Thread: The Strain On Defence Force Families.

Leaving aside the obvious drawbacks to military life given above, the 1.5% with loss of leave is obviously an inadequate offer, by any measure - its effectively a pay cut.

i think the younger guys Joining the ADF do not consider the affects on there changing life's, or understand how there life's will change as time passes, partners then children etc etc.

but then what young people did? i didn't that's for sure!!

i also think its distressful that the government is trying to do a rollback on ADF staff.

in short ADF police, ambos and a host of other skills we need as a country. are underpaid---- period.

trying to draw comparisons between ADF and police is silly.

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

This attitude (even though you may say is in 'good fun') undermines the very nature of Australia's Defence Force, it is supported by Reservists or 'part timers' as you may put it. Someone has to staff the offices on land 'Headquarters', someone has to be in 'supply', 'Legal', 'maintenance' and a range of roles that 'support' those on the front line or 'deployed'.

This sort of badgering by full-timers when I was a reservist, did nothing to encourage myself or others to remain active. Disappointing in my opinion as the ADF has and needs a diverse range of skilled professionals to maintain it's high standard, and a significant proportion of these are in the reserves, including medicos and elite infantry. Australia is not alone in this system and it is proven to maintain a diverse blend between military and civilian that allows for rapid expansion of the full-time forces if needed, hence the term 'ready-reserves'.

This attitude to 'who does what' and 'who serves where for how long' does nothing but distract from the main topic of 'general' pay and conditions. Furthermore it is an element of pommy whinging that the majority of Australian Defence professionals are thankfully in a class above.

As you were...

Sorry, if you think regulars are ever going to give reserves a fair crack of the whip, you are in fantasy land. One of the best regional reserve forces, NORFORCE, NT, had/have the nickname " Jawforce" by the regular men. An old saying comes to mind. If you can't handle the heat.... And if that is the best serve you can give, mate, I think you made the right decision in giving it up. I don't need a lecture on the system of reserves in this country, but I know you don't know that. NOW "On cap, about turn, march the guilty bastard out Cox'n. " Said in good fun, in the manner it was given. Bob edit. if you think this is not a hot topic among serving members, all Australians, you are out of touch.

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

Furthermore it is an element of pommy whinging that the majority of Australian Defence professionals are thankfully in a class above.

As you were...

After some thought, I have come to the conclusion you have to understand the meaning of the word ASSUME. This is not a lecture, or a rant. First of all, ASSUME - you make an ass out of you and me. [ clever, isn't it. not my invention, though I wish I did. ]


I was born in the Brisbane General Hospital, served 21 years in the RAN. My Father was born in Rockhampton, served in the AIF,WW2, fighting the Japanese. My Grand father was born in Aramac, Qld. He served with the First AIF , in France, with the 49th Batttalion, and what I find extraordinary, is his Father, my Great Grandfather, was in the 49th Battalion when my Grand Father joined. In France. Before this, my great great Grand father, who was a scot., and an American whaler, jumped ship, went to Rockhampton, looking to make his fortune in gold. didn't, went west, got into cattle, & married an aboriginal woman from Alpha. Please explain to me your reference to pommy, in your post. I have shared your post with some Australian professional mates of mine, in the Redcliffe Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. I think they are still having a quiet chuckle. Cheers mate, Bob.

Originally Posted by bob10

After some thought, I have come to the conclusion you have to understand the meaning of the word ASSUME. This is not a lecture, or a rant. First of all, ASSUME - you make an ass out of you and me. [ clever, isn't it. not my invention, though I wish I did. ]


I was born in the Brisbane General Hospital, served 21 years in the RAN. My Father was born in Rockhampton, served in the AIF,WW2, fighting the Japanese. My Grand father was born in Aramac, Qld. He served with the First AIF , in France, with the 49th Batttalion, and what I find extraordinary, is his Father, my Great Grandfather, was in the 49th Battalion when my Grand Father joined. In France. Before this, my great great Grand father, who was a scot., and an American whaler, jumped ship, went to Rockhampton, looking to make his fortune in gold. didn't, went west, got into cattle, & married an aboriginal woman from Alpha. Please explain to me your reference to pommy, in your post. I have shared your post with some Australian professional mates of mine, in the Redcliffe Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia. I think they are still having a quiet chuckle. Cheers mate, Bob.

Well good on you Bob, never said you were a pom...etc, but you whinge a lot, and it must be said that I fail to understand most of your ranting, it's very incoherent most of the time, but I guess you'll take it the wrong way...again.

Originally Posted by bob10

I was born in the Brisbane General Hospital, served 21 years in the RAN. My Father was born in Rockhampton, served in the AIF,WW2, fighting the Japanese. My Grand father was born in Aramac, Qld. He served with the First AIF , in France, with the 49th Batttalion, and what I find extraordinary, is his Father, my Great Grandfather, was in the 49th Battalion when my Grand Father joined. In France. Before this, my great great Grand father, who was a scot., and an American whaler, jumped ship, went to Rockhampton, looking to make his fortune in gold. didn't, went west, got into cattle, & married an aboriginal woman from Alpha..

And with the GREATEST respect to them all, I'm sure they were all very humble about their experience. We've all got family stories, but we eventually have to stand on our own two feet. I've got mates who were recently retrenched, this story is not very 'hot' with them at the moment, they're not chuckling about much.,Happy reminiscing bob, over and out.

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

'put him in the scuppers with a hose pipe on him' etc

Picked you in one. I'm pleased I still have it. I would explain, but I don't really feel the need to explain to you.Bob

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

And with the GREATEST respect to them all, I'm sure they were all very humble about their experience. We've all got family stories, but we eventually have to stand on our own two feet. I've got mates who were recently retrenched, this story is not very 'hot' with them at the moment, they're not chuckling about much.,Happy reminiscing bob, over and out.

Yep, just where I thought this would go. Getting interesting now. Bob