Ex-military guys, come hither!

[MementoMori]

My life's going nowhere at the minute, so I'm reconsidering an old desire to join the Air Force. My dreams of becoming a sodding Eurofighter pilot have finally been squashed, so I have been thinking about applying to become a Medic.

I will be taking a trip down to the local recruitment office to hear their sales pitch, but I am also interesting in hearing first hand experiences from the people who are in it, or have been.

Not necessarily as a medic, or even in the AF, I'd just like an idea of what military life has to offer... whether it was worth it, whether you regretted it, or it was the best thing you ever did, etc.

I'm especially interested in the initial 12 week recruit training and what this involves, as I've heard nothing but stories about how this is the hardest, toughest part where they try and break you down and build you back up again how they want you to be.

I had a short spell in the Air Cadets and whilst I did well, I did find it just a little bit naff. I intend on gaining some medical experience by joining St. John for a while and learning as much as I can there, if I am to go ahead with this idea. I wouldn't join for a year or so yet, as it's such a big decision and I want to be sure I still feel the same way about it in time. Though considering I've been thinking about it for a fair few years now, I think this may be likely.

I also need an understanding and open-minded person with knowledge of the military, or connections with someone who does to give me a PM as I have something to ask, and due to the nature of it, a public forum is not a wise place to talk about it.

Wow, I've written a lot. Sorry to have rambled on. In short, I'd like to hear your experiences and whether you would recommend that lifestyle.

Thanks a lot! :)

[Colapop]

Join the Army it's better

[Biff]

The best advice I could offer you, is specialize. Get some experience/training/quafilications in a discipline that will help you earn a decent living if/when you ever return to civvie street.

Good luck.

[Colapop]

Yep definitely . Get a trade or qualified. The armed forces will pay for it...

[Street Gerbil]

specialize
Amen to that. Serving for the sake of service is a waste of time. I served as a software engineer and enjoyed every moment of it.

[doc]

Do a ROSBe.

[Sniper]

The best advice I could offer you, is specialize. Get some experience/training/quafilications in a discipline that will help you earn a decent living if/when you ever return to civvie street.

Good luck.

Couldnt have said it better myself

[Storm]

As an army sparky with advanced trade all paid for, I'll echo these other chaps. Its what you make of it. With regards to the 12 weeks, its getting softer and easier all the time(too many whinging crybabies and namby pambies complaining), and to be honest I've heard the Air Force version is even easier than the army these days. PM Bonez as I think he did his 20 years in there

[Sniper]

As an army sparky with advanced trade all paid for, I'll echo these other chaps. Its what you make of it. With regards to the 12 weeks, its getting softer and easier all the time(too many whinging crybabies and namby pambies complaining), and to be honest I've heard the Air Force version is even easier than the army these days. PM Bonez as I think he did his 20 years in there

Gone are the days you could take the crybabies out the back and give them something to cry for. My Sarge used to say that all the time (as well as copious quotes from Full metal jacket

[Dave Lobster]

Do it. Its a great life when you're young. Not so great as you get older though. The money isn't half as good, relative to everyone else.

[jimbo600]

Join the Army it's better

pisht whatever. Army stands for "Air Force Rejected Me Yesterday"

Seriously though any of the services are good. With the RNZAF however you can acquire a trade, and later remuster to aircrew and be a chopper crewman, a loadmaster, or air electronics operator for example. That way you'll still have a trade and gain aircrew experience. AF have a pretty extensive list of trades too including photographer, who also look after the Navy and Army.

I would definitely do it all again if I had the chance. Great lifestyle and some of the guys I joined up with in 1987 are still close friends today. (No not Navy close!)

A communicator or signals is a good thing to get into as it sets you up well afterwards. GCSB employ a few of those if thats your thing.

[u4ea]

I was a recruit traing with the territorials for a while when my son was 7(hes now 16)I was hoping to use that experience and then work in the prison as a warden but blood clots saw an end to that.
I can only encourage you to do your training.The armed forces are a way of life and a carreer as well.If youve done the ATC then you know how it works!!You obviously have a compassion for others if you are considering a job which could put you in a humanitarian role .

[Holy Roller]

If you can survive basic training then the rest is a breeze. To survive do what you are told when you are told, treat them like your mum and you will be OK. Life is so much {better, Easier} these days as the political correctness factor has permiated the establishment. No more rolling around in a mud puddle making "love" to your rifle, early morning swims (ex navy) and running in plastic sandles. A great life for a single guy or one needs a very understanding Mrs.

All the best.
Gordon
Leading Radio Fitter RNZN

[Sniper]

pisht whatever. Army stands for "Air Force Rejected Me Yesterday"


Funny, most airforce chaps I have met have said that. None of them have ever won a friendly boxing match or shoot either :p

Mind you, the airforce did throw me out of planes over some nice country, so I am thankful for that. Although, I have still never met an airforce squaddie I didnt like....

[Sparky Bills]

From what ive heard as of late, they are laking personale. So to fail basic, you would have to be a real retard! (which your not!)

