Thread: The Strain On Defence Force Families.

Fellas!

Clearly Tony A read what's been posted here and changed the direction. Anymore discussion is irrelevant.

someone?

Well, I am loath to write here considering the deviation from the original thread post. But, for what it is worth... I am in the process of leaving the ADF after 20 years' enjoyable and rewarding service. Why? Well, I'd love to stay on many fronts but the fact is my kids are starting high school and sometimes, it is simply time to acknowledge that all things are not simply about one's self!
I had 13 postings up and down the Eastern sea board, deployed on four operations, was absent often in the course of duty, and yet have a happy and sustainable marriage with two well-adjusted kids. That is not to say life in the ADF is not challenging... It is hard to change states, spousal employment, kids' schools and the like. But that is not unique to the ADF these days. Likewise, it is hard seeing families adjust, our skyping your kids at Christmas from Afghanistan - yep. Noted.
But really, it is a life we chose. And it is the life I decided to give up this year with my children starting high school. No buts. No excuses.
For what it is worth, DHA have their weaknesses... But they also gave me an exceptional house under pretty good conditions for the best part of my adult life. And now I am paying a mortgage like a normal person, their faults are not as bad as they once seemed! No DHA to fix my hot water service or flickering power point now!!!
The hard facts are that service is voluntary. You join and serve because you want to. The life is hugely rewarding, but it comes with a downside that, due to the nature of the job and the organisation, cannot be totally negated. Hence why all of us must make a choice to either: 1. continue, or 2. leave when the circumstances dictate.
I here the complaints re: pay. Frankly, we (ADF) are better paid than most (and for pretty good reason). If the Government's wallet is empty, then perhaps we should pause for a bit too. No comparison can be made against other public and private sector employment - the conditions are too different.
I loved my time. I respect those who did serve, still serve, and also those that support them. But simply serving is not an excuse for entitlement above others - after all most of us seek to contribute to society in some way.
My thoughts only. To all on this forum - please don't attempt to chest beat or bash another's sense of service or pride. There are other non-LR forums for that purpose of you are so inclined. Now, let's get back to LRs... Therefore, for God's own sake can anyone tell me how to put a signature block on my posts please???

Tassiefender, a very well written piece,

Now click on UserCP, top left

Originally Posted by Tassiefender

Therefore, for God's own sake can anyone tell me how to put a signature block on my posts please???

Originally Posted by AndyG

Tassiefender, a very well written piece,

Now click on UserCP, top left

I believe you need to be a subscriber to get a signature block.

Originally Posted by Tassiefender

Well, I am loath to write here considering the deviation from the original thread post. But, for what it is worth... I am in the process of leaving the ADF after 20 years' enjoyable and rewarding service. Why? Well, I'd love to stay on many fronts but the fact is my kids are starting high school and sometimes, it is simply time to acknowledge that all things are not simply about one's self!
I had 13 postings up and down the Eastern sea board, deployed on four operations, was absent often in the course of duty, and yet have a happy and sustainable marriage with two well-adjusted kids. That is not to say life in the ADF is not challenging... It is hard to change states, spousal employment, kids' schools and the like. But that is not unique to the ADF these days. Likewise, it is hard seeing families adjust, our skyping your kids at Christmas from Afghanistan - yep. Noted.
But really, it is a life we chose. And it is the life I decided to give up this year with my children starting high school. No buts. No excuses.
For what it is worth, DHA have their weaknesses... But they also gave me an exceptional house under pretty good conditions for the best part of my adult life. And now I am paying a mortgage like a normal person, their faults are not as bad as they once seemed! No DHA to fix my hot water service or flickering power point now!!!
The hard facts are that service is voluntary. You join and serve because you want to. The life is hugely rewarding, but it comes with a downside that, due to the nature of the job and the organisation, cannot be totally negated. Hence why all of us must make a choice to either: 1. continue, or 2. leave when the circumstances dictate.
I here the complaints re: pay. Frankly, we (ADF) are better paid than most (and for pretty good reason). If the Government's wallet is empty, then perhaps we should pause for a bit too. No comparison can be made against other public and private sector employment - the conditions are too different.
I loved my time. I respect those who did serve, still serve, and also those that support them. But simply serving is not an excuse for entitlement above others - after all most of us seek to contribute to society in some way.
My thoughts only. To all on this forum - please don't attempt to chest beat or bash another's sense of service or pride. There are other non-LR forums for that purpose of you are so inclined. Now, let's get back to LRs... Therefore, for God's own sake can anyone tell me how to put a signature block on my posts please???

Thank You. A totally honest man, without a barrow to push,.....except reality,.....& the truth.
Pickles.

Originally Posted by Pickles2

Thank You. A totally honest man, without a barrow to push,.....except reality,.....& the truth.
Pickles.

Oh dear, Bob