G,day
My best mate and I are thinking about joining the Australian reserves but we are both unsure as to what 'area' we would like to be in.
I've had some people tell me the light horse is the best, others say engineer.
We both don't really know what the employment options are but are very keen to get a basic understanding of what we can do before we go in and speak to them directly.
If anyone is able to provide some info it would be great!
If you are involved with the reserves or have been involved please post up some of your experiences.
So you know a bit about us:
We both live in central Melbourne
We both study
We both have part time jobs
I'm interested in the medical side of things but I have no medical background (apart for basic first aid and CPR)
We don't want to be split up into different groups
All the info we can get is much appreciated Most people who join the Reserves just parade at the unit that is closest to them. My advice - it's a part time job, so look for the one that's most fun. Don't get scammed into joining the Ordnance Corps unless you genuinely want to spend your part time Army career stacking blankets or doing clerical work.
You don't need prior medical experience to join the Medical Corps. The employment training for an Army Reserve medic is a 2 week course. Most units across Victoria have one or two positions for medics, though the main body of them is the 4CSSB Health Company up at Oakleigh. They're a reasonably friendly lot, and one of their Officers lectures at my Uni.
If you don't mind travelling as far as Macleod, Simpson Barracks is a big hub for Reserve units and has something for everyone. Armoured Corps (in this case, roaring around in light vehicles), Military Police, lots of support jobs (drivers, pay clerks, clerks, storemen)... in my opinion, the Signals Corps squadron based here is a real gem. I did a parade night with them once - they get to ride around in light vehicles, play with radios, their NCOs insist on being called by their names rather than their rank, and they're generally a really friendly lot.
Being split up shouldn't be an issue, unless you're trying to join a unit that is either full or doesn't have positions for both of you. The Infantry are notoriously full these days, and quite a few of our new members in Victoria's resident artillery regiment came to us because the Infantry didn't have room.
My unit is hurting for recruits at the moment, if you'll give us some consideration. We're an artillery unit equipped with 81mm mortars - on our average Tuesday night, we practice either mortar drills or infantry skills in the field at our depot. Weekend exercises are a blast too - we drive up north to Puckapunyal, then roar across the fields in Unimog trucks, jumping out at a moment's notice to set up our tubes, always ready to fire. Highlights for me include flying over to Adelaide and Perth to support other artillery units across Australia. We'll.. it all depends.
Some would say a job as a Commando at 1 or 2 Coy would be the best job in the ARes. Others would say jobs dont come any better then NorForce.
But, with an interest in the medical side of things, a desire to be in the ARes I may have come up with something for you.. a CMA -- combat medical attendant.
Call the lovely folks at DFR (defence force recruiting) on 131901 and have a chat to someone about this job. Or have a look around on www.defencejobs.gov.au if that doesnt suit and something else might take your liking. |