Neil is down doing the whole training thing at the moment. Hense why he wasnt at the 1st round.
Then hes off to be a pilot. Even if the Air Force doesnt really have any force in the Air :innocent: , id still recomend going for them.:rockon:

[Macktheknife]

My pick if you want to be a medic, join Army or Navy as the resources are more plentiful, the postings are better (usually) and the ongoing training is great.
Basic sucks but that is kinda the point, see who can suck it up and get the job done, the point is to be able to put aside your ego and work within the structure.
Good luck

[R6_kid]

my mate matt is 21 and he is a medic in the air force. to make a long story short, he's loving it. As are my other 20 or so friends in the air force. Recruit course isn't as hard as it is made out to be. If you are fit when go in there it's a doddle, but for retards that think they go from zero to hero in 12 weeks they get a serious wake up call.

I have applied for a/c Tech but put my enlistment/recruit course on hold until i am 100% sure it's what i want to do.

[The Pastor]

join the air force and get a GPZ600. Top Gun baby.

[NighthawkNZ]

Being ex navy I would agree specialise and get a trade from it that gives you something back in civi street.

Once you make it through basic training its a breeze... you then move to your branch aor specialist traing phase. The navy will probably allow more travel, army better chance of getting active duty, air force well we really don't have one just a air taxi service..

[gunnyrob]

I am currently serving in the air force & have 24 years service up my sleeve. I am currently posted to the Frigate, Te Kaha, (looking after the helo) so I reckon I have a pretty good handle on military careers.

If I had the opportunity to join as a young fella (especially as a medic, I'd pick the NAVY, Hands Down!

Conditions of service are broadly similar, but Navy offers Heaps of travel (obviously), extra allowances at sea (sea going), recognised quals (everything is geared up for NZQA), easier fitness testing, and stacks of practical training as the ship is constantly doing damage control drills.

Also in the navy you can remuster to Pilot, Observer, or helo crewman to fly the NAVY Helo.

Last year we went to Tokyo, Korea, Hong kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia & Aussie. In August we do 3 ports in Japan, Shanghai, China, Malaysia & Aussie. Back in time for christmas.

All services are screaming for warm bodies right now, so go for it. (I wouldn't be doing the job if I didn't like it.

NOTE: Be aware all recruit courses suck. They are designed to convert civvies into military personnel, so there is a fair amount of getting dicked around. (Only for 12 weeks or so) In addition, until you get some time up, you will be lumbered with all the shit jobs like cleaning etc.

If you have better school marks, try going in as an officer, as they assign the shit jobs to junior troops!!!:mega:

[awesker]

I just joined the RNZAF at the start of the year as a CISOPR (Comms) and finished my basic training about a month or so ago, basically things have changed since back in our parents' day.. recruit course isnt about worming out the weaklings like it once was (well it is to an extent), now its more to see if youve the right personnel qualities (although there should have been some people on my course that should have gone.) to be part of the air force , so if you can do what your told and can handle cleaning and ironing for the next 13 weeks, youll be fine. (To be honest I had a blast on it, everyday I did something Id never done before, like getting CS gassed, firing automatic weapons and getting payed to play sport in the sun! doesnt get much better than that!)

Its the trade training after the recruit training that lets you know if youve got what it takes to become your trade. The CO's at your trade training are alot tougher than recruit course, and if you make fuck ups and fall behind (theyll help you if your making an effort) youll have to either remuster to a different trade or leave.

Since Ive joined up Ive loved every day and I know Ive made the right choice.. I guess its different for everyone.. the cheap drinks, awesome people, career options, free education and pride in yourself are the biggest things I can think of that keeps me here. Medic is a good choice I reckon.. though talk to your recruiters and theyll be able to tell you alot of info.. I think youve missed out of this years intake for medics though, there are 3 intakes a year and the one for medics has just started last week.. but talk to the recruiters and theyll sort you out.. I reckon go for it mate!

[Babelfish]

Get some serious bling from this site and join the police force.

[dogsnbikes]

As a Navy trained Chef its a great place to get a trade,life skills,travel and money not forgetting friendships
the basic training was a breeze and alot of fun......My time was 8.5 years and I spent half of that time away over seas......and enjoyed every minute of it and have no regretes what so ever

[doc]

Get some serious bling from this site and join the police force.

Just remember guy's it's not what you can get out of it, it's about service. That becomes important when the payback time comes. You join the defence force you don't join to get a trade. Then one day the shit hits the fan, the excuse "I'm a technician" is not cool when the going gets tough. This in the worst case senario of course, but thats what your there for. The Basic training is not about a trade it's about "Defence" and the public want accountablity. That is what they want, others to do it instead of them...I hope you get the point ? not trying to destroy the thread but its the truth. Got to pay the piper sometimes.

[MementoMori]

Impressed with all the info and encouragement, certainly hearing the points you have to make has only strengthened the desire to go and sign up.

