Army Reserve - Seriously Considering - Page 3

TruBlu351 · 03-12-2011, 08:20 PM

Just from the unit I work at, none of the reservists are "hated", they're actually quite good value and help out a lot......so don't let that deter you from joining up. Bit of a generalised comment, but like anything in life.....if you act like a tool, you'll get treated like one.......just boils down to basic poeple skills, wherever you work or socialise.

I think Darwin called it Natural Selection ;)

thedutchman92 · 03-12-2011, 10:47 PM

Yeah I have no intention of getting up the career soldiers' noses, I know where I stand, people who go around shooting their mouthes off do deserve what they get in my opinion.

flappist · 03-12-2011, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedutchman92

Yeah I have no intention of getting up the career soldiers' noses, I know where I stand, people who go around shooting their mouthes off do deserve what they get in my opinion.

Well there is a simple way to sort out any regular army super heroes.

Become an officer then they will do EXACTLY what they are told.

One of our members on here is a reserve officer, never been ARA and is now a Lt. Col. and OC of a battalion full of ARA.

AdamL · 03-12-2011, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glavas

So many stories of chocos getting bashed cause they were acting cocky thinking they know better then us.

I've seen the same thing happen to full timers.

thedutchman92 · 04-12-2011, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Well there is a simple way to sort out any regular army super heroes.

Become an officer then they will do EXACTLY what they are told.

One of our members on here is a reserve officer, never been ARA and is now a Lt. Col. and OC of a battalion full of ARA.

So what punishment does he dish out if one of his subordinates drives a holden?

Bunyip04 · 04-12-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flappist

Well there is a simple way to sort out any regular army super heroes.

Become an officer then they will do EXACTLY what they are told.

One of our members on here is a reserve officer, never been ARA and is now a Lt. Col. and OC of a battalion full of ARA.

Just because one is an officer, doesn't mean they "deserve" respect...
I work with full time officers in ARA, and we all get along like mates
call each other by nicknames etc, and they like to be treated the same
as everyone else.

The worst kind of choccos are the ones with rank that abuse it soley
because they're not ARA, and have the "power" so to speak, other than
that, there's no issue!

**fordomatic** · 04-12-2011, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bunyip04

Just because one is an officer, doesn't mean they "deserve" respect...
I work with full time officers in ARA, and we all get along like mates
call each other by nicknames etc, and they like to be treated the same
as everyone else.

The worst kind of choccos are the ones with rank that abuse it soley
because they're not ARA, and have the "power" so to speak, other than
that, there's no issue!

Well said mate, you hit the nail on the head. Every choko officer i've ever dealt with has tried to stamp his authority hard on the diggers, doesnt last very long and it never works.

You do get all sorts of people in defence and ARA soldiers are definitely not saints either, but there is hostility when choko's come our way, and it's to be expected. Being an infantry unit though we very rarely have them here. I don't think its a big deal, at least choko's give it a go. better than someone constantly telling you how awesome they are and that they are going to join, but never do. I seem to get this line all time from old acquaintances i knew from high school years ago, annoys the crap out of me.

geckoGT · 04-12-2011, 03:38 PM

I think it's time to stop referring to reservists as "chocko's" and making gross generalisations, especially from those that have never served in a reserve unit. I was ARA but served in a reserve unit for 2 years and I find some of the terms and attitudes expressed here are plain disgusting. Some of the most enthusiastic soldiers I have ever worked with were reservists and many ARA could learn a lot about professionalism from them.

geckoGT · 04-12-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glavas

Just go full time mate. its only 4 years. Full timers hate chocos. So many stories of chocos getting bashed cause they were acting cocky thinking they know better then us.

4 years in the rainf will fly bye you will love it. Just have a 2nd thought about it okay champ!!!!

