Going into the Air Force

[MANVERU 0]

Ok, I just got accepted into the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force).

I will be going to the RAAF military centre in adelaide in Mid January.

 

I'm not accustemed to a military life, though I was in hte Air Force Cadets wen I was younger, I have no idea what to expect!!!

 

Any advice on what I should expect?

 

I'm going to be a Avionics Technician BTW, and am going to be gone for 6 years

[Bethlehem 7]

I know nothing about the Australian Air Force. I was in the US Marines air wing and was a avionics tech. Had a chance to be in air traffic control, wish I had done that.

[Krissy Phaserman 0]

Don't know a whole lot about the RAAF, Manveru, but I wish you good luck anyways. Military Life, though, I suspect, doesn't change much from country to country. PM some of the Veterans on this site, I can give you a short list of those I know who were in. Not all were happy about their service, but their insights might be helpful

 

 

Jim Phaserman (USNR-Lieutenant JG)

Gary Phaserman (USNR-Petty Officer 3rd Class)

hardcharginsarge (USMC-Sergeant)

Julie (USN-Petty Officer 2nd Class [Corpsmen])

Validus (USN-Gunners' Mate)

VBG (USA-Rank unknown)

Alterego (USN-Rank unknown)

KlingonMike (USA-Rank unknown)

Odie (USN-Petty Officer 1st Class)

Rustypelican (USN-Petty Officer 1st Class)

Boozehound, as said, USMC

[VaBeachGuy 12]

VBG (USA-Rank unknown)

358614[/snapback]

 

I was retired on disability as a Specialist (E-4P)

 

As for what to expect, I too know nothing about the Australian military but assuming that all military life is basically the same I think some of the things you can expect is great friendships and exciting training.

 

I went in the US Army when I was 19 and my times in the Army were some of the most exciting times I had.

[MANVERU 0]

Is it a tough life?

[VaBeachGuy 12]

I can only speak from my experiences, there are aspects that are tough and aren't easy but you're going to find that in all walks of life. As tough as it might be, it's 10 times as rewarding. At least it was for me, but I had always wanted to be a Soldier going back as far as my memory can go.

 

Everyone has a different take on military life, personally I think everyone should experience at least 2 years of it.

[MANVERU 0]

Umm, Whats the minimum commitment over in the states for Military service?

[Bethlehem 7]

I think it is 4 years now and some fields I believe are longer. Some of the younger vets should know hopefully they will tell us.

[VaBeachGuy 12]

When I went in the minimum was 2 years but I believe they've now moved to 12 months, I'm not 100% sure of that though.

 

I signed an 8 year contract when I joined, 4 years of active service and 4 years inactive. During the 4 years inactive a person can be recalled to active duty if so ordered.

[LordOfTheBorg 1]

I would never make it in any part of the army.. apart from maybe a cook.. as i am to fat, so i can't do any (well, i could.. it would just be hard on me and would take me forever.. ) of the physical stuff they put you through.. I don't even think there is any part of the army that you DON'T have to do PT.. But, the army is fun if you are fit and such.. Air force especially, as (depends on your position) you get to fly planes! You'll have lots of fun, make lots of friends, and get to do something for your country!

[Krissy Phaserman 0]

the Army has a new 18/26 plan, 18 months active, 36 in reserves. The minimum Active Duty enlistment for the rest is 2 years, and for technical jobs it's between 4 and 6. If you go through ROTC or the Academies, though, it's a 5 year active commitment, plus between 4-6 in the Ready Reserve Force for all services. (Obviously, though, that's for the Officers)

[Odie 0]

For the most from what I have expressed through this deployment other countries militaries are almost but not the same as US. The ship that I am on had joint training with other countries. There are always differences do to country culture and amount of money that they send on the military. The only thing I can tell there will be days where it’s hard and you question why you join to expressing the greatest joy for having joined. I don't regret being in US Navy. I have gone to other countries that I would have never gone if I weren’t in the Navy. I would not have live 3 years in Japan. I would not have trade that for the world.

[MANVERU 0]

hm, well said.

 

Well, personally, I can't wait!!!!

 

Are you alowed to do stuff civilians are alowed to do.

Like on off time, play the xbox and stuff?

[Kor37 9]

No offense but have you really looked into this before joining? Its seems as though you have already joined the RAAF yet know nothing about it.