I like the idea of doing my time in a trade, and then moving onto another career within the force. Had not thought about the Army or Navy but after hearing the suggestions made, I'll definitely be taking this into consideration.

Awesker, you mentioned personnel qualities, what are these exactly? Are they like leadership and teamwork skills etc?

I kinda like the idea of the recruitment training, I like the personal challenge and probable confidence you receive at the end of it.

I really appreciate all your answers, so thank you very much! :yes:

But yeah, if you do think of anything else to add, please do. Everything helps.

Cheers. :Punk:

[iwilde]

I worked for the navy some yrs ago and saw how the navy turned some young mens lives around. The change in confidance, social skills, being a team player and being an important part of that team i feel was far more valuable than the actual practical side of it. As the Doc said, your main reason to join is to serve NZ first. If you can't handle the thought of the possibality of going to war and maybe having to end anothers life with your bare hands, think twice.

[KoroJ]

Join the Army it's better


pisht whatever. Army stands for "Air Force Rejected Me Yesterday".

Aye, They don't say, "Men of the Army & Navy, Gentlemen of the AirForce..." for nothing.

I joined the RNZAF in 1973 and did 20 years, drank lots of piss, played lots of sport, had an awesome time, met awsome people, drank lots of piss, played lots of sport, got paid to go overseas, drank lots of piss.....pity they sold most of the aircraft.......I wonder what they do now??

Hard to look ahead, but if you know where you want to end up, you could use the service that will best help you get there.

[Swoop]

...drank lots of piss, played lots of sport, had an awesome time, met awsome people, drank lots of piss, played lots of sport, got paid to go overseas, drank lots of piss.....pity they sold most of the aircraft.......

I wonder what they do now??
I guess... drink a lot of piss?:shit:


A very good option for anyone wanting to extend themselves, in whatever branch of the service. A lot of younger kids would benefit HEAPS with doing a stint.

[Sidewinder]

My life's going nowhere at the minute, so I'm reconsidering an old desire to join the Air Force. My dreams of becoming a sodding Eurofighter pilot have finally been squashed, so I have been thinking about applying to become a Medic.

I will be taking a trip down to the local recruitment office to hear their sales pitch, but I am also interesting in hearing first hand experiences from the people who are in it, or have been.

Not necessarily as a medic, or even in the AF, I'd just like an idea of what military life has to offer... whether it was worth it, whether you regretted it, or it was the best thing you ever did, etc.

I'm especially interested in the initial 12 week recruit training and what this involves, as I've heard nothing but stories about how this is the hardest, toughest part where they try and break you down and build you back up again how they want you to be.

I had a short spell in the Air Cadets and whilst I did well, I did find it just a little bit naff. I intend on gaining some medical experience by joining St. John for a while and learning as much as I can there, if I am to go ahead with this idea. I wouldn't join for a year or so yet, as it's such a big decision and I want to be sure I still feel the same way about it in time. Though considering I've been thinking about it for a fair few years now, I think this may be likely.

I also need an understanding and open-minded person with knowledge of the military, or connections with someone who does to give me a PM as I have something to ask, and due to the nature of it, a public forum is not a wise place to talk about it.

Wow, I've written a lot. Sorry to have rambled on. In short, I'd like to hear your experiences and whether you would recommend that lifestyle.

Thanks a lot! :)

the army is gay, get a better bike, its better than time with those queer fags-im ex army.

[yod]

join the air force and get a GPZ600. Top Gun baby.

900R, not 600

[Sidewinder]

900R, not 600

yea that guys not the smartest, the tomcat is the best

[Sniper]

the army is gay, get a better bike, its better than time with those queer fags-im ex army.

Hmmmmm :angry2:

Keep it on topic guys

[The Pastor]

900R, not 600

nup its the 600, i watched it on sat, look at the grab rail - its a 600 not 900

[yod]

nup its the 600, i watched it on sat, look at the grab rail - its a 600 not 900

its a 900 - i used to own one - the fairings are totally different shape

plus the 600's were crap - the 900s are legendary

[jahrasti]

the army is gay, get a better bike, its better than time with those queer fags-im ex army.

Why don't you explain why you think the military was gay.
If you didn't like it for certain reasons fair enough, but you maybe able to help someones decision on a possible life changing move.

MM there are many trades in all three services, ranging from combat to your normal main stream trades. If you are right into physical fitness then you can join and spend 9 months doing your PTI's(Physical training instructor) course which I believe is cross credited with Otago uni. I have a mate who is a PTI in the Army and he loves it, as he gets to train people and it enables him to keep an excellent level of fitness( he wasn't blowing his date after a game of league like some of us).

[avgas]

I signed up with Territorials, after 1 week someone (allot wiser than me) said "Im off again to go control some nutters with firearms on an island". "Get the fuck out of this man while you still can".
I did.
Unfortunately i think he was wrong and i would have been more occupied doing that then what i do now.