Is that as common as all tha RAINF IET's that get bashed by coal miners at Singo for being cocky?

bungarra · 04-12-2011, 04:21 PM

Never had a problem with the boys from the ARA. Had arrogant mongrels in bothe ARA and Chocko units. Depends on your attitude. I have seen regs get their butts kicked by chockos.
In Timor, not one person was differentiated against once the were in a unit, wether from a reg or chocko unit. Everyone wore the cams and the respect was for the uniform not the type of service. A good CSM or Sgt will make sure of it.
Join up and make the most of it, half of my qualifications are from the TA in the UK and chockos over here. Had a ball in both. The only let down for reserve service in Australia is no Parachute Regiment or SAS Reserve.

thedutchman92 · 04-12-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bungarra

Never had a problem with the boys from the ARA. Had arrogant mongrels in bothe ARA and Chocko units. Depends on your attitude. I have seen regs get their butts kicked by chockos.
In Timor, not one person was differentiated against once the were in a unit, wether from a reg or chocko unit. Everyone wore the cams and the respect was for the uniform not the type of service. A good CSM or Sgt will make sure of it.
Join up and make the most of it, half of my qualifications are from the TA in the UK and chockos over here. Had a ball in both. The only let down for reserve service in Australia is no Parachute Regiment or SAS Reserve.

And from what I have read it seems that "commando reserve" is really just reserve by name not by nature as they are encourged to spend almost as much time training as the ARA full time counterpart, can anyone confirm?

Bunyip04 · 04-12-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I think it's time to stop referring to reservists as "chocko's" and making gross generalisations, especially from those that have never served in a reserve unit. I was ARA but served in a reserve unit for 2 years and I find some of the terms and attitudes expressed here are plain disgusting. Some of the most enthusiastic soldiers I have ever worked with were reservists and many ARA could learn a lot about professionalism from them.

It's just a nickname, it's not derogatory...
Even the choccos i've worked with refer to themselves like that...

And at no point did i say they're no good, i've met my fair share that are
better than the fulltime guys i work with..

Then tension brought about chocs and ARA tho, is like Blue V Red really...

**fordomatic** · 04-12-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I think it's time to stop referring to reservists as "chocko's" and making gross generalisations, especially from those that have never served in a reserve unit.

Well then you should well and truely know that Choko's is the term always used for them, just like the term pongo or pussa it's normal. I have not met a chok yet who gets offended about the term choko, i would be worried if they did.

**fordomatic** · 04-12-2011, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedutchman92

And from what I have read it seems that "commando reserve" is really just reserve by name not by nature as they are encourged to spend almost as much time training as the ARA full time counterpart, can anyone confirm?

Direct entry commando's is basically full time for the first year and a bit. You are required to do all the infantry training a full time soldier does and then an advanced infantry course to get you up to the skills required for the SF selection program. From there if selected you will do all the courses required to become a commando, once you have done all that training and pass you will receive your beret and be part of the unit. when i was on a course late last year we had two direct entry commando's and they said it was difficult juggling with work. Another thing to consider is that in the last selection, out of 100 direct entry commandos only 6 passed out on the reo course. The unit is also based in sydney. They are encouraged to do alot more time than the regular reservist.

I hope this answers your question mate. If i was you i would just head on down to the local reserve unit and speak to the full time recruitment corporal or SGT down there, they will fill you in on everything you want to know.

thedutchman92 · 04-12-2011, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordomatic

Direct entry commando's is basically full time for the first year and a bit. You are required to do all the infantry training a full time soldier does and then an advanced infantry course to get you up to the skills required for the SF selection program. From there if selected you will do all the courses required to become a commando, once you have done all that training and pass you will receive your beret and be part of the unit. when i was on a course late last year we had two direct entry commando's and they said it was difficult juggling with work. Another thing to consider is that in the last selection, out of 100 direct entry commandos only 6 passed out on the reo course. The unit is also based in sydney. They are encouraged to do alot more time than the regular reservist.

I hope this answers your question mate. If i was you i would just head on down to the local reserve unit and speak to the full time recruitment corporal or SGT down there, they will fill you in on everything you want to know.

