Who wants to join Australia's Army?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:03:28 -0400

Saw this today (thanks to Armyreenlistment.com). What's everyones thoughts?

http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/canIJoin/overseasApplicants/army.aspx

Recruitment Centre - Defence Jobs Australia

Description

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 3:06 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:06:31 -0400

Pay close attention to their pay system, it is very different from ours. Not only are you payed based upon rank and time in service, but also what your job is. As an example, someone in my career field, equal rank and time in service, would get between 65-70k a year base salary. A SF Soldier who transitions to the Aussie SAS with the same rank and time in service would start at close to 100k a year. <br><br>They have some of the same additional entitlements such as hostile fire pay, hazardous duty pay etc, but there are a lot of ins and outs that you have to check into to see if it is worth it to transfer over.<br>

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 13 at 2014 4:46 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 13 Apr 2014 16:46:52 -0400

I just heard about this today it sounds good but I definitely would need a lot more info on it and I would also like to get others opinions on it before I ever make a decision.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Jun 30 at 2014 1:35 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 01:35:24 -0400

intresting!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 8:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 20:48:30 -0400

If I were younger and were eligible, I might just have done it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2014 1:23 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 04 Dec 2014 13:23:00 -0500

I have spoke to some friends about it. It doesn't appear that they need infantry officers at the moment. I think it is a unique opportunity for those that are willing to make the leap. I they were looking for Infantry officers I think I would consider it if they paid well enough.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2014 11:39 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:39:02 -0500

They are looking for experienced Soldiers with specific skill sets. There are a number of folks in Army EOD seriously considering making the change as the downsize continues, extra pays are taken away, and our culture evaporates in favor of becoming more like the rest of the Army (many of us chose EOD because it was better, you were an adult working with other adults getting things done, not a child standing around in formation 4-5 times a day accomplishing little to nothing).
As SFC Anthony Busko pointed out, the pay and benefits are different, and you must also take into account the cost of living, gun laws, taxes, politics, etc. They typically don't pay to move you, though I have heard New Zealand might, on a case by case basis. You would also be a long and expensive distance from all of your friends and family.
Lots of pros and cons to consider, I've been thinking about it for 3-4 years now and it's still on the table as post retirement employment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 8:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:12:52 -0500

If you have a security clearance, good luck ever returning to the US and have meaningful employment.... If you lucky and don't get arrested during your security debriefing.

Response by SGT William Howell made Dec 9 at 2014 10:08 AM

SGT William Howell — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 10:08:45 -0500

Worked with the Aussies. Great bunch of guys.

You will have to learn a new language if you join. Australian!

Never understood half of what they said.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 11:48 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 11:48:43 -0500

If I wasn't so busted up already I'd go be a digger. Not a bad gig and a nice area. Keep in mind though they're in the middle of their own drawdowns and massive budget slashing.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2014 7:21 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 19:21:15 -0500

I first heard about this around 2 years ago. You'd have to change your citizenship by the looks of it.
"Additionally, applicants must make a written undertaking that they will apply for Australian Citizenship as soon as they are eligible (normally after three months service in the Army)."
http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/recruitmentCentre/canIJoin/overseasApplicants/army.aspx

Do I have to be an Australian citizen to join the Australian Defence Force?

In most cases you must be an Australian citizen to join the Australian Defence Force but there are certain exceptions. Check your citizenship requirements here.