[Sniper]

I signed up with Territorials, after 1 week someone (allot wiser than me) said "Im off again to go control some nutters with firearms on an island". "Get the fuck out of this man while you still can".
I did.
Unfortunately i think he was wrong and i would have been more occupied doing that then what i do now.

Which terries were you in?

I spent a couple of months with them before I joined RF. Was great, taught me a shit load and prepared me for what was coming

[Swoop]

Is this thread a first for KB? It started off-topic and then got dragged onto the topic of bikes... :scratch:

Amazing!

[2much]

The best advice I could offer you, is specialize. Get some experience/training/quafilications in a discipline that will help you earn a decent living if/when you ever return to civvie street.

Good luck.

Totally agree, and take advantage of all the extra courses, qualifications and experiences/opportunities available to you.

I'm ex-navy and highly recommend it.
Did 8yrs including 3 recruiting where I worked alongside Army and Air recruiters and got a good insight into all the forces. Feel free to pm me with any questions.

Goodluck with whatever you choose.


ps: as for the 13 weeks initial training, you'll spend 13 weeks wondering what the hell you're doing there and why why you wanted to do it.... then you'll spend the rest of your life remembering it fondly, your experiences and your oppos (mates).

[Sidewinder]

Hmmmmm :angry2:

Keep it on topic guys

why do you always think im gay?
that was carver that wrote that anyway, but dont worry guys i am ex army:bye:

[Sidewinder]

Why don't you explain why you think the military was gay.
If you didn't like it for certain reasons fair enough, but you maybe able to help someones decision on a possible life changing move.

MM there are many trades in all three services, ranging from combat to your normal main stream trades. If you are right into physical fitness then you can join and spend 9 months doing your PTI's(Physical training instructor) course which I believe is cross credited with Otago uni. I have a mate who is a PTI in the Army and he loves it, as he gets to train people and it enables him to keep an excellent level of fitness( he wasn't blowing his date after a game of league like some of us).


yes but to become a PTI you have to be in the army for 1 year in your trade and then you have do do basic 1st which now is eaither 3-6 months but may be differnt if you have been in the service before. If you want to be an officer you have to do OC training for a year or so, im not to sure on the time because i wasnt an officer. the most wanted trade in the army i would say is a driver i knew so many people on my basic that were going in as drivers then id say riflemen like i was going in as would be the 2nd bigest group when i was on basic. hope that helped a bit, and made sence.

[Sidewinder]

Which terries were you in?

I spent a couple of months with them before I joined RF. Was great, taught me a shit load and prepared me for what was coming

oh so you were only a part timer to start with then

[Qkchk]

Getting back ON topic -

I was a Civi MT Driver for Base Whenuipai, bloody awesome life style if it's for you (specially if you are into playing sports!).......Got to go away on plenty of trips up and down the country, get cheap flights (thanks to SATS) and other purks however as everyone else has said, the $$$ aint that great but if you live on-base in barracks or in Married quarters your living costs are hugely cut and plus you get to drink and eat at cheaper prices than civilian places! Oh I miss the After-hours Mess Dinners......

[Sniper]

why do you always think im gay?
that was carver that wrote that anyway, but dont worry guys i am ex army:bye:

You obviously had a bad experience in the army them

oh so you were only a part timer to start with then

Nope. I had a friend in the terries and used to go on excersizes and stuff with them. Never joined as one

[Sidewinder]

Getting back ON topic -

I was a Civi MT Driver for Base Whenuipai, bloody awesome life style if it's for you (specially if you are into playing sports!).......Got to go away on plenty of trips up and down the country, get cheap flights (thanks to SATS) and other purks however as everyone else has said, the $$$ aint that great but if you live on-base in barracks or in Married quarters your living costs are hugely cut and plus you get to drink and eat at cheaper prices than civilian places! Oh I miss the After-hours Mess Dinners......

yea my uncle use to be based in Whenuipai and Hellinsville before thy both got shut down, it was a nice place by the sea up the. I know what you mean about the food and drinks, and i still hate buying drinks when clubing when i was use to handels for $1

[Storm]

S'alright sniper, you dont need to be ashamed and hide it if you were.
After all, you're a has been these days :bleh: :bleh:

[Sidewinder]

You obviously had a bad experience in the army them


Nope. I had a friend in the terries and used to go on excersizes and stuff with them. Never joined as one

oh yea ill have some more pics for you in a few days. dont worry they dont have carver they just all ov me

[Sniper]

S'alright sniper, you dont need to be ashamed and hide it if you were.
After all, you're a has been these days :bleh: :bleh:

Oi, thats not very nice. But I bet my rifle is still bigger than your rifle :p


oh yea ill have some more pics for you in a few days. dont worry they dont have carver they just all ov me

??? Stay off drugs kids

[Storm]

Oi, thats not very nice. But I bet my rifle is still bigger than your rifle :p


(in a patronising tone suitable for kids and crazy old men)
Sure it is Sniper, sure it is. You go show it to all your friends

[Sidewinder]

(in a patronising tone suitable for kids and crazy old men)
Sure it is Sniper, sure it is. You go show it to all your friends


he knows he can show me. i want laugh to hard

[Sidewinder]

??? Stay off drugs kids

i have no need to, you give me such a good deal on them that i can still afford a bike

[Sniper]

Its right in front of you, you just need to know where to look...