[MANVERU 0]

actually, thats the truth.

I havn't gotten barely any info about it!

Just how much time off I get PA

How much money i get PA

All info about how the training system is gonna operate.

And the only stuff about living quarters is that it will be provided!!!!!

[VaBeachGuy 12]

Even having very little info about it I think you've done a good thing. You may or may not like it but when all is said and done you will be satisfied with your service, I'm sure of that.

[MANVERU 0]

Cheers, thanks for the support and advice guys!!!

[Tal 0]

Good look Manveru, im sure you will enjoy it and have a great time, Dont forget to pop in now and again and let us now how its going.

[A l t e r E g o 9]

 

Good luck MANVERU!

[MANVERU 0]

Okay, I've been briefed on alot of the stuff, and will be flying out to the training center in April (it's been bumped back becasue of less numbers).

 

 

I hate to admit this, but i'm really scared about this.

 

 

 

HELP!!!

 

I need to calm down, I know it's still over 4 months away, but I'm really packing it!!

 

I'm just scared that this may not have been the best choice, even though I've already signed over my soul to the devil (the Devil being the government)

 

Did anyone in the service feel this way?

[trekz 7]

I can't speak for others who served in the military (I was in the US Navy and left at rank of Personnelman 2nd Class (that's like Yeoman - a clerk working in an office- I did Educational test ordering, proctering tests, among other duties). I certainly was very nervous before going in. I volunteered because this was Vietnam era and I had a draft lottery number of 55 I think, so I would have been drafted into the Army. I chose the Navy and was generally glad I did. Served mainly in San Diego area, got to see a Bit of San Francisco, and while on crusie, a bit of Japan, Phillipines and Hong Kong. I served just under 3 years active duty, getting an early out to go back to college, which the military paid for me, including Grad school later!

 

I was however nervous going in, didn't like boot camp much (got sick there) and certainly felt frustrated about the We'll Tell You Details When WE Want to Tell You Policy. I completely understand the policy. But I think that, for example, when we were delayed getting back to the states for Christmas, we could have been told that sooner - plus stating that "we won't be home in time to see the man in the red suit" was a stupid way to state that imo. Some people loved the service, I thought it was a valuable experience, but am happy being a civilian. I'm sure there will be days when it is aggravating, exhausting, and you feel fed up. But my advice is hang in there and things will get better. Good luck, and you can always ask for advice here or come online here like Odie, or others, for recreation or communication with your friends and fellow STF.net members.

Edited December 22, 2005 by trekz

[Jim Phaserman 0]

I was nervous when I joined, but I also had the experiences of my father to draw on. He was a career Navy man, and said that Boot Camp now was nothing like what he went through. and for the most part, he's right. I don't know if the same is true in Aussieland, though.

 

Just remember the advice I recieved from my uncle, a Marine:

 

Stand at attention, keep your ears open, chin up, and mouth SHUT. Follow the orders of your Drill Instructor, and try and encourage your fellow recruits. A big part of Boot Camp or Basic Training is developing Teamwork, so if you can work well with others, you will do well.

 

the problem I had was I always wanted to take charge, even when I wasn't the one in charge. I guess that's why I was recommended for STA-21.

[Odie 0]

Before I went to boot camp I was nervous. Anyone will be nervous when they are starting a new life. Just listen to the advise from JP and you will make it. You will have expense that you never forget. Good luck with boot camp and military career.

[KIMIMELA 1]

Oh, for Physical stuff, don't ask me! I'm the lazy cat sitting in the corner of the forums...

I wish you luck with it and hope you have fun.

[Jim Phaserman 0]

I loved Physical Training. That was fun for me. it's an important part of military training. I love me some PT!

[He Who Shall Not Be Named 2]

I was retired on disability as a Specialist (E-4P)

 

P for Permanent? Pogue? Pussy?

[He Who Shall Not Be Named 2]

Hey, wow! I can say Pussy here!

[Bethlehem 7]

It could be VBG likes you or you are a relative. Hope I do not get banned for this post.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named 2]

Well I did get warned by Alterego which brought it up to 10% but it is back down to 0% now.

[Bethlehem 7]

That is fairly mild, are you related to Alterego? Hope this does not get me banned.