The Reserves

Nyden · 3 February 2008

Good afternoon folks!

What with me being currently out of the market (only looking into index investing at the moment), I'm finding that I have a lot of spare time on my hands; & being a fairly young chap I've been thinking about the RAAF reserves.

Has anyone had any experience here? I've always had a great fascination with aviation, & thought some exposure might be interesting.

I know the Army Reserves requires training of weeks at a time, a haircut (ugh)
& many other issues - which is why I have no intent there. However, does the RAAF have these same restrictions? Anything over a day at a time, or anything of that nature required of participants?

Now, I'm aware there is a minimum amount of days you must train per year to remain within it, but - can I choose as to when I allot these days? For instance, can I allot 3 days in one week, none the next, etc? Do you sign up for certain days, or just show up?

Now to more important issues D; the haircut! You may snicker, but what with my lovely chestnut brown thick head of hair, I have no such desire to trim down my pride & joy; does the RAAF require this of their reserves? That could be a deal breaker, unfortunately.

Either that; or do some volunteer work - although, I'd much prefer some extra money ... after some recent losses, you know : I am primarily looking for an experience though.

Thanks guys, any information would be appreciated.

Tysonboss1 · 3 February 2008

I myself am ex Army having served from when I was 18 till I was 24,

I am not completely sure about the RAAF reserves but with the army you generally served,

one night a week (being every tuesday night)
one weekend a month,
and two weeks a year.

You can't really make your own hours as it is not really a job flipping burgers where you can rock up and work for a few hours and go home.

you have to work when the rest of the troop / platoon / squad turn up to work because that is when the training activities are schduled for.

Plus I think when you first join you would have to go away for at least 6 weeks to conduct your basic training,... so if you not willing to comit a few weeks a year to the defence force then its not really the job for you, becuase at the end of the day you have to be willing to drop what you are doing and go away possible for up to 6 months should your unit need to be posted to active duty.

Tysonboss1 · 3 February 2008

Nyden said:
the haircut! You may snicker, but what with my lovely chestnut brown thick head of hair, I have no such desire to trim down my pride & joy; does the RAAF require this of their reserves? That could be a deal breaker, unfortunately.

If this is a deal breaker then I really think you would not be suited to service.

During my time in the army I met alot of reservists who seemed to treat there time in the army as if they had joined the boy scouts. You have to be committed if you are going to join.

Timmy · 3 February 2008

Nyden said:
Now to more important issues D; the haircut! That could be a deal breaker, unfortunately.

Its probably not for you ...

Ask not what the RAAF can do to your hair, ask what your hair can do for the RAAF.

Nyden said:
my lovely chestnut brown thick head of hair

Perhaps join a boy band?

Nyden · 3 February 2008

Well, as mentioned before aviation is the primary interest here. Voluntary work might be better suited then, I would obviously take any interest of mine very seriously, don't take my humor as a sign of irresponsibility, :

I am merely looking to see as to what is involved with it all; as I cannot seem to find information anywhere.

I am of course a student, seeking additional experience.

Nyden · 3 February 2008

Timmy said:
Its probably not for you ...

Ask not what the RAAF can do to your hair, ask what your hair can do for the RAAF.

Perhaps join a boy band?

Oy! Hair is very important for a pretty-boy such as myself. A lot of people envy my hair gleaming in the sunlight, being gently caressed by a summer breeze.

nioka · 3 February 2008

Nyden said:
Good afternoon folks!

What with me being currently out of the market (only looking into index investing at the moment), I'm finding that I have a lot of spare time on my hands; & being a fairly young chap I've been thinking about the RAAF reserves.

Has anyone had any experience here? I've always had a great fascination with aviation, & thought some exposure might be interesting.

I know the Army Reserves requires training of weeks at a time, a haircut (ugh)
& many other issues - which is why I have no intent there. However, does the RAAF have these same restrictions? Anything over a day at a time, or anything of that nature required of participants?

Now, I'm aware there is a minimum amount of days you must train per year to remain within it, but - can I choose as to when I allot these days? For instance, can I allot 3 days in one week, none the next, etc? Do you sign up for certain days, or just show up?

Now to more important issues D; the haircut! You may snicker, but what with my lovely chestnut brown thick head of hair, I have no such desire to trim down my pride & joy; does the RAAF require this of their reserves? That could be a deal breaker, unfortunately.

Either that; or do some volunteer work - although, I'd much prefer some extra money ... after some recent losses, you know : I am primarily looking for an experience though.

Thanks guys, any information would be appreciated.

When I served in the RAAF we had a CO we called "arcut". He used to walk along the assembled flight saying "arcut" to most of the assembled airmen. I hardly ever heard him say much else. I think anything showing under the cap was taboo in his mind. Doubt if he is still there, if he is he would be over 100 yrs old. Maybe the tradition died with him.

Tysonboss1 · 3 February 2008

Nyden said:
I am of course a student, seeking additional experience.

The source of much frustration to career soldiers is the "uni reservist".

Uni students should be banned from the reserves.