[Storm]

For an offline fellow, you sure do post a lot :bleh:
Slow day at work?

[Sidewinder]

For an offline fellow, you sure do post a lot :bleh:
Slow day at work?
i no what you mean dude

[avgas]

Which terries were you in?

I signed up in Auckland through that dodgey little office (for induction), did about 3 days in Waiouru with the usual - "This is what to expect" jabber and OSH crap. Found out FRED's make crap shivs. Then went home. About 5 days after signing up a friend of mine got called out to Papa New Savage (or whatever) and told me to get out. When the army called me to ask if i wanted in or not i told them the induction was fun but no.
Kinda sucks though as it would have made things a shit load easier in my life. Classic, if i'd have known then what i know now....blah blah blah.
So yeh i'm basically a washout.

[jahrasti]

yes but to become a PTI you have to be in the army for 1 year in your trade and then you have do do basic 1st which now is eaither 3-6 months but may be differnt if you have been in the service before. If you want to be an officer you have to do OC training for a year or so, im not to sure on the time because i wasnt an officer. the most wanted trade in the army i would say is a driver i knew so many people on my basic that were going in as drivers then id say riflemen like i was going in as would be the 2nd bigest group when i was on basic. hope that helped a bit, and made sence.

Yes true for the army, bur Air force can join straight into the trade.
It was just an example to show there are things besides your normal mainstream trades.

[MementoMori]

Hey guys, sorry to cut in on this convo, I have another question to ask.

A few of you said similar things to this:


bloody awesome life style if it's for you

This may be a stupid question, but how do you know if it's your kind of lifestyle before you go and join up? I mean what exactly is the lifestyle past basic training? Can't word it right, hope someone understands what I'm trying to get at. I spose I mean in relation to civilian life.

[Sniper]

This may be a stupid question, but how do you know if it's your kind of lifestyle before you go and join up? I mean what exactly is the lifestyle past basic training? Can't word it right, hope someone understands what I'm trying to get at. I spose I mean in relation to civilian life.

Go to a intorduction day. Ring your local recruitmant office and ask them when the next one is.

Its a much more disciplined lifestyle. Not in the way that you expect everyone walks around with a stiff back and trembles incase something goes wrong, but the sort that there is no getting away with things with a lame excuse. "Oh I was tired" or "I didn't know" dont cut it. Its big shock to the system, basically your life is spelt out to you from day one and if you don't like it.... Tough...... they dont have time for you to write a letter and tell them whats bugging you and how it could be fixed, they expect you to get over it and move forward. Once you get into the hang of it, you do actually start to enjoy yourself, but always remember, there is no middleground, you get two choices and thats it.

Apparently the airforce is more easy going though.

You get my PM?

[doc]

Hey guys, sorry to cut in on this convo, I have another question to ask.

A few of you said similar things to this:



This may be a stupid question, but how do you know if it's your kind of lifestyle before you go and join up? I mean what exactly is the lifestyle past basic training? Can't word it right, hope someone understands what I'm trying to get at. I spose I mean in relation to civilian life.

Three quotes

1. "It is better to have thought about it and tried, than to thought about and not tried at all".

2. It's all about "Hurry up and wait"

3.It's about "Marching round n round the square"

You have to face the challenge it may not be you but unless you try it you will never know. I think thats where the "Wannabe" tag comes from. Those who haven't tried the challenge believe that it's like Hollywood. Those who have met the challenge, are able to differentiate, the difference. F.ck this this is too much I'm off to do the Monkey, don't have to worry about Hitcher and my gramma.

[BigG]

Look mate here's what you do, join up get a trade and if you play sport and are good at it you'll be a proffetional, ya get time off to train and go all over the place copeting in events and if you race motorcycles cool they pay you to race. I had an awesome time in the British Army can be hard work but mate it is real good for ya.:yes:

[KoroJ]

This may be a stupid question, but how do you know if it's your kind of lifestyle before you go and join up? I mean what exactly is the lifestyle past basic training? Can't word it right, hope someone understands what I'm trying to get at. I spose I mean in relation to civilian life.

Not much different. If you're a pisshead as a civvy, you can be a pisshead in the service....and vice versa.

Same goes for sport, recreation, work...you name it.
...You'll get out what you put in...
...Life's what you make it...
...Life's like a box of chocolates...
...It's how you play the hand you're dealt...etc etc.

(Depending on trade and service), you could get moved around more, you might always be in uniform...or not, you might belong to Service or Local Sports Clubs, your friends will be Servicemen and civilians.

You will get well trained in whatever trade you opt for, you will be expected to maintain a certain level of fitness (but I was serving with some fatties), you will have to attend the odd parade and be well presented.

What more do you want to know??