So I wouldn't be getting in their way if I did this? I don't want to waste anyone's time is all.

**fordomatic** · 04-12-2011, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedutchman92

So I wouldn't be getting in their way if I did this? I don't want to waste anyone's time is all.

No way mate, that's what they are there for, they should be more than helpful. It's not like they gave anything else to do this time if year, we are in holiday mode now.

thedutchman92 · 20-12-2011, 12:20 AM

Sorry to revive an old thread, but do you think it would be at all possible to become a GSO and study at the same time? http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/R...ngOfficer.aspx Just a though

Bunyip04 · 20-12-2011, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thedutchman92

Sorry to revive an old thread, but do you think it would be at all possible to become a GSO and study at the same time? http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/army/R...ngOfficer.aspx Just a though

Hey mate the best way to find out %100
is to get in touch with your local recruiting office, they'll
be able to answer any questions best they can, and if they
can't, they'll find out for ya!

Mack 6 · 17-05-2012, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geckoGT

I think it's time to stop referring to reservists as "chocko's" and making gross generalisations, especially from those that have never served in a reserve unit. I was ARA but served in a reserve unit for 2 years and I find some of the terms and attitudes expressed here are plain disgusting. Some of the most enthusiastic soldiers I have ever worked with were reservists and many ARA could learn a lot about professionalism from them.

Sorry for the thread mining, but I agree with this wholeheartedly.
I'm going on my 17th year with the army, as both reg and reserve and I can say I have seen very good and very bad of both.

So dutchman, have you taken the plunge yet, it's only been 5 months? Whilst some people aspire to be an "officer" a lot of the time the reserve stream let more undesirables through than the reg stream. I recommend spending time as a soldier/grunt/digger first, get a feel for the army as a whole, see what other trades do and see what officers do. It all come down (as others have said) what you want out of it.

I'm technically on my 4th "trade" after going choc (I'm happy to refer to myself as one) and I'm now in Heavy Vehicle Recovery. The politics can suck, but getting out and doing the job is fantastic and much more rewarding than many other jobs.

You're in Ballarat? without checking I guess you have a Infantry depot there, don't be fooled, Infantry units need other trades to support if you don't wanna be a grunt!

Let us know how you went.

thedutchman92 · 17-05-2012, 09:57 AM

UPDATE: Enlistment process has been started, I have a YOU session next month. Preferences are Rifleman, Light Cav Scout and Combat Engineer. Cheers guys

Mack 6 · 17-05-2012, 10:15 AM

Whilst Inf and Cav Scouts have their advantages, Combat Engineer is a good choice. there are a few specialist streams to go into after you get in. Saying that, go to the units (our recruiting normally do little tours) and try to absorb as much info as possible.
Make your own choices based on what you want not by the first 6 months, but where you wanna be in a few years, bearing in mind more and more reservists are doing OS deployments now!

calais · 18-05-2012, 01:16 AM

As a serving RAAF member for the last 6 years, and having spent 2 of those 6 six years overseas, I can say whole heartedly that the RAAF definately has a lot to offer both a reserve and a full time candidate.

Every deployment and exercise I have taken part in has had a reserve element, and to be honest they have always proven to be humble, and dependable. All they have wanted to do is learn and work to as high a standard as any other full time specialist. In my experience, reservists are managed in such a way to mitigate any liabilities in training.

Also, career progression in the RAAF can be quite quick if that is a desirable aspect for you. In my case SNCO in 6 years. It has been a seriously hard slog, but if your keen on the Army, wouldn't you be keen on hard work anyway?

Mack 6 · 18-05-2012, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calais

.... but if your keen on the Army, wouldn't you be keen on hard work anyway?

Maybe he doens't care for a warm bed and soft serve ice cream in the mess every night.
HAHA
Joking aside, I think if i knew what I know now, RAAF would have been a "nicer" option, less injuries maybe!