Nyden · 3 February 2008

Tysonboss1 said:
The source of much frustration to career soldiers is the "uni reservist".

Uni students should be banned from the reserves.

Why would that be? I can assure you I am not overly similar to that of your average student. I'm a total bore. Never been to a "party" in my entire life, never smoked, done any drugs, been irresponsible (aside from in the stock market! Ugh , have essentially no social life, don't stay up late, I eat healthy, don't drive (walk / jog a lot), don't drink, basically I should assume to not be a problem?

Why would I be of any further frustration than any other?

Julia · 3 February 2008

Nyden said:
Oy! Hair is very important for a pretty-boy such as myself. A lot of people envy my hair gleaming in the sunlight, being gently caressed by a summer breeze.

It sounds gorgeous, Nyden. Perhaps you could get work in TV commercials for women's shampoo - you know the ones - where the model gently swings her head and the shiny locks shimmer with the sponsor's fine product in response. Maybe they'd just have to film the back of your glorious head so that viewers don't guess you're a bloke?

Somehow I find it a little difficult to picture your flowing tresses emerging from an RAAF cap.

Good luck. Hope you find something you like. Volunteering in any capacity is something which benefits the volunteer every bit as much as the organisation they are helping.

Nyden · 3 February 2008

Julia said:
It sounds gorgeous, Nyden. Perhaps you could get work in TV commercials for women's shampoo - you know the ones - where the model gently swings her head and the shiny locks shimmer with the sponsor's fine product in response. Maybe they'd just have to film the back of your glorious head so that viewers don't guess you're a bloke?

Somehow I find it a little difficult to picture your flowing tresses emerging from an RAAF cap.

Good luck. Hope you find something you like. Volunteering in any capacity is something which benefits the volunteer every bit as much as the organisation they are helping.

Heh, it isn't that long! Although, at one point it was ... the maintenance required though, terrible. It does certainly maintain the boyish charm though, not very long - but very full & thick in volume.

Hmmm, may have a point about the RAAF cap though.

Perhaps a part time phone-monkey position would be better suited, anyone have any information on an IT traineeship? :

2BAD4U · 3 February 2008

Nyden said:
I'm a total bore. Never been to a "party" in my entire life, never smoked, done any drugs, been irresponsible (aside from in the stock market! Ugh , have essentially no social life, don't stay up late, I eat healthy, don't drive (walk / jog a lot), don't drink, basically I should assume to not be a problem?

In my experience this could be a problem in it self. When I was in the RAAF (14 years ago) you needed to do all those things to "fit in". Can't speak for the reserves but for full time if you didn't have an outgoing sort of personality then life was a bit more difficult for those people. They just didn't bond. It's difficult to explain but I am sure other defense force members know what I mean.

sam76 · 3 February 2008

Nyden??

nioka · 3 February 2008

Nyden said:
Why would that be? I can assure you I am not overly similar to that of your average student. I'm a total bore. Never been to a "party" in my entire life, never smoked, done any drugs, been irresponsible (aside from in the stock market! Ugh , have essentially no social life, don't stay up late, I eat healthy, don't drive (walk / jog a lot), don't drink, basically I should assume to not be a problem?

Why would I be of any further frustration than any other?

I think, after reading this post, that you should get a hair cut, get into the reserve and enjoy life. I did not smoke, drink or do drugs and those that did accepted me OK. It was a great experience and I came out fit and healthy and enjoying life and it is part of my varied experiences. I also made good friends.
P.S. The hair will grow again, or will it. Mine has all fallen out over the years.Doesn't seem to matter.

Nyden · 3 February 2008

sam76 said:
Nyden??

It was that length for a while! In a pony tail though, of course. It actually really did resemble that though! Little bit more wavy though.

Well, looks as if it's back to the search!

Is it just me, or is there a lot of judgemental attitudes in any form of defence? Seems to me; they don't like students, don't like people who aren't party-animals ... I was under the impression people of all backgrounds were enlisted these days? Surely certain ethnicity's are more conservative than others ...

Edit: & Nioka, my hair is pretty short right now; about 2 (3 in parts) inches in length, it's just relatively thick, & I keep it very styled.

Buster · 3 February 2008

Hey Nayden,

Nyden said:
Is it just me, or is there a lot of judgemental attitudes in any form of defence? Seems to me; they don't like students, don't like people who aren't party-animals ... I was under the impression people of all backgrounds were enlisted these days? Surely certain ethnicity's are more conservative than others ...

2BAD4U and Nokia have nailed it.. Yes, if you are the odd one out or the shy retiring type you will probably become a target.. not for the sort of bastardisation that was common twenty odd years ago, but you won't have the 'trust' of the mob so to speak. Or.. you'll get an education and come out of your shell.. As Nokia said, have a go and live a little..

Check this link for more info..

http://www.defence.gov.au/raaf/reserves/index.htm

Ex Navy myself, so not the full bottle on RAAF reserves, but it's simply a phone call to get the answers you are after.

Dress code is generally 'neat and tidy' not over the ears or over the collar.. obviously layered/bleached/punk type hairstyles are not permitted.

Hope it helps..

Buster

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