[YLWDUC]

Without getting serious about it, the Air Force has generally the fewest deployments away, but medics usually end up going everywhere. You can always remuster to aircrew or officer from any of the three services.

Kiwisaver is crap compared to the mil super scheme (about 12% employer contribution, currently earning 12-15% interest) plus the medical and dental is free and you get a 5000 p.a. mortgage subsidy. And then there's the stars....

The army sleep under them.
The navy navigate by them.
The Air Force use them to pick a hotel........

[NUTBAR]

join the army. best thing i did.
as long as you can handle the hard yards.

[awesker]

Without getting serious about it, the Air Force has generally the fewest deployments away



Thats not what Ive been told, and seen.. looking at all the decorations from my instructors and other serviceman around me makes me disagree with that.. though it also comes down to trades, thankfully my trade gets put all over the place.. so heres hoping I get to go somewhere soon!

[MementoMori]

Thanks for the help. Whilst the quotes that were mentioned may have been clichéd to hell, they're still so relevant and helped me put my decision into perspective.

Certainly the one that hit me hardest that was sent to me in a PM was 'you've got nothing to lose' which just hit the nail on the head, and right now I have everything to gain. I'm sick of being a bum!!!

I have another question. What's the deal with relationships? If you're in a relationship before you join up, can you keep them going easily or would it be wise to end it? I'm familiar with housing for people with spouses and dependents but I'm not quite ready to go that far just yet.

Oh and piercings. I only have two, my tongue and my nipple but I'm guessing these are going to have to go too. Is that right?

[Storm]

Oh yes, they will be going. Do you really want to rip your nipple piercing out on an obstacle course? I wouldnt. And tongue piercings make you sound wierd

[Sniper]

Yup, peircings are a no-no unless they are in your ears

[MementoMori]

Yeah OK, that's fair enough.

Cheers everyone. :)

[quickbuck]

Righto MM,
My turn.

Been in RNZAF for 17, so know a thing or two.

I will answer things that i remember reading, and try to dispel some myths.

To start with your last questions:
You nipple piercing is fine. Tongue piercing is okay, so long as "you can't normally see it". ie, in the back half (approx) of the tongue.

Relationships:
Fine to have before you join, and while you are in Woodbourne for your 11 week course. It is up to you if it lasts. Most do. It is good to have a shoulder back home to cry on.

Government Super: That finished 16 years ago, and there have been a few since.
The scheme the troops are on now sounds okay by all accounts.
It is a good savings scheme really.

The pay isn't that bad.
Medic used to be, then one day a Medic mate of mine got a $12000 pay rise!

Now they are paid about the same as the Technicians (highest paid ground trade).

Lifestyle, well my partner says I am sheltered from the real world in some respects.
However that is me, I guess.

Motorcycling in the RNZAF:
Nothing better!
If you race, you get paid to do it!
If you ride, there is a huge group of people you can ride with. Rides are easy to organise due to great communication systems (called computers).

Rider Training:
I know the Police instructor, and we are getting troops to go through their course too! They come to base every month or so.

Deployments/ Courses etc:
The air force training budget is there to train personnel.

As for the people who think the Force has been taken out of the Air:
Well, in fact the opposite is true!
Air Power (in the RNZAF) is as strong as it has ever been.

We are also going through some exciting times with 3 upgraded platforms and 2 new Helicopter types about to be introduced.

The spend up hasn't been this big since the late 60's.

So, to end:
JUST DO IT!

If it isn't for you, you can leave with a little notice, but then I have enjoyed my 17yrs, and the next 3 are going to be more fun!

[kerfufflez]

Righto MM,
My turn.

Been in RNZAF for 17, so know a thing or two.

Motorcycling in the RNZAF:
Nothing better!
If you race, you get paid to do it!



I'm just curious, why does someone in the Air Force get paid to race motorbikes? I don't really see a connection.

[cheese]

How old are you?

I was in teh NAvy for nearly 7 years and it was great. The worst part of the Navy is the travel. Especialy if you have kids or a serious partner.

Airforce is a good idea. Much less travel adn more settled.

Army, who wants to run through the mud and snow and live in the anus of NZ (waiouru). When I went to east timor I was on a boat with AC and we built a spa pool. It was bloody brilliant. Had a full gym adn had nothing better to do than lift weights and play play station.

Plus the hours!!! 8-4!!

anyway good for a trade. If you want some skills do it. I was an electronics tech and I got all my quals for free.

[Baldyheed]

Spent over 20 years in the British Army as a Medic. Loved it, made brilliant mates, has close relationships with young ladies all around the world.
Every Wednesday was sports afternoon.
As a Kiwi, you could even apply to join the British Armed Forces, would just not see your family as much.

[Sniper]

Righto MM,
My turn.

Been in RNZAF for 17, so know a thing or two.

I will answer things that i remember reading, and try to dispel some myths.

To start with your last questions:
You nipple piercing is fine. Tongue piercing is okay, so long as "you can't normally see it". ie, in the back half (approx) of the tongue.


