Army Reserves, whos in it? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

fordmuscle_83 · 01-20-2004, 01:17

Wondering who has done the 6 weeks at kapooka and what should i expect?

Can you take mobile phones?

Im joining as rifleman as it seems to be more physically demanding ('fun to me').

I'd like to know what others think of the reserves in general. Ive been told you get about $2500 tax free for the six weeks.

Thanks,

Pete

psycho chicken · 01-20-2004, 02:01

I'm in, got out of pooka in October.

It's not that bad. Everyone takes it differently. The only things I really had issues with were being away from family/friends for 6 weeks and the numpty factor; people who just can't get things right even after the 50th time. For the most, the individual doesn't get punished, the group does. After all, you're only as good as your worst soldier.

Just do what they tell you the best you can, don't offer any excuses, if you stuff up just cop it on the chin and learn from it. Nothing they say to you is personal, remember that. Don't do ANYTHING that will bring attention to yourself, especially in the first few weeks. Stay low, do what's asked of you and you'll be fine.

Yeah you can take mobile phones, though you can't use them all the time, only when you're told you can. You can get alright reception in your lockers though

Yep, you get $2500 tax free (which I managed to spend $850 on insurance excess the week I got back.....oops). Don't ever think the rest of the army is like Kapooka, once you get out it's way better, everyone is much more friendly. Though reserve infantry is hardly the most professional corps going around.....we do shit all then sink piss at the end of the night, 30 bucks well earnt.

Any other questions, ask away mate. Oh, and pack some 320 grit sandpaper, you'll thank me for that.

TIKFD6 · 01-20-2004, 03:58

LMAO@ 6 weeks at Kapooka.
You guys have it easy.

Generaly the Reservists are the Armys not much liked twin brother.
Regulars normaly dislike em, and alot of reservists think thrie sh^t dont stink.
if you have the right attitude and listen to what people have to say(then take outcrap and keep the good stuff), you will get on.

Timmeh · 01-20-2004, 04:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by psycho chicken

Just do what they tell you the best you can, don't offer any excuses, if you stuff up just cop it on the chin and learn from it. Nothing they say to you is personal, remember that. Don't do ANYTHING that will bring attention to yourself, especially in the first few weeks. Stay low, do what's asked of you and you'll be fine.

What he said ^^^

I only went thru the RAAF recruit school (as opposed to the Armys)- 13 weeks or whatever, but the basic fundamentals are the same. If you excel at anything, you get given more shit and expected to do better. But if you are good at something, push yourself at it, its all a mind game. Sometimes it can get hard and you'll be out in the rain, sitting in a muddy hole at 3 am, soaked to the core thinking "What the hell have I signed up for, this sucks", but you'll no doubt come out feeling like you can head butt the world. 2 years later (permanent air force) and I have never looked back.

Hope you really enjoy it, and take on board what everyone has said!

Cheers...... Tim

psycho chicken · 01-20-2004, 06:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by TIKFD6

Regulars normaly dislike em, and alot of reservists think thrie sh^t dont stink.

hehe, I know my place in the world as a choco, and ain't asshamed of it. Afterall, it's reservists who did most of the fighting in PNG.

I thought Kapooka was going up to 10 weeks this year? Buggered if I know what happened there.

Make sure you push yourself, put in the hard yards while you're there and you WON'T regret it when you get out.

Aussie Pete · 01-20-2004, 14:25

I unfortunately got thrown out due to a bung knee but there's good advice there. My best bit of advice is don't wait before you get there to start your fitness training! Also take note of the basic theme: the Army does not appreciate 'individuality'. If you choose to be so inclined, expect to be duly targeted until you 'learn'.

6 weeks should fly by!!!!

eng-fnm · 01-20-2004, 14:47

Oh yeah by the way, if your recruitment officer tells you there is a nice golf course & gym facilities there, don't actually think you will have a chance using them!!!! I did my nearlly 7 weeks (lost a day to a freedom of city march in wagga & then the band couldn't play on the next day, so got to stay an extra couple of days) about three years ago. Even though I am a reservist ginger beer, I still catch up with the guys that joined full time & yes you will cop shit from some of the full timers (even though you do the same training......well until they change there mind), but the reservists still do a good job with all the red tape we get from the fulltimers.

There will be also tonnes of yelling, especially if you get infantry NCO's, but thats just part of the training, I remember sitting at the pub after it was all done & they were saying that after they would give us a huge ear bashing about something they would go back into there office and laugh there tits off!!! So don't ever take an ear bashing to heart...unless you really ****ed up, which each platoon will probably have one or two people who do constantly.

Thats my two cents

Aussie Pete · 01-20-2004, 19:36

My brother is in the forces (not Army) and he says it is NOT a good idea to continually fail the firearms training. I now lend him one of my rifles for practice and safety drilling before he goes for his 'review'.

The AUG is a bullpup design which makes a bit of a difference to normal weapons but the same rules apply. I don't know whether the AUG is force wide these days but I'll bet if you want some excitement do a 360 holding one at chest level/aim..... HE HE LOL

HSV_KILLA · 01-20-2004, 20:33

Im going in for my apptitude testing (mental health and physical health) 31st June, HSA in Newcastle, im joining SIGs

weetbix · 01-20-2004, 20:36

You should give this a read, gives a good insight as to what your in for. A good read.

http://maxe.ausgamers.com/bt.htm

Cheers