who started make it to the end of the course, and even then they can still be weeded out if they think they aren't good enough or mentally strong enough. Its not just the gut busting physical side of it but the mental head ******* they put them through too just to see if they are mentally strong enough, not to mention all this why being starved and sleep deprived. The one that do get through are some of the mentally and physically toughest people on earth IMO.

**fordomatic** · 03-02-2013, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Watch the SBS doco about the aussie SAS, its called "a search for warriors".

It follows a bunch of recruits through the selection process. Absolutely the most torturous stuff i've ever seen. Only a handlful out of the 100 or so who started make it to the end of the course, and even then they can still be weeded out if they think they aren't good enough or mentally strong enough. Its not just the gut busting physical side of it but the mental head ******* they put them through too just to see if they are mentally strong enough, not to mention all this why being starved and sleep deprived. The one that do get through are some of the mentally and physically toughest people on earth IMO.

They are not recruits, they are all soldiers who have done at least 2 years service, mostly in combat corps, and mostly a deployment or two. That docco is only a quarter of what actually happens on selection as well. Just because you get to the end it doesn't mean you are in. 10 might finish but they may only take 5 or 6 for the next selection process. Also remember that those 100 that are chosen for initial selection are successful candidates of a crap load more applicants.

Bossxr8 · 03-02-2013, 11:43 PM

Yes, they aren't recruits, they are experienced soldiers who have put there hands up to try to join the SAS. But they are potential SAS recruits.