Whats your trade? We were toled that we would be hung and quartered if we were found to have any peircings other than earings (girls only)

Mind you, that was the army and we did more physical stuff than you lot

(baits in the water)

[terbang]

Though I have an aviation background, I had some of my most formative years in the Army (RNZEME) where I finished my trade. A great start if you can hack the basic training.

[MementoMori]

Quickbuck, that was a top answer, thank you. :)

Baldyheed, I'm a pom with Kiwi citizenship (and as such, I sound weird with or without a tongue piercing... /looks at Storm) and most of my family is over there. I had thought about it, but I can't get back unless they'd pay for my flight! and I prefer it here though it is still an option for the future.

On the AF's site, there was a medic's experiences and at the bottom was a note that they were considering introducing ambulance qualifications so that medics would have that civilian qualification. That was however written in 2005 and I have no idea if they went through with it or not.

Thanks everyone for your answers. I have a few loose ends to tie up before I go for it and I am now confident that I will. If anything, it will be something to chalk up as a life experience and look back on when I am wrinkly. I am looking forward to it. (joining up, not being wrinkly.)

Thanks again for helping me to arrive at such an important decision, it is greatly appreciated. :niceone:

[quickbuck]

MM Thanks.

As for Ambo qual, well the whole alignment of military to Civil quals is in progress.
Went to a brief on it today, and it sounds like they are getting things sorted.

So, yep, it will happen.

Another thing I forgot to mention was that Ohakea is likely to become a Super-base in the future, so that will be interesting....

Oh, and as you are from the Mother land, you will feel at home.
We are being almost overrun by RAF recruits at the moment ;)

Look forward to meeting you.
Well, I could in any case, as you only live 13 minutes from me.

[quickbuck]

I'm just curious, why does someone in the Air Force get paid to race motorbikes? I don't really see a connection.

Well our sporting codes get funding.
When you go off on a national tour the club sponsors you a little bit to do it.

Also, as we are paid to do a job 24 hours per day, 7 days per week all the time you are riding your bike, you are still getting paid.
See?

[quickbuck]

Whats your trade? We were toled that we would be hung and quartered if we were found to have any peircings other than earings (girls only)

Mind you, that was the army and we did more physical stuff than you lot

(baits in the water)

I am an aircraft technician.

I don't have any bits of metal stuck into me...
Well, apart from the pin in my leg!

The whole piercing thing has gone a bit hay wire to be honest...
So long as it doesn't affect your job in anyway it is fine.
Also our next Base WO, You'd call him RSM... he has earrings!

As for doing more physical stuff than me???
Well, I'd like to see it!

But as a job I am desk bound at the moment.

[Sniper]

I am an aircraft technician.

I don't have any bits of metal stuck into me...
Well, apart from the pin in my leg!

The whole piercing thing has gone a bit hay wire to be honest...
So long as it doesn't affect your job in anyway it is fine.
Also our next Base WO, You'd call him RSM... he has earrings!

As for doing more physical stuff than me???
Well, I'd like to see it!

But as a job I am desk bound at the moment.


No where near as big a bite as I was hoping for :p

What base are you stationed on? Mum used to be a civvie Nurse in Woodbourne a few years back when Peter Neilson was base WO and I remember heaps of recruits getting hammered for having earings, mind you, things are changing in the world

[quickbuck]

Sniper,
You are slipping.

As I live in Marton, and am 13 minutes from Feilding, that would put me in Ohakea.
Unless I have a 5 hour commute to Whenuapai, or 2 hours to Freyberg...

Oh, and we call them Bases (well Freyberg is a building).

[Storm]

Good to hear you've made the decision mate:D Thats the hard bit done :)
Best of luck to you, and dont be a stranger !

[doc]

No where near as big a bite as I was hoping for :p

What base are you stationed on? Mum used to be a civvie Nurse in Woodbourne a few years back when Peter Neilson was base WO and I remember heaps of recruits getting hammered for having earings, mind you, things are changing in the world
Sniper you missed the fact that he rides a Honda and if you ride a Honda you would have to choose the Air Force as a branch of service. Christ man it goes without saying. Consider yourself disiplined..wot is the world comming too

[Sniper]

Sniper you missed the fact that he rides a Honda and if you ride a Honda you would have to choose the Air Force as a branch of service. Christ man it goes without saying. Consider yourself disiplined..wot is the world comming too

Shit, I never realised. I used to ride a honda when mum was working in woodbourne. The moment we moved away, the urge to own anything but a Honda was massive.... :eek5:

[doc]

Shit, I never realised. I used to ride a honda when mum was working in woodbourne. The moment we moved away, the urge to own anything but a Honda was massive.... :eek5:
Tut tut tut....your a worry

[Terminated]

Did my time 1968-83, joined before my 16th birthday [entry back then for Junior Recruits was 15 1/2 to 16 1/2 yrs old]. 204 in the intake and spent 12mths in training at Fremantle WA - Junior Recruit Training Establishment - HMAS LEEUWIN. So we had the usual 'boot camp routine' albeit for 12mths and each 3mths another intake would arrive as one intake passed out.

From my intake 4 of gained officer commissions: one became a weapons electronics officer, an other a seaman officer, the third officer retires this year he was a commanding officer of a destroyer, and also in the submarine arm became a commanding officer of one of the newer submarines and then went on to be the submarine squadron commander. I passed out of LEEUWIN in 1969, joined HMAS SYDNEY [previously a Royal Navy aircraft carrier] we transported troops and equipment to Vietnam. In 1971 I commissioned as a midshipman and did two years training junior officer training. In the mid 70's specialised in the administrative computer field and installed online supply systems around Australia. I pulled the plug after 15 yrs and came directly to NZ, and ironically worked for the Australian government here through the 1990's.

You have identified the medical branch and irrespective of the service arm, army, navy or air force, you will have excellent opportunities to cultivate a wealth of experience through out your service time and beyond. My physiotherapist is ex Royal Navy CPOSBA - Chief Petty Officer Sick Berth Attendant with his own practice for the last 30 plus years, you could not find a guy that enjoys his work as much as him each and every day.

How ever best you can, talk to the recruiting people and try and make in roads to meet and talk to service personnel within the medical branch - look at the different areas of professional interest that may present along the career path. Be open minded to cross service from one to the other eg Air Force to Navy or vice versa or Army, and explore the current policy of overseas exchange opportunities and or training. Indeed plan out your initial engagement with a view to then going to back to the UK and transferring to the services there for a short service engagement. You may have/get the opportunity to consolidate your professional skills further overseas. Then you can identify a good springboard to civvy street, in the UK or back here.

Flick a coin into the pond and watch the ripples, there are many and they go far and wide, so it is with a career in the armed forces. Jump in make a splash and enjoy yourself.

Heads Up and Enjoy
Now Off Topic - What about a 'military ride next daylight saving' for serving and ex-serving defence members........

[quickbuck]

Good reply there Buckbuckno1.

MM, are you marching around in squares yet?

I remember when I joined (17 years ago next month) there was a matter of 2 weeks between deciding the air force was for me, and having short hear walking around on a frozen parade ground!

It really was that fast!

No regrets at all though.

[jaffaonajappa]

Motorcycling in the RNZAF:
Nothing better!
If you race, you get paid to do it!
If you ride, there is a huge group of people you can ride with. Rides are easy to organise due to great communication systems (called computers).


Sorry to drag up an ancient thread....but.

Are you telling me my fucking Taxes are paying for air force people to race motorbikes?

[quickbuck]

Sorry to drag up an ancient thread....but.

Are you telling me my fucking Taxes are paying for air force people to race motorbikes?

Not really.....
We get paid 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.... Called a Salary. Can be on call at any time.
On our recreation time (that most people call weekends) we are allowed to go out and race our bikes.... Providing work doesn't get in the way (it almost did this weekend!)

As for pulling the Tax Card, I pay more tax than most people in the country. This is due to being on above average wage, but not so high I can afford an accountant to get me out of paying tax.

And a good dredge too. 4 Years!
Done 21 years now.

[jaffaonajappa]

Not really.....
We get paid 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.... Called a Salary. Can be on call at any time.
On our recreation time (that most people call weekends) we are allowed to go out and race our bikes.... Providing work doesn't get in the way (it almost did this weekend!)


ahhhh ok. So. Your in the same bracket as anyone else thats on a Salary then.....if you want to mash stuff up I guess its ok to claim your employer is sponsoring your racing....but really...its a play on words.

But shesh - it sounds like a marketing trick. Ahhh wait. 'Walk over to that nice man there, sign your name on all ten pages, and then we can all go for some nice syncronised walking in our big clear carpark'.

And dont get suckered into thinking you get payed more than the average. Theres so many bloody 'averages' out there its not funny - and your guys TRF is balls now with the Super changes.

But 21 is good going, well done.

[quickbuck]

ahhhh ok. So. Your in the same bracket as anyone else thats on a Salary then.....if you want to mash stuff up I guess its ok to claim your employer is sponsoring your racing....but really...its a play on words.

But shesh - it sounds like a marketing trick. Ahhh wait. 'Walk over to that nice man there, sign your name on all ten pages, and then we can all go for some nice syncronised walking in our big clear carpark'.

And dont get suckered into thinking you get payed more than the average. Theres so many bloody 'averages' out there its not funny - and your guys TRF is balls now with the Super changes.

But 21 is good going, well done.
Umm,
The average wage in NZ is 64k right??

I WAS on the Government Super Fund. Got paid out last year (and a sweet one it was too), so into Kiwi Saver now.

As for the Sponsorship, Well lets just say, the paint job didn't cost a lot of money either....

242917

[Scouse]

I also need an understanding and open-minded person with knowledge of the military, or connections with someone who does to give me a PM as I have something to ask, and due to the nature of it, a public forum is not a wise place to talk about it.Sounds like a Tranny alert